Vintage sound requires special equipment?

[midoban]

Hi, i don't know a lot about recording equipment, and i wanna buy an external sound card and microphone and start recording my music (acoustic guitar + vocals).

Now, most of my music influences are from the past (for example, james taylor). So i thought to myself, they didn't have all of these digital hardware back then, and maybe if i'm aiming for those vintage sounds i should look for some non conventional modern equipment.
Well, i dont really know where to start, are my assumptions even make any sense? or am i better off with a mbox and a good condenser? is there anything like an "analog external soundcard"? should i look for some special microphone as well?

Thank you

[beds83]

Maybe look for an interface that has a plug in modelled on an old pre amp?

Sent from my Desire HD using Gearslutz.com App

[Max 002]

I would suggest (Without knowing your budget$):

-2 vintage mics -> 2ch pre-amps or your choice -> 2 track tape machine -> some decent 2ch A/D

You would get a much different sound than with any sound interface with integrated preamps and blabla

[famousbass]

Originally Posted by midoban

Hi, i don't know a lot about recording equipment, and i wanna buy an external sound card and microphone and start recording my music (acoustic guitar + vocals).

Now, most of my music influences are from the past (for example, james taylor). So i thought to myself, they didn't have all of these digital hardware back then, and maybe if i'm aiming for those vintage sounds i should look for some non conventional modern equipment.
Well, i dont really know where to start, are my assumptions even make any sense? or am i better off with a mbox and a good condenser? is there anything like an "analog external soundcard"? should i look for some special microphone as well?

Thank you

I've been down that road.
Stay conventional in every aspect.
The real thing that makes it sound vintage is your honed playing technique.
If you keep off all the modern voicings and chops you are well on your way to capturing the heart and soul of your influences.
They used the highest quality recording equipment they could afford so I suggest the same for you.
Good mic, quality channel strip and an 1176. Try Neve and two pencil mics or a Coles mic. But definitely try before you buy. Your hands+your ears+your heart=your sound. Truthfully, if you know what you want to hear, any good mic in the right place is the complete story.
Ultimately, it's you, your sound, your hopes, dreams and desires that will come out of your hands and instrument captured as faithfully as possible.
To gauge your budget, what is the price of your most treasured instrument for this session and double it for the mic or mic and pre combo. It will be your friend forever.
If you go "non conventional" in analogland and something breaks down or fails the recording chain you're basically stuffed.

[Kaigen]

Originally Posted by midoban

Hi, i don't know a lot about recording equipment, and i wanna buy an external sound card and microphone and start recording my music (acoustic guitar + vocals).

Now, most of my music influences are from the past (for example, james taylor). So i thought to myself, they didn't have all of these digital hardware back then, and maybe if i'm aiming for those vintage sounds i should look for some non conventional modern equipment.
Well, i dont really know where to start, are my assumptions even make any sense? or am i better off with a mbox and a good condenser? is there anything like an "analog external soundcard"? should i look for some special microphone as well?

Thank you

Unfortunately, it's not only you who is looking for the sound you want, and hardware equipment that can produce THAT sound is now called "vintage" and very expensive.

[loujudson]

Who was it, Tom Waits(?) who took a 1930s dunamic mic and an ampex 601 on tour and recorded his album in hotel rooms across the land last year.

But first, you have to get as good as he is to get away with it!

L