Where do I start? I think this is simple....

[cayzac]

OK, this is all I want to do....I sing at church and use contemporary Christian accompaniment CD's. I want to simply record my vocals along with these accompaniment CD's using my computer and then burn my own CD's of the finished product. Can someone point me in the right direction? What do I need as far as hardware/software? What recommendations do you have? Thanks in advance! Thanks for this site!

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

First of all........

What's your budget?

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

Also....

What are your complete computer specs.

 

[cayzac]

I haven't thought much about a budget yet but I wouldn't want to spend over $300-$400.

Dell PowerEdge 600SC
P4 2.4Ghz
512 RAM
40GB drive
cheap, cheesy sound card (I know that's gotta go)

 

[RobertN]

Your computer is good enough.

Stuff you need:

Sound Card:$100(at least)(I recommend the audiophile 2496,e-mu 0404, or the delta 44(if you have an extra $50.)
mic:$100(there are cheaper ones.)( I recommend the sm57,sm 58, or studio projects b1.)
Software Daw:$100(I think there are cheaper ones that will work for you.)(I recommend cubase se or home studio.)

That will cost somewhere around three hundred bucks. You will have to check out these products to see if they are whats best for you.

Get all of these products at a reduced price at:
www.sweetwater.com
www.zzounds.com/a--2676837
www.musiciansfriend.com
They provide free shipping and handling on most orders.

Hope I was able to help.

 

[cayzac]

So how would it work? I would connect the mic to the sound card obviously, but would I play the accompaniment cd through the computer's cd drive? Would I have to play the cd first by itself, lay that down as a track and then play it back while I sing laying down vocals on the second track? Just trying to understand the logistics since I'm not talking about using instruments. Thanks again!

 

[RobertN]

You would have to rip them from the cd onto your computer. Then import it into your recording software. Then you simply record as the song plays. I am not sure but I think you have to take your computer aloose to put in the sound card or go to a local music store.