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Post by Tommy Boy on Aug 12, 2008 17:24:17 GMT -7
All,
I have been thinking about doing some recording in my basement. I read the threads on recording and unfortunately my question is even more basic.
I play almost exclusively in my basement now but have played with a few others as of late and hope to continue to increase the face time with others in the near future. However, I will always spend a majority of time going solo.
I currently have a drum machine (SR-18) and use that to supply the bass/percussion. I was thinking about using a hand held recorder to do some simple recording of the guitar, drum machine and vocals. In addition, I also wanted to record myself so I could do a little self evaluation.
I was thinking about a hand held recorder but started to freak out because there are a lot of ways to record (multi-track, hand-held, computer, etc) and now I am clueless which way to head. I am trying to avoid heading down one hardware/software route only to find out I should have gone another way after I spent the cash.
Any suggestions based on my situation from the group? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
Tom
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Aug 12, 2008 18:27:33 GMT -7
Do you have a PC available to you in the basement? If so that would be the easiest and cheapest route, but also has the best long-term expandability. You can get an interface for a couple hundred dollars that lets you plug in a mic or two and record in stereo using either supplied software or free software such as Audacity.
If you don't have a PC, then you're probably going to have to spend a bit more money to get a stand alone recorder.
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Post by sae2111 on Aug 13, 2008 5:13:49 GMT -7
Something else to consider is how much editing you plan on doing. If the extent of your recording is going to be "record" and "erase", you might be happy with a small stand alone recorder. Benttop hit the nail on the head - you're going to have more options to expand in the long run with a computer. But, you may also find you quickly have much more going on than you want. Can you talk a bit more about your expectations for your future recording rig?
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Post by Tommy Boy on Aug 13, 2008 9:53:09 GMT -7
Thanks guys.
I do not have a computer in the basement and the ones we do have we share and as a result I can't take one of them out of circulation by putting it downstairs. I would love to buy a new Mac for use downstairs but that is a whole lot of cash...
I can't imagine myself doing a lot of editing. I can see myself doing a lot of recording and erasing and making some CD's to listen to. I also might have a few people over for a session and want to record it and put it on a CD. That would be the extent of it. Does that change/cement anyone's thinking?
Thanks,
Tom
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Aug 13, 2008 10:29:59 GMT -7
Thanks guys. I do not have a computer in the basement and the ones we do have we share and as a result I can't take one of them out of circulation by putting it downstairs. I would love to buy a new Mac for use downstairs but that is a whole lot of cash... I can't imagine myself doing a lot of editing. I can see myself doing a lot of recording and erasing and making some CD's to listen to. I also might have a few people over for a session and want to record it and put it on a CD. That would be the extent of it. Does that change/cement anyone's thinking? Thanks, Tom It actually does, because it raises some questions you may not have considered. Most of the budget recorders available record two tracks at a time. How would you get all your buds on there? One way is via a mixer. You can put mics up to each guys amp and mix it all down to two tracks to record live. There's no undo with this, but I've done it and managed respectable results. I've also mangled it pretty badly doing it this way too. If you want to record everyone on their own track, you're talking a lot more money, but it gives you way more flexibility. If this were the case, you could spend as much with a stand alone recorder as buying a used PC to do it.
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Post by sae2111 on Aug 13, 2008 21:00:59 GMT -7
You could pick up a used mac for 400-500 that would probably keep you recordings for years. But, for all I know, that's twice your anticipated budget. It's going to sting regardless. I've found recording to be much worse than playing music as far as drain on the finances goes. You think it never ends with guitars and amps...... Recording is a much bigger sink hole. That being said, I think you're more likely to outgrow a small recording setup, and it will happen more quickly than with guitars. If you get into recording at all, you're going to want multi-track, and you're going to want more options than a budget stand alone recorder will offer. Bite the bullet early on, save some cash, and get a decent computer-based rig going.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Aug 13, 2008 21:05:58 GMT -7
You could pick up a used mac for 400-500 that would probably keep you recordings for years. But, for all I know, that's twice your anticipated budget. It's going to sting regardless. I've found recording to be much worse than playing music as far as drain on the finances goes. You think it never ends with guitars and amps...... Recording is a much bigger sink hole. That being said, I think you're more likely to outgrow a small recording setup, and it will happen more quickly than with guitars. If you get into recording at all, you're going to want multi-track, and you're going to want more options than a budget stand alone recorder will offer. Bite the bullet early on, save some cash, and get a decent computer-based rig going. Nothing to argue with there! +1
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Post by Tommy Boy on Oct 28, 2008 7:50:39 GMT -7
Thanks. I have had a few months to think about this and have decided to go with the wisdom of the board and get a Mac (laptop to be specific). With that in mind, anybody have any recommended interfaces/equipment that will take me from guitar to hard drive (mic, analog converter, software, etc.)?
Thanks,
Tom
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 28, 2008 8:18:32 GMT -7
Go to www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/12155/Recording.html and click on Computer Audio » Computer Audio Hardware » Audio Interfaces » FireWire then use the dropdown to sort by price. You'll see that you can get interfaces anywhere from $99 to $2495 - somewhere in there is your price point.
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Post by Tommy Boy on Nov 5, 2008 5:56:01 GMT -7
Thanks. I think I know what I am going with from the Mac and input device now that I have researched it for a while. Now all I need is a mic suggestion. Will be used in my basement. Most use will be for recording acoustic guitar and/or my Jr (maybe some singing). Maybe and all-around mic if they exist? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tom
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 5, 2008 6:51:56 GMT -7
Wow, there's a bazillion great mics out there that will cover what you're trying to do. My only hands-on experience is with the Rode NT-1 - a GREAT mic for just about everything. I also have some AKG C3000's and an AKG C-1000 and they are all pretty good too, but I like the Rodes better.
The thing is, with recording, garbage in, garbage out. So you should get the absolute best mic you can afford.
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Post by sae2111 on Nov 7, 2008 11:32:44 GMT -7
If your priorities are acoustic and vocals, I'd point you towards a large diaphragm condenser. Again, as you progress, you're going to find certain mics that you like for certain tasks. I've never used an NT-1, but Rode has a reputation for making good mics at good prices. Not too long ago I found a used Audio Technica 4033 for $200. Not bad for the money. If you're going to go with something new, I'd call sweetwater. They have EXCELLENT customer service and can help you pic a mic.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 7, 2008 12:31:49 GMT -7
+1 for Sweetwater.
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