Noobie Question

[LimpDaddy]

Okay, so Im very new to digital recording and hardware...

Basically, to make a long story short, I need to record off of a tube mic and get that sound onto my computer. I have a fairly new toshiba that can probably handle most new equipment.

Ive been doin research and asking around and people tell me I need a soundcard (which if I do im thinking firewire solo, for money reasons), a preamp, and a mixer. Now I have no problem doing this, I just don't want to buy hardware I don't need or buy the wrong software.

Is this correct? Or am I just spiraling downward into a pit of darkness.

 

[ez_willis]

You're spiraling downward into a pit of darkness, but there's lots of us down here so you won't be lonely.

1. What kind of mic do you have?
2. What are your recording goals, and take into consideration the near future. I say that because the further into your downward spiral, the quicker you start to descend. If you think that there's any chance you might need to expand, factor it now so you don't buy your gear twice.
3. What other gear do you currently have, including computer/computers?
4. What's your budget?

 

[LimpDaddy]

the Mic has not been purchased yet...its just what ive been told is the best kinda mic to get...

recording goals? baically, get vocals down...im not very serious bout expanding or anythin

what other gear? just my computer.

i dont really have a budget, i work so I can get whatever money necessary...but I dont want to get too complex...I just want basics

 

[ez_willis]

the Mic has not been purchased yet...its just what ive been told is the best kinda mic to get...

recording goals? baically, get vocals down...im not very serious bout expanding or anythin

what other gear? just my computer.

i dont really have a budget, i work so I can get whatever money necessary...but I dont want to get too complex...I just want basics

Are you just going to be recording yourself singing or talking with no musical tracks behind you? What kind of quality are you hoping to achieve?

As far as the mic goes, let's use an analogy. Let's say that you decide you want to start mountain biking. Your friend tells you that Jamis has the best bikes in your price range, so you buy one for $4,000 but it doesn't have tires. Instead of buying tires for it you just wrap chains around it then put duct tape over the chains to keep them on the rim.

The bike is still going to ride like a piece of shit, right?

Musical equipment is similar. You can have a top notch mic, but if it's running into a budget mic pre then into a soundblaster card there's really no reason to buy that expensive mic to begin with.