What else do I need to record sound? (gifting a singer)

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dl77002

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I'm looking to buy a microphone set for my girlfriend for Christmas, she plays acoustic guitar and sings - recording both using only a laptop mic. I'm sort of strapped for cash, but this being our first Christmas together - I definitely want to impress.

My background lies in video production and post-production, I'm afraid I don't know much about recording sound.

I certainly know I want to get her the MXL 990/991 Recording Microphone Package. However, I don't know what exactly will be needed in order to plug all of this into her laptop to record. It seems to me that I'll need to buy the necessary cables, but there's a 'Yahoo! Answers' post that has me a bit confused.

The quote about this package says:
'This is a good package because it comes with 2 condenser microphones and an audio interface. The audio interface will act as a 2-channel preamp with +48v phantom power (a requirement for most condenser microphones) that interfaces with your computer as assignable inputs.'

What exactly does this mean? What else would need to be purchased in order to plug both of these into a laptop to simultaneously record guitar and vocals?

Thanks so much in advance for any help anyone can offer. :-)
 
That should do it.

The interface should plug into the computer with a USB cable. Check to make sure it isn't firewire, if so the computer will need to have a firewire input. (I highly doubt it but check)

She will need headphones for recording and at some point monitors, but you can get those later after shes recorded for a while.

She will also need DAW software which can be gotten for free to start if it isn't included in the bundle.
 
Please give us details/link on the package you reference. It says it includes an interface, that's what is needed to record 2 condensor mics to the computer (besides recording software, cables, etc). If your gf is not technically oriented she may quickly get frustrated with computer recording, in which case a stand-alone recorder like the Zoom h4N might be a better option.
 
Thanks so much guys. I don't think it actually comes with an interface though...

www[dot]musiciansfriend[dot]com/recording-microphone-packages/mxl-990-991-recording-microphone-package#productDetail
 
$70 is a good price for 2 budget mics like that. But it won't do her/you any good without an audio interface, DAW, cables and mic stands.
What's your total budget for the gift at this time? You might do better giving her a Guitar Center (or other music place) gift card.
 
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