Tech: Want to Improve my recording

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: treewind
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 12:34 PM

Sorry, ignore my previous remarks about mixer - I remember now you wanted to record separately from the PC.

I think you're looking for the cheapest and smallest HD recorder you can find.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 07:31 AM

Def agree with the comments about mics. If you can save money on any other gear to be able to spend more on the mics then do so. There are some great condenser mics around right now at very reasonable prices, but avoid the really really cheap ones!

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: treewind
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 06:07 AM

The AKG D190 is a nice neutral sounding mic, good for instruments as well as vocals. Fairly low output so when you change from plugging direct into your computer's sound card to going through an external preamp or mixer you should get a lot less background hiss.

A Mackie 1202VLZ would suit you quite well. 4 really clean mic inputs, stereo output, bass, mid and treble controls. Even if you don't need all the other mixer facilities, the Mackie is good value for money just for the mic preamps which are disproportionately good for such a low-budget device. Also it's tiny for a twelve-input mixer (rotary main faders help).

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 03:24 AM

I'm using 2 AKG D190E microphones which cost me $150.00 in 1968......I plug them directly into my computer with a splitter and it does an ok job....That's I'm looking for someothing to record with two inputs...bass & trteble & volume control with some EQ..The analog side..right? and then have the capability to go into my computer with a quality sound to go to othe CDR drive....Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Cheap Tracks
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 10:06 PM

Regarding microphones - AKG what - they make a lot of different models. The analog side of the recording is every bit as important as the digital side - the microphones you are using and the mic preamps you are plugging them into matter. If you're looking at a recorder or interface that is fairly current with built-in preamps (NOT a consumer-grade sound card!!) I'm sure they're good enough for most folks. I just hate to see all the focus placed on the digital end of the kit and the bits that actually turn the sound into electricity ignored or swept under the rug.

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Amos
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 05:12 PM

I am trying out an MBOX-like device called M-Audio. Right now I am having a helluva time getting it to work because I am a novice and the terinology has me spinning around. But if I eep finding and clarifying areas of confusion I'll get it straight, I hope. I am trying to marry ti to a copy of Ableton Live, which is even MORE obtuse and hard to decode. But I am persevering.

A

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 04:35 PM

I think NoMattch meant the FostoxVF80.

I have one and is has served me well, in fact I still use it to record every one of Julie's gigs live despite having a portable Mac/NoteBook based 32-track ProTools system now. The Fostex is easier to throw in with the live gear without us having to buy a bigger car!

For recording away from a PC its just the job, and there are many similar boxes around. Ignore the claims that you can do the whole job, including "mastering", in it though - not really accurate claims in my opinion - but you can easily transfer files onto the PC for manipulation later.

If you were not intent on leaving the PC/Laptop behind, a Digidesign MBOX would be an interesting alternative. If I were to buy something like the Fostex again though I would look for more than two inputs. You would then have the flexibility to record the guitar with more than one mic, or use ambient mics, both of which would add more potential to your recording activities.

I am sure Bernard will be able to add more comments to this discussion as well.

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: NoMattch
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 12:04 PM

I've had a lot of success with my Fostex VF08. I got it about 1 1/2 years ago and I'm always using it. It's a digital 8 track recorder with 2 input jacks which can handle either mic plugins or typical input plugins. Also, it's less expensive than others that I've seen that promised the same specifications. It's great because I can take it anywhere and lay some tracks, then transfer the files to my PC and mix them further. The sound quality is excellent.
I'd gotten mine from a music store through ebay. They tend to pop up there every now and then.

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:05 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:23 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:34 AM

I'm using two AKG's one vocal and one thin long instruemntal....my recording room is thiickly carpeted and wood walls......when I record thru my sound card   Soundblaster 16....I get no echo and it's pretty clean.....Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Cheap Tracks
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:59 PM

I would recommend you ask your question on the forum at www.audiomasters.org in the hardware section, or at www.prorec.com. I use a minidisc recorder for my light jobs. I feed it with good mics plugged into a small mackie mixer. The acoustics of your recording space also plays a BIG roll in getting a nice sound. I can offer some tips on that if you are interested as well.

What are you using for microphones?

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:34 PM

Sounds worth looking into thanks Amos......

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Amos
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:34 PM

Francy:

You can see the USB Omnistudio on this page.

There are several other devices of similar application on the M-Audio site as well.

A

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Amos
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 10:28 PM

Francy:

I am experimenting with a sweet box called the Omnistudio by M-Audio. It suits both Mac and Windows machines, and allows four inputs and four outputs and connects to the computer directly through a USB port. You can play directly into various kinds of software such as Ableton Live or similar, and then burn the results to CD. This means you can mike your voice and guitar separately which is the main thing, and get them onto the computer as separate tracks, tweak them separately with various effects, and then burn them to CD. I think I really like it, but it is a little more sophisticated than I am! :>))

Dunno how much they cost -- this is a demo unit. But I'll find out.

A

Subject: RE: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 08:56 PM

refresh

Subject: Tech: Want to Improve my recording
From: Francy
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 06:40 PM

I want to upgrade to a medium priced digital recorder with at least two imputs for mic and guitar.....Would like to record separate from the computer, and then be able to burn the finished cds thru my computer.....Would apprpeciate suggestions and approximate prices....thanks Frank of Toledo