Very new.... Here's what I have...

[BlackoutRick]

..Dell Laptop
Firepod
Cakewalk Home Studio or Cubase Le (came with Firepod)
Misc. Mics- looking for a used e609

I need to know where to start. I have a basic idea of how to get these programs going but mixing and effects are probably going to be a problem. I also don't know if I want to master the recording either cuz I want the "live" sound. A buddy of mine recorded us live with cubase and it came out pretty good. You can check out a live song called inferiority complex or vicious cycle at our myspace site: www.myspace.com/blackoutfrenzy

When I begin recording, I'm not looking to sound just like those recordings. I just want kick ass sounds from all the instruments and some effects used spareingly.

 

[AlexW]

You can still master a record you record live; mastering just raises the overall level and polishes the sound. Whether or not you do it yourself or have someone else do it is up to you.

How many mics do you have? How many tracks do you want to record at one time? If it's your band, I'd just start recording rehersals as practice.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Just get in there, learn how to hook it all up and spend your time reading and playing around with the gear.
You'll find that 'kick ass sounds from all the instruments' is the key to good recordings so you're on to something good there. You'll find that a good understanding of the recording/mixing process will make the most of those sounds though.

you'll probably want to tinker with the acoustics in your recording and mixing spaces (see the studio building forum for tips/advice) and you'll also want to consider a decent set of monitors.

I also don't know if I want to master the recording either cuz I want the "live" sound.

With respect I think you have a bit of a skewed idea of what mastering is. Pretty much all recordings will benefit from mastering and it's not an effects heavy process at all. It's really just critical listening and minor adjustments with eq and compression along with more practical stuff like track to track editing and track order etc.

Just take it one step at a time. I'd look into what other mics you'll need first. The search facility on this BBS is good and when you have no joy with that you can start your own threads. Generally the more specific your questions the more likely you are to get responses.

Good luck with it.

 

[BlackoutRick]

Thanks guys, for the responses. I'm still in the air on which software to use. I've seen people on this board over Cakewalk or Cubase. I guess I have both the novice versions of each so getting started shouldn't be too much of a headache.

I have a D112 on the kick, two 57s on the top toms, a 56 on the snare, a 52 on the floor tom, some Octava condenser on the high hat, and two Samson 103 or something condensers overhead (which kick major ass for $100 a piece). That adds to 8 simultaneous tracks for the firepod. How do I start this thing up? Also, I need to get a e609 for the guitars.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

How do I start this thing up?

What do you need to know that isn't in the manual?

I use a PCI interface myself but by all accounts those fireface jobbies are easy to set up- install drivers from the CD, plug it in, install software, tell OS and audio software to use the firepod for your audio and you should be away.

I'm sure there's an installation guide in the manual though.

I'd recommend Cubase because it's what I use and it's the software that comes with the interface. I'm sure Cakewalk would be just as good though to be honest. Try both and see which one you like best.

 

[BlackoutRick]

Thanks