Recording Brass into a computer?

[buff_bone_dude]

I am really confused about what type of setup is ideal, and affordable to record and multi track brass onto my computer. I want a decent mic to record into, but I can't afford to get a mixing board, or a pre-amp. Is there anything around that I can just plug a mic into my computer and start recording? I'll be using cakewalk 9, and the computer I'm getting is going to have a 1.0ghz Athlon/ 256RAM. If anyone could give me a clue as to what to get I would be greatful.

 

[Emeric_2]

Something like:

Aardvark Aark Direct Pro - $500

Built in preamps, no need for mixer

SM57 - $89

Mic Cable $20


----------

or

Creative Ensonic Sound Card- $30
Maudio Preamp DMP-2 - $79
SM57 and Cable - $110
1/8" to 2 1/4" cable - $10

Lots more options, what's the budget and goal?

 

[buff_bone_dude]

My goal is to be able to record my self, and throw down a couple tracks so I can have a virtual jam session with myself. I also would like the ability to throw in some effects to mess with my sound. My price range is about right around $500(maybe a little more), after I get my computer.

Question, with the Aardvark Aark Direct Pro can you plug a standard mic cord into it?

Creative Ensonic Sound Card- $30
Maudio Preamp DMP-2 - $79
SM57 and Cable - $110
1/8" to 2 1/4" cable - $10

Will the second option you listed have decent sound quality, for the price? Do you know what store would be best to go to? Maybe guitar center or some place better????
Thanks

 

[DavidK]

I would get a Soundblaster Live! instead of the Ensoniq,if you are going that route, because someday you can update to a better card and keep the SB for Soundfonts, which are sample playbacks.

 

[Emeric_2]

DavidK's got a point there. I tend to forget about the SBLive! but it's probably around $50 instead of $30.

You could get decent results with that setup. This is subjective of course, everybody has different idea of what 'decent' is.

Question, with the Aardvark Aark Direct Pro can you plug a standard mic cord into it?

yes.

Do you know what store would be best to go to? Maybe guitar center or some place better????

Maybe guitar center, I've never been to one since we don't have them here. Online is an option to, www.8thstreetmusic.com is a good. I've ordered from them a few times with no problems.

 

[buff_bone_dude]

thanks guys, I think I'm going to go with the modified option 2:

Maudio Preamp DMP-2 - $79
SM57 and Cable - $110
1/8" to 2 1/4" cable - $10

The computer comes with soundblaster live! Now the tough part is to find all the components. Thanks again!

 

[Emeric_2]

The DMP-2 might be tricky to find at that exact price, but probably not much more.

The 1/8" to 2 1/4"


Just so you know what your looking for, it's a stereo 1/8" male, to 2 1/4" female. This would allow you to plug either 1 mic into the left or right of the soundcard, or 2 mics at the same time if your doing some stereo micing. HOSA probably makes one, but if your into soldering, make one. I built one awhile ago for not much:

Project box - $10
1/4" female jacks - $3 each
1/8" stereo male connector - $5
Some decent wire (sheilded) - 6ft of Canare - $6.00

Attached a quick photo of it just to give you the idea.

 

[buff_bone_dude]

I'm assuming that's the pre amp in your pic?


You don't know how helpful you have been to me. I think I'm going to ask some of my sound engineer friends about the pre amp

 

[Emeric_2]

no no.. that's not the preamp. It's just a plastic box. Something you can build if you like. I found it easier when working with 1/8" jacks to have an 'extension' so that I could connect 1 mic or 2 mics at time without having to crawl behind the computer, or mess around with Y cabling.

Stereo soundcards can have 2 inputs, Left and Right. It's nice to have access to one, or both inputs. All this box is, is a glorified splitter. Nothing inside except a little bit of wire.

So you would run your mic into the preamp, than out of the preamp into this box, and then out to the soundcard.

It replaces this item - 1/8" stereo male to 2 1/4" mono female cable.

Not a necessity, just a convenience.

 

[buff_bone_dude]

ahhh, I get it. The Newbie is catching on. With luck I should be set up in about two weeks.