Basic Home Recording Setup Through GarageBand

[Headless Axeman]

I’m looking to put together a basic home recording setup using GarageBand on my Mac. Hoping for some opinions.

These seem like very basic (and Simon?) questions, but after searching, I haven’t been able to find any recent threads that answer these questions comprehensively.

I’m hoping to spend less than $500 if possible. Will be used to record mostly acoustic guitar and voice, though will also record electric guitar and possibly even a cajon on occasion.

Looking to optimize sound while minimize button-pushing. I know that I’m in the distinct minority here, but I just don’t enjoy getting into the nuts and bolts of technical stuff. Though I realize that some of that will be necessary.

After a brief review with an acquaintance who is pretty familiar with this stuff, he suggested that the basics would be an audio interface, a large diaphragm condenser mic, and a decent set of closed back headphones. Does this sound right? I’m particularly wondering about the mic. Will one do the job, or would you get two? And the large condenser? I’d like to be able to record my playing acoustic and singing together. But most of the time I’ll be recording a single instrument at a time.

So in terms of individual recommendations, I’m leaning toward a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, MXL 990 mic, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones. Thoughts on these and/or recommendations for better choices?

At this point I’d expect to buy used (except maybe not for the headphones). I should be able to get those three pieces for under $350.

Aside from those basics, I’ll need a mic stand and I guess any cables/cords that arent included. What else would I need?

Thanks for the help.

[KevWind]

Just some pre lim questions

What is you purpose or reason for recording/ What are your short and long term goals,,,,, including what are you intending to do with these recordings ?

The reason these considerations are several

#1 You say "optimize sound" while minimize button pushing , understandable BUT .... If you go down the home recording journey ( and very much depending on the answers to the pre -lim questions ). There is definitely a fairly steep learning curve of both the technical (nuts and bolts) as well as an extensive compendium of theory of recording .

BECAUSE the biggest misunderstanding many new to recording have is that it is a "destination" (buy some gear and start recording ---Done)

When in reality you are never done, because it is a Journey not a "destination"

That said For $500 you can get a pretty good start
The Scarlett and the Beyerdynamic 's are a good pieces
BUT (if your really interested in "optimizing sound" ) I would up the mic consideration (at the very least) to the new Warm Audio WA-47 Jr.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA47Jr--warm-audio-wa-47jr-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone

[Headless Axeman]

Originally Posted by KevWind

What is you purpose or reason for recording/ What are your short and long term goals,,,,, including what are you intending to do with these recordings ?

Thanks, and good question. The impetus for this is that I’ve started writing my own songs, and I’d like to get them recorded with a sound that is better than my iPhone voice memo. I don’t have any wish to create a cd or to sell anything. These could be shared with friends and family, but that would be it.

That said, I’m fully aware that I could end up going down a recording rabbit hole. And that is fine. But I’d like to just take the first steps now.

[keith.rogers]

I would get 2 mics if you will be recording guitar and singing at the same time. While it's possible to do it with a single mic, using 2 allows you to balance the levels (to some degree) between the two sources after it's been captured. This means an interface would need 2 or more mic preamps, to begin with.

So, 2 mics + cables and stands, 2 channel interface and decent headphones and a $500 budget puts in you tight space, but you can probably swing it. Tastes in equipment around here tend toward the higher end, some might say esoterica, but there are lots of options that produce excellent results with a little careful shopping. And, you might decide to hold off on the 2nd mic until the next paycheck if it helps you get started.

I started, or quickly moved to, recording in GarageBand on my old MacBook Pro (still working!). If you've already got a Mac, then it's a pretty cheap intro. Good luck.

[Rudy4]

Headless,

There are a few different directions you can go to accomplish your intended goals. I personally find being tied to a computer tends to stifle the creative process, but YMMV.

You might consider something as simple as a handheld recorder (such as a Tascam DR-05), a boom mic stand and headphones.

Going up a step from that might be something like a Zoom R-8 multitracker that makes overdubs and simple mixing about as simple as it gets. You can get an R-8, a MXL (or other) large diaphragm condenser, and phones for not much over your budget.

My own setup is a Zoom Livetrak L-8, LDC / SDC and phones (or Presonus Eris 5 powered monitors) along with other assorted toys.

All of these suggested alternatives are highly portable, battery powered if needed, and can go out under a shade tree if you want to record someplace a bit more bucolic.

You can use any of these as "audio capture" devices and then port your tracks to a computer to use a interface and DAW if you want to edit them later.

I offer the suggestion in case you hadn't considered the advantages of recording as simply as possible to encourage your creative energy without putting a lot of thought in the hardware side of the equation.

Here's my "Playpen", which takes the flip of a single switch to turn on the overhead bistro lights and the usual electronics I use.

[jpmist]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

I’m looking to put together a basic home recording setup using GarageBand on my Mac. Hoping for some opinions.
. . .

After a brief review with an acquaintance who is pretty familiar with this stuff, he suggested that the basics would be an audio interface, a large diaphragm condenser mic, and a decent set of closed back headphones. Does this sound right? I’m particularly wondering about the mic. Will one do the job, or would you get two? And the large condenser? I’d like to be able to record my playing acoustic and singing together. But most of the time I’ll be recording a single instrument at a time.

So in terms of individual recommendations, I’m leaning toward a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, MXL 990 mic, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones. Thoughts on these and/or recommendations for better choices?

Aside from those basics, I’ll need a mic stand and I guess any cables/cords that arent included. What else would I need?

My own 2¢ as a GB home recording guy for quite a while is this all sounds good. The Focusrite pops up on all the top 10 review sites I've scanned. I'd recommend two mics if you can swing it because for me, I record better when I'm singing and playing at the same time. You'll have more flexibility and control if you do separate vocal and guitar tracks.

One additional thing you might consider is a really good guitar tuner app. One thing about recording versus just playing for yourself is that you'll have to become really disciplined in keeping your guitar tuned perfectly when recording guitar tracks.

[DupleMeter]

Keeping in mind that your price point limits your choices, particularly in the mic arena, your proposed setup it fine.

I would swap an Audient for the Focusrite. Same basic price point, but significantly better preamps.

I would say that 2 mics are a good idea, but with your budget you’re hard pressed to get 1 decent mic. I am not a fan of the cheap condensers. Every one I’ve heard had that harsh top end. That said, if you’re handy you could build a mic kit from Mic Parts, which punch above their weight class. Full disclosure: I’m a professional audio engineer. I’m a little spoiled in the mic department. So I’ve heard the difference between a real u87/u47/u67 and the cheaper alternatives. It’s not subtle.

All that said, when asked about home gear I always tell my assistant that the best mic for the job is the one you have. Recording something with cheaper gear is better than not recording at all.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

....So in terms of individual recommendations, I’m leaning toward a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, MXL 990 mic, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones.....

As far as I'm concerned, that should do it (along with garageband). The ability to turn your computer into a multitrack recording studio is just too cool not to take advantage of the amazing technology! Most of my recording has been with a synth, so I just plug right into the Scarlett. That is, I'm not that up on what microphone to get. (In fact, I've plugged a guitar with an under-saddle pickup right into the Scarlett, too, without too bad of a result. [This piece is designed for lyrics, but my vocal didn't make the cut. ]) But obviously with vocals, you'll need a mic. The 2i2 Scarlett will work fine.

I have a Mac, too, and really, garageband should do fine for you, but I noticed a "stupid deal of the day" for Cubase Elements and picked that up for, like, 80 bucks. The learning curve for that is probably steeper than garageband, but I expect there are youtube videos out there instructing how to use most DAWs. Also, you may get a free DAW bundled with the Scarlett. I forget what features garageband has, but if you start with that and find you want additional features, you can upgrade later.

[Headless Axeman]

OP here. Thanks so much everyone.

I’m hearing a consensus for two mics to record guitar and vocals simultaneously. That can’t work very well with just one? If it has to be two, I presume we’re talking two different mics, one better suited to vocals and the other to guitars? Any suggestions? I’m hearing some hesitation for mics at the ~$100 level? If we bump that up to the $200-250 level, which should I consider?

As to GarageBand, I am fairly familiar and positive that it is what I need for a DAW. And the Focusrite sounds like a pretty good choice. How about any headphone recommendations?

Thanks again.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

OP here. Thanks so much everyone.

I’m hearing a consensus for two mics to record guitar and vocals simultaneously. That can’t work very well with just one? If it has to be two, I presume we’re talking two different mics, one better suited to vocals and the other to guitars? Any suggestions? I’m hearing some hesitation for mics at the ~$100 level? If we bump that up to the $200-250 level, which should I consider?

As to GarageBand, I am fairly familiar and positive that it is what I need for a DAW. And the Focusrite sounds like a pretty good choice. How about any headphone recommendations?

Thanks again.

Don't let a small mic budget hold you back.

The import LDCs can be found for less than $50. Are they "smooth"? No, but just roll off the highs a bit. All the inexpensive LDCs have an accentuated top end because manufacturers know that "bright" tends to impress those who are just getting into home recording.

The LDC I'm using in my photo above is a Roswell Mini K 47, a LDC that I like a bunch, but it's in the $300 range.

The SDC in my photo above is a Behringer that sells for something like $25. It actually sounds quite good as a guitar mic. Here's a quick video recorded with the Zoom Livetrak L-8 using a pair of the ultra-cheap Behringer mics:

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

If we bump that up to the $200-250 level, which should I consider?

If your bump your per mic budget up to that, there are still few good choices but there a couple.

Small Diaphragm Condenser
At that pricepoint, a used AT 4041 is a great value. There's one for $240 on Reverb.

Large Diaphragm Condenser
A couple of less expensive decent choices for a vocal mic can be found for even less.
A used Rode NT1-A is on Reverb for $170 shipped.
Or...a 3U CM1 is up on Ebay for $185 shipped.

You'll also need a couple of "XLR female to TRS" cables to connect the mics to the interface.

Buying used gear is a good idea (although I'd recommend buying your cables new) because you won't be taking a bath on the other end should you decide to sell. Just make sure to check out what you buy thoroughly when it arrives so you know it works as it should.

Stickied to the top of this subforum is a thread called the "AGF Members Gear Masterlist and Recommended Tutorial Videos" There are a ton of gear options to explore and many helpful videos there.

[Headless Axeman]

Originally Posted by jim1960

Stickied to the top of this subforum is a thread called the "AGF Members Gear Masterlist and Recommended Tutorial Videos" There are a ton of gear options to explore and many helpful videos there.

Thanks for this (well, for your whole comment actually). So using the very generalized definition in that linked thread, if I get two mics it could make sense to get a SDC for recording guitar and an LDC for vocals? Sound right?

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

Thanks for this (well, for your whole comment actually). So using the very generalized definition in that linked thread, if I get two mics it could make sense to get a SDC for recording guitar and an LDC for vocals? Sound right?

Yes. And that sets you up for the future should you decide to record guitar first and overdub vocals later because having two mics will let you record the guitar in stereo.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Headless Axeman

OP here. Thanks so much everyone.

I’m hearing a consensus for two mics to record guitar and vocals simultaneously. That can’t work very well with just one? If it has to be two, I presume we’re talking two different mics,

Thanks again.

Well yes and no, And there is no correct answer ( just different methods to accomplish the same thing.
As noted a while two mic's like an SDC for guitar and an LDC for vocals can give a bit more selective sound... But it is still going to basically be a dual mono recording that is to say in terms of stereo spread there is no advantage over a single mic for both. Now admittedly I have not tried any current cheap LDC mics. I tried one when I first started recording in 2003 and quickly grew tired of its hyped high end.

You are of course getting different opinions because as I said there is no correct way or choice

But do consider what some have noted at a limited budget you can get a better mic for the same money as to lesser mic's. And at the entry level price point there is fairly significant improvement in performance per dollar, fairly quickly as you move up in price

And also consider for double duty an LDC is used far more often for acoustic guitar, than an SDC is used for vocals .................................................. .............

[TBman]

After years of procrastinating and buying more mics than I really needed, I bought a couple of these ATS 4' x 2' x 4" panels. I don’t know what a vocalist would need in the way of room treatments, but I do know if you don’t have some sort of room treatment spending more money on mics won't get you there. I plan on getting one more to make more of a recording "booth."
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