usb, compressors, and much more

[musicman1299]

i was wondering what would make my recordings a lot better

ive got a yamaha mg10 mixer, ibanez sa160 w/ emg, crate xt65r, and two dynamic mics, one a behringer, the other a nady.

im using sound forge 8 to record it all

i was wondering if it would be better if i got a usb interface to run my mixer through

i know i need to get condenser mics, but i was wondering what difference do compressers, direct boxes, and crossovers make?

 

[dmc777]

You don't need a compressor, DI, or crossover. A DI would probably help if you recorded bass through it but it wouldn't be a lot better. What kind of music are you doing? What is wrong with the quality? You should have a compressor in Soundforge but you probably don't need it.

 

[mitosis]

Definitely get some better mics, be they dynamics or condensers. Also, think about a soundcard; I'm guessing since you didn't list one you are using one designed for recording.

 

[musicman1299]

yeah, ive got an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 sound card

The sound i get sounds like a video cameras mic. I guess its just the mics?

also, would a usb interface be worth the money to get?

 

[dmc777]

What mics are you using exactly? I't shouldn't sound as bad as a video camera. Are you micing an amp or going straight to the mixer on guitar? Going direct with guitars sounds funny on sometimes.

 

[musicman1299]

im micing the amp, and running it through the mixer

the room has pretty bad acoustics though. would studio foam help?

 

[Anomaly Design]

im micing the amp, and running it through the mixer

the room has pretty bad acoustics though. would studio foam help?

Foam isn't very useful, maybe just padding for your ass!

Search this forum for fiberglass/mineral wool. Theres a thread with pure information on the subject, cofficients and absorbancy ratings plus where you can buy the stuff!

 

[mitosis]

If you are close micing, I'd said just ckip the fiberglass abosorbers for now. I have tracked in bad rooms before and got reasonable results (definitly better than video camera mics. Get better mics and everything will be solved.