Recommendations for recording gear, please

[Merlemantel]

Hello, I need a very simple setup, something I can run through my MacBook, (if possible), a single mic, with decent recording capacity, for voice and guitar. Just getting started and do not want to drop a lot of $$ - but something decent. Please share some recommendations, some advice, what do I need to plan on spending, does used make good sense for this kind of gear, anything else you deem helpful, essential, please share. Thank you. - Leesa

[b1j]

Leesa, the starter kit you describe includes
- an audio interface (with a mic input, built in),
- a mic, stand, and XLR cable
- a way to listen — start with headphones.

There are several base-level interfaces, such as the Presonus AudioBox line and it’s many fine competitors: $100 to $150

Mics are either “dynamic” or “condenser.” Dynamic will get you started. Start with the Shure SM57, $100.

Any fine set of headphones will do for a start. You can also listen through your computer speakers.

Good luck! Lots of knowledge here. Look through the sticky thread at the top of this Recording forum.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by Merlemantel

Hello, I need a very simple setup, something I can run through my MacBook, (if possible), a single mic, with decent recording capacity, for voice and guitar. Just getting started and do not want to drop a lot of $$ - but something decent. Please share some recommendations, some advice, what do I need to plan on spending, does used make good sense for this kind of gear, anything else you deem helpful, essential, please share. Thank you. - Leesa

Apogee One for Mac, they are incredible and perfect for what you want to do. You'll also need a decent set of headphones and you're good to go.

https://apogeedigital.com/products/one/ipad

[rockabilly69]

whoops double post

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Merlemantel

Hello, I need a very simple setup, something I can run through my MacBook, (if possible), a single mic, with decent recording capacity, for voice and guitar. Just getting started and do not want to drop a lot of $$ - but something decent. Please share some recommendations, some advice, what do I need to plan on spending, does used make good sense for this kind of gear, anything else you deem helpful, essential, please share. Thank you. - Leesa

There's a stickied thread in this sub-forum called "AGF MEMBERS GEAR LIST, TUTORIAL VIDEOS, PODCASTS, & COMPREHENSIVE BEGINNERS GUIDE." The Beginners Guide should be helpful in figuring out what you'll need. It covers quite a bit.

[b1j]

Originally Posted by b1j

Leesa, the starter kit you describe includes
- an audio interface (with a mic input, built in),
- a mic, stand, and XLR cable
- a way to listen — start with headphones.

There are several base-level interfaces, such as the Presonus AudioBox line and it’s many fine competitors: $100 to $150

Mics are either “dynamic” or “condenser.” Dynamic will get you started. Start with the Shure SM57, $100.

Any fine set of headphones will do for a start. You can also listen through your computer speakers.

Good luck! Lots of knowledge here. Look through the sticky thread at the top of this Recording forum.

I left out an important item: the computer program to capture your recorded tracks. It’s called a digital audio workstation, commonly called a DAW. Garage Band is a simple DAW, and there are other free ones as well. The basic level of some rather powerful DAWs come bundled free with an entry level audio interface.

[Bob Womack]

Going with stuff I've actually used:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface $189
AKG K240 headphones $79
Rode NT1-A Mic $200
Steinberg Cubasis 3 DAW software $49
Behringer MS2050-L boom stand $25
RapcoHorizon N1M1-15ft Microphone Cable - 15 foot $23

You shouldn't hate yourself too bad for getting this stuff.

Bob

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Merlemantel

Hello, I need a very simple setup, something I can run through my MacBook, (if possible), a single mic, with decent recording capacity, for voice and guitar. Just getting started and do not want to drop a lot of $$ - but something decent. Please share some recommendations, some advice, what do I need to plan on spending, does used make good sense for this kind of gear, anything else you deem helpful, essential, please share. Thank you. - Leesa

Leesa I will suggest what I say to anyone just getting into recording.
Decide on and post a specific dollar amount of realistic budget range for you.

While everyone understands the gist of not wanting to "drop a lot of $$" the exact definition of "a lot" is specific and different for everyone
To some over $500 might be "a lot" to some over $2000 to some over $10000 it all depends .

[Merlemantel]

Thanks everyone, I am in the market for something under a grand. And, if that goes well, I will move up to something better. I want something good enough to be rewarding to use, so that I am motivated to stay with it. Wanting to post online content that sounds good. Again, thank you.

[Merlemantel]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Leesa I will suggest what I say to anyone just getting into recording.
Decide on and post a specific dollar amount of realistic budget range for you.

While everyone understands the gist of not wanting to "drop a lot of $$" the exact definition of "a lot" is specific and different for everyone
To some over $500 might be "a lot" to some over $2000 to some over $10000 it all depends .

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

Going with stuff I've actually used:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface $189
AKG K240 headphones $79
Rode NT1-A Mic $200
Steinberg Cubasis 3 DAW software $49
Behringer MS2050-L boom stand $25
RapcoHorizon N1M1-15ft Microphone Cable - 15 foot $23

You shouldn't hate yourself too bad for getting this stuff.

Bob

This is helpful Bob. Will be a huge learning curve for me, I suppose, but that's okay. - Leesa

[Acousticado]

Just curious...what version and age is your MacBook? GarageBand DAW is already included in your MB, so you could start with that and if you want to upgrade, for a nominal amount, Apple’s Logic Pro DAW will allow easy import of your GB recordings to improve upon.

[Merlemantel]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Just curious...what version and age is your MacBook? GarageBand DAW is already included in your MB, so you could start with that and if you want to upgrade, for a nominal amount, Apple’s Logic Pro DAW will allow easy import of your GB recordings to improve upon.

It's the new 14 inch.