Novice: Advice sought

  • Thread starter Thread starter Raza
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Raza

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I've been playing an acoustic guitar for a few yrs now. I want to experiment with recording - guitar and vocals - on my PC (1.8GHz Dell machine with 384MB RAM). I've looked around a lil bit on the net for a starting point, but there's a staggering amount of information available and frankly I'm kinda intimidated. Can someone please guide me as to what do I need to get started - basic hardware and software and some price ranges.

Thanks,
Raza
 
Basically what you would need is a microphone, a microphone preamplifier, a soundcard and recording software.

I guess a decent starting point would be:
Mic: Studio Projects B1 ($80)
Mic Pre: M-audio Audiobuddy ($80)
Soundcard: M-audio 2496 Audiophile ($150)
Software: Still figuring that out myself. There are al kinds of flavours like N-track (cheap), Cooledit (Pro), Cubase (expensive)..

A whole lot depends on what you are aiming for and what your budget is.
 
christiaan said:
Basically what you would need is a microphone, a microphone preamplifier, a soundcard and recording software.

I guess a decent starting point would be:
Mic: Studio Projects B1 ($80)
Mic Pre: M-audio Audiobuddy ($80)
Soundcard: M-audio 2496 Audiophile ($150)
Software: Still figuring that out myself. There are al kinds of flavours like N-track (cheap), Cooledit (Pro), Cubase (expensive)..

A whole lot depends on what you are aiming for and what your budget is.
Click to expand...

Ditto !
On the software issue, download some free demos and find what your comfortable with. Try before you buy;)
 
christiaan said:
I guess a decent starting point would be:
Mic: Studio Projects B1 ($80)
Mic Pre: M-audio Audiobuddy ($80)
Soundcard: M-audio 2496 Audiophile ($150)
Software: Still figuring that out myself. There are al kinds of flavours like N-track (cheap), Cooledit (Pro), Cubase (expensive)
Click to expand...

Geez, I gotta watch it when I'm getting dressed...you been peeking in my window?? :D That's the same stuff I started with, minus the Audiophile 2496 card, but that's next anyway!

Yeah, so ditto for me on the same recommendation. I used N-Track since I like it better some of the others. Download a trial version.

CK
 
Thanks folks! I posted this question on another forum ealier and am still awaiting a reply :P. This was really helpful! I'll b soon out shopping. Which card are u using Christine?
 
Raza, I'm currently using the Soundblaster Live, but am planning on the switch to the Audiophile 2496 in the near future. I don't anything fancier than that, I'm still a recording newbie and I'm just doing single tracks of strictly acoustic guitar, no vocals or other instruments. For $150 it looks like the best value for the money and will fit my needs perfectly.

CK
 
jake-owa said:
Everyone always forgets monitors.

www.eastcoastmusicmall.com/product/K1ME55HCWPBA9J9B9VNR6GPLLPR97NR7/none/MDM+BX8.htm
Click to expand...

Actually I didn't. I just didn't put them up the list. Everyone who is new at this will probably already have a means to play back their recordings. I agree that they come indispensable when someone progresses (I know, I'm still working with a sucking pair of hifi speakers) but I don't think that is something one should worry about right from the beginning, especially because decent monitors are pretty high on price compared to entry level mics, pres and soundcards.
 
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