TRUE newbie seeking HELP!!!

[companyboy]

Im thinking about building my own studio but i don't know where to start. all i wanna know right now is what kind of equipment i ABSOLUTELY NEED to start recording nice sounds WITHOUT USING A COMPUTER. nothing too complicated, and nothing too expensive. I just got a musicians friend magazine and theres so much equipment in it, i can't tell what i NEED. someone PLEEEEAAAASSEE help me.

 

[danny.guitar]

If you're not wanting to use your computer then you'll need one of those standalone recorders. I can't really recommend any as I've never used one.

Which one you get depends on how many inputs you need (how many instruments you want to record at once), and your budget.

You'll also need microphones and XLR microphone cables.

Most standalone recorders come with built in preamps (that amplify the microphone signal) and supply full 48v phantom power. 48v phantom power is required to power most condenser microphones. Most dynamic microphones don't require phantom power.

You'll want to make sure the preamps are of at least decent quality.

Then you'll need monitors/speakers and a pair of headphones for tracking.

And of course some microphone stands, and other things.

Another important thing is room treatment. This is one thing that sets apart a real studio from a home studio (studio sound vs home-recording sound). There's of course many other factors involved too...But if you just want to get started recording right away then you can set this aside for later.

It's hard to give advice when you didn't mention how many instruments you'll be recording at the same time, your budget, etc.

 

[Sal4001]

Check out the Yamaha AW1600. All you need is that and a couple of decent mics, and you're ready to go.

 

[c7sus]

Tascam Portastudio for 4-track cassette.

 

[Victor Man]

Ok it depends how much do you want or can spend, a tascam 4 track cassette mixer is really good, if you record at hi speed using Maxel XLII cassettes you'll find a great sound, and you will need a good microfone maybe chiper but good one a Shure SM 57 cost arround $90 new, but even a used one could work very well.

Victor Man

 

[dturcotte]

I agree with the AW1600 and I would also recommend some of the Roland gear too. I had a 1680 that worked very well for me before i decided to go to computer. The 1680's are going pretty cheap now on the used market, just make sure it has at least one effect card. I sold mine for $400 with 1 card.

Another are the Tascam products, I saw the 4 track mentioned but I myself would not recommend the "tape" machines. I had very bad luck with the quality and "bleeding" when bouncing. The 788 is a really nice machine as well as the 2488.

It really depends on how much you plan to record. Do you need just a few tracks because you are just recording say some vocals and guitar? Or do you plan to record a whole band? Most stand alones (and I could be wrong since I have not looked into them in a while) only allow you to record 8 tracks (8 inputs) at a time (Not that it is bad). But if you are planning on recording a full band at once, you may need a mixer with subgroups as well in or to manage tracks.

So do you want a digital recording? Or an analog recording? What do you plan to record? And how much? Those are some of the questions that need to be answered before anyone can really help with recommending the appropriate gear for your situation.

And again, as mentioned, there are many other things that will be needed:

Mics (both dynamic and possible large Diaphram for Vocs)
Monitors
Headphone(s)
Headphone amp?
Mixer?

Not much for recommendations here, but I think we need a little more info.

 

[choctaw]

Check out Tweakheadz site for info.............

Im thinking about building my own studio but i don't know where to start.

I started here at Tweakheadz site. http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
Just read all the options and instructions he has to offer. Than choose in relation to what you want to do with your recording bug.

Choctaw