cheap home recording for fun

[scottfeldstein]

When I was 15 or 16 or so I used to rent a 4-track cassette recorder from the local music store and sit up in my room for a week with a Sure SM-58 mic, an acoustic guitar, a bass, a synthesizer and a clap-sounding foot pedal. Unfortunately none of the recordings survived. That was 25 years ago.

But I still haven't forgotten how much fun it was to record and mix multiple tracks with minimal equipment. I would love to do it again. And I even have a start on equipment.

1. My acoustic electric guitar

2. My acoustic electric bass

3. My Fender acoustic amp

4. My son's electric guitar and his Line 6 modeling amp

5. A recent model Macbook Pro with Garageband

6. A 1/4 female to 1/8 male adapter to plug a guitar directly into the mic input of the comp

The most grievous problem is, I have no mic. Is it possible to get something decent to play around with for less than a Sure SM58 or 57? And then of course I'd need a way to get it into the computer...and the mic might need phantom power... ugh.

Things do get more complicated than I'd like.

Suggestions?

Reveries of your own early home recording experiences?

[Cue Zephyr]

I think you can get a USB pre-amp/phantom power supply for about 30 bucks (at least you can from MusicStore), then you can get some sort of Chinese mic (MXL or something), and you're set.

[moon]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

When I was 15 or 16 or so I used to rent a 4-track cassette recorder from the local music store and sit up in my room for a week with a Sure SM-58 mic, an acoustic guitar, a bass, a synthesizer and a clap-sounding foot pedal. Unfortunately none of the recordings survived. That was 25 years ago.

Fostex X-15? I used to have one of them

An ideal mic might be the Samson C01u. Here's a couple of reviews:

http://www.macintouch.com/samsonc01u.html
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun0...samsonc01u.htm

[SteeleString]

My first decent recordings were done on a Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel, a Radio Shack mixer and a pair of Pearl mics. I bought them all new and I still have them tucked away in a closet.

Those were the days.

[hazmuz]

[QUOTE=scottfeldstein;2251962]When I was 15 or 16 or so I used to rent a 4-track cassette recorder from the local music store and sit up in my room for a week with a Sure SM-58 mic, an acoustic guitar, a bass, a synthesizer and a clap-sounding foot pedal. Unfortunately none of the recordings survived. That was 25 years ago.]

for me the time span was 35 years

this helped a lot:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

[Herb Hunter]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Is it possible to get something decent to play around with for less than a Sure SM58 or 57? And then of course I'd need a way to get it into the computer...and the mic might need phantom power... ugh.

I would look at the $77 MXL MicMate Pro as an interface. They make a cheaper version but I think the added features of this one are well worth the price difference. Both versions provide a phantom power supply.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Pro_USB.html

There are several inexpensive microphones to consider. Among them are these:

http://www.naiant.com/xmspecification.html

http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-...99-i1172085.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-...09-i1126968.gc

[rdm321]

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

5. A recent model Macbook Pro with Garageband

Suggestions?

hi Scott:
I've been using GB for a couple of years. It's lots of fun, and perfectly adequate for my amateur efforts. I recommend that you get a book on GarageBand (I have the "for dummies" - lots of good tips in there).

Originally Posted by Herb Hunter

I would look at the $77 MXL MicMate Pro as an interface.

I also think that an interface is superior to simply plugging into the Mac's input. It will allow you to expand your options (and you will want to expand - recording is addictive ).

You'll also need a decent set of headphones, to listen while you record. Be sure to plug them into the interface, NOT the computer jack - this will minimize latency.

enjoy!!

[scottfeldstein]

For Dummies and an interface between music and Mac--gotcha. Both sound like fine ideas. Thanks guys!

[scottfeldstein]

Plus inexpensive mic suggestions--can't forget that. Appreciate it!

[rhancox]

Definitely get some sort of interface, if for nothing else, for having multiple inputs so you can sing and play at the same time, like plugging your electric guitar in and singing into a mic.

For around $300, I got the MXL 990/991 combo mic set (large/small condenser) and the Focusrite Saffire USB. Everywhere I went, I was told the preamps in the Focusrite were worth the money and at $200, the interface is no more expensive than comparable units. There are links to both products in my sig.

Once you get something set up, we'd love to hear that you come up with.

[PorkPieGuy]

I've been using these recording my hammered dulcimer and acoustic guitar and I could not be happier with the results.



They are the behringer c2's. You get a PAIR of them for one price.

[Monsoon1]

My best advice is to ignore the temptation to spend your way into quality.

Start out with something truly basic. Like a usb desktop mic.

What is everyday quality today, is still better than the majority of what was available 40 years ago.

If it was me, i'd get this USB Blue condensor mic. It comes from a company with a terrific pedigree.

And it's less than $40 shipped.

This is perfect for what you want to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphon...7525966&sr=1-9