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Old 07-23-2016, 06:45 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Smile Where to start with home recording? (Software, equipment. etc.)

Hello! I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what I would need to start recording vocals and guitar. I am not trying to make #1 Hits lol...just trying to take my hobby and record it. So I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction as to what kind of software, recording devices, etc. that I would need. Probably a software that isn't to complicated because I have the slightest clue about recording software. Any help is greatly appreciated! :^)

-Sean
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Old 09-17-2016, 04:24 PM   #2 (permalink)
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It depends on what sound quality you'e trying to get. Personally, I'm a fan or garage/lo-fi music, so I use an 8-track tape recorder. If you're looking for something user friendly, you could get yourself a 4-track recorder. It's much easier to use than a computer software, and you'll get a nice, grainy lo-fi sound. If you only want to record guitar and vocals, all you would need is a guitar and a mic.
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Old 09-17-2016, 11:54 PM   #3 (permalink)
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If you're looking to just start out working on a computer; and have fun making music experimenting; I'd strongly recommend the following.

[Software]
Acoustica Mixcraft
This is what I use intermediately - I'm beginning to take slow baby steps towards a full time career with music. This program has an small-medium learning curve if you know the basics of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). And above all else, you can easily obtain high quality, and damn near PROFESSIONAL quality, just with a few tweaks and patience - for A THIRD of what every other company wants. It's the diamond in the ruff, when it comes to music production/recording!


Of course, no DAW is complete without extra plugins. For vocals I've found...
Spit-fish (A de-esser, which tones down the sharp SSSSSSSSSS from vocals) to be quite handy.

I can't think of other plugins I use on most projects, I'll post them later on.

As far as hardware goes, don't bother spending $1, 000 for recording crap and sound treatment. No need. Just save up and grab this amazing USB interface called the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. You can plug in a microphone and a guitar, or two guitars if you wish, bass and electric(acoustic).

It's $150, and worth every penny!


If you have a little extra spending money, I'd recommend the studio bundle so you get a mic and headset as well.


I just got the interface, and ordered an Audio Technica AT2020 microphone.

But if you're not looking for professional sound, you can just use a Rockband, Guitar Hero or Singstar microphone. They're all the same - a logitech USB microphone branded. It gets a bit scratchy and is pretty sensitive but none the less a good starter mic! It'll definitely help you learn some engineering techniques which will help you out when/if you'd like to get more serious with your music.


With just the 2i2, Mixcraft, and stealing a friends Rockband mic (or buying one for $20) you've spent less than what you would on a new guitar and you can record good quality songs onto your PC and upload them immediately after you've finished recording.

If you need links, send me a message and I'll send them. I cannot post links yet because I'm a little noob Also, I'll send you a song I did with a Karaoke Revolution mic so you get an idea of what you can get out of something you wouldn't expect to perform as such.


Hope this helps you out!

Sincerely,
B James.
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Old 09-18-2016, 02:00 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by Xseven View Post
Acoustica Mixcraft 7 + Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
This combo is what I've been using for about 2 months now and I love it.

Unbelievably great bang for the buck.

There's a small amount of latency you might have to deal with but Mixcraft makes it super easy to fix.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:28 AM   #5 (permalink)
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I have a program called mixpad. I don't know how much it costs since I got it through my uncle. But it works excellent. Mixcraft is great too. The industry standard is the best to work with if you know what you're doing.
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Old 09-18-2016, 09:18 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by Chula Vista View Post
There's a small amount of latency you might have to deal with but Mixcraft makes it super easy to fix.
The easiest remedy for this issue: Move one side of the headset off so you can hear yourself. For recording guitars, I've noticed next to no latency.



Quote:
Originally Posted by 1blankmind View Post
I have a program called mixpad. I don't know how much it costs since I got it through my uncle. But it works excellent. Mixcraft is great too. The industry standard is the best to work with if you know what you're doing.
I checked the prices.
Until the end of September mixpad with a 30% discount is $99.99 (Reg: $139.00)
The standard edition of Mixcraft 7 is $89.95 | Pro Studio Edition: $164.95

Last edited by Xseven; 09-18-2016 at 09:35 AM.
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Old 09-18-2016, 11:21 AM   #7 (permalink)
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The easiest remedy for this issue: Move one side of the headset off so you can hear yourself. For recording guitars, I've noticed next to no latency.
I mute the guitar track while recording and monitor it by using the headphone out of the Focusrite plugged into a clean amp.
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Old 01-28-2017, 05:28 AM   #8 (permalink)
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I used to have a Yamaha keyboard that I could play - badly - but it got destroyed so now I'm thinking of getting this
Casio CTK-6200 Portable Keyboard

I know, I know! Casio, right? But so few of the synths in my price range have a sequencer, never mind a 16-track one, and I've read good reviews. Anyway, I'm open to advice on whether or not I should get this, and also on what audio software I should be looking at, preferably cheap or free, as I won't have a whole lot of cash to spread around after buying the keyboard. Note that I would not subject anyone to my voice, so no mike needed, and there will be no other instruments, just the synth. Also, I will just be messing with ambient/experimental instrumental stuff, so I'm not totally serious about making music, as I know I'm not good enough, but I'd like to see what I can do with a relatively minimal (and inexpensive) set up, so any advice from you musos (other than "don't bother Trollheart you're crap!") will be very welcome.

Thanks guys.
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Old 02-11-2017, 06:22 AM   #9 (permalink)
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If you are looking for a budget setup, I would go with the focusrite 2i2 & Reaper for your DAW. You are also going to want a decent amp sim program (if you want easy bass and guitar recording) such as TSE X50, amplitube, kontact guitar rig, or a similar vst fx.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Seanathon View Post
Hello! I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out what I would need to start recording vocals and guitar. I am not trying to make #1 Hits lol...just trying to take my hobby and record it. So I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction as to what kind of software, recording devices, etc. that I would need. Probably a software that isn't to complicated because I have the slightest clue about recording software. Any help is greatly appreciated! :^)

-Sean
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