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Computer recording

MissYouAllDayMissYouAllDay Posts: 939
edited December 2004 in Musicians and Gearheads
Hey everyone. I really want to start recording on my computer. What all does this require. Tell my what I am missing from my list. And I want to do pretty nice professional (to the average person) sounding recordings.

A microphone (to mic my amp and vocals)
a soundcard with analog input ( to plug my mic into)

What else do I need? What the hell is a pre amp?

How many of these bases does the E-MU 1820M cover? It comes with a soundcard with anolog inputs and a high recording quality. It also comes with the input dock with all the input jacks. And some minor software I am guessing.

Thanks guys.
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Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Bart138Bart138 Posts: 37
    You'll want some medium quality monitors (speakers), I've read good things about M-Audio Bx8's ad KrK's Rockit line. TO answer your question about preamps, they basically amplify sounds so that they can be picked up by whatever you are recording into. Some can "color" your sound, some sound very transparent. A good book to get started in home recording is called Home Recording for Musicians for Dummies, by Jeff Strong (no offense with the "for Dummies" part of the title.) It takes you from the basics of equipment all the way through marketing an album in an easy-to-understand way.
  • mccreadyisgodmccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    I don't get the impression that the E-MU box you referenced has much in the way of software with it. However, it seems like a good interface between analog and your computer, especially if you add some form of recording software (like Cubase, Cakewalk, or ACID). You would need to check the system requirements and make sure your computer has everything (especially the firewire port where it would connect). You would need a mic (or mics), probably a mic stand, and an XLR (mic) cable and you'd be set. You'd also need something to listen with, like a good set of headphones and/or monitors; I'd recommend headphones, so you can listen WHILE you record, but having a set of computer speakers would be nice to listen to it after it's recorded.

    I'd also like to point out a couple options:

    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/245505/

    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/240469/

    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/248150/

    These are all USB-based interfaces that come bundled with good recording software. The DigiDesign MBox is my recommendation, but I'm a ProTools junkie. Besides, ProTools takes a lot of computer power, so if your computer is a bit wimpy, get something else. But these give you all the things you need and nothing you don't need.

    Now, as for pre-amps... analog sound signals can come in a variety of strengths, from mic signals (usually -40 dBu) to instrument signals (usually around -10 dBu) to line level (+4 dBu). These signals all need to be amplified to the same level (or close to it) to be processed and mixed. Preamp is short for pre-amplifier, which is the first thing you send any signal into. It is used primarily to raise the signal up to nominal level (0 dB). This stage is also referred to as "gain" or "trim." After that, there can be any sort of processing (EQ, effects, mixing, panning, level adjustment). So, preamps give everything a level playing-field before anything else is done.
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.
  • parchyparchy Posts: 205
    Don't underestimate the importance of a quality mic... a good condenser mic will get you set, but don't get by with lesser quality stuff if you want decent recordings...
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  • mccreadyisgodmccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    parchy wrote:
    Don't underestimate the importance of a quality mic... a good condenser mic will get you set, but don't get by with lesser quality stuff if you want decent recordings...


    If price is an issue, I'd recommend a $90 Shure SM57 over anything else...

    But if you have $200, a Rode NT1A is a nice investment. And mics get much more expensive very quickly.

    But I maintain that the 57 is the best mic anyone could own, if you only own one mic.
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.
  • Bart138Bart138 Posts: 37
    A good mic is very important, but if the preamp sucks you could have the best mic in the world and still have shitty results. If I were you MYAD, I'd read up on some intro books before making any big purchases. A great site for anyone into the production side of music is http://www.futureproducers.com. It leans a little towards hip-hop/electronic music, but it has great general production info.

    This Amazon guide has some great books for beginners or anyone really:

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/guides/guide-display/-/TTSATA3U9LCG/ref%3Dcm%5Fbg%5Fdp%5Fl%5F2/102-8271357-6576923
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