Re: recording for dummies
What kind of computer doe you have? If you have a Mac you can really just use Garage Band, but if you have a PC you will need some software. A good place to start would be with some Share ware software, like Audacity.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Audacity is a pretty good for what you say you want to do. If you are going to do vocals or acoustic guitar you would need to have a microphone & a reasonable Preamp.
I use a MBOX Mini
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MBox2Mini/?gclid=CLH7w9XDmaMCFQVGnQodvwLsmg
I haven't used it much, but this comes with Pro Tools LE & for the most part Pro Tools is the standard in most recording Studios.
If you are going to do electric recording, then all you need is a decent Mike in front of your amp, into the Mbox & into the computer. Again a good place to start would be with an Shure SM57. Not the best mike to record with, but you can use this to record your amp, as well as vocals, but this can also be used in all live stuff.
I also record with a Bheringer Vamp. Keep in mind most of this stuff will work to do very basic tracks, but if you want to do a more professional style recording you will probably need to go with all better gear.
Nowadays I just open up my Mac, start Garage Band and with my acoustic I just start recording. I don't even use the Mbox or a mike, just the laptops mike. For ideas and stuff its fine. The Mbox and a good mike simply put are going to make everything sound more professional.
