carolyn
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I think it's time...
Posts: 982
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Post by carolyn on Aug 6, 2008 21:16:45 GMT -5
Hello Ladies and Gentleman. Once again I come to you for your help and advice. I've been looking into recording my own music for a long time now, but can't really seem to find the right way to start. It seems all the magazines and websites are not geared towards beginners. I've been playing my instruments for years, and I will be attending University this coming fall for a degree in Music! My instrument is the Classical Guitar and I love it to death - and I also play a wide variety of other instruments as well. Anyways, I was just wondering how some of you record-ees work your magic. I think once I get the sound into a program, I will be able to figure it out mixing and such - but what I would like to know are things such as: what programs you use for your computer? Do I need special mics? Certain hardwear? Any input would be great. Websites, program and gear suggestions - anything and everything would be appreciated. Thank you ma melons!
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Post by melonhead1899 on Aug 6, 2008 22:42:37 GMT -5
Hello! My name is Arlo and I would love to answer your questions about recording. Been doin it for a while. I am going to school in Nashville for it. Just ask a question and id be more than happy to help in any way I can.
First get a good mic. Most important thing. I would suggest AKG, Rode or Audio-Technica. This is a pretty expensive piece of equipment. For the most part you get what you pay for, but I have used the Rode NT-1 and Rode NT-2A, they will run you about 220-350 bucks. They are GREAT microphones for recording just about anything really.
But if that is out of the price range then I would go with a Shure SM-57. This is an industry standard microphone. And they will run you about 100 bucks. These microphones sound great on guitar, snare drums, guitar cabs, vocals, everything.
But if price doesn't matter, a great microphone for a classical guitar would be the AKG C3000, or AKG C414. A bit more pricey, but will sound crisp and clear, while the low end is sticking right along with it. Wonderful.
What kind of computer do you have?
Drop me a line
Arlo Harvar96@gmail.com
Blind Melon Rules!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2008 8:50:31 GMT -5
Personally, I perfer using a portable digital studio. I really like the hands-on mixing... If you are interested in recording WITHOUT using your computer, drop me a line.
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carolyn
Porcupine
I think it's time...
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Post by carolyn on Aug 8, 2008 17:10:12 GMT -5
Thanks Arlo and Matt.
Arlo - I'm planning to buy a laptop this month. I was thinking a Mac of some sort. And thanks for the advice about mics. I think I'll do a little bit of shopping around town to see what I can get my hands on. Is there a program you record the sound into? I will defiantly be getting in contact with you with my other question too, thanks!!
Matt - So you do your recording NOT on a computer? Do you have a separate recording device or something like that? I'm not sure I fully understand. Which method does a professional studio use? Thank you!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2008 17:35:31 GMT -5
I'm not exactly sure what most pro-studios use. Arlo may know. I am guessing it is a mix between both....
This is what I use (just to capture sound....I use sub-boards, FX racks, and tons of mics... you won't need all that stuff though..):
You can get one MUCH cheaper than they said in the video... Probably 600 bucks. However, you may be able to find a used one for less than that!
If you just want to record your instruments, voice...etc... All you need is something like this and a microphone.
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Post by chamigo on Aug 8, 2008 18:36:29 GMT -5
hi carolyn..even i started to learn guitar a few weeks ago..i like to record things n stuff on my pc.. just bullshits things you know..i mean im dont know music.. but i never use any program to mix channels or do something serius im using Fruity loops 7 but if u want to try with some really good software..theres a lot of programs..as Nuendo , Sonar 7 , Cubase..theyre really hard for me.... so profesional.. and , off course all of em are pretty expensive.. but u can get a copy ..n if u like it , get the original..just for not spend money.. or Cool Edit (seems its easy for beginners) to mix.. if u want to make the drums n that stuff..can use any VST (sounds great) ..drums to say something..but can use it for bass too or whatever (trumpets,cello,...) hope help you a bit-..
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2008 18:41:57 GMT -5
The only computer programs I've used to record, in the past, was Cool Edit (as chamigo stated)... and Protools. Protools is suppose to be one of the best.
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Post by Mr. Sexy on Aug 11, 2008 12:07:05 GMT -5
We used an 8 track digital recorder and mix it on the machine. I found it was actually easier than a computer. They'll usually have built in mics and drum tracks. I'd get an actual mic because built in ones are too sensitive and pick up things you don't want. Drum tracks are ok, but usually only go so far.
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carolyn
Porcupine
I think it's time...
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Post by carolyn on Aug 13, 2008 12:59:56 GMT -5
Ohhh now I get the difference between the two methods!! I'll have to research everything a little bit. I used Cool Edit for a class a few years ago and I found it super easy to understand.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2008 15:55:35 GMT -5
Cool Edit is super easy... But, like freako, Mr. Sexy, said ( #haha# ).... Digital consoles are friggin' perfect!
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melondew
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"I need to be on top of a mountain where I can see everything cause this paranoia's getting old"
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Post by melondew on Aug 13, 2008 16:17:11 GMT -5
Regarding microphones, I've never been real satisfied with the sound I get from dynamic mics alone(ie. SM57, etc). I would go with a condenser mic, especially if you are recording vocals and acoustic guitar. You can get them pretty cheap, around $50 or so. The thing is you have to buy a phantom power supply to go with it, which is usually around $20. You can get a decent condenser/power supply setup for under $100. By way of comparison, an SM57 will cost around $100. Dynamic mics, such as the SM57, have a real "boxy" sound, they don't have a lot of range. On recordings, the sound tends to be closer to that of a boom box or computer mic(which are also dynamic mics). As a result you lose a lot of intricacies and dynamic nuances which are so important to music. Condenser mics on the other hand have a very wide range, are very sensitive and pick up everything. The sound they reproduce is very natural and warm. They are standard for vocal recording in professional studios. Don't get me wrong, SM57's are great mics. Especially for live performance, recording drums and many other things. When recording guitar, I'll use a condenser and an SM57 for an even broader range. For your purposes though, I think you might be disappointed with an SM57 or any dynamic mic all by itself. If you can't afford both, I would definitely recommend going with a condenser mic. They are made by most of the same manufacturers as Melonhead1899 recommended. Here are some links to musicians friend for a cheap condenser mic package and a phantom power supply: Mic: www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-MXL-990-Condenser-Microphone-with-Shockmount?sku=273156Power supply: www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-MICROPOWER-PS400-Phantom-Power-Supply?sku=336830Doug
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