Simple, In-Practice Recording?

[Soil]

Hey,

I'm a member of a really simple band. We don't really have any of our own songs, we don't practice regularly, and we have to practice at studios because our drummer doesn't even have a complete set. We've only ever played for an audience twice.

But we have fun anyway, and I like recording stuff we play during practice just for the heck of it because it's nice to listen to later, and I can show my family and friends. I've been using my brother's IRiver mp3 player to record it, but it's only got like 16 minutes worth of recording.

For Christmas I want to ask for a better recording device. Nothing too expensive, because it's not really worth a big investment. Maybe something in the 100-200 dollar range? Is there anything I should take a look at?

[KKKKKocaine]

Hey,

I'm a member of a really simple band. We don't really have any of our own songs, we don't practice regularly, and we have to practice at studios because our drummer doesn't even have a complete set. We've only ever played for an audience twice.

But we have fun anyway, and I like recording stuff we play during practice just for the heck of it because it's nice to listen to later, and I can show my family and friends. I've been using my brother's IRiver mp3 player to record it, but it's only got like 16 minutes worth of recording.

For Christmas I want to ask for a better recording device. Nothing too expensive, because it's not really worth a big investment. Maybe something in the 100-200 dollar range? Is there anything I should take a look at?

Well to be honest, It depends what kind of recordings you want.

http://www.music123.com/Tascam-Porta02-i64207.music That is about $150
but you have to remember, you would need mics to connect up to it.
And you can only two tracks at a time, so if you wanted a good recording of each instrument you would need to plan it all very carefully.

http://www.djdepot.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_37/products_id/847
That is the next model up, which would cost $250 however it would also allow you to record 4 tracks all at once, but once again, you would require mics alongside it.

You probably would be better saving if possible for the higher model, as in a couple of years when you get more comfortable with recording things, it will work out much better for you.

[vizo]

Another option is to record via your computer--you'll need plenty of space and decent specs. All you'll need it a mixer with enough inputs and a decent recording soundcard and you should be good to go. Considering your drummer doesn't have a full set, I doubt a computer would work here lol. Always an option though.

[KKKKKocaine]

Another option is to record via your computer--you'll need plenty of space and decent specs. All you'll need it a mixer with enough inputs and a decent recording soundcard and you should be good to go. Considering your drummer doesn't have a full set, I doubt a computer would work here lol. Always an option though.

To be honest though, Without a full set, I don't think any recording options will work :p
Plan the mixer though, Work out how many XLR inputs you will need, If you are going to use 4 on the drums, make sure you have a 5th XLR input for the mic.
It will be a tad expensive to get a mixer that big but if you do, it will be vastly useful in the long run.

[Moseph]

I once met a guy who was very strongly opposed to doing anything other than using two full range mics (some decent condenser) on the room, and then maybe one on the kick drum. Simple mixing set-up, only needs 3 channels on a stereo mixer, and you can use a line-out f/ that into a computer, a cassette recorder, pretty much anything. If you use a computer and any number of mixing/recording programs (many of which can be downloaded for free), you can then dub in extra vox to blend to the room recording of vox.