Starting off, but need a little guidance.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Macpb
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Macpb

New member
Hello,
I'm starting to get into recording, mostly because if I don't record my material, I'll probably forget it or something like that, and I'd like to be able to have my songs recorded as a keepsake kind of thing.

I will be getting Sonar shortly, and that's about all I'll have. I plan on purchasing a Shure mic.. probably the SM-57, since I play a couple different brass instruments, and I figure it'll work okay for vocals until I decide I need a 'vocal' mic.

It would seem all I need now if a way to connect my instruments to the computer. I'm kind of on a tight budget, so something simple would be nice. I really have no idea what I need for this, so I'll really need some guidance. Would I need some kind of pre-amp for the microphone? is that built into w/e this adapter is, or do i need something seperate, or... well, I have no idea.

Basically, after Sonar and a Microphone, what do I need to make some decent recordings on a budget?

I apologize for being vague. I appreciate any input, thanks.
 
To get a mic'd signal into Sonar (and back out) you need some kind of analog/digital converter. The sound card on your computer may have one - but these are rarely high quality.

There are several A/D converters on the market (you'll have to do some research). Many A/D converters (not talking "sound cards" )have a preamp (the quality may vary). But there are many companies that sell a small single channel pre for as little at $80 or so (Art, Behringer, etc).

Although a 57 doesn;t need phantom power - I would recommend using a pre, just to help get a better signal.

What else do you need? When the sound comes back out, some way to monitor it (speakers). As long as your A/D has stereo out (to monitor in stereo) - Sonar has a software mixer. I'll assume you will burn CD's on the same computer - so you won't need much more ---- at first.

However, be prepared, within a year, you will want to upgrade everything and will soon have $20,000 tied up, but will that be enough? Oh no it won't, you want more, and more and more gear.

Run now, while you still can (I mean run to the nearest music store:o )
 
You'll need to, at least, get a new soundcard.....

Take a look at the M-Audio cards.
 
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