Yeah I get it now, thanks. I've never known anything about recording.

man, all i use to record is my laptop with Audicty, Vamp, and plug my guitar in via Aux port in my laptop, and i use electric drums the same way =]

If you're satisfied with the kind of sound quality you get with that, then that's all you.

I use a four-track tape recorder and some tin-foil.

Experimental music
It's made from tin foil.

If any of your friends have Apple computers, Garage Band is a FAR better program than Audacity or anything you're going to find for free on the internet. You just have to work with it a little and you can get some pretty good recordings. Most people don't realize that. It's nothing compared to Protools obviously...but it'll get you some decent sounding recordings.

Craigslist is a great place to look for used equipment. Unless you're super nit-picky about your sound (which you can't really afford to be on a $600 budget), pretty much any microphone will do. You can use a dynamic mic for pretty much everything if you can't afford a condenser. EQing and adding compression with the program you use will clean up the sound pretty well.

My last tip: if you're using a small mixer, don't go direct with the stringed instruments (if they're electric that is). It will sound like garbage. Mic an amp, even if it's a small practice amp. It will sound a thousand times better and again, you'll be able to refine the sound digitally.

^Take this bloke's advice but instead of Garageband get Logic. Of course Logic really sucks (atleast in my experience) with VST plugins like EW/QL (which has pretty much become the industry standard for professional-midi). But for recording a band you should be fine, just keep a PC handy as well.

If you do mic an amp, make sure you are not picking up too much static, as this makes digital refinment tricky. If you are picking up too much static, going direct and then messing around with your amp simulation software should do the trick.

^Logic is definitely a better program than Garage band. I just recommended it because it's free and easily accessible if he knows anyone with a Mac.



Or you could just take the easy route and find someone like me with their own equipment who would be willing to record a few songs for you for an hourly (or even flat) fee. My band has recorded a demo and an EP with a guy who has a studio in his house. I think we paid him about 200 for a three song demo, and about 400 for a 6 song EP. Some students and/or self teach-ers are even willing to do it for free just to gain the experience.

That's just another option you could explore. It would probably be cheaper in the long run, and sound much better.

Freebase's list looks good. I would really recommend you buy used and get a little bit better quality. Just be extra careful and smart about it. If you're buying off ebay, only buy from someone with a large amount of SELLER's feedback and over 99% positive. Check out ANY negative feedback they have from something they sold and read the comments. Don't be afraid to ask them about that situation and see if you feel confident about their response. If you buy off Craigslist, make sure you use everything before making the purchase. I have been buying sound equipment from both of these channels for several years and have never had a problem. Even if you buy NEW on ebay you're going to get it for a lot less than new from Guitar Center!

Yeah, you might be better off finding someone at a flat rate like the dancing avatar above me says--especially because your new to recording.

...BUT If you really want to get your hands dirty, you'd do well to follow Freebase's advice to the T. Garageband is a better replacement if you've got access to an apple.

peace,
-nick