recording setup...necessities vs. luxuries

[i dont know]

i would like to know, in everyones opinion, what are the necessities for recording? (such as interfaces, new soundcards, condenser mics, more than one software, blah blahb lah) I am asking because i have no clue, and would most definitely like some insight.

so far, i have a mixer. yup, thats it. (oh, and a pc with vista, and cables.)


this is somewhat of a broad question, but i hope someone can respond with a condensed answer.

 

[elicantu]

a mic...a preamp(mixer will do..) something to record into...

 

[Massive Master]

Good monitoring and a reasonably accurate space. Everything else is secondary.

 

[mikeh]

The previous post pretty much hit it.

You need some type of recording medium (a computer, a tape deck, whatever), a method to get the sound into that medium (a mic to capture sounds - or - an electronic instrument) and some way to hear the sounds going into the medium (speakers or headphones). Naturally, you need sounds to record (instruments and/or vocals), the talent to perform and hopefully a good ear. Naturally the recording medium you chose will dictate other things (as an example, a computer will need digital/analog converters).

Beyond those basics - I would suggest the fundamentals to start would be:

1. A decent dynamic mic (as an example a Shure SM57)
2. Some decent near field monitors (waaay to many options to suggest one brand) - headphones or home stereo speakers are not good for mixing.
3. An appropriate amp to drive the speakers
4. A compressor to assist with controlling levels
5. A multi effects unit to provide things like reverb, delay, etc.
6. A tuner (if sounds are note recorded "in tune" - it's like a house without a solid foundation)

While these days it is common to record to a computer - I still think, someone just starting out should have a 4 track "cassette" recorder. There is nothing better to learn recording disipline, level blending, etc. than trying to record multiple tracks with a four track machine. Pingo Ponging tracks is how many people learned to start.

 

[liv_rong]

While these days it is common to record to a computer - I still think, someone just starting out should have a 4 track "cassette" recorder. There is nothing better to learn recording disipline, level blending, etc. than trying to record multiple tracks with a four track machine. Pingo Ponging tracks is how many people learned to start.

I have to agree with you there. I started to record on friends computers, but I could not afford everything, so i had a four track tascam for a while. It makes you more creative because there are less options

 

[rayc]

If planning to record IN your computer:
1) DUMP VISTA & get XP (2000 is better still)
2) an audio dedicated interface - I prefer a soundcard (mine's an old INCA 8I/8O) but there are heaps of USB & firewire set ups out there - the siplest Behri is about $50. You don't give details on the mixer - if you do you might get some more specific suggestions.
3) a good mic & preamp
4) recording program - Audacity & Reaper are shareware & pretty good though I use the old Cakewalk Pro Audio 9.3.
5) Monitoring amp & speakers NOT computer speakers & H/phones only for tracking or detail.
I must agree re 4 tracking though - I still have & use my Yamaha MT100 - you can up load the 4 track stuff into the comp.

 

[TimN]

I have to disagree about the cassette four trackers--don't bother with it if you've never used one, because you sure don't need one these days. You'll be money ahead instead if you get a cheaper digital recorder. Further results will be forthcoming if you pick up a copy of Sound on Sound or Mix magazine every month.
I anticipate a little flak about the cassette players . . . the fact is, they are not at all ideal for recording sound, and they never were. I still have a Tascam 424 mkIII, and I also have Boss BR 532 digital. There is no doubt as to which one I use, and which one I would recommend to someone starting out. "I don't know," you don't need the cassette player--unless you can get your hands on an old Nakamichi, for quaint cassette releases that you mix down to tape--from the computer DAW that you should start investigating and using pronto.

 

[i dont know]

ive used a four track casette, and i liked it, but i want to expand. ive recorded before, i was more so just asking if an interface is essential, and what everyone likes or thinks is best. i really just want to record straight through my computer verses cassettes. ive recorded before by myself, but it was only a mixer straight to the computer. also, ive recorded at a friends and he had an elaborate set-up, so basically i just wanted to know what could help make better quality music.

 

[i dont know]

also, what is a preamp?

 

[rayc]

A preamp will boost the signal of whatever you're using. There are mic specific pres (& most interface have built in ones) that relate to the amount of signal a mic produces - an ever popular 57 produces a little signal & needs significant boosting to be useful. MANY preamps have phantom power as well to run condenser mics etc. Most mixers have prea built in as faders or gain knobs - the quality varies & most people aim for a transparent Pre - one that boosts without adding noise or other artifacts. Many people like pres that add "warmth" usually a valve/tube based one & not one of the tricky ones that use a tube to dial in colouration/tubenoise etc.
Even a generic comp sound card has a preamp for it's mic in socket - it's usually woeful but is there.
A lot of folk use a pre to boost guitar signals as well - (most amps these days have one built i) and also a stereo amp set up for a turntable has a specific preamp that boosts & addresses mastering EQ'ing of an LP's signal on the way into the amp.
I'm glad you've done some 4 tracking on cassette - you'll have a better handle of the process as a result. I'm afraid Tim missed the point folk were trying to make.

 

[LnTh]

Many people seem to think headphones are not good for mixing.
I have a question. I'm planning on buying a pair of AKG K 240 studio monitor headphones. Are those also not good for mixing? I was planning on using them for both mixing/monitoring and tracking.

 

[Massive Master]

They're okay for checking mixes on - and zeroing in on pops & clicks or what not -- But you're not going to hear phase relationships (awfully important) and how the low end will fit into the mix, etc.

Just because they say "studio monitor" on them doesn't mean much... Whether it's headphones OR speakers for that matter...

 

[TimN]

Well, I actually did get the point. I don't know wants to record in the computer domain, and I think he ought to start there, and not try to gain some little knowledge by using out-moded technology. Besides, I see he just mentioned that he did use a four-tracker for a short spell, so, its time to consign it and get rolling with computers. I don't know, get some software (I use Magix 11, $80.00, easy to use, and you can "graduate" to Samplitude, their 1st-rate "professional" DAW, when you get good . . . ), a soundcard (try the E-mu 0404 sound card, $99.00 at Guitar Center), and hook it up to your mixer, and start recording. For great mixing practice, try recording your band to stereo on the DAW.
Yes, you can rough mix with headphones--try it, then burn a copy of the mix and listen to it in the car, on a boombox, as an Mp3, and on a friend's expensive stereo (or perhaps your expensive stereo). You can more than get by doing this as you're learning. In time, get some powered monitors, and set your room straight--maybe the toughest thing of all is beating the bad acoustics in the average listening room.
That's what I think, and I can vouch for it because I've used the above hardware and software for a while, and have gotten good results. Other user's results may vary . . . .

 

[Nick98338]

The original post had the terms soundcard and interface. I would like to point out, that for most practical audio purposes, an audio interface *IS* a soundcard. Sure, there are exceptions. But, for a great number of examples, the two terms really mean the same thing. I point this out, because it seems that this concept is difficult to grasp for many newbies. The audio interface will become the soundcard for your computer. You don't need both a separate soundcard, eg.. Soundblaster, and an audio interface eg.. Presonus, or M-Audio, etc.. The interface will be the soundcard. In many cases you really can't have a standard soundcard and an audio interface enabled at the same time. It confuses the computer about where the inputs and outputs are going. And, it confuses the computer operator. Once the computer has an audio interface attached to it, the standard soundcard can be disabled, and not used, at all. The interface takes over all of the audio input/output.

 

[i dont know]

Magix is actually what i started out with...

 

[rayc]

Like I said, Tim doesn't get the point.
But he makes some good ones of his own except mix in h/phones then go & listen in a car etc. Why not try to get a reasonable mix - especially the bottom end, phase issues & stuff like that - even a home stereo particularly one you know the faults & quirks of (without a sub please) and at least being aware of the room & its effect if not beginning to treat it with curtains, furnishing, bookshelves etc - before taking it for a test in a variety of playback options.
Back on track - get recording again IDK & post something in the mixing clinic soon. (oh & if you still have your old 4 track don't entirely discount the preamps built into it - they can work well on some mics - I have 1 mic that sounds great through the 4 track pre & out to the computer).

 

[Dani Pace]

Factory installed soundcards (Soundblaster, Real Tech, etc...) will work for recording, but not as well as audio cards (interfaces) designed primarilarly for recording. The installed cards are usualy for gamming and listening to MP3s or applications where audio quality is not the main concern. Like many others I record on computer but I can't force myself to part with my old Yamaha MT120 cassette deck. Like Ray said, the preamps in some cassette recorders work great as a preamp/mixer with certain mics.

 

[TimN]

I can't force myself to part with my old cassette player/recorders, either, a Tascam, and especially my two Nakamichis. You started with Magix? Great, you already have some knowledge of the DAW realm. Get a decent card, and hook up everything. Get Magix 11 or 12, and experiment.
I should qualify my headphones comment: When I can, I audition soloed tracks out of the speakers, and I've listened critically many times to mixes through the monitors as well. Like many people, however, most of my music listening occurs in cars, or at work on boom boxes. Furthermore, headphones allow me to listen at much lower levels if I so choose, and I don't have to worry about waking the neighbors, or the wife. But the point is valid--you definitely want to get your room in good listening order. Compare mixes in every way you can, but try to listen at your "studio" on the monitors. Still, headphones can't be counted out for rough mixing and monitoring.

 

[Supercreep]

i would like to know, in everyones opinion, what are the necessities for recording? (such as interfaces, new soundcards, condenser mics, more than one software, blah blahb lah) I am asking because i have no clue, and would most definitely like some insight.

so far, i have a mixer. yup, thats it. (oh, and a pc with vista, and cables.)


this is somewhat of a broad question, but i hope someone can respond with a condensed answer.

Welcome to HR, i don't know. You're going to feel silly with that name in a couple of years when you're running a legacy API console and using all schoepps mics.

Beware the gearlust. Once it has you in it's claws......