Need recommendation for recording equipment.

[neildealdylan]

Could someone recommend a decent recording system to me. Rather late in life, I've taken to doing some songwriting & singing, open mike nights etc. So many of my friends have told me to record some of my stuff and be adventurous. And I'm always being asked to forward soundclips to my forum buddies. I know the ZOOM models come with recommendations. I'm not the most advanced technically speaking so please keep it simple. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[MikeBmusic]

I'm sure a moderator will move this over to the Recording section of this forum!

This question has been asked many times over there, if you do a bit of searching, you will find a multitude of suggestions but, yes, the Zoom stand-alone recorders are a good starting point, especially if technology is challenging for you.

[buzzardwhiskey]

There's a reason why the Zoom portable recorders get so much press. They're awesome and for many they've really changed the game. I've used my original H2 a ton and it just keeps going, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the updated H2n.

[ChuckS]

I agree that Zoom offers a nice line of portable recorders. However, it might be best if you provide a bit more detail of your needs; how you would like to work with the recording equipment.

For your singing, where are the instrumental parts coming from? If they are on your computer: Will it be simpler to down load them to a portable recorder, record the vocals using the portable recorder, and then move it all back to the computer for mixing? Will it be simpler to run a DAW application on your computer and connect a microphone (possibly through an interface) to your computer to record your vocals with the instrumentals?

For your songwriting, how are you documenting, playing, and capturing the various parts?

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by neildealdylan

Could someone recommend a decent recording system to me. Rather late in life, I've taken to doing some songwriting & singing, open mike nights etc. So many of my friends have told me to record some of my stuff and be adventurous. And I'm always being asked to forward soundclips to my forum buddies. I know the ZOOM models come with recommendations. I'm not the most advanced technically speaking so please keep it simple. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

My "Simple Homestyle Recording" page might be a good place to check out some basic techniques and equipment.

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageRecording1.html

You might put some serious thought into a Zoom R8 and a good set of headphones. You can start multi-tracking with only these two items and go on from there as your interest and budget permit. As far as simple, if you've ever had a cassette recorder the R series are almost that easy.

I noticed all the Zoom R series recently on sale for $100 off, which would price the R8 at $200. You might have to wait a bit and watch for the next sale, though.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by neildealdylan

Could someone recommend a decent recording system to me. Rather late in life, I've taken to doing some songwriting & singing, open mike nights etc. So many of my friends have told me to record some of my stuff and be adventurous. And I'm always being asked to forward soundclips to my forum buddies. I know the ZOOM models come with recommendations. I'm not the most advanced technically speaking so please keep it simple. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

What do you see as your initial budget range? And what do you see as your goals for recording ? In my opinion these two factors the most efficient most overlooked items to get decided first and foremost. It is universally true and especially for the inexperienced home recordist.
From that it becomes a logical targeted approach for recommendations as opposed to a willy nilly scatter blast.

[H165]

You want dead simple, get a Samson USB condenser

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...C&Q=&A=details

and hook in up to Garage Band on your Apple book.

We're not talking studio sound, but it can get the job done if used reasonably.

[martingitdave]

Do yourself a favor and get one of the Zoom recorders. There isn't anything simpler or better quality for the money, in the digital handheld arena. Some of the Youtube sensations, with excellent recording, use the Zoom product. I got the cheapest Zoom 1 and I am satisfied with the results.