What All Do I Need To Start? I'm lost...

[7method]

I've been lurking for quite some time around the homerecording site and bulletin board and so far, none of the content has really helped me. Bear with me here...
My Basic Computer Specs... (whether you need them or not )

OS : Windows XP SP2
Processor : Intel Pentium 4, 3.00 GHZ
Memory : 256 DDR2 SDRAM
Hardrive: 80 GB
Sound Card: SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio

So far I've gathered I need a Microphone, Preamp, and a bunch of cables. Am I correct on this? This begins a new line of questions...

What is a preamp? Where does a preamp plug into my computer? What exactly does a preamp do?

Is there anything specific I should look for in a Mic? What's Phantom Power? Where do I plug in the Mic? In the preamp?

What's the difference between a preamp and a mixer? Do I absolutely positively need a mixer? What's a mixer do, anyway?

Is there a port in the back of my computer that I can plug instruments directly into? IE - A midi keyboard? If so, is this safe? Will it damage my soundcard in any way?

I've been recording with a cheap Labtec computer microphone, with Kristal audio editor. Needless to say... it sounds awful. So I decided to see what I could do recording at home, I was (and Am) overwhelmed.

So I guess I'm looking for answers to my said questions, along with equiptment recomendations. I really can't spend over $150 or so on all this hardware. Is is possible to record halfway decent quality music with that ammount? Thank you all who took the time to read all that and help me, in advance. I appreciate it.

 

[AlexW]

In brief:

You need a sound card capable of input from standard balanced audio cables (XLR (standard 3-pin mic cable) or 1/4-in TRS phono type cable). Some come with a high impedance 1/4-in connector that you could plug a guitar directly into. This should be a decent type meant for pro-audio recording. You'll then need a program on you computer to handle the recording of signals in, editing and mixing of tracks you've recorded. There are a bunch available.

A preamp boosts the signal from your microphone to raise it's gain going into your computer/soundcard. You'd plug the microphone into the preamp, adjust the gain, and connect the preamp output to your soundcard.

A mixer contains a series of preamps on individual channels. Suffice to say you won't need an external mixer initially if you want to record and mix on your computer.

 

[Richard Monroe]

OK, I'll bite-
1. What's a preamp? A box that raises the weak output of a mic to line level, so it's strong enough to be recorded.
2. Where does the preamp plug in to a computer? Into a line level input of a soundcard that is built for external sources.
3. Is there anything specific I should look for in a mic? One that is durable, respected, and affordable. One that is built to record whatever you are recording.
4. What's phantom power? Electrical energy/signal sent back up the mic cable to power a mic which needs it, usually, but not always, a condenser mic. Usually 48 volts.
5. Where do I plug in the mic? The "mic input" of the preamp (not the mic input on the soundcard, which is meant for a computer mic, a whole different animal, which, as you have heard already, is not appropriate for recording).
6. What's the difference between a preamp and a mixer? A mixer is a box with 2 or more preamps and one or more outputs, called busses, that combines 2 or more signals into one, and allows you to "mix" them, or combine them, setting the relative levels wherever you want them. They usually allow you a lot more flexibility in combining signals and sending them to different outputs (routing), but the preamps usually aren't the best. They are most useful when recording a lot of different things at once.
7. Do I need a mixer? Not necessarily. You can record an entire album with 1 or 2 channels, one thing at a time.
8. Is there a port in the back of my computer where I can plug in instruments? Only if you have a soundcard with a high-z (high impedence or instrument input, often used for guitars). MIDI is a whole different ball game. MIDI is a way to use a device, often a keyboard, to activate sounds that are already stored in your computer (samples). It doesn't actually record anything.
9. Is it possible to record halfway decent sounds with $150? No. It's about as possible as buying a halfway decent car for $150. Sorry- in your dreams.- Richie

 

[livilaNic]

Well as I understand phantom power. It boost the signal of condenser mic's (or any mic that needs to be powered in order to work) If your recording guitars (micing your amp) you can just get a dynamic mic (non-powered). Theres another thing you can check out too. The Line6 POD http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/s=mics/search/detail/base_pid/482197/ . I've always heard to stay away from the soundblaster series of sound cards. A cheap ( from what I understand) sound card is the E-mu 0404 http://www.etcetera.co.uk/products/EMU005.shtml. For 150 I don't think you can do much :S. But for another 100 you can start laying tracks. Decent atleast. A good mixer for cheap is the Yamaha MG10/2 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/s=mixers/search/detail/base_pid/630048/. As for the microphone the Shure SM57 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/s=mics/search/detail/base_pid/270102/ is the mic of choice for most users. Hope this helps.






L8er,
livilaNic

P.S.
Grr you posted that as I was writin mine pfft!!! Im not deleting it though.




OMFG!!!
This took me way too long!!!
Many, many,many,many EDITS!