Home Recording

[Blingking]

I'm hoping someone out there can help me.

I fancy trying to do some recording on my PC...if that's possible. The problem being is that I don't have a clue how to go about it.

The PC I have works off windows xp. So is it possible to record on this, and if so, what else would I need? I already have some mics and my guitar of course.

Other stuff I might need....?
IE,
Are there programs with drums etc,
Other software I might need.

Please bear in mind I have no clue on how to do this (I truly have no idea), and would like some straight forward advice on a way of doing it relativity cheaply (if I manage I can upgrade later)

I used to have an old 4track cassette recorder, but loaned it to a 'friend' and never got it back!!

cheers
BK

[RockAustin]

Originally Posted by Blingking

I'm hoping someone out there can help me.

I fancy trying to do some recording on my PC...if that's possible. The problem being is that I don't have a clue how to go about it.

The PC I have works off windows xp. So is it possible to record on this, and if so, what else would I need? I already have some mics and my guitar of course.

Other stuff I might need....?
IE,
Are there programs with drums etc,
Other software I might need.

Please bear in mind I have no clue on how to do this (I truly have no idea), and would like some straight forward advice on a way of doing it relativity cheaply (if I manage I can upgrade later)

I used to have an old 4track cassette recorder, but loaned it to a 'friend' and never got it back!!

cheers
BK

You need a sound card and software like Reason or Cubase.

[TigerInk]

Reason is not a good choice as you cannot record audio.

Cubase + a sound card - and there are millions to choose from - would be a good combination. There's a new cut-down version of Cubase just out. For the sound card think about how many mics you want to record at once, whether or not they need phantom power, and how you're going to play back what you're recording. That should help narrow down which card is suitable.

Hope that helps!

Steven

[Pierre Von Mondragon]

If this is the level you are coming in at then I would recommend the mag Computer Music, especially as they often have beginners guide issues, they will be able to specify the minimum needed to get started, and they have free stuff to help get started. I would search for beginners guides on the net, but it could all too easily become a case of info overload, as there are hundreds of ways to make computer music, and millions of opinionated people to tell you that one particular way is best, well its not. Whatever way you find works is the best way, do your research, and make sure you are enjoying it, not doing it coz you feel you have to (my pet hate is DJ's saying they are "getting into production", make music coz you want to/feel you need to). You might not even need a soundcard with Wuschio's ASIO for all prog/drivers.

Its all very confusing, but ace fun and very satisfying, journey on.

[Huw]

so the bare minimum....

mic -> firewire interface/soundcard -> software sequencer eg. cubase, protools etc.... correct?

what are the advantages of having the interface or the sound card? also, what about mixers and midi and stuff like that... where is that useful?

[Blingking]

So the Cubase stuff has all the drums etc on it, and the tracks to mix on, and and the sound card...well that would give me the sound output etc.
I know this sounds stupid, but I can play sound clips (youtube etc) on the PC. Do I need another one?

How much are these items approx?

Thanks for the info so far.
BK

[soundian]

Originally Posted by Blingking

So the Cubase stuff has all the drums etc on it, and the tracks to mix on, and and the sound card...well that would give me the sound output etc.
I know this sounds stupid, but I can play sound clips (youtube etc) on the PC. Do I need another one?

How much are these items approx?

Thanks for the info so far.
BK

You also need some sort of input to record with. Quality issues aside built in soundcards generally aren't any good for multi-track recording as there tends to be a delay between what you hear and what the soundcard records (the geeks call this latency). Dedicated soundcards solve this problem with the added benefit of higher quality inputs and outputs, line/mic level inputs etc.

If you have a mic input built in to your computer and the right leads you could try Kristal , it's free so you've nothing to lose. It's enough to give your soundcard a whirl to see how bad the latency is and get you used to the basics of software based multi-tracks.

[Jan Deal]

Have a look at the bottom of this page and you can see a bunch of threads relating to home recording. There will be some good advice in some of them...

[Blingking]

Originally Posted by soundian

You also need some sort of input to record with. Quality issues aside built in soundcards generally aren't any good for multi-track recording as there tends to be a delay between what you hear and what the soundcard records (the geeks call this latency). Dedicated soundcards solve this problem with the added benefit of higher quality inputs and outputs, line/mic level inputs etc.

If you have a mic input built in to your computer and the right leads you could try Kristal , it's free so you've nothing to lose. It's enough to give your soundcard a whirl to see how bad the latency is and get you used to the basics of software based multi-tracks.

Thanks, I've downloaded this and I will try to get the lead I need to put something down on it. looks like I will still need drum/bass tracks etc. Pity, I used to have a Boss DR550 which would have done the job.

Thanks again for the link.
BK

[Blingking]

Will I need something like a Line 6 port etc?