Recording mics, etc for several instrumental configurations?`

[The Glidd]

Please forgive some of my tech vocabulary, I'm in the dark on some of this stuff.

I'm looking to do some recording for my website. I'd prefer to do it all myself. I'm not particularly concerned with stellar quality but would like to get it done cheaply and have the chance to re-record several groups according to my own schedule.

I did this a little several years ago. A quick example are the mp3s on this page:

http://www.michaelreaveymusic.com/classical/String_Quartet/index.html

This was recorded with a cheap Sony condenser mic to mini-disc and then transferred to PC. Although not spectacular (by any stretch), I'm pleased with the product and get work from it.

I'd like to get a set-up though where I'm recording directly to PC. I use Audacity as my software, but was wondering about any thoughts for any kind of pre-mixer to run mics through before they hit the recording software? Also, what kind of mics should I be looking for? Cheap and functional are what I'm looking for. A few configurations I'm looking to record, these would all be as ensembles, and not as separate tracks:

Brass trio (trumpet, french horn, trombone)
Trumpet and piano
Brass quintet (maybe)
String trio (two violins and cello)
String trio with trumpet
String duo
Violin and piano
Trumpet and bass (acoustic)
Trumpet, piano, and bass
Trumpet, piano, bass, and drums (jazz quartet)

The only equipment I have besides the condenser mic is a couple of SM58s. I don't know how to begin to rig them to my computer, though.

Is the above feasible or don't I have a shot and should I plan on going into the studio!

Thanks!

 

[MadTiger3000]

Please forgive some of my tech vocabulary, I'm in the dark on some of this stuff.

I'm looking to do some recording for my website. I'd prefer to do it all myself. I'm not particularly concerned with stellar quality but would like to get it done cheaply and have the chance to re-record several groups according to my own schedule.

I did this a little several years ago. A quick example are the mp3s on this page:

http://www.michaelreaveymusic.com/classical/String_Quartet/index.html

This was recorded with a cheap Sony condenser mic to mini-disc and then transferred to PC. Although not spectacular (by any stretch), I'm pleased with the product and get work from it.

I'd like to get a set-up though where I'm recording directly to PC. I use Audacity as my software, but was wondering about any thoughts for any kind of pre-mixer to run mics through before they hit the recording software? Also, what kind of mics should I be looking for? Cheap and functional are what I'm looking for. A few configurations I'm looking to record, these would all be as ensembles, and not as separate tracks:

Brass trio (trumpet, french horn, trombone)
Trumpet and piano
Brass quintet (maybe)
String trio (two violins and cello)
String trio with trumpet
String duo
Violin and piano
Trumpet and bass (acoustic)
Trumpet, piano, and bass
Trumpet, piano, bass, and drums (jazz quartet)

The only equipment I have besides the condenser mic is a couple of SM58s. I don't know how to begin to rig them to my computer, though.

Is the above feasible or don't I have a shot and should I plan on going into the studio!

Thanks!

I like your idea.

The vocal quality was the only thing that "jumped" out at me as not really up to an acceptable level.

You don't want stellar quality, but you don't want distracting advertising, either.