Somewhat new to recording.

[Dextere]

Hello,

I have been playing some instruments for a very long time, but have very little experience recording. The extent of my experience is simply recording a couple of songs using Cool Edit Pro using an acoustic guitar, a Yamaha keyboard, and my voice using a $10 radioshack microphone. Needless to say, it didn't sound great..

I was wondering a few things.. First, if anyone still records just using multitrack recorders, or if that's a terrible idea when there is so much powerful software easily available? My problem is, I get into a program and there are just so many menus and options it's a bit overwhelming. . I also have no idea which software to go for.

Also, if I am wanting to use a midi controller to control beats, orchestral stuff and other virtual instruments is it necessary to be a good piano player and know a lot of scales and chords?

Any information and advice would be infinitely appreciated!

 

[moresound]

Well I'll be the first of the onslaught to suggest that you down load Reaper as your DAW.

 

[darkagent71]

Well I'll be the first of the onslaught to suggest that you down load Reaper as your DAW.

+1 on Reaper

 

[.Tyson Studios.]

lots of people still use multitrack recorders. lots of people suggest the zoom r16 and r24

 

[grimtraveller]

I was wondering a few things.. First, if anyone still records just using multitrack recorders, or if that's a terrible idea when there is so much powerful software easily available?

Yes, many people still record with multitrack recorders and it is not a terrible idea at all. On balance, I'd say that the 'many' that do are very much in the minority if the traffic of the interwebs is to be believed and it also seems that many multitracks have been discontinued so although you can still pick them up second hand, the software route is where developers seem to be ploughing their furrow.

My problem is, I get into a program and there are just so many menus and options it's a bit overwhelming. I also have no idea which software to go for.

Yeah, I can see where you are coming from, the learning curve in computer DAWs can be steep. But then, any learning curve can be. If you started with a cassette portastudio (4 or 8 track) or reel to reel, it's possibly more straightforward than a digital audio workstation (DAW), either a standalone or computer one. But alot of that is dependent on you. What you'd like to record and achieve (hobby ? radio play ? album ?) will in turn determine what you'll need which will then cause you to ask yourself how much you want to spend........If you want to look at standalone digital multitracks, this place will give you links to various models, for analog portastudios, just google "Multitracks" or something and some info will come your way. There's alot out there.
As for which software to go for should you choose that route, I think it's much of a muchness, but I would advise Reaper, if only to get your feet wet. You may find yourself submerged after a while there ! It is almost the Pro tools of Home recording.com !

Also, if I am wanting to use a midi controller to control beats, orchestral stuff and other virtual instruments is it necessary to be a good piano player and know a lot of scales and chords

There are some multitracks like the Zoom R16 and similar models by Tascam that bridge the gap by acting as both a standalone recorder and a DAW and you can transfer your music to computer so that might be worth a look.
You don't need any keyboard skills to use a keyboard controller although if you are going to use it to run pianos, organs, synthesizers, clavinets etc, it's useful to know your notes and chords at the very least. I find that in using VSTis, it's a positive disadvantage to play any non keyboard instrument like a keyboard. Do a search here for VSTis, there's been a few good threads recently that may help you get some perspective. I'm not a keyboardist at all. On my keyboard controller, I've painted all the notes on the keys. And as the years have gone by, I've picked up enough keyboard knowledge to be able to record competently~ish.