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Old 03-20-2017, 03:02 PM
Rmz76 Rmz76 is offline
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Location: Houston, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randers View Post
Apologies in advance if this thread should have been posted in a different discussion.

Simple question, but probably a much more complicated answer... I have:

1. My guitar
2. A MacBook Pro
3. Time

All I would like is to be able to record my instrumental songs so that they can be distributed to friends, family, social media etc. I understand I need a microphone, but do I need any sort of software? Which type of microphone is best if I stick 95% to finger-style?

Cheers,
Ryan
Hi Ryan,

If you want to make high quality recordings, on a budget I recommend the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2 Duo. They sell the unit stand alone starting at $100 (for solo) bundled with headphones and a reasonably good quality condenser microphone for around $200. It comes with multi-track recording software, a lite version of the popular Digital Audio Workstation software Ableton Live. There are a lot of great on-line resources on YouTube, etc.. which cover the spectrum of what you can do with Ableton Live (chart topping albums have been recorded using it, possibilities are endless) and even on-line courses on it if you want to jump deep into the rabbit hole. If you just want to stick to the basics, it's not difficult. The video below actually shows you everything you need to know to use it with the interface.... If you find the Ableton Live software that comes with it too difficult, the Focusrite will also work with Garage Band which is a free download for Mac Pro users. You said you have time on your hands so I'd suggest giving both a try.

The audio you hear in the video was recorded with the Forcusrite 2i2 using the bundled mic and software.


If money is less of an issue and you just want the best quality in a home audio interface have a look at the Apollo Twin.

Another option is to leave the computer out of the mix and invest $100-$200 in an high quality handheld digital recorder with built in condenser microphones.I have a TASCAM DR-40 and when I'm playing guitar it's always with me.
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Last edited by Rmz76; 03-20-2017 at 03:20 PM.
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