questions to start

[ecord]

hey,
So again just like alot of people in this forum, I am brand new. But i want to get a basic set up on my computer. Its just to record vocals and one acoustic guitar. I would like to spend the least amount of money to get started. Anyway i have a soundcard in my Dell which is the factory Santa Cruz. So what do I need? can I just get a mixer or do I need the Tascam us122 type device? If I can only get one mic to record both vocals and guitar which one should I get? where do I set it up to get the best sound from my guitar? I need to know it all even if you think it might seem elementry i could use the help. But basic recording is all i need.
thanks

 

[M Havlen]

Welcome ecord, this is a good place to start.
1. You'll need software that gives you recording capabilities ( try N-Track Studio, it's inexpensive and works great. You can down load a "trial" version but it won't give you some very important fetures that come with the "full" version.(like the ability to record multiple tracks and then mix them together).
2.The soundcard in your computer will work, or..for even better sound quality you can buy a better card for anywhere from 100$ to 500$ I'll assume by your post thet you'd like to use the one that you have.
3. A Microphone. ( read the mic forum ) If you want to just plug "one" mic into your computer and record something then there ya go. The small condensor mics that come with most computers these days work surprisingly well ( that's what I started with ) but if you upgrade to a better mic most of them require a power source( a mic pre amp) Check at your local guitar center or online at Musicians Friend...they can fill you in on the details.
4. If you want to plug in more than one mic at a time then you'll want to get a mixer ( small tabletop ones go for as little as 100$ )
That should get you going, This web site has all the information you could ever want about recording. Good Luck

 

[ecord]

thanks man
do you have any brands for mics and mixers that would work. If I get a mixer does it have to be powered? and do i just plug it into my line in on the sound card with a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter?
thanks again

 

[bsr2002]

Hi, You may want to have a decent mic like SM57 or you can use a cheap NADY SP-9 like me. Depends on what you want to do. I run my mic thru a Behringer UB1002. Here is a picture of it:




http://mymr8.8m.com/

It will be in the top pic, the silver one on the left.



See ya






http://hire_on_the_fly.tripod.com

 

[M Havlen]

On the inexpensive side, there are a number of mic's to choose from. keep in mind that all of this equipment has a price " range " It's wise to be selective about some of the cheaper stuff and shop around. There are different types of mics for different types of recording, ( read the mic forum for details ) but a " condenser mic" would in my opinion be a good one to start with. I have 2 Nady CM88 's that i like ( I can't recommend any other Nady stuff, some of there equipment is crap...but these mics work well and were about 50 $ each.). As far as the mixer question, Behringer makes some inexpensive ones. from 100$ up 20 several thousand.. You just plug your mic's into it, then plug it into your computer...then....have fun! And, yes a 1/8 to 1/4 adapter from your local radio shack will do.

 

[ecord]

thanks guys that helps alot I am getting pretty excited to start, but one more question for now. Is there a program like the n-track that is only a few track recordings in the demo that i can put it on a cd?

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

.....Is there a program like the n-track that is only a few track recordings in the demo that i can put it on a cd?

Here is some freeware/shareware....

http://www.hitsquad.smm

 

[bsr2002]

This is decent to start and it's free:

http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php


Kristal Audio Engine


16 audio tracks
32 Bit floating point audio engine
44.1 to 192 kHz sample rate
3-band parametric EQ &
2 VST insert slots per channel
3 VST master effect slots
ASIO low latency audio driver support
4 KRISTAL PlugIn slots



http://hire_on_the_fly.tripod.com

 

[ecord]

so right now just to get started I am using the factory mic and sound card just to get use to using the software and it records well enough for me to start messing around however that is with one track. As so as I try to record another track there is a delay in the recording and playback. why? I mean is there anyway to fix that for now?

 

[M Havlen]

If you downloaded the N-Track demo version, you might want to post that question in the "N Track forum" I'm currently using different recording software ( Sonar, Sound Forge ). When you first get things set up on your computer, there's a little tweekin to be done to optimize performance. ( hope you have a relatively new computer, as i recall N-Track will run ok on as little as a 600Mgz machine, but at least a Gig would be better...) If all else fails, scan the "help" menu. Keep after it, you'll figure it out, probubly just a setup thing. Hope you know what your getting into......your hooked now! Next you'll Need : Sound Card, Mixer, New Software, A huge selection of mic's, Mic Pre amp, New Headphones,Really expensive studio Monitors, More Guitars, Drums, More Guitars, Cables, Pop Filters, Compressors, Reverb units, More Guitars, Amps, Lots of friends to come by and see all this shit, and oh yea, someone who actually wants to record something..your hooked bro. Just like the rest of us here. Cheers!

Mark