most basic recording set-up

[like2pedal]

hello,
i am new to this forum and returning to music after a long break. I got into playing again when my kids finally grew up some and expressed interest in playing. My 10 year old is playing guitar and it's so fun to play with him! He is really excited to record some of the stuff we have come up with. My 8 year old son isn't into learning an instrument but he said he would like to be our "recorder" hehehe. so i know nothing about recording. i started looking around a bit and ran across this Tascam DP-004. it said it's easy but i don't know. like, would you need a mic to record your guitar?

i would like to learn about recording, where do i find some basic info?

can you recommend the most basic recording set-up one would need in order to get going? we are just having fun, not trying to release CDs or anything.

thank you and i am glad to be here.
Like2pedal

 

[34029324079]

Re: most basic recording set-up

it costs 50$ for a toneport. thats all u need to spend for recordings - see my profile for basic recordings. more info? check it out:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?p=1782056#post1782056

 

[34029324079]

Re: most basic recording set-up

also you can just plug in any mic and record direct into the computer. for mixing Audacity is free, Reaper is free for 30days

 

[millsart]

Re: most basic recording set-up

I agree with Happy Dude, the GX toneport is everything you need and very cheap but sounds great. Its also got ASIO drivers for very low latency sound (means that theres no delay between playing and hearing the sound)

A very basic software like Audacity or Reaper are also great bang for the buck.

If you want to do some vocals or acoustic guitar etc then we are talking maybe another $75 or so. A Art tube mp preamp is $29 these days and works great for powering a condensor mic and something like the MXL condenser is $50 when musicians friend has it on sale.

Add on a $10 mic stand with boom and your set for vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass.

Theres plenty of freeware software and drum loops etc you can find on the net as well.

$200 or so total cost for a fully function home "studio"


Theres cheaper options but you and your kids will have a bit more fun with gear that actually works and personally being able to add some drums or a vocal track etc just makes things so much more fun

feels like your creating an actual song instead of just a guitar part

 

[J Moose]

Re: most basic recording set-up

If you're just getting started then a little portastudio like the Tascam will be much better then getting into a computer system which can be deep & daunting. At least get the fundamentals and signal flow under your belt before you jump into that ship.

You'll likely need a microphone of some sort to record anything...

 

[34029324079]

Re: most basic recording set-up

I use a 7$ mic for all my vocals...http://www.soundclick.com/jugglingfire

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: most basic recording set-up

If you're just getting started then a little portastudio like the Tascam will be much better then getting into a computer system which can be deep & daunting. At least get the fundamentals and signal flow under your belt before you jump into that ship.

You'll likely need a microphone of some sort to record anything...

Considering your son will be the engineer I agree with the portastudio idea.

 

[Hellion]

Re: most basic recording set-up

hello,
i am new to this forum and returning to music after a long break. I got into playing again when my kids finally grew up some and expressed interest in playing. My 10 year old is playing guitar and it's so fun to play with him! He is really excited to record some of the stuff we have come up with. My 8 year old son isn't into learning an instrument but he said he would like to be our "recorder" hehehe. so i know nothing about recording. i started looking around a bit and ran across this Tascam DP-004. it said it's easy but i don't know. like, would you need a mic to record your guitar?

i would like to learn about recording, where do i find some basic info?

can you recommend the most basic recording set-up one would need in order to get going? we are just having fun, not trying to release CDs or anything.

thank you and i am glad to be here.
Like2pedal

If I remember right, the DP-04 has two 1/4" plug inserts in back, so unless you plan on running out of a mixer, you just need 1/4" cables. If your guitars are electric or acoustic/electric, you can use a standard guitar cord for them and just plug directly in. For microphones, you'll need an mic cord that has a female XLR end and a male 1/4" plug on the other. The DP-04's inputs aren't balanced, so you don't need stereo cables. Have fun!

 

[like2pedal]

Re: most basic recording set-up

thank everyone. you gave me a lot of good info! i will be reading up on everything you mentioned. i am sure i'll be back with more questions.

thanks again