What exactly do I need to record to my computer?

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Turd

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I have two computers. The one that I use for pretty much everything is a Dell XPS i7 with 16GB ram and a 240gb SSD with multiple External drives attached. The other is an iMac with an i7 and 8GB RAM.

I feel like an idiot because I actually work in IT but every time I read up or watch a vid on how to record, it seems like a lot is left out, not mentioned or whatever and I get frustrated. I only have one little Crate Amp that is for home use, a jam man solo pedal and a microphone. I want to know what all I need Hardware and software) to be able to record guitar into my computer to record and lay vocals over what was already recorded. Possibly playing the guitar over pre-recorded drums.

People say, you need a usb interface, other say you don't.

What do I need to play and record (with distortion) directly into my computer?
How do I then record vocals over what I recorded?


I know this is basic, but I swear, ever time I try to get a specific explanation, or a picture of a complete setup, something is left out. It almost feels like they think you already know a little so not mentioning something isn't a big deal, it is! All I want to do is not kill my computer, record guirtar over drum tracks then vocals. I would love for my guitar to have the distortion, as that is how I play for the post part.
 
Yeah...you need an interface of some sort...how you connect it (USB, Firewire, etc is kinda up to you and what you get).
Get one with as many channels as you ever plan on recording simultaneously.
Like if you are going to mic a drum kit with 8 mics and you want all of the mics to go to individual tracks...you need 8 channels of conversion in your interface.
You'll probably also want one that has built in preamps, unless you have standalone preamps that would come before the interface...and of course, you need some mic(s).

You also need a DAW app...something to record into on your computer.
I would say for a starter setup that will give you the mos bang-for-buck...get Reaper...seems like the go-to home-rec DAW app around here, but there are many others to choose from. Your interface might even include some "lite" version of some DAW app.

After that...you can ramp up your tools as needed...but that will get you started.

Oh..and remember, garbage in - garbage out...so don't think you can polish a Turd.
(Sorry, couldn't resist). :)
 
Either computer will do.

You want a USB Audio Interface. You don't need any more than two inputs and could probably get away with just one input.

You need software on the computer to record your audio. There are a number of choices. If you use the iMac, you already have GarageBand and can get started at least with that. I use Logic Pro, it's $200. Lots of folks here use and recommend Reaper; it's free to try and I think $60 to buy.

You will want speakers (Monitors) to listen back and mix your recordings but you can get away with headphones to start.

You need a microphone (something like a Shure SM-57 for $99), a mic cable, and a mic stand. You may want a pop filter for vocals.

I'm sure I left something out...
 
Yes, you need a USB interface and to stop a lot of handwringing, just get the Steinberg UR22 (~£100 here). If the microphone is a dynamic type and uses an XLR "balanced"*able that will plug straight into the UR22. If not, GET a microphone that does. The goto mic for guitar cabs is the Shure SM57 but if you don't want to spring another 100 quid there are plenty of mics at a third the price that will do.

The Steinberg comes with Cubase recording software and if you can deal with that great. But you may not at first so download a copy of "Audacity" (from ninite.com, very safe). Audacity will let you do a basic recording of the guitar or your voice but overdubbing will be trickier, for that you really need Cubase (or Reaper).

The process is hard to specify in print but essentially you record say some chords(and Cubase/Reaper will give you a click track to keep time with) Once you have that track laid down (and if it is a goody, save it elsewhere as well) you can use the mix control on the AI to listen to the track while you add vocals, lead breaks etc to a second track. Repeat the process ad inf (well, there IS a limit in practice!).

When you have your tracks "in the can" you can start mixing them down to a stereo pair.

There is a lot more to all this, not mentioned headphones and to get decent mixes you will need monitor speakers. Then! That will need the room treating....! But all that is for the future IF you take it seriously. You can have a lot of fun with just a mic, the AI and a pair of £20 Sennheiser cans!

*If that word has fazed you, you need to learn some basic audio theory and teensey bit of electronics.

Dave.
 
Yep, get a proper audio interface, probably USB but there are other types.

The typical small interface will combine mic preamp(s), perhaps a high impedance guitar input, data to and from the computer, some basic mixing (between the playback and the live input) and headphone and monitor outputs in one device. Usually one records using headphones (to keep the playback out of the microphones) and mixes on speakers.

As for your guitar sound, if you like what you get from your amp then just mic the amp. If not then you're looking at amp sims which adds a slight bit of complexity. It's all doable and you're in the right place for help.
 
Thanks guys!! Very helpful. Are there threads here where people have pics of their setups? Again, thanks!!
 
Turd said:
Thanks guys!! Very helpful. Are there threads here where people have pics of their setups? Again, thanks!!
Click to expand...

http://download.steinberg.net/downloads_hardware/UR22/UR22_documentation/UR22_OperationManual_en.pdf

^ Gives you the basic hook up diagram for mic and guitar plus monitoring. There is also a walk thru of recording in Cubase.

You really need to get an AI and run the software (called a DAW) to makes sense of what peeps tell you here!

BTW, do not feel bad because you are in IT but find computer recording a trial. I worked ten years for a company that made network cables and interface components. There were quite a few graduate level computer boffins around (friendly types but weird?_) but NONE of them could help me with my faltering steps into music recording. MIDI? Might as well be speaking Martian!

That was back in 2005, I am now a wee bit more clued up thanks in NO small part to the guys here and a couple of other forums (over the years I found Audio forums to get increasingly bloody and troll infested. I do hope HR resists the trend!)

Dave.
 
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