Where do I start? PC recording.

Portsound570 · 28th December 2003

I am not loooking for too flashy of recording quality but I want an easy way to get good recordings onto my computer.
I want to make demo quality recordings. I have a laptop with all the usb/firewire inputs.

I need to find out what hardware/software combination to buy. ask me questions if I did not give you a clear account of what I am looking for.

cdog · 28th December 2003

How'd you wind up here

To be honest this is not a beginners forum tutt but we're all nice folks and we'll help you out anyway!

I recently helped a friend set up something similar. I assume you have a PC. Let get... er... prudent!

M-Audio MobilePre USB - $149

Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 - $89

Marshal MXL 990 - $59 (musiciansfriend.com blowout)

Not too slutty but it'll get you going for under $300!

Not sure sure if you need a mic or what, but a budget condenser should do the trick for basics.

You should go to these sites for basic information that will be more helpful to you at this point:

acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/

http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

You will understand the concept "latency" very soon though!

Portsound570 · 28th December 2003

I was eyeing up some M-audio stuff.
I know about cakework.
And I will have to find out What the MXL is. Luckily I have a catalog w/ me.

I have creativity and drive to do this stuff I just need to learn how to record. When I get good at using this setup I will be ready to learn more stuff so it works out. So have most of these guys gone to school for recording?

Thank you for the resources.

Jason Poulin · 29th December 2003

hey Portsound,

Hang around here for a while and you'll have plenty of schooling.

Take advantage of the search option and really benifit for this site.

You'll need to start with a multi track recorder which can be PC or software. Learn how to use it, and how to process your signals.

Then move on to mics and preamps. Start small then buy one piece at a time, one that may be able to record many sources.

take a look at the Aadvark Q10 for soundcard/converter/preamp, at this point, it will be the most important thing you have after an audio workstation.

With that and a decent mic (300-500$ should be decent for you) you'll be well on your way. Absorb what's on this site, but remember this is a more advance site so you may want to check for more beginner forums (I can't think of any on the top of my head but google.com it and you're in)

Hopefully in time, you'll be one hell of a Gearslut!

Good luck
Jason

RyanR · 29th December 2003

Portsound570,

Your question is very open ended.

There are many capable software sequencers out there; it's really just up to you what you want. The great thing is you can demo a lot of them - so demo as many as you can and pick the one you like best. If you don't know how to use it, d/l the manual, go to the help menu, search google for a tutorial on it, or go to the specific user group/list for it and ask questions - problem solved. In other words, don't just sit there - get your hands dirty. Here are a few you might wanna check: ProTools LE, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Acid, Live, Digital Performer, Reason, Samplitude, Cakewalk HS, Fruityloops, etc, it just goes on and on.

There are also many capable USB/firewire soundcards out there. If you're a beginner, figure out how many inputs/outputs you need, and if you need any preamplifiers (pre's) - that depends on what you're gonna record. The options are endless here. Again, just get something and start getting your hands dirty.

Really, you need to read, research, learn, and then repeat. Once you get gear continue by recording, analyzing, learning, and then repeating (or not repeating if it's not right). There are a million things that go into great recordings, and if you're expecting to step right up and make "demo quality" recordings, well, that's probably not gonna happen. Gear allows you to record, and does effect quality, but in the end, it's your experience/knowledge that will allow you to make "demo quality" recordings. So start getting that experience and worry about the "demo quality" recording later - hell, in a few years you'll understand that a "demo quality" recording only partially depends on your sequencer and soundcard anyway.

Jason Poulin · 30th December 2003

http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/forums.htm

here's a link that should get you on your way.

there's a good home recording forum you might want to scope out.

Jason

johnnyblotter · 5th January 2004

definitely check out this site

www.audioforums.com

it's pretty much a DAW builders site, but people are real cool about answering beginner questions.

Bastiaan · 5th January 2004

If you decide to get anything protools, check the DUC

It's the Digidesign User Conference, and a lot of stuff gets discussed there. Its much like here, but usually aimed at a lower budget. Maybe interesting if you decide to get anything not protools, but i doubt it. Anyway...check out for yourself.

(If i crossed the line here by advising another forum...let me know please.)

excellrec · 6th January 2004

MOst importantly i think you should tell us what type of music you are trying to make. Although demo'ing may sound like a good idea for programs i think a beginner will probabkly just end up scratching his/her head trying to figure out how to do anything in one let alone figuring out which one is better.

Choosing where you start out is a very crucial time because the things you start out with could leave you with a natural inclination towards thenm the rest of your life (i know it has for me, and look at some of these guys and tape

) thus forging part of your sound based on they're abilities and so forth. This of course carries different weights depending on how influential the gear inherently is in the music your making.

I would suggest figuring out what your influences use, what people with the type of sound your looking for have been using. Then maybe ask people around here about it. Meanwhile if you gotta start out somewhere the suggestions above sound good to me.

rockum · 6th January 2004

Instead of cakewalk I would recommend you try out Tracktion. I've used a lot of host and this one is my favorite in many ways. Plus it's only $80 and runs on PC and Mac OS X.

neilsby · 10th January 2004

I've been in the game for a year and wanted something easy to use, and capable of recording to demo quality, but not limiting me, so i went for:

Carillon PC - 2.6ghz, 512mb RAM, 2x120Gb Hard Drives, 19inch Monitor, 2 CD-RW Drives and Zip Drive.

MOTU 828mkII Audio Interface - 96khz/24bit.

Focusrite Platinum Penta (channel strip, compressor).

M-Audio Duo (use for pre-amps)

Tannoy Reveal monitors

Logic Audio Platinum 5.3

B&W 602 S2 Speakers

Sennheiser HD590 headphones (open-back)

AKG 271 Headphones

Rotel Amp and HDCD Player.

1x SM58
3x SM57
1x SM57 beta
1x AKG SE300b (cardioid cap)
1x D112
2x AKG C3000b
1x Studio Projects C1
1x AKG C1000

When i record drums i borrow either a Soundcraft Ghost mixer or an Aardvark Q10, but i'm looking for an 8-channel strip as my next purchase.

Hope that helps.

neilsby · 10th January 2004

Just added a pair of JBL LSR25Ps to that list. :D, (I'm monitoring in a very very small student house style room!) Probably won't need a woofer with them and at £299.99 for a PAIR NEW, it was a bit of a deal!

Portsound570 · 28th January 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by excellrec
MOst importantly i think you should tell us what type of music you are trying to make. Although demo'ing may sound like a good idea for programs i think a beginner will probabkly just end up scratching his/her head trying to figure out how to do anything in one let alone figuring out which one is better.

Choosing where you start out is a very crucial time because the things you start out with could leave you with a natural inclination towards them the rest of your life (i know it has for me, and look at some of these guys and tape jump ) thus forging part of your sound based on they're abilities and so forth. This of course carries different weights depending on how influential the gear inherently is in the music your making.

I would suggest figuring out what your influences use, what people with the type of sound your looking for have been using. Then maybe ask people around here about it. Meanwhile if you gotta start out somewhere the suggestions above sound good to me.

I am into metal/rock/punk/hardcore all that has heavy guitars and double bass drumming, shouted vocals.

Yeah I am hearing you. I will have to talk to some of my friends who know some people who record my style of music.

CV7 · 28th January 2004

I personally would stay away from the M-Audio stuff, really crappy IMO. I would go for the Lynx cards, which are much higher in sound quality.

Portsound570 · 28th January 2004

I am working with a laptop as of the moment. just a reminder

Portsound570 · 28th January 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Randall
Notice how nobody is recomending any analog gear at all?
especially for a guy wants to cut Hard Rock?
Interesting! Disturbing!! Frightening!!!

The money is still invested. putting thought into this. it is a short while till I start buying. to record with I want to also be able to get into a little more than just a normal demo.

I want to do some looping like second and solo guitar parts, group vocals, maybe even just record vocals altogether. this is my interest

28th December 2003	#1
Portsound570 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 42 Thread Starter	Where do I start? PC recording. I am not loooking for too flashy of recording quality but I want an easy way to get good recordings onto my computer. I want to make demo quality recordings. I have a laptop with all the usb/firewire inputs. I need to find out what hardware/software combination to buy. ask me questions if I did not give you a clear account of what I am looking for. __________________ Stage dives and Hi fives.

29th December 2003	#4
Jason Poulin Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sudbury, On. Canada Posts: 1,769	hey Portsound, Hang around here for a while and you'll have plenty of schooling. Take advantage of the search option and really benifit for this site. You'll need to start with a multi track recorder which can be PC or software. Learn how to use it, and how to process your signals. Then move on to mics and preamps. Start small then buy one piece at a time, one that may be able to record many sources. take a look at the Aadvark Q10 for soundcard/converter/preamp, at this point, it will be the most important thing you have after an audio workstation. With that and a decent mic (300-500$ should be decent for you) you'll be well on your way. Absorb what's on this site, but remember this is a more advance site so you may want to check for more beginner forums (I can't think of any on the top of my head but google.com it and you're in) Hopefully in time, you'll be one hell of a Gearslut! Good luck Jason __________________ If it don't sound like a record... don't press record

5th January 2004	#8
Bastiaan Gear nut Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arnhem, the Netherlands Posts: 145	If you decide to get anything protools, check the DUC It's the Digidesign User Conference, and a lot of stuff gets discussed there. Its much like here, but usually aimed at a lower budget. Maybe interesting if you decide to get anything not protools, but i doubt it. Anyway...check out for yourself. (If i crossed the line here by advising another forum...let me know please.) __________________ "Not now, i have a meeting with the 2 Bob's"

6th January 2004	#10
rockum Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nashville Posts: 429	Instead of cakewalk I would recommend you try out Tracktion. I've used a lot of host and this one is my favorite in many ways. Plus it's only $80 and runs on PC and Mac OS X. __________________ My signature is self descriptive...

10th January 2004	#11
neilsby Gear nut Join Date: May 2003 Location: London Posts: 94	My basic set-up that works! I've been in the game for a year and wanted something easy to use, and capable of recording to demo quality, but not limiting me, so i went for: Carillon PC - 2.6ghz, 512mb RAM, 2x120Gb Hard Drives, 19inch Monitor, 2 CD-RW Drives and Zip Drive. MOTU 828mkII Audio Interface - 96khz/24bit. Focusrite Platinum Penta (channel strip, compressor). M-Audio Duo (use for pre-amps) Tannoy Reveal monitors Logic Audio Platinum 5.3 B&W 602 S2 Speakers Sennheiser HD590 headphones (open-back) AKG 271 Headphones Rotel Amp and HDCD Player. 1x SM58 3x SM57 1x SM57 beta 1x AKG SE300b (cardioid cap) 1x D112 2x AKG C3000b 1x Studio Projects C1 1x AKG C1000 When i record drums i borrow either a Soundcraft Ghost mixer or an Aardvark Q10, but i'm looking for an 8-channel strip as my next purchase. Hope that helps. __________________ Carillon P4-2.6, 1gb ram, MOTU 828mkII, Win XP, Logic 5.3 Platinum.

28th December 2003	#2
cdog Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 3,437 3 Reviews written	How'd you wind up here To be honest this is not a beginners forum tutt but we're all nice folks and we'll help you out anyway! I recently helped a friend set up something similar. I assume you have a PC. Let get... er... prudent! M-Audio MobilePre USB - $149 Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 - $89 Marshal MXL 990 - $59 (musiciansfriend.com blowout) Not too slutty but it'll get you going for under $300! Not sure sure if you need a mic or what, but a budget condenser should do the trick for basics. You should go to these sites for basic information that will be more helpful to you at this point: acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/ http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi You will understand the concept "latency" very soon though!

29th December 2003	#5
RyanR Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 232	Portsound570, Your question is very open ended. There are many capable software sequencers out there; it's really just up to you what you want. The great thing is you can demo a lot of them - so demo as many as you can and pick the one you like best. If you don't know how to use it, d/l the manual, go to the help menu, search google for a tutorial on it, or go to the specific user group/list for it and ask questions - problem solved. In other words, don't just sit there - get your hands dirty. Here are a few you might wanna check: ProTools LE, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Acid, Live, Digital Performer, Reason, Samplitude, Cakewalk HS, Fruityloops, etc, it just goes on and on. There are also many capable USB/firewire soundcards out there. If you're a beginner, figure out how many inputs/outputs you need, and if you need any preamplifiers (pre's) - that depends on what you're gonna record. The options are endless here. Again, just get something and start getting your hands dirty. Really, you need to read, research, learn, and then repeat. Once you get gear continue by recording, analyzing, learning, and then repeating (or not repeating if it's not right). There are a million things that go into great recordings, and if you're expecting to step right up and make "demo quality" recordings, well, that's probably not gonna happen. Gear allows you to record, and does effect quality, but in the end, it's your experience/knowledge that will allow you to make "demo quality" recordings. So start getting that experience and worry about the "demo quality" recording later - hell, in a few years you'll understand that a "demo quality" recording only partially depends on your sequencer and soundcard anyway.

30th December 2003	#6
Jason Poulin Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sudbury, On. Canada Posts: 1,769	http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/forums.htm here's a link that should get you on your way. there's a good home recording forum you might want to scope out. Jason

5th January 2004	#7
johnnyblotter Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 205	definitely check out this site www.audioforums.com it's pretty much a DAW builders site, but people are real cool about answering beginner questions.

6th January 2004	#9
excellrec Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: minneapolis Posts: 236	MOst importantly i think you should tell us what type of music you are trying to make. Although demo'ing may sound like a good idea for programs i think a beginner will probabkly just end up scratching his/her head trying to figure out how to do anything in one let alone figuring out which one is better. Choosing where you start out is a very crucial time because the things you start out with could leave you with a natural inclination towards thenm the rest of your life (i know it has for me, and look at some of these guys and tape ) thus forging part of your sound based on they're abilities and so forth. This of course carries different weights depending on how influential the gear inherently is in the music your making. I would suggest figuring out what your influences use, what people with the type of sound your looking for have been using. Then maybe ask people around here about it. Meanwhile if you gotta start out somewhere the suggestions above sound good to me.

28th January 2004	#14
CV7 Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Posts: 213	I personally would stay away from the M-Audio stuff, really crappy IMO. I would go for the Lynx cards, which are much higher in sound quality.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Where do I start (if I should)	ascottk	Mastering forum	3	28th July 2007 07:20 PM
Where do I start with tape?!	Iain Hutch	High end	20	1st December 2006 08:03 PM
New to Jazz: Where do you start with Duke Ellington?	nd33	Remote Possibilities in Acoustic Music & Location Recording	15	28th November 2006 04:06 AM
Time to Upgrade, Where do i Start?	Bloodz	So much gear, so little time!	3	6th July 2004 04:42 PM
Upgrade time where do i start?	Bloodz	Music computers	4	6th July 2004 07:15 AM