Newbie wants some gear

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mattbot2
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Mattbot2

New member
Hi guys!

First post here, I've just got a new guitar amp (Vox VT20+) and would quite like to get some recording going on as I've already got Ableton and a MIDI Keyboard (M-Audio Keyrig 49).

Basically, I believe I need the following equipment, I'll put what I've come up with after each piece. This is all from DV247, if you punch in the numbers after the product into the search box on DV247 it'll bring it right up.

-Mixer - Soundcraft Notepad 124 - 68860
-Microphone (Condenser?) - Samson C01 - 3267
-Stand for said Microphone - No name stand - 49497
-Pop filter (will be recording some vocals) - Samson PS01 - 41978
-Appropriate cables -XLR and I'm pretty sure I'll need a lead that does 2 x mono 6.35mm jacks to a single stereo 3.5mm jack to get the audio into the PC. - 8106
-Perhaps a shock mount for the mic? - Samson SP01 - 13359

How does that look? It comes to about £180 and I really don't want to spend more than that.

Many thanks,

Matt
 
You will need an audio interface to get the sound into and out of your computer, eg. DV247 products 67804, 29998, 67856. Make sure it has a minimum of two channels, 48v phantom power and also MIDI if you want to record your keyboard. With an audio interface you will not need the Soundcraft Notepad. With the Notepad you will still need an audio interface as the Norpad is just a mixer; it does not include do the A/D or D/A conversion.

Apart from your guitar and keyboard, what else might you want to record? The answer will help determine the most general purpose mic for your purposes. The Samson C01 will be a resonable choice for close miking in a room that has acoustic treatment. Otherwise it will pick up too much of the room's sound.
 
Read the stickies at the top of this part of the forums.

Unless you want to MIX a bunch of single sources down to an audio output (say for live playing) skip the mixer and get an AUDIO INTERFACE. This will take the signal from the microphone and convert it to the digital signal your computer needs to record it.
You're going to need headphones for tracking and monitors for mixing, too.
 
I've got a pair of Beyer dt 770's for mixing. I was under the impression that I could just use the mixers output into my pc's sound card's line in?
 
In a nutshell, all built in PC soundcards suck at recording. A $50 interface will sound better than any internal one. Even the Soundblaster variety do not perform worth a crap.
 
jimmys69 said:
In a nutshell, all built in PC soundcards suck at recording. A $50 interface will sound better than any internal one. Even the Soundblaster variety do not perform worth a crap.
Click to expand...

Ah okay, thanks for the heads up then! Sorry should've read the stickies.

Think I may have to save another £100 or so to get the set up I want.

I will be recording initially, Guitar, bass, vocals, but it will also be used for Skype / podcasting. In the future we're looking at getting an electric drum kit, so I want to keep my options open for incorporating that too. Guitar-wise we're looking at a few things. Recording a bass amp or guitar amp, however also recording acoustic guitar and ukelele, some banjo and mandolin will probably be in there too.

Basically I want a very versatile set up. I realise that, at this price point, quality of sound may suffer in some points. My room is not had any acoustic treatment. If it makes any difference I do have lots of furniture in my room, quite a bit of soft furniture and curtains if that makes any difference in terms of diffusion, or whatever it's called?

I'm in the UK so bare that in mind.
 
What OS do you have? I ask because the $99 US800 is the best deal right now, unless you have Windows 7. Seems there are issues with the driver loosing connection. Not sure the problem isn't user setup problem, but think you should be aware. If you plan on recording a full drum kit at some point, Tascam US1800 may be ideal. Do you have firewire inputs on your PC? That will open up your options. Read the stickies and do some research before you make any decisions. Trust me, it will be worth the time.
 
I am running Windows 7. Will investigate. Just to note I did say electric drum kit, I really can't see myself ever recording a full acoustic drum kit. I'd assume the electric drum kit would just be a single 1/4" jack input for the interface? And yes, I have Firewire.

Will have a read, many thanks!
 
At least 2 inputs then. Keep in mind, most likely you will want to expand later. An interface with just 2 mic inputs, will not allow you to correctly connect external preamps via direct line level inputs in the future. If I were to start, only wanting two inputs, I would go for an interface with at least 4. More than that if you desire to record more than just one instrument at a time.
 
Tascam US-600 then? Looks nice as hell!

Damn, just realised, no 1/4" inputs...

Actually, would that matter? Would an XLR - 1/4" cable work?
 
Last edited:
All of the inputs on the US800 are both XLR and 1/4". Whether the 1/4" input bypasses the preamp, I am not sure.
 
jimmys69 said:
All of the inputs on the US800 are both XLR and 1/4". Whether the 1/4" input bypasses the preamp, I am not sure.
Click to expand...

Wait you're telling me the hole in the middle of the XLR socket is a 1/4" socket too? God damn! :D
 
Yup. Like I said tho, there have been expressed issues with W7 and this unit. I don't want to recommend a device that you haven't investigated yourself, for your purposes. It is friggen cheap tho....
 
Mattbot2 said:
Wait you're telling me the hole in the middle of the XLR socket is a 1/4" socket too? God damn! :D
Click to expand...
Cute eh ? I remember the first time someone explained that to me. I thought "the wonders of science will never cease !". But they will !
 
I'm quite good with computers, I built this one myself from scratch. If I can't get it working i'll install xp alongside w7
 
I think I will! One last question. I want my computer's output going through this to my headphones for playback and a metronome. I take it these don't get piped down the USB when recording? Also, my MIDI keyboard is USB what's with the funky MIDI connectors?
 
There is a headphone output on the 800. You actually replace your internal soundcard with an interface. In other words, you select it as your default device, and anything the computer sends for sound, goes through the interface. Youtube, Media Player, Cubase, etc.....You will need to connect monitors and headphones from the interface itself. Not your computer. Usb supplies the digital signal from your computer to the interface. The interface does the analog to digital/digital to analog conversion. MIDI USB keyboard should work fine with Cubase. At least it does with mine.
 
Ordered the US-800! Can't wait!

How does the rest of this look?

Vsj5i.png
 
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