bindog
So, I'd like to be able to just record myself playing acoustic(it's an electro-acoustic) or electric, and singing...
What do I need as a basic setup to get going?
I have a mustang amp that I could record the guitar through, but then I'm not recording voice at the same time?
I'm not familiar with recording at all, and I don't want to blow the budget out at this stage on recording gear, I just really want to fiddle around a bit..
Could the more experienced provide some opinions/advice?
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doc-phil
Your best bet is to get something like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or a Presonus Audiobox 22vsl (I have the Presonus).
Both these units have decent pre-amps and a sufficient number of I/O (ins/outs) for your needs. They both have mic/instrument inputs, so if you wanted to you could record your acoustic and vocals simultaneously (either both mic'd or guitar DI for electric). Obviously, and depending on the mics that you use, you will have to watch out for mic bleed.
AlanRatcliffe
Simplest and easiest way to capture singer/player is just to get a little handheld recording device like the Zoom or Roland units. They don't allow you to overdub, but have built in mics that capture a pretty realistic representation of what's happening in the room.
If you want to get into overdubbing so you can record guitar and voice separately and also add on other parts or instruments, it's a bit more complex. This is the way if you want to build up a home studio. Then you have two routes you can go - hardware or software. Regardless of which way you go, you'll need at least one mic to capture sound and headphones and/or monitor speakers to hear the results.
For hardware get a small multitrack recorder like a Boss BR-80 or BR-800. They have a lot of bells and whistles included like drums and backing, guitar and bass amp sims and effects. They do kind of lock you in to an all-in-one though - if you want to upgrade anything, you have to upgrade the lot.
For software you need the software plus an interface for your computer. Many interfaces come bundled with some kind of software to start with already. This is the more flexible option as you can upgrade any part at any time and easily expand with any of the thousands of software plugins, etc.
AlanRatcliffe
BTW, I see a Tascam DP 004 just popped up in the classifieds. A very basic four track hardware unit with no bells or whistles, but very simple to use.
bindog
Thanks guys!!! I am now googling like crazy ?
I think the Audio interface route might make sense to me... Get a mic, interface , and go from there? Might also learn a little bit about music production along the way?
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bindog
So this has brought me to another thought... After chatting to JT who sold me the tokai...
If I want to mic my acoustic and vocals, I'll need an interface that can accept two mic inputs concurrently...
Does that narrow my options from an interface point of view?
guitarboy2828
I actually posted the Tascam DP 004, it wouldn't let me upload the ad to the forum for some reason. It is super simple to use and has a very decent recording quality.
The only problem with the interface route is it can get a little expensive. That was my problem with it. I saved up, got an interface, then needed a decent mic, got that, but then the mic was micing my cab, so needed one for vocals too. Eventually, I gave up. That was just me though! ?
There are a ton of great interfaces that take two mics. There is an M-audio fastrack for sale on gumtree. I also saw an m-audio for sale. Both those can take two mic/line inputs. They are great interfaces.
refuogee
Please link me to the Tascam ad. I need a recorder for band pracs and want to check it out.
Otherwise good topic I also need to know a little more about getting nice sounds into a computer.
Thank you.
doc-phil
bindog wrote:
If I want to mic my acoustic and vocals, I'll need an interface that can accept two mic inputs concurrently...
Both the interfaces I referred you to have two mic inputs each.
bindog
Thanks all! Google time!!!
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AlanRatcliffe
bindog wrote:
I think the Audio interface route might make sense to me... Get a mic, interface , and go from there?
Yup
Might also learn a little bit about music production along the way?
Yup. And arrangement...
bindog wrote:
If I want to mic my acoustic and vocals, I'll need an interface that can accept two mic inputs concurrently...
Does that narrow my options from an interface point of view?
A little, but not a lot. Also, if your guitar has a pickup, you can DI that to record your scratch track while you capture your voice, then replace it with a miked performance later. Actually, you'll probably want to rerecord the voice too as the guitar will likely bleed into the vocal mic. Best results come from recording each instrument and voice separately.
refuogee wrote:
Please link me to the Tascam ad. I need a recorder for band pracs and want to check it out.
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/classifieds/?sa=view;id=4269
bindog
Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
bindog wrote:
I think the Audio interface route might make sense to me... Get a mic, interface , and go from there?
Yup
Might also learn a little bit about music production along the way?
Yup. And arrangement...
bindog wrote:
If I want to mic my acoustic and vocals, I'll need an interface that can accept two mic inputs concurrently...
Does that narrow my options from an interface point of view?
A little, but not a lot. Also, if your guitar has a pickup, you can DI that to record your scratch track while you capture your voice, then replace it with a miked performance later. Actually, you'll probably want to rerecord the voice too as the guitar will likely bleed into the vocal mic. Best results come from recording each instrument and voice separately.
refuogee wrote:
Please link me to the Tascam ad. I need a recorder for band pracs and want to check it out.
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/classifieds/?sa=view;id=4269
Thanks Alan!!!
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bindog
Hi guys
So, some progress and more questions...
I am looking at the focusrite scarlett 2i2 or 2i4, vs the m-audio mtrack stuff...
I see online a lot of discussions punting the scarletts for superior audio / preamp quality, any thoughts on this?
My requirements may have matured/narrowed a bit...
1. Ability to record through 2 inputs (must be able to run two mics at the same time if I choose to)
2. Compatible with USB - I don't have firewire hardware
3. Be able to play out to simple speakers for review and a GOOD headphone out (I bought some HD205 Sennheisers the other day, dunno how good they are, but I want a good signal to them at least) - this is where I'm wondering between the 2i2 and the 2i4 - do I need the extra two outputs?
Any views on the focusrite stuff vs the M-audio for the above requirements?
AlanRatcliffe
The Focusrites are better made and have better preamps and drivers. The 2i4 also has MIDI in and out and RCA outs (if you need either of those features), otherwise the 2i2 is a great little interface.
bindog
There is a Focusrite available online without the software cd ... Will I be able to get the required drivers online? If so I may offer a discounted amount for it!!
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bindog
Hey all...
So I've made a decision on the Focusrite 2i4 as an interface..
Now
The mic... I have found a rode nt1 second hand for
2k... Or I can get a new AKG perception 220 ...
I dunno a lot about mics... What are your opinions? I want one mic I can record vocals and acoustic with.. Maybe mic my electric cab if possible as well?
I wanna go shopping this afternoon ?
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buttle
I have fairly extensive video/audio production experience and I would say that the easiest and cheapest way forward is to get a small mixing desk (4CH) a mic or two and hook up the output to your PC.
This will also allow for an open upgrade path.
I have used the cheapest manky microphone for recording acoustic instruments and have been very surprised at the good results. Obviously if complete accuracy is important to you then the more expensive mics are going to be what you need.
There are plenty of open source audio recording apps available on the net.
Ooops...
All of the above is only relevant if you already have a computer!!
bindog
Hi I have a laptop obviously and am definitely gonna start with the USB interface option as mentioned above
Now it's really a question of which microphone ??
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