What else would I need to start recording with?

[Mr 9finger]

I'm looking at picking up this mixer once I get a computer set up in my room. Besides some mics and recording software, what else would I need to get some recordings going?

Also, opinions on this mixer would be helpful too!

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-ALE-MM8USBFX-LIST

 

[woemoejack]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

i cant comment on the unit. However, with the mixer you're looking at, mics, cables, and software, the only thing you're lacking is a good monitoring source. Headphones can be used, but nothing beats a decent set of near field monitors. I would assume this Alesis can run as both the input and output source for the computer you'll be using, so you could hook up nearly any set of powered speakers or amp+passive speakers you want. I would not use a set of PC media speakers for monitoring if I was in any way serious about the end product. In other cases, like for just recording some riffs or ideas, they would work I suppose.

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

you might be better off getting a good 24bit usb audio interface rather then that mixer (something like this maybe?) do you really need the FX and EQ etc from that mixer?
I tried a similar mixer to that one (same one but with less inputs) and it was ok but had some unwanted noise so i couldn't compress things as much as i would have liked.

as for what else you would need it depends on what you want to record, do you want to record full band demos? or just jot down ideas so you dont forget them?

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

Thanks for the info guys. I won't be recording any band settings or anything like that. Just to record myself here and there. I don't need all the added EQ/effects like on the mixer, but I would like to have the ability to mic up multiple amps/speakers. I don't know much about recording, but figured a mixer would be the easiest thing to use up to 4 mics with.

As for monitoring, I've got a couple real nice sets of Klipsch bookshelf speakers I can use, or I can pick some headphones up.

 

[Wattage]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

A few good songs always helps! hehe sorry been in a wiseass mood all day.

Just start doing with whatever you got, you'll find out real fast what works for you and what doesn't.

 

[uOpt]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

The mixer looks nice enough to me, not having used it. The sound quality is probably good enough to be the least of the problems when starting to record at home.

If you want to make nice sounding recordings your most important tools are a good compressor and a good reverb, after decent microphones of course. I strongly recommend picking microphones by renting them from a PA rental outlet. They might give you a discount on multiple rentals if you explain what you try to do, given that you only use the gear at home.

 

[James Rock]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

Check out recordingreview lots of info for people starting out in recording. I would recommend a simple 4x2 or 4x4 firewire or usb interface.

 

[Bludave]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

If you are planning on recording acoustic guitar you will need a decent Preamp before the mixer.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: What else would I need to start recording with?

^^At this price point, it really won't make a difference.

Hugely common misconception in home recording: You do not need a mixer in any way, shape, or form. What you really want is an interface with onboard mic preamps.

Do you ever plan on recording more than 2 tracks at once? (2 mics, 1 mic/1 guitar DI, etc) Do you need MIDI inputs? What's your budget? Can you do FireWire, or is USB a requirement?

With that info we can better direct you to some interace choices that'll suit your situation far better than a generic mixer/interface combo will, and it'll maximize what you're getting for your money!