Where do I start(please help)

[dennyDENNY]

theres probably a bunch of these threads but I want specific information. ok so i just play guitar and thats all the cridentials i have. im goin to be goin to a recording school this fall but it might be too late so maybe fall 08.

ANYWAYS i really dont know my budget because my dads paying for it but lets say $2000 (i know be jealous haha). A recording college is way cheaper so i convinced him to get me some stuff yyyyyyyyeahhhhhhhhhh man sweet. im high so bare with me..

I want to be able to record live music and I want some kind of software or whatever that has instruments on it(drums, random shit like a saxaphone or whatever and distortion) it might even be more than $2000 but just tell me what the things I need are I dont need brand names thanks peace.

 

[Tifstorey]

Ok so break it down to the bare minimum to get yourself recording.

I assume you'll be recording with a computer, so perhaps the one your using now will be ok?

Next software, you can usually get some software bundled up with an audio card, so depending on which route you want to go down with your software, determines, in a sense which sound card you get. You might want to invest in Reason if your wanting to do the rest of your compositions through the computer via a midi keyboard. Have a search for it and see if i'm on the right lines,

You'll need microphones, different amount depending on what you'll ultimately want to be recording.

You'll need a decent set of monitor speakers,

You'll need a pre amp for recording your vox.

Midi keyboard if your going for Reason.

Cables. (Always buy a few more than needed just to be safe )

So that's the basic list that will get you recording, have a search around on here and music stores for things and then come back if need be to ask opinions on different makes etc.

Good luck,

 

[dennyDENNY]

whats a MIDI keyboard, jsut an electronic keyboard? ok ive been looking at some software but like if i buy a bunch of different softwares how do i get thema ll to work together?>

 

[Tifstorey]

A MIDI keyboard is a standard electronic keyboard, but with MIDI ins/outs so you can connect to your computer via MIDI. (Search Google for it for a bit of research).

What software have you been looking at? Give us details, come on, we're musicians! We need all the info we can get

 

[Farview]

if i buy a bunch of different softwares how do i get thema ll to work together?>

You probably don't need a bunch of different programs. Just one sequencer and a bunch of plugins.

It sounds like you are starting for zero. You should probably get a basic recording interface and use the bundled software. When you outgrow that, then start looking at upgrading. If you jump right into something like Cubase SX and a 16 channel interface, you will get lost almost instantly. Start small and work your way up.

 

[dennyDENNY]

ok, im interested in getting http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Pro-Tools-1814-Package?sku=709207 what do you all think? from there what else should i get? the MIDI keyboard?

im real interested in pro tools because it seems almost all recording schools are using that as a standard. anyways more advice is very much appreciated, remember im an extreme newb so dont talk too tehcnical, thanks.

 

[Farview]

Here's the deal with Protools:

Protools only works with protools hardware. You have no choice.

Protools m-powered is a slightly hobbled version of protools LE which is a hobbled version of protools HD. Every time you want to upgrade to the next level of software, you have to buy the hardware that goes with it. The jump from LE to HD is $9000.

On the other hand, Cubase SX does everything that Protools HD does (for audio) and costs $600. Cubase also works with almost any interface you can find. You can upgrade bits and pieces without having to make a big jump to the next level. The same goes for Sonar and Samplitude. For mac, Logic and DP.

There is nothing wrong with the package you linked, it will get you up and running. Getting into protools is going to lead into a life of servitude.

 

[dennyDENNY]

ok im starting to think i dont have the money for protools. FUCK im getting agrivated. i just want to find out what i need.

OK SOME ONE TELL ME WHAT YOU WOULD GET IF YOU JUST WANTED TO RECORD YOUR GUITAR, MAKE BEATS(hip hop and rock), AND RECORD VOCALS AND YOU HAD $2000.

 

[yesbergerman]

what are you looking for?

first of all i would use ebay. i've always had good luck there, for a much cheaper price.

i have a mackie mixer 1640 with firewire that i got on ebay for 1000 and it works great (with firewire). plug it into your computer maybe with cubase LE, but the program that comes with it is actually decent somewhat.

then get some mics.


thats how i would go about it.. it leaves you with LOTS of options for the future. you're looking at the mixer + mic and other equipment costs.

i'm new to and this is what i did and its great.

 

[yesbergerman]

actualy

considering i just read your post little more thrououghly, you might just want a 2 track thing. and get a program like fruity loops to make your beats.or get a midi keyboard because then you could use that with all sorts of sequencers to make beats, or melodies.