Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

[JeffB]

OK, so I want to be able to start recording some stuff, participating in forum jams, be able to post clips here, etc.

This is purely for fun. I'm no pro. Years ago, my bro had a Tascam or whatever it's called thing and we would record via a mic onto tape. Thats about where I am w/ the technology level..tapes.

I basically have been thinking I'd love to be able to record my MESA, and it has a DI, but have they improved in recent years (DIs).They used to well....suck..soundwise.

I would like to be able to do this on my home computer. record to my CD/R. Is there a USB compat mic and software available that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I could use for the MESA? I'm not terribly computer savvy and have a cheap 4 year old comp, so I'm fairly certain I don't have any MIDI inputs or such.

Also, I've been toying with the idea of getting a PODXT/V-Amp or similar. I know it won't sound as good, but for the purpose (fun) would that be a better way to go? Do they come with the neccessary software to record with?

Again, I'm not looking for super high quality gear or mics,mixing gear, etc. Just stuff to noodle around with and record some clips, record against backing tracks, etc.

Sorry..I need some serious schooling here. I bow to your superior knowledge

 

[JeffB]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

Would something like THIS , be what I need?

 

[DirrtyCraig]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

That would defninitely be one way to go, but I'd prefer keeping it on your PC rather than some external recorder that will be old news in a few years. Get something like the Tascam 424 or US 428:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240779/

edit: Disregard the user comments on MF. Sounds like some moron didn't install the drivers. Once installed this thing works on any windows PC perfectly.

It comes with a free version of Cubase VST which is user friendly and will work on older PC's. It also comes with Tascam Gigstudio which is pretty cool too, but I prefer Cubase. You can always find the nice full versions online somewhere.. like some people I know did

An external mixer like this does a few things for you. It will take the place of your crappy sound card providing no latency monitoring direct through a USB port. You can hook up monitors or speakers to this thing and plug in mics or 1/4" guitar into it. It operates like a 4-track and gives you mouse free control over whats on your PC screen, nice. I got the US-428 and its awesome. The cool thing is when or if you ever decide to upgrade software or PC's the Tascam will work on just about anything.

For an additional $34 buy a Behringer direct box with the cab simulator. Not as good as a mic, but it will allow you to use your Mesa's direct out and sound pertty good. I personally just bought a SM-57 and mic up my 4-12 and run it into the XLR input on the mixer. Sounds GREAT.

 

[usagi]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

I had the same question and got some great info. Check out my thread under "PC recording CHEAP". I run my guitar into my Digitech RP200a. I run the headphone line to the line in on the PC sound card. I down loaded KRYSTAL for free (see the thread). And I'm off and running. Now if I can just nail the solo I wrote

 

[JeffB]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

Thanx for the tips everyone..and a bump

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

I had the same question and got some great info. Check out my thread under "PC recording CHEAP". I run my guitar into my Digitech RP200a. I run the headphone line to the line in on the PC sound card. I down loaded KRYSTAL for free (see the thread). And I'm off and running. Now if I can just nail the solo I wrote

If your soundcard is not SPECIFICALLY built for recording, you are losing a great deal of clarity. The converters in audio interfaces are built to maintain maximum quality during the transfer. I am suprised that you are not complaining of a characteristic buzz/hum in the 450mhz range.

There are many audio interfaces available that will transfer higher than CD quality at a price that is amazingly low. I got EMU 0404 which has audio inputs as well as MIDI inputs and came with Cubasis VST and a buncha other stuff for only $99!

 

[AmirH]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

+1 for emu. I have the 1202m and am very pleased. I wish I had gotten the 1802 now because I now have a need for multi-track recording(1802 has almost 6 1/4 ins) but I guess I'll have to swallow it and pop another 300 or so for the upgrade later on. In anycase I'd recommend checking em out. Very easy to use.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

There are many audio interfaces available that will transfer higher than CD quality at a price that is amazingly low. I got EMU 0404 which has audio inputs as well as MIDI inputs and came with Cubasis VST and a buncha other stuff for only $99!

Would you have a link to this "EMU" device? Is this device similar to what Craig was talking about? (again, totally oblivious regarding these things)

 

[usagi]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

Here's the website www.emu-ensoniq.com. I am recording running the line into a sounblaster Live soundcard. I found that turning the line in volume way down on the control panel and the master level down to 1 on the RP200a eliminates 90% of the buzzing gordon mentioned. Realize I'm recording for myself. To jam with and try stuff out. I don't care if the sound isn't studio quality. If you're trying to make a demo you should invest some cash in something slightly nicer.

 

[usagi]

Re: Home recording 101..help a complete novice out, please

SInce we are on this topic anybody got recomendations for reasonably priced recording software and drumming / beat stuff?