Recording Equipment Question

[midnightright]

A little while back, I think sometime over the course of this past winter, I was inquiring about all of the necessary pieces of equipment needed to record your own sound (guitar and vocals) from your home. I had at that time bought a used condenser mic (i think that was the kind...)--& anyway, due to the lack of a fully functioning computer; and some complications with getting the mic to record distortion free on my iphone, I gave up. Now that I have a brand new laptop (non mac - is that PC?) see, i dont' even know. . . which lets you know what or where Im at in terms of level! But Im' wondering if I purchased the solo focusrite that many were recommending at the time, which i believ comes with the softward for you computer. What else would be a prerequisite for getting started? Are there any other essential elements, or components missing? Also, is it best to at least get the one with two plugs (or inputs), so that you can simulataneously play and sing at the same time? Thats what i normally do when practing. Thaks!

 

[AcornHouse]

Condenser mics usually need phantom power to work, so that might have been the issue you had previously. An interface like the Focusrite is needed. You might look into the Scarlett, which can come in a number of different inputs. You can record both voice and guitar with just one mic, and condenser mics are the best for that, so you’re good there. (That’s what I have been doing with my videos.) With two inputs (which will, of course, require a second mic, you can have better control over the volumes of each (which I do wish I had sometimes.) That also means a second mic stand (or auxiliary arm for use with one) and another xlr cable.
ive been seeing that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a well regarded unit for that for under $150.

 

[midnightright]

Yes, this is exactly what I needed! Thank you, AcornHouse!!! I was meaning to mention that particular model, but for some reason had the smaller version, or one stuck in my head -- (the solo; with maybe just the one input). But it is also very good to know that I will need a second mic in order to simultaneously record both voice and guitar at the same time. I wasn't sure if you'd just plugged the guitar (electric) into the interface? Thanks a lot, again, that's a really big help to a bone-head like me. . . : )

 

[AcornHouse]

You can plug the guitar directly into the interface as well. It is a dual jack. So, if it’s an electric, or acoustic/electric guitar, then no, you don’t need a second mic. Since you posted in the acoustic section, I just assumed a non pickup guitar.

Yes, this is exactly what I needed! Thank you, AcornHouse!!! I was meaning to mention that particular model, but for some reason had the smaller version, or one stuck in my head -- (the solo; with maybe just the one input). But it is also very good to know that I will need a second mic in order to simultaneously record both voice and guitar at the same time. I wasn't sure if you'd just plugged the guitar (electric) into the interface? Thanks a lot, again, that's a really big help to a bone-head like me. . . : )

 

[Cougar]

But Im' wondering if I purchased the solo focusrite that many were recommending at the time, which i believ comes with the softward for you computer. What else would be a prerequisite for getting started? Are there any other essential elements, or components missing?

I think Chris has given you the answers. Focusrite Solo is $109 and Focusrite 2i2 is $159. Both come with Ableton Live Lite, which is a "lightweight" version of Ableton's multitrack home studio software. I'm sure that "DAW" will be able to handle recordings for guitar and vocals, and add more tracks like harmonies or whatever if you want. There's just no excuse not to have a home studio these days!

 

[midnightright]

Thanks guys! That's great! And good to know. . . I have been playing much more electric lately, which may have led to my thinking in how I posed, or phrased that question. But yes, if possible, I'd like to do an awful lot of recording on acoustic (none of which currently have electronics!). And so I'm guessing the two mic configuration, or setup, is much preferable to trying to attempt to find a sweet spot where a single mic can capture both at once? I've seen people on Youtube who appear to be doing this... (though I realize that not everything could be being captured in the shot)! Thanks again!

 

[AcornHouse]

Here’s my one mic setup. With a condenser mic it’s quite doable, since it has a greater field than a dynamic mic. It’s just a matter of favoring whichever is softer, in this case, my voice. But, yes, a 2 mic setup would make things easier since you can set two different levels, and then have more independent control over the two parts in post production.

 

[beecee]

Excuse the butt in but may I jump on this thread.....I'm setting up my new...small...music room

So assume I buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Can you recommend decent mics?

What else would I need besides the PC I already own?

How about play back...speakers??

Never owned a home studio.

 

[AcornHouse]

Excuse the butt in but may I jump on this thread.....I'm setting up my new...small...music room

So assume I buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Can you recommend decent mics?

What else would I need besides the PC I already own?

How about play back...speakers??

Never owned a home studio.

I’ll go backwards. You can do playback 2 ways, headphones or monitors. I’d get a good pair of headphones first, because if you do any multitracking/overdubbing/etc. you’re going to need to listen on headphones anyway. I’m old school and use the classic studio AKG 240M, but there are other good ones. You want a closed ear set, so the playback doesn’t get picked up by the mic.

Sturdy mic stand and good mic cable(s), of course. If you’re going to do vocals, get a pop filter.

I did an inexpensive mic comparison using mics that I picked up on various sales, none for too much money. You guys didn‘t hear much of a difference, although I did. But, the key factor is that there are a lot of decent mics out there, and a lot of really good ones. The only limitation is your budget. I’d start on the low end, unless you want to go crazy like a certain forum owner I could mention. Audio Technica and AKG are good names in condenser mics. Some MXLs, although that was one of my least favorite of my bunch. If you plan on mic’ing electric guitar amps, you can’t go wrong with your basic Shure SM57 dynamic mic, although you can also use a condenser there, too. For condensers, look for -10db cut switches (you’ll need it if the amp is loud) and different cardioid patterns (not a necessity, but nice to have. A pricier option, to be sure.)

Here‘s my comparison video of lower end mics: the answers are in the comments.

 

[beecee]

Interesting...I really like A & C. Crisper, cleaner YMMV

 

[Rayk]

Why im posting this no reason just got excited about a recording thread . Lol I'm the king of killer cheap gear . Lol
My mics are two awesome Monoprice.com condensers never to be seen again so it seems.
Two monoprice Memphis blue mics ,one awesome really dark mic ASM mk 319 and a Blue Spark .
Lexicon I-O 42 interface .
Reason 10 daw . I wont upgrade till i get a new pc most likey mac .

Some pics of my extremely bachelor set up , yes im working on it but it takes years !!! Lol
And Reason daw pics though not my song as I haven't done a true multi track tune in a while.

But this stuff is fun just wish I could drum tracks its my Arch nemesis ! Lol

 

[midnightright]

Hey @AcornHouse - That sounds GREAT! Do you ever get out and play live? If not, you should... (I'd bet there are those who would be quite willing to pay, to see you play!). Love the guitar, too -- & the color / finish! I had a '81 F-20SB; & coming from G. C. in CA, although told it came with an ohsc, showed up with no case at all, but being well wrapped with bubble wrap, arrived crack, or damage free~ 'twas built like a tank - kinda looked "gibson-esque," (that's what a lot of folks thought from afar). Sounded perfect for my purposes at that time, and my sensibilities. Long scale, dark finish. Great all around (oh, and G. C. reimbursed me for the cost of a new Guardian case, if I remember correctly... so, Kudos to them!). I think you've got quite the attentive, and well behaved audience member there as well on the left! I have also sometimes even seen people recording just the acoustic with two separate mics - obviously aimed or placed in different places. . . )

Thanks @beecee ! You just helped me answer a bunch of questions I didn't even know that I already had! Much appreciated--

And @Rayk Always great to hear your feedback, input & insights - just great to hear almost anything from you in general, at most any time! : )

 

[midnightright]

Oh, And the F-20 had the arched back (super cool!)!

 

[Br1ck]

I'm a fan of buying gear that is not at the very low end of the market, but the Rode NT1 is a great starter mic, my current Rode NT2, pretty modest in the scheme of things has been fine for ten or fifteen years. There is really no excuse not to have an SM 57, since you'll want to mic your guitar cab sooner or later. Then next on your list should be a pair of small diaphragm condensers. This is the gateway to good acoustic guitar recording.

You will start out just being happy recording guitar and vocals, and this is how I start all my recordings, but these days it is just a scratch track. You will find bleed through will become an issue when you go to fix that one flubbed vocal line. All my keeper guitar tracks are stereo these days.

Learn not to overuse the effects in your play pen. Also realize you might want to buy and learn bass guitar, mandolin, dobro, banjo and uke. It's amazing what simple parts can add to a recording.

One thing I added recently I wish I had bought sooner, was spring loaded desk mic boom like radio announcers use. Gets a mic stand out of the way. Another feature that's invaluable, here you go more money, is an interface with an internal mixer so you can split your signal, route the dry signal to your DAW, and a bit of reverb to your phones. I hate recording with a dry signal in my phones.

But number one takaway from all this is buy better than the cheapest gear. Cheap gear has a way of ending up in a box in the closet. The best value is to have a friend that upgrades constantly. Buy cheap used stuff.

 

[johnreardon]

I use a Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB plugged into a Mac Mini running Logic Pro X 10.5. I used to use the free Garageband, Logic is just a bigger step upwards. For mics, I use a shure SM58. When recording demos for my band, I just plug the guitars straight into the Clarett. I never bother micing up an amp. Normally record the guitar using a clean setting and then fiddle about with the effects until I get what I want.

This video is what you can get with very little effort. The main guitar I used was a Gibson 59 Reissue, however I did use a Guild Starfire III and Taylor Acoustic for the arpeggios. BTW I'm not the singer in the band, I just record demos for songs we hope to record at sometime

 

[Cougar]

This video is what you can get with very little effort....

Amazing!

 

[midnightright]

Thank you both for your insights, which I find to be, both quite helpful and resourceful! And I'd bet that Gibson reissue is quite fine...



Can anybody tell, if she is using a mic, to record her amp (which I never even knew mesa made acoustic)? And then running that into her DAW?

Thanks!

 

[dreadnut]

I have a Tascam portable unit but I'm not happy with the sound quality. Problem is, once you put a microprocessor in something you have a thousand options and I have yet to find the right combination.

Surprisingly, my 35mm Canon EOS Rebel shoots quite good video and sound:

 

[Cougar]

Can anybody tell, if she is using a mic, to record her amp (which I never even knew mesa made acoustic)? And then running that into her DAW?

That's a good question. So she's got a magnetic soundhole pickup. She could do as you say, which allows for soundshaping with the amp. Or she could plug right into her audio-interface-with-preamp, then to the DAW via usb (and headphones or monitors).

 

[midnightright]

I've heard it said, that you've got to sort of turn the amp up, in order to get a good recorded sound (in an electric guitar setting). Though, I don't know if this applies to certain amps, more than others (vintage Fender / vs. Modern Marshall); like, I've often heard at least to that point of tube-break up: whatever that "sweet spot,' is!

Nice work on that one, @dreadnut ! Is that travis-picking you're doing there? Really nice sound and job, and great guitar, by the way...