Stupid Questions

[OverTheHills]

Ok I've never recorded in my life and I've been trying to learn by reading off this forum and the website. I have a couple of questions. Do you think it would be better to start on a standalone multitrack unit, or by using a computer to record? I've been thinking of getting an Alesis HD24 as my first recorder but I'm not sure. If I got an HD24 would I just plug the mics in at the back and record? And would I need a mixer to mix after I've done the recording? If I went with a computer, I think it would cost me more money since I would have to buy a brand new computer, monitors, software, and the mics. That's why I was leaning towards the HD24. I know these are all stupid questions, but I'm just getting started and it's all pretty confusing. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Tifstorey]

I think the most important question is, what will you ultimately be wanting to record?

Let us know that and we'll try to give you some pointers,

 

[choctaw]

You always keep adding to what you know..it never ends.

Do you think it would be better to start on a standalone multitrack unit, or by using a computer to record?

It's not stupid when you ask questions...HOW else would you learn anything. If you get the stand alone unit, you will only have the task of learning how to use that equipment. If you know nothing about a computer then you have two GREAT big beasts to master at the same time. The computer alone can be very challenging to say the least if you are new to it. Any way you go, you can use what you learn about recording and apply it to the next step. I believe there are always more steps. You get one thing going... then hear of another option. Here is a good place to read about what you can do and the stuff you need to accomplish it when learning to record sound. http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

 

[OverTheHills]

I'll be recording my band. So I'll have to be able to record guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and probably some keyboard.

 

[cusebassman]

This is quite the task.

I'll try and make this as brief as possible

So, you will need to record a full band. This will take a decent number of channels. The Alesis HD24 provides 24 mono channels, but doesn't have built-in preamps. So, for every mic you want to run into a channel, you will need a mic preamp. These can be purchased for any amount of money per channel, but it can get pricey since you need so many channels, all recording at once.

Also, if you go the HD24 route, you will have no way of monitoring the sound to make sure what is getting recorded on each channel is what you want, unless you buy a mixing console, at the very least for said monitoring. The HD24 will let you export your tracks to computer though, so after the fact you could do your final mixes in-the-box.

If you go straight for computer recording, you have to take a computer the gig, but you also won't have to haul a rack of pre's, the HD24, and a mixing desk (one with 24 mono channels is beastly for haulin around, take my word for it ). You would have to buy an interface with enough mic inputs to accomodate, but I think that will wind up cheaper than buying the HD-24, a mixing console (I guess optional if you are that confident of your mic placing technique), and enough pre's to cover all the channels.

Feel free to ask more specifically about any of these issues, I'm here all week

 

[daav]

I'll be recording my band. So I'll have to be able to record guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and probably some keyboard.

all at once or can you do it in parts?

what kind of space do you have to record in?

What is your budget?

why aren't you going to a studio? The learning curve and expense to put together a 24 track recording facility will for sure be more than goign to a studio with a decently rehearsed band and having a pro help you record.

Unlike brewing one's own beer, it is nearly impossible to recreate at home the quality you get from the pro's. people tend to do it out of a mental condition and too much disposable income.

Not to be discouraging though, if you have a mental condition as well you are welcomed to the club.

Daav

 

[OverTheHills]

all at once or can you do it in parts?

what kind of space do you have to record in?

What is your budget?

why aren't you going to a studio? The learning curve and expense to put together a 24 track recording facility will for sure be more than goign to a studio with a decently rehearsed band and having a pro help you record.

Unlike brewing one's own beer, it is nearly impossible to recreate at home the quality you get from the pro's. people tend to do it out of a mental condition and too much disposable income.

Not to be discouraging though, if you have a mental condition as well you are welcomed to the club.

Daav

I was thinking of doing it in parts. The space I have to record in is a pretty good size, I could fit a lot of equipment. My budget is $2000. I didn't really ever think of going to a studio, that's a good idea though. But I'd probably feel rushed because don't they charge a certain amount per hour?That's why I was thinking of making a home studio. So I could have all the time to make a song sounds exactly the way I want.

 

[daav]

But I'd probably feel rushed because don't they charge a certain amount per hour?That's why I was thinking of making a home studio. So I could have all the time to make a song sounds exactly the way I want

For now, let's just look into this. The first onsideratio will be room. Read through threads here the first answer to most "here is a list of $10000 worth of gear, what should i get next?" questions is "is your room treated".

The thing about recording is that it is easier to get accurate than it is to get good. Which is to say that very accessible gear can produce recordings that really show how crappy your instruments or playing can get and more importantly how bad an acoustic space your room can get.

read the studio building forum a bit to get a feel for the kinds of lengths people go through to get their recording space to not sound like crap. accuracy reveals flaws, and that can be really frustrating when you have blown your budget getting accuracy, then you need to reinvest to get good sounds. Professional studios already ahve this investment and the gear and someone who knows that if you stick the mic 3 inches to the left, it will sound sweeter. As for the cost and time, if you band is well rehearsed it is a matter of how well you can play your tunes in the studio.

That said you can do a lot of DIY stuff to acoustically treat your space, and for $2000 you could get a really nice start on a home studio. The time it takes to learn the tricks and experiment is the next factor, and it sounds liek time is what you got.

Daav

 

[underp]

I want you to watch this before any purchase.

http://www.amazon.com/Roger-McGuinn...8-3296131?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1175202534&sr=1-2


Then, you'll be able to make a decision about what you need.
( the standalone recorder or the computer ).


I garantee you'll come back to the forum, asking for professional advice.

It will not show how how to record a full band, but it will show you the principles, so you can go up from there.

 

[creepy666]

I just can't figure it out

ok, i have magix music studio 10 deluxe. I have tried for several months to playback while recording, and the other day, i actually got it working, so i know my sound card will let me playback what i have already done while recording the vocal track. I had it working, but now it is recording the music into the vocal track. i don't recall changing anything, either in my pc controls or my program. someone please advise on how to get back to being able to playback my work, while recording new tracks. i have an emachines t3418 desktop pc, with a realtek sound card. i am so close to doing my album, and yet feel so far away.