Looking for a simple recording setup

[ecw21]

Hey all...I was thinking of recording a few things here and there and I was just wondering what a simple recording program might be.
I'm such a newbie when it comes to recording that I'm not even sure what I need.

Mostly it would just be me recording a few guitar songs for my own purposes. Just a way of marking progress and hearing my playing more objectively.

How can I get started with a minimum number of gadgets, programs, etc. Any thoughts from you recording pros out there?

Thanks!

Eric

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by ecw21

Hey all...I was thinking of recording a few things here and there and I was just wondering what a simple recording program might be.
I'm such a newbie when it comes to recording that I'm not even sure what I need.

Mostly it would just be me recording a few guitar songs for my own purposes. Just a way of marking progress and hearing my playing more objectively.

How can I get started with a minimum number of gadgets, programs, etc. Any thoughts from you recording pros out there?

Thanks!

Eric

"Zoom" anyone?
Visit the "Record" part of the forum here http://69.41.173.82/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43 and look for all the threads on simple recording setups.

[slimey]

Zoom, Tascam etc.Any of the digital recorders with built in mics work super and you'll be amazed at how good the quality can be.
I use one all the time especially for learning new songs.

[jlwoodall]

+1 on a Zoom. I have an HZoom H4 and it sounds like your recording in a studio and no software to deal with!

[Guth]

I'm a fan of the Sony flash-based digital recorders.

Good luck!

[Glennwillow]

It's hard to get much simpler or more cost-effective than the small digital recorders already mentioned.

- Glenn

[ironman187]

Otherwise, if you are a bit of a techie, you could put Ubuntu studio on your PC (A free operating system tailored to picture and movie editing, and audio recording) and get a used Presonus firepod and a decent mic. The firepod sounds AMAZING when used with Ardour.

[JohnnyDes]

I just got a zoom h2 for the same reason and it's great.

[ErikH]

If you have a Mac just use garage band and either the internal mic or you can get a cheap USB mic like a Blue snowball

[p^h]

If you wanna go ultra-cheap, just install Audacity (freeware) on your pc & plug in a mic. No, it won't sound that great, but for just evaluating your progress it's just fine. With a decent mic, you'd be amazed at the results.

Paul

[StringFive]

Tascam 2488neo.

[dmoss74]

the portables are fine, but for a minimum of expense, you can make a very nice home recording setup.

DAW: reaper ($ 40.00 license)
MXL 604 mic: 1 C note new, maybe 80 used and in mint condition
soundcard/audio interface: too many to mention, but anywhere from $ 100.00 to skies the limit.

if you get serious, you can add other mics, or even better, a grace mic pre.

[steamfurnace]

I've been having fun and great results with the Boss Micro BR.

[Philx]

+1 for Zoom H2; picked one up used for $60 and it is perfect for quick easy recording with decent quality.

[Herb Hunter]

Originally Posted by ecw21

Hey all...I was thinking of recording a few things here and there and I was just wondering what a simple recording program might be.
I'm such a newbie when it comes to recording that I'm not even sure what I need.

Mostly it would just be me recording a few guitar songs for my own purposes. Just a way of marking progress and hearing my playing more objectively.

How can I get started with a minimum number of gadgets, programs, etc. Any thoughts from you recording pros out there?

Thanks!

Eric

If your computer is a Macintosh, you already have the software you need, GarageBand. If not, the free software, Audacity, is all you need. For hardware, the Zoom H2 provides, the microphones, preamp and computer interface needed in one, inexpensive device.