Question... what would happen?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LimoWreck
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LimoWreck

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Okay, so I got some advice about what I need to start computer multi-tracking. Much of that advice was a tad expensive.

If I wanted to start bare-bones computer recording, what do you think would happen if I did the following:

1. Purchase Fasoft recording/editing software as suggested.
2. Bypassed the preamp and new soundcard.
3. Plugged my mic and patch chord directly into the little mic-hole in the back of my computer using an adapter ($5.00)
4. Forgot about the monitors and just used my $20 walmart speakers or a nice new set of headphones.

I'm not looking to win an emmy with this stuff... I'm not even sure what I am looking to do with it.

How bad could it be?
 
Grammy® - Emmy is for television. :D

Anyway, unless you're just using a goofy computer mic, you're going to need some sort of preamp. That's a given. It could even be the cheapest Behringer (602?) mixer. Get something that supplies Phantom power, as one of the first things you'll want to upgrade is getting a condenser microphone.

Otherwise, nothing wrong with starting small. When you're trying to grow, this website is a HUGE resource of knowledge and practical experience to tap.

I wish things like this were around when I was starting out...
 
Thank you for your response.

I have no idea what Phantom Power is. I don't really even know what a pre-amp does. When people explain things on this board, they usually use about 15 technical terms to define the one that had me confused.

Actually, all my previous computer recording was done with a computer mic... one of the ones that is connected to a single earphone (like the time/life lady who could take your order right over the phone). I would hold the mic up to one of the speakers on my piano and with the other hand I would play the song. It really wasn't as terrible as one might think.

I'm a singer/songwriter, not an engineer. This stuff is complicated.

And yeah... I don't really want a grammy or an emmy. ;)
 
In its most basic form, a preamp brings a microphone's level up to an acceptable level for recording (LINE level). Some microphones (condensers) require power commonly known as "phantom" power. The normal power is 48v, but many mics don't actually require that much. But I digress...

Condenser mics are normally much more sensitive and "real" sounding than dynamic mics (non-powered, such as the Shure SM-58). Dynamics normally need to be quite close to the source or the sound is very thin and unclear. Condensers, with their high sensitivity, are very clear from a distance. A condenser in a decent room can be several feet from an acoustic guitar and still sound great, while the average dynamic will sound very weak.

Basically, just about any mixer, even the little Behringer units (like the 602, which you can get at GC for around 60 or 70 bucks) will have built-in mic preamps. They might not be much on quality, but they'll certainly get the sound from point "A" to point "B" without arguing much.

The line out of the mixer/preamp goes into your sound card's line in. Then, you hit "RECORD" and get famous. :rolleyes:

That's just being very general and scratching the surface, but hopefully some of the vocabulary is more clear now.
 
Thank you very much for explaining that... though I'm not sure what the point of buying a condenser mic to improve quality is if I were to buy the lowest quality available. The pre-amp thing I get entirely... and I had many problems with this issue in my earlier attempts at recording.

I guess since even half-assed recording is expensive, I might as well go all out. Though I'm still not sure why I'm doing this.

When I am the belle of all the post-grammy/emmy balls, please don't expect me to acknowlege you. That is not to say I don't appreciate your time.
 
I think a large part of the problem that new people bring to this board is not clearly stating objectives and constraints. If you only have $1,500 to spend, and you just want to record your voice and your piano, then that needs to be stated.

These components compromise a high quality inexpensive solution:
  • Studio Projects B1 large condensor microphone to
  • M-Audio DMP-3 dual channel microphone preamp to
  • M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI audio interface.

And of course you can't go far wrong with N-Track.

$350.00 sans tax and shipping
 
Wheelema... I can appreciate what you are saying about not stating clearly their objectives... however, I really don't know what my objectives are. I'm getting a little old to be a rock star. Still, I have the drive to create. I don't have a large budget (though I could easily swing 350), but I do want to start a small studio that I can add onto and upgrade.

I don't mean to be wishy-washy... I know I am about to do something expensive without any clear objective in mind. That's something I do fairly regularly and have even earned money at some of my creative endeavors (painting, for example). I have years of piano playing behind me and notebooks of songs... it just seems like the next thing to do is record them... even if its only to annoy my friends with them.

I'm just looking for the cheapest way to get my foot in the door of my own mini-studio.
 
Most of the gear retains value relatively well. I think that the pricier and rarer it is to start the better value is maintained, notably in microphones. You can start off small, and get most of your money back when/if you want to move up.

The beauty of what I suggested is that you can add a second microphone (channel) without spending money on anything but the mic. There are some damn expensive preamps that only support one mic.
 
Let me confuse you just a bit more Limo....do you want to record voice as well, or just your piano? If you want piano recordings only, I suggest your learn how to attach a MIDI keyboard directly to your computer. You may already have that feature on your "piano" id it has built-in speakers. Look for ports on your piano labelled "midi out" or "midi in" or both. If you don't have any, a small Casio-type keyboard for about $100 could be all the equipment you need.
A midi-capable piano can be attached directly to a computer by means of a very inexpensive ($25) cable to your soundcard's joystick port (ALL soundcards have them).
Once you have a piano with mid in and out, all you need is software for your computer. I would suggest going to Best Buy and buying a software package that actually comes with the cable you need in the box, or asking your local music store for a joystick-midi computer cable. They'll know what that means.
As far as software goes, I would recommend "Cakewalk Home Studio". This software is fairly easy to understand, and can record both midi music and audio music.
I think I should stop now, to let this soak in.
Ask more questions, it's the only way to learn!
Mike
 
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