recording

[JoeMusic]

I have a computer,guitar,amp,mics,software and sound card. What else do I need to start recording music. Do I need a mixer? Do I need a power amp? Do I need a go-between from the mics to the computer? If I want to record three tracks at once (ie. Three Instuments) what do all the mics plug into? etc.? Someone Please Help Me. Thanks!

 

[mandelbrot]

Well, it depends on how much you plan on recording and what quality you are aiming for.

If you want to make demo quality recordings you should consider purchasing at least a low-end audio card (one that is made specifically for recording music) as well as a mixer. You can run your inputs through the mixer (use it as a preamp) and then to your s/c.

But if you just want to screw around and maybe document some of your riffs, you could get away with what you got now. You can just record everything through the line in or mic inputs on your s/c. The quality won't be great, but it'll get the job done.

I know that I tend to worry about the tools that I use a little too much and it impedes my "flow" sometimes. Take care that you don't get caught up in the tools -- it's about the music.

mandelbrot

 

[Even]

Big Joe... if you want to record more than one sound source at once you will need either a mixer or a soundcard/interface that has more than one input. I suppose this is where one asks how fancy your PC rig and sound card are. Odds are you have a stock SB type soundcard that has three 1/8 inch jacks on it. (line in, mic in, line out) if thats the case you are limited to pretty much one line input. The lame mic in is set up for those cheesy pc mics. So you can get a reasonable little mixer-sound board and plug everything into it and then out of the mixer into the line in jack. The power amp is usually used to drive external things like monitors. The mixer is the go between you mentioned. But pretty much if you want to have more than one sound source you need a mixing device.