suntzu1982
You got to funkafize.
Afternoon everyone. It has taken me a couple years to really decide what I wanted to do with my studio. I understand this is the newbie forum, so although I am also researching other posts, I figured I may be able to get specific advice for my particular situation.
Allow to first proceed to explain the type of recording I am doing. It is mostly hip-hop music, and maybe jazz music. It is just so that my friends and I can get together put together some tracks that will sound good when we show it off to the general public.
It is important to note that I am currently living at the folks house. That means no real room to setup a studio.
Our current set-up is very simple. When writing hip hop songs, we use fruity loops to compose our songs. Eventually would like to incorporate more real instruments. We convert these loops into wav files, and record the vocals on n-track. We use an XLR shure microphone, but because we are using a our various college computers (and their respective audio cards), we have a 1/8" coverter and we plug that into the stock audio card.
Now, however, with some capital, I would like to begin the quest to building a studio.
I recently upgraded my computer to better handle audio recording (RAM = 2 Gb, New CPU) but I realized that 1. I want to be more mobile 2. My desktop is not in a place to be recording. So I thought I would want to buy a computer.
1. Computer:
While I debate the benefits of a laptop (i.e. sacrificing comp. power while paying more), I believe the mobility is necessary. Furthermore, I hear firewire is the way to go with audio interfaces and my PC does not have one. So, what kind of specs am I looking at on my purchase? Also, I have read numerous debates on Mac vs. PC, but realize that I would like to get a PC. So, what are the benefits of a Mac and can I compensate these in a PC?
2. Audio Interface/Mixer:
Now, I see many people saying to get a mixer. From my understanding however, at this point in my homerecording quest, it is not necessary? Now, why would I want a Mixer as opposed to just a card with multiple inputs/outputs. Also, I am looking for the ability to record midi through a keyboard (so I am not stuck with the sounds, beats and rhythms fruity loops provides me). I am looking for the ability to have at least two mics recording at the same time. Also would like to be able to directly record electric guitar/bass (in case I can not have the bass amp on or it is not available for various reasons). Will a soundcard made for recording satisfy my needs? Or is all I really need a compressor? I know what a compressor does (gain on the low parts, limiting on the high parts) but it seems a lot of people use it for the reason of getting a good mic sounds and in substitute for a mixer/audio interface.
3. Software;
I know n-track gets a bad wrap, but it seems to work for putting down tracks. But should I use another software? And why? Also, I am not clear on the uses of certain software. I thought protools was what everyone uses, but is that for midi recording or recording vocal/instrument tracks? Is Sonar and Cubase only midi software interfaces? What about cakewalk and Garage Band.
4. Digitial/Audio track recording:
Aside from the fact that sometime I may want to record analog (tape) and then put it into the computer, will I initially need any 8track or 4 track recording hardware?
5. Drum Machines: I think I could accomplish this through a midi keyboard or fruity loops, since I don't have the budget to buy enough mics for live drums. But if there is a case for a drum machine, I'll consider that also.
6. Mics: Is it worth it buying a condenser mic with the kind of set-up I want to do, or will Shure 57 or 58s do me just fine. I really hate how many amateur recordings, particualrly hip-hop vocals, come out very distant and echo-ey. (Aside from the over use or reverb and chorus).
7. Anything else: Please, if anything else will be needed for a clean, warmer sound, let me know.
Basically, to sum up my long winded post, I am looking to build a studio that will allow me to make recordings that will sound clean, allow me to clean up the sound when instruments (midi or live) are on similar frequencies and thus become muddled, and do some limited live insturment recording. Also, it would be nice to have good equipment, but not over reach since I figure I'll be moving into my own place in about 1-2 years and would then be able to have a room set-up with equipment I plan to keep for more than a couple years. So, upgrade capability or "toss away old sh**" equipment may be nice.
My budget is up for grabs, I would really like to do it right, so I am not regretting spending $50 for something that I am dissatisfied with, when I could've bought $150 piece of equipment that made me smile.
And if you made it this far, thank you so much for your help. I know it was long, but I've been having these questions since I joined this forum and finally have researched enough where I know what questions to ask. Hopefully in a few months I'll be posting in another forum, and asking hints on minimizing computer hum in my new studio room.
Allow to first proceed to explain the type of recording I am doing. It is mostly hip-hop music, and maybe jazz music. It is just so that my friends and I can get together put together some tracks that will sound good when we show it off to the general public.
It is important to note that I am currently living at the folks house. That means no real room to setup a studio.
Our current set-up is very simple. When writing hip hop songs, we use fruity loops to compose our songs. Eventually would like to incorporate more real instruments. We convert these loops into wav files, and record the vocals on n-track. We use an XLR shure microphone, but because we are using a our various college computers (and their respective audio cards), we have a 1/8" coverter and we plug that into the stock audio card.
Now, however, with some capital, I would like to begin the quest to building a studio.
I recently upgraded my computer to better handle audio recording (RAM = 2 Gb, New CPU) but I realized that 1. I want to be more mobile 2. My desktop is not in a place to be recording. So I thought I would want to buy a computer.
1. Computer:
While I debate the benefits of a laptop (i.e. sacrificing comp. power while paying more), I believe the mobility is necessary. Furthermore, I hear firewire is the way to go with audio interfaces and my PC does not have one. So, what kind of specs am I looking at on my purchase? Also, I have read numerous debates on Mac vs. PC, but realize that I would like to get a PC. So, what are the benefits of a Mac and can I compensate these in a PC?
2. Audio Interface/Mixer:
Now, I see many people saying to get a mixer. From my understanding however, at this point in my homerecording quest, it is not necessary? Now, why would I want a Mixer as opposed to just a card with multiple inputs/outputs. Also, I am looking for the ability to record midi through a keyboard (so I am not stuck with the sounds, beats and rhythms fruity loops provides me). I am looking for the ability to have at least two mics recording at the same time. Also would like to be able to directly record electric guitar/bass (in case I can not have the bass amp on or it is not available for various reasons). Will a soundcard made for recording satisfy my needs? Or is all I really need a compressor? I know what a compressor does (gain on the low parts, limiting on the high parts) but it seems a lot of people use it for the reason of getting a good mic sounds and in substitute for a mixer/audio interface.
3. Software;
I know n-track gets a bad wrap, but it seems to work for putting down tracks. But should I use another software? And why? Also, I am not clear on the uses of certain software. I thought protools was what everyone uses, but is that for midi recording or recording vocal/instrument tracks? Is Sonar and Cubase only midi software interfaces? What about cakewalk and Garage Band.
4. Digitial/Audio track recording:
Aside from the fact that sometime I may want to record analog (tape) and then put it into the computer, will I initially need any 8track or 4 track recording hardware?
5. Drum Machines: I think I could accomplish this through a midi keyboard or fruity loops, since I don't have the budget to buy enough mics for live drums. But if there is a case for a drum machine, I'll consider that also.
6. Mics: Is it worth it buying a condenser mic with the kind of set-up I want to do, or will Shure 57 or 58s do me just fine. I really hate how many amateur recordings, particualrly hip-hop vocals, come out very distant and echo-ey. (Aside from the over use or reverb and chorus).
7. Anything else: Please, if anything else will be needed for a clean, warmer sound, let me know.
Basically, to sum up my long winded post, I am looking to build a studio that will allow me to make recordings that will sound clean, allow me to clean up the sound when instruments (midi or live) are on similar frequencies and thus become muddled, and do some limited live insturment recording. Also, it would be nice to have good equipment, but not over reach since I figure I'll be moving into my own place in about 1-2 years and would then be able to have a room set-up with equipment I plan to keep for more than a couple years. So, upgrade capability or "toss away old sh**" equipment may be nice.
My budget is up for grabs, I would really like to do it right, so I am not regretting spending $50 for something that I am dissatisfied with, when I could've bought $150 piece of equipment that made me smile.
And if you made it this far, thank you so much for your help. I know it was long, but I've been having these questions since I joined this forum and finally have researched enough where I know what questions to ask. Hopefully in a few months I'll be posting in another forum, and asking hints on minimizing computer hum in my new studio room.
