real basic recording

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Cue Zephyr

For mics, Oktava MK-012, unbeatable for the price.

Actually this one is a better deal:

http://www.pssl.com/MXL-SP1-Condense...hone-With-Clip

Every once in a while, the gods slip you a crazy deal. This is one of those times. No, I don't work for the company nor do I have any interest whatsoever. In general I don't really like MXL mics.

I had one of my friends send me one 3-4 years ago, because he wanted my opinion on it. I was shocked. I've suggested it I don't know how many people and no one has reached back to tell me they were disappointed.

Regards,

Ty Ford

[theotigno]

Originally Posted by dwn1

first off, simple and value priced...I am looking to do some 4 (?) track recording; all acoustic - pc based...mostly for my own use, so it does not have to be high quality.
? what kind of mike
? what software
? what else do i need.
FYI i like to play guitar, then add bass, banjo/mandolin and vocal. Thanks for the help!

At the most basic, I'd go with [mic] a USB microphone (like one of the ones from Blue Microphones) and [software] Audacity, which is free.

I have used the Blue Snowball and Audacity for voice over work and it has worked well for me. I have also used the Blue Snowball for multi-tracking (into Garageband) with decent results as well.

[Herb Hunter]

Originally Posted by dwn1

thanks for the info...a little heavy for me as i am a real beginner at recording, but lots of good stuff to get me on the trail. PS fitness...great sound

As I mentioned earlier, we could give you more useful information if you told us how much money you intended to spend.

[dmoss74]

here's another vote for reaper as a DAW. you also can't go wrong with a MXL 604. it is inexpensive, has two capsules and sounds decent enough for home projects. you can always get a better mic later. or, Studio Projects makes some very nice LD condenser mics too.

eventually, you'll need a good mic pre. when you are ready, look into the grace 101, or 201.

[moon]

That Grace 101 may not be what the OP means by "simple and value priced". An ART Tube MP might be a better choice for a budget home studio.

[Lacks Focus]

I may be in the minority on this, but since I have no desire to keep any of my computers close to state-of-the-art (other than on the day they're purchased), I decided to do what little recording I do away from the PC or Mac. I had heard too many horror stories of latency problems in modest or otherwise unsophisticated setups, so I went with a Tascam DP-004 with its internal condensers. After recording and mixing on it, I plug it into the Mac and it's read as an external hard drive that I simply drag songs from.

[dmoss74]

Originally Posted by Lacks Focus

I may be in the minority on this, but since I have no desire to keep any of my computers close to state-of-the-art (other than on the day they're purchased), I decided to do what little recording I do away from the PC or Mac. I had heard too many horror stories of latency problems in modest or otherwise unsophisticated setups, so I went with a Tascam DP-004 with its internal condensers. After recording and mixing on it, I plug it into the Mac and it's read as an external hard drive that I simply drag songs from.

most three year old computers (even older) can run a decent DAW right now. reaper is a very robust DAW, and doesn't hog too much in resources. any XP or higher machine with the 3.25 gigs of ram should do. latency issues are very tamable.

[BlackHeart]

Fitness, is that a Taylor or Larrive guitar on your recording, it sounds real good!

[Michael T]

Originally Posted by dberch

The M-Audio Fastrack Ultra is a very good interface. Get that and a couple cheap mic, and you'll be in business.

http://www.jr.com/maudio/pe/MIM_FASTTRACKUL/


Hope this helps,
David

+1
I think the preamps and filters on this unit is about the best a guy could want without going full blown studio. Seriously clean and responsive, even a couple of cheap condensers do an exceptional job, just a great interface for not a lot of money.

[marty bradbury]

any input on the Olympus recorder?

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by dmoss74

most three year old computers (even older) can run a decent DAW right now. reaper is a very robust DAW, and doesn't hog too much in resources. any XP or higher machine with the 3.25 gigs of ram should do. latency issues are very tamable.

Agreed. Stay away from USB (go firewire) and latency is not an issue.

the chain is the key: acoustics of space>guitar>mic>preamp>A/D converter.

I use good mics and preamps, an outboard A?D converter ands Digi 003 on a Mac. No problem. I have a nice sounding guitar and a good space to record in. The only inconsistent part is me.

Oh, and player!

Regards,

Ty Ford