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Post by lawliet on Jun 7, 2014 14:06:22 GMT -7
Hey everyone, Im completely new to this so bear with me. I want to start recording with microphones instead of the usb adapter of my fender mustang 1 amp. At the guitar store today an employee showed me the Steinberg - CI1 - 2 I/O Audio Interface and told me it had better sound quality than just a usb mic. Is this true? would a usb mic and an audio interface sound noticeably different? He said that the interface records at 24Hz or something and and something else only records at 16Hz. Any help or clarity would be greatly appreciated
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Post by KeithA on Jun 7, 2014 16:29:01 GMT -7
I've just started the path to doing some recording as well. Some of the recent threads just before this one relate to me buying some new microphones.
There are a few people here who can help. The most notable would be roscoenyc as he actual owns/operates a recording facility in New York. I'm sure he'll chime in at some point.
In a nutshell, though, you can get better recordings with mics vs the USB input (direct). However, like anything, there are variables that have to be done right.
You might want to look at the threads just below this one regarding mic selection as it may be better to go another route than the USB mic.
Additionally, what the store clerk was likely referring to was 16 bit vs 24 bit recording as yes, if done, properly, 24 bit can be better and have more 'depth'. However, somebody who is skilled at recording and using 16 bit will be able to smoke someone who is not experienced and using 24 bit. Along the way you'll hear the term 'garbage in......garbage out' a lot !
do a little research and I think you'll find that if you spend a few extra dollars on a cople decent mics you'll be able to get some good recordings. Roscoe et al have recommended a few good ones for me along the way and I'm in the process of acquiring those now.
Cheers
Keith
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2014 4:55:43 GMT -7
A USB mic has a built in A to D (analog to digital) convertor. Convertors are very critical to audio quality. Many of the USB mics only record at low res levels like 44.1/16 Some do go higher.
An audio interface like the Stienberg one you mention is a hub for your home studio, you connect the speakers to it, you can plug in microphones and DI's. It's more flexible that the USB microphone route. The Steinberg UR22 has a lot more power and includes the recording software for an extra $50.
The next step up would be the Avid Fast Track Duo which they are blowing out at sweet water for $200. This one comes bundled with ProTools Express software.
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Post by lawliet on Jun 8, 2014 9:53:41 GMT -7
Thanks for the replies guys! My friend uses a blue yeti to record guitar and then he went with an apogee thing that plgs directly into his mac because he says that sounds better. For recording guitar, how necessary is it to use two or more mics? I just bought an amp so Im trying not to spend that much more money, especially if I might get an interface. Roscoe do you think the extra 50$ is worth it for the ur22?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2014 13:03:36 GMT -7
A couple questions first
What are your recording goals? Do the involve collaboration? If so, what are your friends using?
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Post by lawliet on Jun 9, 2014 9:46:03 GMT -7
I want to record mainly just guitar, vocals arent a priority and my friend has a blue yeti but he says he doesnt like it for guitar so it might even be sold by now. Ive heard the shure sm57 is the place to start and a really safe bet
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Post by KeithA on Jun 9, 2014 14:16:27 GMT -7
I want to record mainly just guitar, vocals arent a priority and my friend has a blue yeti but he says he doesnt like it for guitar so it might even be sold by now. Ive heard the shure sm57 is the place to start and a really safe bet Lol...... See this thread where Roscoe et. al. Helped me out... ztalk.proboards.com/thread/62550/bluebird-audio-blue-micI just bought a Bluebird blue large diaphragm condenser and I'm starting to record some guitar. There are some great recommendations here for mics for acoustic guitar, electric, etc and these are some pretty cost-effective approaches. Keith
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2014 17:48:12 GMT -7
The Apogee stuff is really nice, but will only run on a Mac. I use the Duet, which gets you two mic/line inputs. The preamps are pretty nice, and the converters are pretty sweet. I've been able to get a lot of quality sounds down (if not always a quality performance). I used to have a Presonus Firestudio, which was Ok, but not nearly as nice as the Duet. Roscoe is quite right about USB mics- I have a Blue Snowball, and the interface/nice mic setup kills it in all applications.
FWIW, I can't imagine needing a nicer piece than the Duet for my needs, which is just recording stuff in the basement.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 6:07:37 GMT -7
I want to record mainly just guitar, vocals arent a priority and my friend has a blue yeti but he says he doesnt like it for guitar so it might even be sold by now. Ive heard the shure sm57 is the place to start and a really safe bet So no collaboration? Taking tracks to friends house or studio to overdub? Just putting down guitar tracks? Trying to zero in on this for you.
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Post by lawliet on Jun 10, 2014 7:43:53 GMT -7
I want to record mainly just guitar, vocals arent a priority and my friend has a blue yeti but he says he doesnt like it for guitar so it might even be sold by now. Ive heard the shure sm57 is the place to start and a really safe bet So no collaboration? Taking tracks to friends house or studio to overdub? Just putting down guitar tracks? Trying to zero in on this for you. For now no collaboration, this will be mostly just me, doin ma thang
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 8:07:35 GMT -7
USB mic would be the absolute cheapest solution. You need some sort of recording program to get it into your computer so that's why the interfaces that come with DAW software (Digital Audio Workstation) are a good deal. If you have a Mac you already have Garageband which is a fine place to start. I've only used PC's in internet cafes and a couple daunting home recording situations so I don't know what PC people do to record.
SM57 is probably the most recorded guitar microphone in history but with that you would need an interface with a mic pre-amp to get you into the computer.
I'm not that good at advising folks on how to record the cheapest way:)
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Post by lawliet on Jun 10, 2014 9:48:06 GMT -7
Thanks roscoe, I wouldnt mind spending a bit more for an interface. For a beginner like me, would I be able to take advantage of an interface or would it be the same as just getting a usb mic?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 10:07:57 GMT -7
Well, the interface would let you use any microphone , connect speakers , headphones, go direct. More options.
What computer are you going to use ?
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Post by lawliet on Jun 10, 2014 11:29:27 GMT -7
My PC, a gateway NV59. Ive heard good things about reaper and its free, is that a good program ?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 13:58:43 GMT -7
People like Reaper. I have no experience with it. But, free is free and the company doesn't owe you anything (support)
A lot of companies have software that is free bundled with their interfaces. That way you at least have a relationship with the company and you can expect to get support when you need it. To a lot of my clients (I do consultant work setting up studios and home studios) I recommend buying at least something from Sweetwater now and again. They have terrific tech support and we'll really go the distance to help you solve a problem, wherever it is.
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