The set up

  • Thread starter Thread starter Xclusivelymade
  • Start date Start date
X

Xclusivelymade

New member
Get guys I'm new to home recording, and trying to understand each peice of equipment, and what it does and how it does it, has been a mess for me but after a longtime of planning and research I think I'm alot closer to begining my production which also a big dream of mine. I make music for the simple benefit of happiness and enjoyment, for myself and others. This is my hobby, my talent were talking about so any useful advice or cinfirmations would be greatly appreciated.

So having intrest in music I decided to purchase a fender acoustic and a casio keyboard piano, both I'm still very new to, and learning now. Since I've always written my own music, I decided it was time to upgrade from the playful little USB mic I had that I used to record my songs/covers to get a more professional feel to my music. Now I have my:
1.)Laptop
2.)TC-Helicon VoiceLive Touch Vocal processor
3.) keyboard and acoustic guitar
4.) MXL and CAD Microphone
5.) Stand/Pop filter
6.) Creative speakers
7.) phantom power supply

According to my list I feel almost confident I have all the materials to actually sit down and make something but then again I know the list varies and depends on the artist as well. Any advice please share, I'm so eager to begin I just don't know if I'm on the right track.
*no negativity please, it's a serious matter*
Thanks guys, the names Christina btw :)
 
Your vocal processor MAY work as an interface. I don't know. And it would have to work for your instrument inputs as well.

If it doesn't then you need an interface. What is the "phantom power supply" of which you speak?

And as Bane says, you'll need software to record into...
 
And Creative speakers will not be good for mixing. They are made for gaming. read the sticky thread at the top of this section of the forum for newbies on computer recording.
 
Well I bought the phantom power supply for my MXL mic because I read that It needed it, but I think that was a mistake cause I have no use for it at the moment. For right now could I use audacity software until I become more familiar with how home recording software works?
 
Xclusivelymade said:
Well I bought the phantom power supply for my MXL mic because I read that It needed it, but I think that was a mistake cause I have no use for it at the moment. For right now could I use audacity software until I become more familiar with how home recording software works?
Click to expand...

You can, but it will not really introduce you to what a fully functional DAW is capable of. Audacity is more a simple editing tool. Not good for music production.

Get Reaper and start learning what a DAW is capable of.
 
Armistice said:
Your vocal processor MAY work as an interface. I don't know. And it would have to work for your instrument inputs as well.

If it doesn't then you need an interface. What is the "phantom power supply" of which you speak?

And as Bane says, you'll need software to record into...
Click to expand...

Well I bought the phantom supply because I thought I needed it for my MXL 770 mic which I can find any use of right now, so I'll just put it away for now.. But this DAW what is it exactly? is it that control board looking piece of equipment? And I've been told to use reaper, or audacity as software to record into, So I'm looking into that.
 
DAW stands for digital audio workstation and is a software, like Reaper or Audacity that you manage your projects in. Lots of folks around here find Cubase and Reaper to meet their needs.
 
First off, do just "sit down and make something". Pick a favourite composition and record it then mix it. That will rapidly show you what you like and what you don't like about what you have--and it'll be good practice.

Now, my suggestions of what to watch for:

The TC Helicon Voicelive is just that...an effects unit for live performances. It's more expensive than you need for basic recording and doesn't do everything you need. The bit of kit you're looking for is a USB Audio Interface. There are tons out there and everyone has their favourites. I'd suggest you look at a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. This'll be able to replace both your TC Helicon and the Phantom power unit (unless you perform live and NEED the Helicon of course!) at less than half the Helicon price. If you sell the Helicon on eBay you should have enough for the Focusrite and a bottle of wine to help with inspriration! :)

The other thing the Focusrite will do for you is provide good flexible monitoring so you can listen to pre recorded tracks mixed with your voice in a set of headphones--that's something you'll discover is essential when you do your trial.

The Focusrite will come with a stripped down trial version of a DAW called Ableton but I'll join with those suggesting Reaper. It's free to try and only $60 if you decide to buy. It'll let you mix as many tracks as you'll ever need and comes with a good basic set of all the effects (EQ, compression, reverb, etc. you'll want to get started. Once you decide you need more effects, it'll run literally thousands of VST plugins (some free, some expensive and many in between). Give it a try.

You can get started with your Creative Speakers but you'll likely start to find that what sounds good on them is completely different on your iPod or car stereo--you'll gradually learn what the Creatives need to sound like to sound good elsewhere but a better set of monitors would be high on my list of things to add when you win the lottery or get a tax refund.

Lastly, a big issue with home recording is the acoustics of the room you work in--but that's a huge topic in itself. Eventually you may invest in proper acoustic treatment but initially play with where in the room you place the mic and add soft things around you--duvets or movers' blankets on a simple framework built of PVC pipe are a great beginning (more details if you want them).

Most of all, have fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top