So I'm a n00b...but I need help...

[drummerman345]

Ok, so I've never recorded my drums at home in my life. But, I hafta record them now quickly so that I can get a good grade on a project for school...(my group is doing a rap) but the only problem is, is that I'm short on cash and I don't have any decent mics (pc mic) or programs, so my question is:
what programs can I use (which are free) to record my drums (and make them sound decent) but I can also add in bass/keyboard/guitar with them from the computer...(I don't have either of those 3 instruments, but I was hoping that theres some program on the net which I can use to create some sweet rhythyms...)...Thanks all...
Also, I'm gonna post this in the drum section (if ya'll dont mind) cuz I need answers fast...

 

[ssscientist]

Find a newer Macintosh. There you will discover a program called 'Garage Band'. Learn to use it and you will be all set.

 

[drummerman345]

^^uhh...i have an ibm...on windows...could I get Garage Band for windows???

 

[Track Rat]

Finding a program to record probably won't be your problem. Recording drums with a PC mic will be.

 

[daav]

It doesn't sound like you ahve the time or budget to actually do the recordig you are looking to do. If i were you, i would look in local papers for people advertising some studio time and beg them to help you do your recording. Similiarly, you might find some home recorder who is looking for "projects" for practice, and has at least one or two mics. Just to establish some sense of scale:
1. You could possibly record your drums at a level you would be able to expect with one or two mics and some verybasic equipment (Mic, preamp, into your soundcard, or alternately into a "all in one" digital recorder). But it isn't likely from waht i am reading from your posts. Even doing crappy recordings would take a certian amount of time and training, and it doesn't sound like you have that kind of time to invest.
2. There are programs that would allow you to program keyboard and bass tracks (via midi) but they do need to be programmed, and that requires learning more and investing time to get that right.

3. You might want to check out N-Tracks, virtually free PC recording software with midi built in. It could be a tool that with a mic or seven, and a mixer or preamp, and you PC, could possibly dso what you want.

All that requires quite a bit of personal investment. Alternately, if you know someone who can play the drums/keys parts, a modest studio might be able to set you up to record one song for much less money and time than you would invest in the above.

Alternately, if you do really want to get into recording, late a look through some of the older threads here, especially the ones that start with "New to recording, what gear do I buy..."

Daav