Tech: Recording on Computers

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Jim Lad
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 02:42 AM

"Has phantom power, ASIO, inserts....."
I was referring to the Audio Interface, of course.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Jim Lad
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 02:39 AM

Vocal mic. ....   AKG Perception 100..... $100
Instrument mic.. AKG C1000S.....         $250 (Years ago)
Audio interface,, M Audio Fast Track Pro. $250
Programme..       Mixcraft 3             $50
Has phantom power, ASIO, inserts., pads, midi & more.
24 bits at 44.1 is what I use and is pretty well standard.
I started out with the M Audio 2 which came in around $100 and then passed it on to my buddy who will add Harmonica, Whistle, Bodhran at home and either e-mail his tracks to me or we'll use memory sticks.

There is just no limit to what you can do now.
Lay down a track. E-mail it to other musicians and let them add their tracks at their own leisure. No studio costs and when your done... take it to a real studio for mastering if you like.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 01:20 AM

I spent the last couple of months researching stuff with the idea of setting up my own home studio. I won't bore you with the false trails I followed and the blind alleys I went down, but between my own poking around and the advice of a few friends who have their own set-ups, I wound up blowing the budget and putting together the following kit:

Microphones: Marshall MXL Pro Pack Plus – two condenser microphones, one suited to voice the other suited for acoustic instrument such as guitar. CLICKY #1. Both mics and other goodies for $250. Comes complete with shock mounts, two 15 foot cables (professional XLR connectors), wind screens if necessary, and all in a stout padded case. A couple of friends have this mic kit and like it a lot. Got them from Front End Audio. These plug into

Lexicon Omega Desktop Studio – an analog to digital converter—and more—that plugs into a USB port in a computer. It has a number of inputs and outputs (1/4") for things such as headphones, and on the back are two XLR connectors (for the mic cables) and phantom power. $185 (list price, $420). I got it from Amazon. CLICKY #2.

I've been advised to get a really good set of headphones (ones that cover the ears) so you can really hear what you're recording. Studio quality. So I got a set of Audio Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitoring Headphones. $145. I also got them through Amazon. CLICKY #3. I notice that they've gone up to $170. In any case, get a good set of headphones.

After all this, I can't yet say how it all works because I just got the stuff. I'm waiting for a couple of mic stands and a pop filter that haven't come yet (condenser mics are fairly sensitive to popping "P's" and hissing "S's").

I've also been told that I need a fast hard drive—7200 rpm—to avoid "latency" (delay between what you sing and what you hear coming back through the phones, which can drive you nuts!), so I also bought an external USB hard drive (500 GB, 7200 rpm) to record to. I was going to get an external hard drive anyway, just on general principles, so I just made sure I got a fast one with good capacity. About $150.

One point about audio interfaces for the computer (e.g. the Lexicon Omega). It's a good idea to get one that exceeds the specifications of commercial CDs, if making such is your goal. A commercial CD can manage up to 16-bit, 44.1 sample rate. The Omega can record at up to 24-bit, 96 sample rate. I've been informed that if you do your recordings at the higher bit depth and sample rates, the CD can't actually reproduce the better sound, but somehow voodoo seems to kick in and the CD sounds fuller and richer.

I'm taking a lot of this on faith. When I get the rest of the gear and get the whole thing cobbled together, I'll give you a report. Might be a few weeks, though.

Now, if I could only do something about my "frog in a rain barrel" voice. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Francy
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 12:43 AM

I am using a large diaphragm condenser mic and an instrument mic....the nice thing about this Mobile Pre USB is it has phantom power if you need it.....It comes with a compatible recording program and the total cost of the unit is less than $200....Use your own judgement on how much you want to spend on mics...Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 12:02 AM

Daughter and boyfriend have just bought a Mac. They showed me the included recording stuff yesterday. I was impressed.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 11:48 PM

Although the articles getting a bit oldish, there still might be some ideas to be stolen borrowed from articles like Build a Digital Audio Workstation, Part I

I'm not really into audio much so I haven't checked; but there may be a more recent re-do of the subject. The magazine runs a regular series of DIY computerish projects.

(I thought that the recommendation of Win98SE as "possibly better" than more modern OS versions for home sound work was interesting.)

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Jim Lad
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:55 PM

Hi Bee: That was one of my first questions on Mudcat and I've learned a lot here. Since you're going the computer route, you will need a Large Diaphragm Microphone and an Audio interface to get digital sound into your computer. Forget the 1/8" inch jack. It will create hiss. I can pm you with some links if you like but you can expect to spend $200 just to get started.
Most folks around here, swear by Audacity but it's too complicated for the likes of me so I forked out $50 for Mixcraft.
The best example of sound quality for a solo track, with my set up would probably be "The Bold Tommy Makem" or "The Convict of Clomnel" at http://www.myspace.com/folksingerjim
You can buy a decent mic online, for around $100 and a small audio interface for around the same price but one of the more advanced audio interfaces at around $250 will give you phantom power, two inputs and various bells and whistles which you will find a use for as you progress. The latter purchase should be made at a local music shop in case of compatibility issues. (which do happen)
Welcome to the wonderful world of microphonology.
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Bee
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:40 PM

T'anks, guys. Keep it coming, I'm takin' notes.

I won't be looking for fancy - not skilled enough to justify - but I wanna learn what's out there, especially for amateurs.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Brendy
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:20 PM

I bought this: The Fostex MR8 HD in November. I've had a few cassette-type 4 tracks before, but this was my first step into the digital age of home recording.

I tried recording directly into Sonar on the computer, but too much processing power was been taken up and after a few audio tracks get added, syncing could be terrible be-times...

The MR8's are fairly cheap at the minute; I've seen versions of them at twice the price. That particular one has a 40GB hard drive...., much better than those totally useless (imo) Compact Flash yokes.

There is a bit of choice out there, all the same, but I'm happy enough (so far) with the HDR I got. Fostex themselves, describe it as an 'Entry Level' multitracker.

When I get rich, I'll buy Abbey Road, and let all my mates record for free.....

B.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Francy
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:03 PM

I use a Mobile Pre USB, which is a preamplifier for professional mics/and/or guitar pickups. Is is downloaded into the computer and plugs into your USB. It also becomes your computer sound card.....It can be used with any number of recording programs....I use Cubase and get excellent results.....Frank of Toledo

Subject: Tech: Recording on Computers
From: Bee
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:00 PM

I've just been through a search, and found no one's had much to say about recording their music since 2005, so maybe it's time for a new discussion.

Do you record your singing and playing directly through a mic plugged into your computer? Use a seperate digital set-up? Some other method?

What kind of software do you use to 'play' with the sounds you make?

I'm fishin' here, got all kinds of Christmas present computer power at my fingertips and want to know where I can go past the 99 cent mic and Windows Sound Recorder - which even that sounds a lot better on the new baby.