I want to start recording (voice)

Beautiful · 08-20-2008, 12:58 AM

I know absolutely nothing about recording or the equipment itself.. but I really want/need to start. I figure I'm never going to get anywhere with this unless I record myself and put myself out there. With that being said, where the hell do I start?

I need some suggestions on what I should buy, links and pictures would be helpful. Price isn't really an issue, but I dont need anything big, expensive and complicating. All that matters is if it sounds good. I have so many questions.. and I can't seem to get any of it out cuz it's so new to me, so I guess I'll just ask as we go. Thanks guys

Aqualung · 08-20-2008, 02:28 AM

Shure microphones seem pretty popular with the members here. There's actually a thread talking about favourite vocal mics. I don't know much about recording myself, though, so apart from directing you towards some other threads I won't be much help.

Beautiful · 08-20-2008, 04:55 AM

I appreciate your reply anyhow

Habey Gonzo · 08-20-2008, 10:07 AM

If you want to go cheap, a simple microphone with a jack connector, linked to your computer's mic-in can do (assuming your computer has a decent soundcard). That can be less than $50.

If you can allow yourself something more expensive, I'd say a basic mix table (small berhingher xenix, it's cheap and enough), plus a shure sm58, plus an usb recording interface for your computer. There you'd get a good sound for about $200 or $300.

With these two options, a free application such as Audacity (ok, it can't stand compared to commercial apps, but still) will put your tracks together.

All this is suposing you're going to record with your computer. You can move to specialized hardware, but prices would go up.

Neverlife · 08-21-2008, 03:16 AM

For a computer program. Also try out GoldWave, its a free download like Audicity, and pretty good. Just a suggestion.

johnathon · 08-22-2008, 04:45 PM

I just use Acid Pro to record my music.

Joel · 08-30-2008, 03:32 AM

I've used both goldwave and audacity and they both worked just fine.

NYDrummer · 09-03-2008, 04:12 AM

buy a mac....use garageband...a decent mic and a firewire interface, like m-audio or something. the firepod is pretty good too.

frankie101 · 11-27-2008, 03:30 AM

Use an ordinary mic. If it's home recording, you can use the simplest equip. then edit it with good software editor.

alec.james · 11-29-2008, 10:47 PM

Garageband or Logic Express are the easiest programs to use on the mac, and FL Studio is the easiest on the PC (although it's fairly complicated).

If you have a firewire input on your computer, get a presonus firebox (or firepod if you've got the cash.) It's got great quality, it's sturdy (metal), and it's easy to use. And presonus has the best customer service ever.

For my laptop, I use a little M-Audio recording thing. They're not all too expensive.

If you want to bypass computers entirely without overlooking quality, use a loop pedal. I recommend the Digitech JamMan.

futuredisco · 12-08-2008, 02:53 PM

Get M-audio fast track USB Audio interface, Shure SM58 and Steinberg Sequel 2 Software. You can make chart hits with that setup ;-)

Sam M · 03-20-2009, 05:08 AM

acid pro is the best try that and see what happens

Razzy · 03-22-2009, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverlife

For a computer program. Also try out GoldWave, its a free download like Audacity, and pretty good. Just a suggestion.

Audacity's alright.

As far as the free programs go, I'd have to say that (This is an opinion)Reaper is the best out there. If you google Reaper you should be able to find it.

As far as the actual interface.

I use a Shure Microphone through a Line6 PodXT(With the vocal models) and get some awesome results with it.

Raayl · 04-01-2009, 07:09 PM

Here is a step-by-step for you.

First, you need to get yourself a microphone. Because you are recording, I would suggest coming right into the world of audio engineering with a condenser microphone. I would suggest shure products - you can pick up a KSM27 for about 300 dollars and it is a wonderful mic for a variety of applications.

What is a condenser microphone? Well, basically it's just a more sensitive mic, used primarily in studios for recording. Most need their own power supply, which is known as phantom power.

How do you get phantom power? Well, you get a microphone preamp. Mic preamps come in all shapes and sizes, and you should be able to get one for about 100 dollars. I suggest the presonus tube pre (google it) great preamp for the price, and it has 48v phantom power.

After that, you'll need cables! I suggest getting roughly five XLR to XLR cables, whatever brand you choose. Doesn't really matter, although personally I use planetwaves.

Now we're on to the bread and butter - and audio interface. Again, its up to you, but I would strongly suggest an AI that uses firewire to connect to your computer. Firewire is the fastest port and has the most stable input, so you're golden. I recommend the presonus firebox. At 300 dollars, its easily one of the most versatile and effecient pieces of gear for the price.

After that, you're pretty much set. Plug the mic into the preamp, then take the preamp out into the AI, then into your computer. Set up the computer thr read the firewire port for audio recording in (in my computer, sound devices) and bam, you're done.

Now you just need some software! I would suggest Sonar, but if you want the freeware approach, audacity will help you get your feet wet. I don't sugget using freeware as it is limited, but the choice is yours.

08-20-2008, 12:58 AM	#1
Beautiful Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 10 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 20	I know absolutely nothing about recording or the equipment itself.. but I really want/need to start. I figure I'm never going to get anywhere with this unless I record myself and put myself out there. With that being said, where the hell do I start? I need some suggestions on what I should buy, links and pictures would be helpful. Price isn't really an issue, but I dont need anything big, expensive and complicating. All that matters is if it sounds good. I have so many questions.. and I can't seem to get any of it out cuz it's so new to me, so I guess I'll just ask as we go. Thanks guys __________________ People love and let go Life is now or never Forever's gonna slow you down

08-20-2008, 04:55 AM	#3
Beautiful Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 10 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 20	I appreciate your reply anyhow __________________ People love and let go Life is now or never Forever's gonna slow you down

08-20-2008, 10:07 AM	#4
Habey Gonzo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brussels (Belgium) Posts: 1,252 Thanks: 57 Thanked 93 Times in 83 Posts Rep Power: 87	If you want to go cheap, a simple microphone with a jack connector, linked to your computer's mic-in can do (assuming your computer has a decent soundcard). That can be less than $50. If you can allow yourself something more expensive, I'd say a basic mix table (small berhingher xenix, it's cheap and enough), plus a shure sm58, plus an usb recording interface for your computer. There you'd get a good sound for about $200 or $300. With these two options, a free application such as Audacity (ok, it can't stand compared to commercial apps, but still) will put your tracks together. All this is suposing you're going to record with your computer. You can move to specialized hardware, but prices would go up. __________________ -=The C in rap is silent=- IceWind -=- Habey Gonzo's nest

08-21-2008, 03:16 AM	#5
Neverlife Dungeon Master Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Newman Grove, NE Posts: 2,010 Thanks: 55 Thanked 84 Times in 75 Posts Rep Power: 0	For a computer program. Also try out GoldWave, its a free download like Audicity, and pretty good. Just a suggestion. __________________ "Today is the tommorow, you worried about yesterday"

08-30-2008, 03:32 AM	#7
Joel Biggest gig ever was a talent show Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cold Cold Canada Posts: 272 Thanks: 32 Thanked 27 Times in 25 Posts Rep Power: 39	I've used both goldwave and audacity and they both worked just fine. __________________ Wrong or right, Black or white, If I close my eyes, Its all the same. Joels Guitar Setup = Ibanez RGA Prestige 121 --> Dunlop Crybaby --> Boss Super Overdrive --> Fuchs Tube Job --> Traynor YCS50 (PODXt Live in loop) --> Ears

08-20-2008, 02:28 AM	#2
Aqualung Pshaw! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 11,548 Thanks: 527 Thanked 731 Times in 684 Posts Rep Power: 271	Shure microphones seem pretty popular with the members here. There's actually a thread talking about favourite vocal mics. I don't know much about recording myself, though, so apart from directing you towards some other threads I won't be much help.

08-22-2008, 04:45 PM	#6
johnathon Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 20	I just use Acid Pro to record my music.

09-03-2008, 04:12 AM	#8
NYDrummer NYC Born and Bred Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 100 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts Rep Power: 32	buy a mac....use garageband...a decent mic and a firewire interface, like m-audio or something. the firepod is pretty good too. __________________ www.conflictinthesky.com www.sellaband.com/conflictinthesky

11-27-2008, 03:30 AM	#9
frankie101 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 16	Use an ordinary mic. If it's home recording, you can use the simplest equip. then edit it with good software editor. __________________ Your sig is not a place for free advertising.

11-29-2008, 10:47 PM	#10
alec.james Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: California Posts: 110 Thanks: 3 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts Rep Power: 24	Garageband or Logic Express are the easiest programs to use on the mac, and FL Studio is the easiest on the PC (although it's fairly complicated). If you have a firewire input on your computer, get a presonus firebox (or firepod if you've got the cash.) It's got great quality, it's sturdy (metal), and it's easy to use. And presonus has the best customer service ever. For my laptop, I use a little M-Audio recording thing. They're not all too expensive. If you want to bypass computers entirely without overlooking quality, use a loop pedal. I recommend the Digitech JamMan. __________________ SHOWCASE love it made it or hate it, Keep Music Alive.

12-08-2008, 02:53 PM	#11
futuredisco Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 16	Get M-audio fast track USB Audio interface, Shure SM58 and Steinberg Sequel 2 Software. You can make chart hits with that setup ;-) __________________ Future Mobile Discos in Leicester Midlands Roasted Recording Studios & Rehearsal rooms in Leicester

03-20-2009, 05:08 AM	#12
Sam M Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Rep Power: 17	acid pro is the best try that and see what happens

04-01-2009, 07:09 PM	#14
Raayl Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 12	Here is a step-by-step for you. First, you need to get yourself a microphone. Because you are recording, I would suggest coming right into the world of audio engineering with a condenser microphone. I would suggest shure products - you can pick up a KSM27 for about 300 dollars and it is a wonderful mic for a variety of applications. What is a condenser microphone? Well, basically it's just a more sensitive mic, used primarily in studios for recording. Most need their own power supply, which is known as phantom power. How do you get phantom power? Well, you get a microphone preamp. Mic preamps come in all shapes and sizes, and you should be able to get one for about 100 dollars. I suggest the presonus tube pre (google it) great preamp for the price, and it has 48v phantom power. After that, you'll need cables! I suggest getting roughly five XLR to XLR cables, whatever brand you choose. Doesn't really matter, although personally I use planetwaves. Now we're on to the bread and butter - and audio interface. Again, its up to you, but I would strongly suggest an AI that uses firewire to connect to your computer. Firewire is the fastest port and has the most stable input, so you're golden. I recommend the presonus firebox. At 300 dollars, its easily one of the most versatile and effecient pieces of gear for the price. After that, you're pretty much set. Plug the mic into the preamp, then take the preamp out into the AI, then into your computer. Set up the computer thr read the firewire port for audio recording in (in my computer, sound devices) and bam, you're done. Now you just need some software! I would suggest Sonar, but if you want the freeware approach, audacity will help you get your feet wet. I don't sugget using freeware as it is limited, but the choice is yours.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Modern Recording Techniques. Sixth Edition.	hermitbadger	Recording Equipment and Techniques	7	12-13-2009 10:29 PM
Cheap, Easy recording, multi tracked.	Metalhed08	Recording Equipment and Techniques	4	06-14-2008 06:51 PM
I might start recording my demo	Habey Gonzo	Recording Equipment and Techniques	33	01-05-2008 04:36 AM
Aqualung/Cross-Eyed Mary Recording Project!	MusicMan	Recording Equipment and Techniques	94	02-06-2007 06:41 AM

Sponsored Links
KMA Music Forum Advertisement