Starting from nothing, want to record vocals

[Tsun]

I've been browsing for information this entire day and it seems like the more I read, the less I understand. I refuse to believe that recording my voice to a computer can really be this complicated.

So I am making music digitally with LMMS and probably FL studio in future, but the thing I lack is a way to record vocals. So all I need is to get my voice recorded to the computer, simple as that. Right? The problem is how do I go around doing it? Initially my thought was that I just need to buy a mic and plug it into the mic port, but sooner than soon I learned that good mics don't work that way. I know practically nothing about recording sound to a computer, so I'd appreciate some help

So right now on my list are MXL 990 mic, a pop filter and a mic stand. But what else do I need? An audio interface with phanton power and an USB port?
Also how does it all work? I plug my mic into an audio interface, plug my audio interface into my laptop, open a recording software and I'm good to go? I am mostly concerned about the hardware side, I'm sure I can figure the software by myself.


edit
Seems like I need to buy an xlr cable separately?

 

[bweston]

a good place to start is M-audio - these have little boxes that plug in usb and your mic goes into the little box - they are very nice - yes when you buy the mic - grab an xlr cable as well

do a search on or go to guitar center
M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface

bweston

 

[gecko zzed]

I refuse to believe that recording my voice to a computer can really be this complicated.

Hah! Your refusal to believe does not alter the fact of complexity.

Like every other field of endeavour, it is easy to do something with mediocrity, but it takes skill, experience and the right equipment to excel in that field (playing golf, for example, or making a coffee table, or painting a landscape).

are MXL 990 mic, a pop filter and a mic stand. But what else do I need? An audio interface with phanton power and an USB port?

You can get respectable interfaces that use either USB or Firewire. USB is fine.

Also how does it all work? I plug my mic into an audio interface, plug my audio interface into my laptop, open a recording software and I'm good to go?

That sums it up pretty well. One thing you need to understand is that the interface takes over the role of your laptop's internal soundcard, so all your monitoring, playing back and llistening is done via the interface. You haven't mentioned speakers or headphones, but either should be connected to the interface.

Seems like I need to buy an xlr cable separately?

Well, yes. Plus all the other bits and pieces you may need (e.g. mike stands).

 

[Tsun]

a good place to start is M-audio - these have little boxes that plug in usb and your mic goes into the little box - they are very nice - yes when you buy the mic - grab an xlr cable as well

do a search on or go to guitar center
M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface

bweston

I stumbled upon Roland UA-25 audio interface which seemed really nice with good reviews, although slightly expensive for a first timer I guess. Being a little future-proof is never bad though.
I'll look at that one too.

Hah! Your refusal to believe does not alter the fact of complexity.

Like every other field of endeavour, it is easy to do something with mediocrity, but it takes skill, experience and the right equipment to excel in that field (playing golf, for example, or making a coffee table, or painting a landscape).

Haha it just seems incredible how much more complex it get when you step up from the mic-in port.

That sums it up pretty well. One thing you need to understand is that the interface takes over the role of your laptop's internal soundcard, so all your monitoring, playing back and llistening is done via the interface. You haven't mentioned speakers or headphones, but either should be connected to the interface.

Wow that sounds like a really important thing to know. I have ok headphones though, assuming "normal" headphones with 3.5mm headphone connector works..? I think I got a lot of those different size adapter plug thingys somewhere that I could stuck inbetween, assuming they work for this..

Well, yes. Plus all the other bits and pieces you may need (e.g. mike stands).

Hopefully these "bits and pieces" do not include anything not already mentioned. I'm mostly confused by all these sound amplifiers and mixers and things that at times seem to be in the audio interface, and other times something I need to buy and put somewhere inbetween, and other times something I don't even need.
Those colorful 90's comic-sans websites do not really help me at all.

 

[c7sus]

It's not rocket science.

Mic > Preamp > interface/soundcard LINE INPUT > recording software.

If you use a dynamic mic like a Shure SM-58 you don't need phanton power.

If you use a condensor mic like the MXL you will need phantom power and most likely at least some kind of room treatment for your recording space because condensor mics pick up EVERYTHING in the room they are operating in. If you open a window they will pick up sounds outside too. If you record in a closet full of clothes your recording will sound like it was done in a closet full of clothes. Then you need to add reverb via either software plug-in or outboard FX or reamping into a nice-sounding space.

You also need headphones so you can monitor your music tracks while recording your vocal tracks.

The nuts and bolts of recording aren't really difficult. But making really well done recordings is.

 

[gecko zzed]

It's not rocket science.

Mic > Preamp > interface/soundcard LINE INPUT > recording software.

Nor is playing golf. You go to the tee, hit the ball. It goes up the fairway. You chip it onto the green, then putt it into the hole. Simple.

The nuts and bolts of recording aren't really difficult. But making really well done recordings is.

Yes . . . that's the heart of it.

The input path is (as c7sus notes):

mike > interface > computer

The output path is:

computer > interface > speakers

Two points:
1 most interfaces these days have mike preamps and phantom power, so you don't need to get these separately.
2 if you use headphones or powered speakers, you can plug these straight into the interface. However, if you use passive speakers, you need to add an amplifier.
2

 

[c7sus]

Golf is the work of the devil.

Just sayin...

 

[Tsun]

Mic > Preamp > interface/soundcard LINE INPUT > recording software.

I'm still not quite sure what a Preamplifier is, what it does and do I need to buy it separately. Wikipedia says it's a some sort of device, but the audio interface specifications says it has 2 mic preamps. The microphone summary says that even the mic has a "fet preamp".

If you use a dynamic mic like a Shure SM-58 you don't need phanton power.

If you use a condensor mic like the MXL you will need phantom power and most likely at least some kind of room treatment for your recording space because condensor mics pick up EVERYTHING in the room they are operating in. If you open a window they will pick up sounds outside too. If you record in a closet full of clothes your recording will sound like it was done in a closet full of clothes. Then you need to add reverb via either software plug-in or outboard FX or reamping into a nice-sounding space.

You also need headphones so you can monitor your music tracks while recording your vocal tracks.

The nuts and bolts of recording aren't really difficult. But making really well done recordings is.

I'm not trying to make professional/audiophile level music(at least not yet ), but I want a condenser mic either way because I'm pretty sure I can arrange a nice recording room.

 

[c7sus]

Yeah, some interfaces include mic and instrument preamps in their design.

And some interfaces are just the analog to digital conversion and back again.

FET is field effect transistor. It's just one of a few different designs for amplifying an analog signal. Other designs may use a tube or a transformer to accomplish the same thing--- make the small output of a microphone into a larger LINE LEVEL signal that the interface is looking for.

In any case, whether the preamps are built into the interface or not it's still the same process and sequence of events.

You amplify the mic signal and pass it to the Analog-to-digital converter. You record the track in your software and the software host prints the take to your hard drive.

To hear the playback the signal passes from your hard drive to the interface for digital-to-analog conversion and you hear the result through your headphones or monitors.

That's the most basic description. Where it gets a lot more complicated is getting certain devices to interact properly with other hardware or operating systems or whatever, and getting good sound consistently.

Modern hardware and software will record and playback whatever you put in front of it. The fidelity available even in very low-priced gear is pretty amazing.

The trick is getting the original analog signal to be what you want without unwanted noise or other artifacts you don't want in your recording.

Like the guy down the street mowing his lawn. Or the compressor in your refridgerator kicking on in the middle of your best take.

 

[gecko zzed]

I'm still not quite sure what a Preamplifier is, what it does and do I need to buy it separately. Wikipedia says it's a some sort of device, but the audio interface specifications says it has 2 mic preamps. The microphone summary says that even the mic has a "fet preamp".

If your audio interface specifications say it has two "2 mic preamps", then you don't need to worry.

A preamp raises the very weak signal generated by a microphone to a level that other devices need.

 

[CFox]

This Tsun be trollin and trollin good.

 

[Shadow_7]

Sounds about like where I started. Didn't even know what TRS was, bought 4x TS cables, only to find out later, that the ring part meant metal, not plastic... Could have had two large deluxes from the hut instead. Can't even give away these TS cables... Although if the rabbits keep insisting on eating the wires to my map sensor, I might find a use for the remains of said cables. Going on 2 years now and the joke is getting old ye old rabbits... (dog got old and can't catch them anymore grrrr...)

Mic -> cables -> preamp -> interface -> recording device (computer). A USB mic will have all of that in one thing. BUT... Nothing on the output side to monitor what you're singling to and stuff.

In terms of hardware... Long version...
- pop filter
- mic
- shockmount
- mic stand
- xlr to xlr cable
- preamp with phantom power
- xlr to trs cable
- interface
- USB or Firewire cables (depending on the device)
- Computer

Now a lot of interfaces are combo devices and include the preamps and stuff. Some mics have internal shockmounts and grills that are essentially pop filters built in. So there are shorter / less complex lists. You could for instance put the mic directly into the XLR port of the interface and hold it while using the USB or whatever cable as your mic cable. Not ideal, and by no means recommending it, but you don't really need ALL of that in a lot of cases. Start with the basics and address issues as they arise.

If you have a specific use / goal, by all means don't dally on all of the stop gap measures like I did. Like using my laptop when I needed to use it outdoors, miles from a power socket. A field recorder is much better suited. And doesn't take 15+ minutes to setup (and tear down) every location. Even just moving over to the next room.

Short list:
Zoom H1 (or H2 or H4 or H4n or ???)

 

[Tsun]

Thank you so much guys, it's so enlightening to get a straight answer rather than reading 15 pages of text, 80% of which is unrelated, 18% is pointless humor and the 2% of information you want is either scattered throughout the pages or not answered for being too basic. And then you end up with more questions added than answered. The one thing I still don't get is what is a mixer. It mixes all sound inputs together, but since audio interfaces have multiple inputs, what's the difference? lol. Anyway no need to answer that as it seems I don't need it. (not going to record from multiple sources)

This Tsun be trollin and trollin good.

You're just underestimating how noob I am with this lol.

- xlr to trs cable

What would I need this for?
Also yes I was going to get a shockmount too, but seems I forgot to list it.

If you have a specific use / goal, by all means don't dally on all of the stop gap measures like I did. Like using my laptop when I needed to use it outdoors, miles from a power socket. A field recorder is much better suited. And doesn't take 15+ minutes to setup (and tear down) every location. Even just moving over to the next room.

I'm not planning to move around much, if at all. I will leave the equipment to the recording room anyway.

 

[CFox]

You're just underestimating how noob I am with this lol.

Noob at reading things properly ? You claimed you had a look at the wiki page about preamps and that...

Wikipedia says it's a some sort of device

..yet you didnt bother to read the page properly and follow the link to the very detailed description and guide to selecting a preamp ?

From the link on the wiki page.

What is a Microphone Pre Amp

A microphone pre amp in its simplest form takes the signal from a microphone and amplifies it. When a microphone picks up sound, it produces a very weak signal that is useless for recording purposes. A microphone pre amp boosts the signal until it reaches a useful level.
Microphone pre amps also can serve several side functions, such as providing phantom power to a condenser microphone or providing EQ, Compression, and other built in effects, although these functions are not strictly part of the Mic Pre Amp itself..
Often Mic Pre Amps are included on mixing boards and consoles, though outboard microphone pre amps are often of higher quality than built in microphone pre amps, particularly when compared to barebones mixing boards. On the other hand, some high end consoles come with fantastic microphone pre amps.

 

[Tsun]

Noob at reading things properly ? You claimed you had a look at the wiki page about preamps and that... ..yet you didnt bother to read the page properly and follow the link to the very detailed description and guide to selecting a preamp ?

It still doesn't tell me that a mic preamp is found from an audio interface. Unless there's an another way to say "audio interface"...
It does say that it's found from mixers, but that would just have made me more confused as I had understood that I don't need a mixing board.

After the whole yesterday of reading walls of text in confusion, I kind of started avoiding anything that doesn't look like it would answer my questions. "Guide to selecting a preamp" sounds like something to help me pick up the right one from the market, not to explain what/where it is.

 

[CFox]

It still doesn't tell me that a mic preamp is found from an audio interface. Unless there's an another way to say "audio interface"...
It does say that it's found from mixers, but that would just have made me more confused as I had understood that I don't need a mixing board.

After the whole yesterday of reading walls of text in confusion, I kind of started avoiding anything that doesn't look like it would answer my questions. "Guide to selecting a preamp" sounds like something to help me pick up the right one from the market, not to explain what/where it is.

I dont want to hear your excuses, you spend more time talking than reading by the looks of things.

 

[Tsun]

Guess it's easier to say when you're experienced with this, then.

 

[CFox]

Guess it's easier to say when you're experienced with this, then.

Awwww, have a boohoo.

Microphone > (Preamp > Audio Interface) > Computer.

Most Audio Interfaces have preamp ( explained properly above in my other post ) built in.

You dont need a mixer as you can do all your tone shaping ( adjustment of EQ ) once recorded.

You just want to record your mic ? Easy.

These are all USB connections and will be perfectly fine for maximum of 2 input, simultaneous recording to discrete tracks on DAW.
Mackie - Onyx Blackjack
https://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductID=53
M-AUDIO - Fast Track - Record Guitar and Vocals on Your Computer
Saffire 6 USB Audio Interfaces 2 IN / 4 OUT USB AUDIO INTERFACE FEATURING TWO FOCUSRITE PREAMPS

Search "audio interface" on eBay.

Also search same on youtube. And any other audio query you have.

 

[Tsun]

Most Audio Interfaces have preamp ( explained properly above in my other post ) built in.

I guess I'm just a noob at reading things right then, since I can't see that explained in any of your posts.

I was just getting so mixed messages from what I was reading from various sites, that it all just made me confused of what is right and what is wrong. It's really a hundred times better to hear the answer straight from someone else. But anyway I think I know what I need to do by now, so thanks for all the help.

These are all USB connections and will be perfectly fine for maximum of 2 input, simultaneous recording to discrete tracks on DAW.
Mackie - Onyx Blackjack
https://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductID=53
M-AUDIO - Fast Track - Record Guitar and Vocals on Your Computer
Saffire 6 USB Audio Interfaces 2 IN / 4 OUT USB AUDIO INTERFACE FEATURING TWO FOCUSRITE PREAMPS

Although I'm bad at saying what makes a good interface, I already had a couple in mind. Specially Tascam US-200 which I found today, but I'll have a look at those too.

 

[CFox]

I guess I'm just a noob at reading things right then, since I can't see that explained in any of your posts.

I was just getting so mixed messages from what I was reading from various sites, that it all just made me confused of what is right and what is wrong. It's really a hundred times better to hear the answer straight from someone else. But anyway I think I know what I need to do by now, so thanks for all the help.


Although I'm bad at saying what makes a good interface, I already had a couple in mind. Specially Tascam US-200 which I found today, but I'll have a look at those too.

This is the post that contained the quote explaining what a pre-amp is. I dont mean that it explained about audio interfaces and preamps.

Enter all your options into eBay to gauge prices.

Tascam200 should be fine.

Now you know about Mixers, Preamps and Audio Interfaces.

Keep in mind that a good dynamic mic is probably better than a condenser microphone in an uncontrolled ( acoustically non treated ) recording environment. The dynamic is non powered in that it doesnt need phantom power and is not as sensitive as the 48v phantom powered condenser mic. The dynamic mic will reject most off axis and background noise and this includes the reverb or sound reflections in the room. The condenser is very sensitive and will pick up most sounds in the room.

edit 48v, wtf was I thinking.