Hi Guys, I want to start recording my stuff and posting on Soundcloud and also to use some sort of system to mix and layer songs but I am clueless about this stuff. I don't know if I need a physical mixer or something like Pro Tools, (I am a bit of a Luddite when it comes to tech PC stuff). I was looking at USB Condenser Mics for capturing vocals but then thought why buy another Mic when I have a Audix Fireball V, which is fine for vocals but then how do I interface that with my PC? Do I get some sort of Pre Amp/Mixer? Next puzzle is what software is good for a thicko like me?, Audacity,Garage Band,Ujam? I would like to be able to build songs from the ground up rather than trying to fit lyrics into existing backing tracks so I can make a resonable quality Demo which i can then play to actual Musicians rather than just trying to explain what I can hear in my head! I need help so I do'nt go and waste a load of cash on the wrong stuff. I will be on a Budget so please do'nt start talking about mixing desks that cos hundres cos I'm much too tight to buy 'em'! But seriously any advice will be a help to get me started. Cheers Geordie.
Last Edited by geordiebluesman on May 14, 2013 12:38 AM
I told you once :) Look at the Lexicon Alpha on Amazon. £49 ish. It will take your mic input plus another instrument if you want. It comes with Cubase LE 5 which is a complete home recording software system where you can layer tracks with effects. I have it, it produces good quality sound files.
It's a shame we are so distant from each other. I could give a practical demo to show how easy it all is once you've set yourself up. It would take far too long for me to type it all out.
However these two videos may give you something to think about. I won't kid you, there is a little learning curve but doesn't everything that's worthwhile? Once you've made one track it's a piece of cake.
Here's a track I made with it. Just dubbing my harp over a backing track. You can add as many tracks as you like within reason.
Hi Tooka,thanks for that mate, I did'nt realize i had asked about this before ( I forget stuff totally coz I have a head injury) so sorry to be a pest!, I will defo check this out futher. Cheers Geordie.
Steve, if you're using a Mac then GarageBand is built in and is a killer piece of kit for recording. You can also use it on an iPad. If you're on a Windows PC then I'd take the advice from Tooka.
Hey Man! I know you'll get a lot of opinions here--I'll just throw mine in anyway.
If you wanna get serious about recording multi-track, you might have to give up your long standing claim of being a Luddite and learn some stuff--it obviously ain't rocket science though because I figured it out to some degree and made a couple of CD's.
I went through a few mixers and several DAWS (geek-speak for a Digital Audio Workstation Software). I finally ended up with an M-audio Fastrack Ultra to connect mics and guitars and stuff to--and I use Reaper for the software. There is a good tutorial with Reaper and a good book to be had online that will teach you the basics. It takes a good bit of ass scratching to figure out--but it's an excellent package for about $60. You can find a free trial if you want to try it.
The M-Audio is a bit of a bitch to install too--but it just connects to a USB port and once it's software is installed, its pretty much done and you can forget about it--all I have really have to do with it now is make sure I turn it on and connect the mics to the right holes.
Whatever you get--be really careful to insure that the computer you have is up to the task of recording--just read the system requirements for the gear--I once ended up having to buy a new computer to do a proper job of recording with one of my mixers.
Recording is fun and rewarding in itself--but it can suck a lot of time--if I could afford it, I'd just hire it done and concentrate on playing music. . . ---------- Oldwailer's Web Site
I've no doubt the M-audio Fasttrack Ultra is a good bit of kit but geordiebluesman did stipulate that he was on a budget which is why I recommended the Lexicon Alpha which is cheaper and by the looks of the M-audio Fasttrack Ultra, probably a deal easier to use.
Cheers lads, Buzadero I can't believe you called my mate Wailer "Old Bastard"! Te He!, I have been looking at that Lexicon and I think that might be the best First Step down yet another long and winding road. I have noticed a few people posting online about it having a lack of Oomph with regarg to recording levels but as I understand it that can be sorted in the mixing software after the recording is captured. I have found a free download of a PC friendly version of Garage Band so that should be handy. So anyway thanks to Tooka Kingly, Buz and of course Old Bastard for all your help. Anyone else feel free to chip in. Laters!
#geordiebluesman. Before you part with your cash. The only problems I've had with the Lexicon Alpha is that when I wake my pc from sleep the Alpha doesn't wake up with it. You have to unplug the USB and re-plug. It's no great inconvenience but annoying all the same. It's a known problem with lots of USB powered devices running windows.
The other thing is it has two inputs one for mic and one for an instrument. They are mono either L or R in your speakers, but you can get them to be mono in both L and R channels in the Cubase Software.
I've had no ooomph! problems. I take the AUX output from my MicroCube Amp and plug it into one of the line inputs.
Apart from that it's fine. Good Luck.
Last Edited by tookatooka on May 15, 2013 8:06 AM
"Buzadero I can't believe you called my mate Wailer "Old Bastard"!"
Yup. Personal attack. As a flagrant scofflaw, I regularly flirt with disaster. As a Luddite-American, I fall under the minority group double-standard exemption. It's all good. He can take me in a fair fight. Like I said, flirting with disaster. You ever seen the size of that guy?
LOL! I guess you busted me, Buzz--I didn't really expect the Luds to grasp the offensiveness of my dismissiveness. I might have underesti-mutated the elevation of your sensitivities in this area.
I sincerely reparate apologistically for any damages done to your itsy bitsy crotch-height sensitivities. . . . ---------- Oldwailer's Web Site
There are many options for DAW's and various input and output devices. I do quite a bit of recording and production work, and in the process have had to learn and have on hand most of the popular DAW's as different studios and artists use what they are comfortable with and often need to convert formats to work in another studio on another platform.
I have a songwriter I work with who records his basic tracks at home, then sends the Garage Band sessions via drop box for additional overdubs with quality mics, arranging, cleanup and final mixing. One very cool thing about Garage Band is that you can open a GB session directly into its high end DAW brother, Logic Pro with access to all the plug in's and features it has. It makes for a very smooth workflow. I'm sure the same is true for Cubase LE and other programs.
For higher end DAW work, most studios I come across run various combinations or have versions of : Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, Ableton Live, Sonar, and others. Most of these programs come with cheaper, stripped down versions that should be more than adequate to get you rolling with the option to upgrade if you out grow your setup. Have fun!
I forgot to add that for my own setup, I no longer use a mixer. I used to have 48 channels on my old mixer which is now gathering dust up in the attic.
I go direct through a Mark of The Unicorn interface with 8 channels of input, directly to the computer via firewire. All recording and mixing takes place in the computer.
The technology that is available to the home recordist for the quality and price point these days is truly amazing.
