Recording help

[learnintoplay62]

O.k guys I 'm a brand new, no nuthing newbie at digital recording. So help me out
I'm a K.I.S.S kind of guy, so simple simple simple is what I'm talking about and o yeh did I mention cheap or used would be ok.
I have seen zoom h4 and that's about it. I am fairly computer literate but have problems sometimes interfacing software.
It sounds like 2 mics are the best but more complicated so I guess direct recording is the way to go ?
I did a search on this topic but nothing recent was posted.
If it's the wrong place to post tell me and I of Frono will move it

 

[jmac]

are you looking for home recording or a portable unit? You mentioned the zoom h4 which is a portable device, but if you're looking for easy home recording that's probably not your simplest option.

Are you looking to use your computer as part of your recording system? or are you looking for something independent, more like a digital 4-track?

Jake

 

[Ian]

I bought a Tascam US 122 (there's a bit on one of the forums here about them, try searching in here for Tascam or Digital recording..., anyhow it all works Ok but the bundled software (steinberg), is a complex pain in the butt to get working. Unless you really really want to: I wouldnt bother....

 

[zulu]

What do you want to record? If it's just acoustic guitar and a voice it would be hard to beat the internal mics on the zoom H2/H4 for sound quality and simplicity. If you want to be able to overdub/multitrack your next big choice is standalone vs computer based.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Hi Jake. I thought I was looking for a portable device but if it is complex maybe not. I do want to connect it directly to my computer.

 

[dapmdave]

There's basically 3 ways to go.

1. Go small with a hand-held unit like your Zoom. Simple, sounds OK, but few options.

2. Go with a multi-track digital recorder. This avoids the computer, but still provides multitracking and usually the ability to burn a CD. These are kind of outdated today (overtaken by computer-based recording) but the prices have gotten very low for some awesome gear. Today you can get a 24-track unit (TASCAM 2488 NEO as an example) for about $600.

3. Go computer-based. Get a basic interface, a few chinese condenser mics, and you can get started. But if you aren't into computers the chances are that you'll get frustrated when the tech gets in the way of what you want to do. But if you can get over the steep learning curve this can be a lot of fun. Sometimes the interfaces come with limited versions of DAW software, and there is also free software out there.

Dave

 

[eastcoastbuzz]

This is what works for me. I first go into a Mackie mixer because the preamps are good but this is optional. From the mixer I go to a Zoom R16 digital recorder (less than $400 new). Once I get the tracks laid down I just remove the SD card from the R16 and copy the tracks to my computer. From there, I mix down and master with the simple but very versatile N-Track program, which is very cheap to download and allows for unlimited tracks. I record clean and add effects with the software.

 

[West R Lee]

I don't understand what you're looking for that the Zoom doesn't offer Learnin'?

West

 

[learnintoplay62]

West, I don't know much about it so that's why I'm asking :wink:

 

[frettedstrings]

Learn'in,

Last spring, I bought an Alesis Multimix 8 USB FX mixer ($149 at GC) with Cubase LE5 Recording Software. The mixer plugs into the USB port on my laptop. It's been a challenge and I understand that there is other recording software, that is available, that is easier to use, but Cubase came with the Alesis Mixer. I bought an Audiotechnica AT2020 Large Diaphram Condensor mic ($99 at GC) that I use for vocals and I have two Fender cardiods that I use for my guitars. Still learning how to get through all of the techy stuff, though, but I think it will be the best way to go, once I get it all figured out.

I was going to post some pictures of my equipment, but I undestand that Photobucket now requires Adobe Flash Player 10.3 inorder to upload pictures and Flash Player 10.3 is not currently available for Internet Explorer 9 (64-bit) Beta.

-frettedstrings

 

[jmac]

learnin,

I agree with zulu that the internal mics on the zoom are excellent for catching a live performance. I heard other mp3 recorders that were just about as good too, so don't think you're limited to zoom.

My recommendation is buy something like the zoom H2 not the H4, and then buy recording software for your computer. Even an inexpensive program (I bought Cakewalk music creator for $50 years ago), will give you everything you need. In fact, I'd recommend something inexpensive because it will probably be easier to use.

With the computer recoding software you can upload your Zoom recording, edit it, or add to it.
Its true you can edit and multi-track with any digital multi-track recorder, but the visual dimension that you get from the computer and ease of the controls you get from a mouse and a keyboard make editing and "tweaking" much easier.

Jake

 

[Ridgemont]

You fool, why are you asking such silly questions... :lol: I am just kidding. I don't know anything about recording gear either. If you see Pascal on Youtube, you will see stacks of recording equipment. I don't know each piece's purpose, but he does make some good recordings.

So I followed a recording thread about a year ago because of interest in an LTG CD. I wanted to contribute but the only recorder I had was my phone. I can work a computer, but loath software that is not user friendly. Hence I am a Mac guy :shock:. I was advised to buy a USB powered mic so I ended up buying a Blue Yeti (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Blue-Yeti-U ... 1500772.gc). GC has them for $150, but Amazon had them for half that. Since I have a Mac, I have GarageBand as my interface/editing software. So I plug in the mic, push record in GarageBand and I am off to the races. It is just that easy. The mic is nice. It is a condenser mice with different setting for omnidirectional pickup or something more focused. It has a plug for earphones so you can hear exactly what is being picked up. But the software I use is what makes it easy so I am happy.

 

[Ross]

Hi Learning:

I'm like Ridge - a Mac/Garageband user.

My experience has been that recording is addictive (kind of like owning Guilds) and that once you begin, you'll want to do more & more. For that reason I recommend that you get used to using a computer. The learning curve is steep to begin with, but it offers a lot more than a stand-alone recorder.

This is not to say that you can't use a Zoom. Their portability is a big plus, their recordings can be loaded onto the computer and mixed & modified there. A Zoom can also be used as an interface if you ever want to plug in an instrument such as an electric guitar or keyboard.

If you have a Mac computer, Garageband a good program. If you have Windows, I've heard good things about Reaper.

The main thing is to enjoy it

 

[jmac]

Ross,

I agree, recording is addictive. I have a mac and a PC, and have used garage band, but not to the extent that I've used music creator.

For me the power of the computer recording software is the "wave view". Where you see the recorded wave pattern and can manipulate it.

I've also looked into (but haven't purchased) mastering software. I've heard that its in the mastering process that a mixed recording really comes to life. I'm not serious enough to properly master my recordings, but I'd like to know more about it.

Jake

 

[learnintoplay62]

Crazy choices :shock:
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't use a mac but plug and play is what I'm looking for and it seems like pc's don't offer as much as mac. I am seeing a good friend on thursday who is a professional musician and owns a recording studio so I am confident he can help but his equipment is so complex I'm not sure he can think like a beginner :wink:

 

[West R Lee]

West, I don't know much about it so that's why I'm asking :wink:

Here is one of a few I have in which I merely have my H4 laying on the desk about 2 feet from the soundhole. Not great, but it works for me. No effects of any kind, just straight into the H4 at close range.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9737721

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=7584568

West

 

[Ross]

....have used garage band, but not to the extent that I've used music creator.

For me the power of the computer recording software is the "wave view". Where you see the recorded wave pattern and can manipulate it.

I've also looked into (but haven't purchased) mastering software. I've heard that its in the mastering process that a mixed recording really comes to life. I'm not serious enough to properly master my recordings, but I'd like to know more about it.

Jake

Jake:
I'll definitely look into music creator. Being able to manipulate the wave pattern would be VERY useful Does it run on Mac?

It's true that mastering can really bring a polish to a recording. I'm not at that stage (or anywhere near it :lol: ), but I'd also like to investigate its possibilities.

 

[Scratch]

West, I don't know much about it so that's why I'm asking :wink:

Here is one of a few I have in which I merely have my H4 laying on the desk about 2 feet from the soundhole. Not great, but it works for me. No effects of any kind, just straight into the H4 at close range.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=9737721

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=7584568

West

West,
Listening to those brought back some good memories. Especially The Captain and the Kid.

Bob,
Wish I had something to offer in the way of advice, but I'm a real box of rocks when it comes to recording and mixing... Good luck bro' and I look forward to hearing some of your tunes...

 

[learnintoplay62]

Hi Ken. The 2 posts were of Westy. I didn't see your link. However, West those 2 songs were just beautiful, especially The Capt' well done brother and good voice 8)