a few recording questions

[zippedupmonkey]

OK, its been a while since I've attempted to record, but I want to get back into music again, so I have a few questions.

1. Are there any good beginner books? I saw a 'dummies' and 'idiots' book, but I wasn't sure how they are. I've read some stuff online, but I would much rather have a book then an argument.

2. I currently have a MRS-4 digital 4 track, and I was running directly into it, but my distortion sounds like ****. When I was hanging out with music people before I remember setting up sm-57's and using them to record the amps, I've seen them online for like 50 bucks and I have a connection at guitar center, so I can get them cheap, but what else am I going to need to run 2 of them into my mrs-4? The mrs has 2 1/4 inch jacks, so do I need a pre amp of some kind to power them or can I just use a cable?

3. Should I just ditch the mrs and start using a real set up? like with the computer? I was impressed with the audacity program, but i didnt notice a distortion effect, so that killed my plans of recording cleans and adding in the distortion later. I also saw the kits for the pro tools mbox thing, wich would take some time to get, but are accesable.

Thanks a lot in advance

[moaner]

You might not need a book. If you have any questions, someone on here can probably help (kkkocaine and i are on a lot andalways happy to help).

All you'd need to get a mic into your 4 track would be a XLR - jack lead, which cost about as much as a normal mic lead. $50 is a good price for an SM57 (you pay 3x that in the UK, so we're trying to orgainse a nationwide boycott ;))

alternatively, you might want to look into an amp modeller like the behringer X v-amp or v-amp 2, or Korg Ampworks. Or, if you like your current distortion, the behringer guitar DI (a DI box iwth built in cab modelling). The reason it sounds crap going straight to recorder is because the guitar speaker contributes greatly to the sound. The devices listed compensate for this to give a good direct tone.

You don't need to start afresh. I would buy a mixer (you can use it with your PC and with your 4 track) and a couple of mics in the future, depending on what recording you're going to be doing. any questions, please ask.

[KKKKKocaine]

OK, its been a while since I've attempted to record, but I want to get back into music again, so I have a few questions.

1. Are there any good beginner books? I saw a 'dummies' and 'idiots' book, but I wasn't sure how they are. I've read some stuff online, but I would much rather have a book then an argument.

2. I currently have a MRS-4 digital 4 track, and I was running directly into it, but my distortion sounds like ****. When I was hanging out with music people before I remember setting up sm-57's and using them to record the amps, I've seen them online for like 50 bucks and I have a connection at guitar center, so I can get them cheap, but what else am I going to need to run 2 of them into my mrs-4? The mrs has 2 1/4 inch jacks, so do I need a pre amp of some kind to power them or can I just use a cable?

3. Should I just ditch the mrs and start using a real set up? like with the computer? I was impressed with the audacity program, but i didnt notice a distortion effect, so that killed my plans of recording cleans and adding in the distortion later. I also saw the kits for the pro tools mbox thing, wich would take some time to get, but are accesable.

Thanks a lot in advance


1.Try and get a hold of any book by Paul White, a sound on sound writer, he does fantastic books, all of which have a short intro at the start that explains any terms you may need. He does some great home recording books.

2. For the SM57 you'd need either
A) An XLR-Jack cable (unbalanced as you have unbalanced 1/4 jack inputs)
B) An XLR cable, with an unbalanced 1/4 jack adaptor.

Both options will increase noise output slightly but as long as you buy decent cables and take good care of them, this noise won't be a problem.

3. As for the third question it is entirely up to you, What do you intend to do with your recording? If you wish to record drums will you be able to record them in your room? Or do you have a laptop e.t.c.
For the sake of simplicity, I would personally, buy a Behringer UB1202 to use with your MRS-4, this will give you 4 XLR inputs to use and will give use of 3 band e.q. It will be more portable than a pc and will save you a little money to spend on microphones.

[zippedupmonkey]

1.Try and get a hold of any book by Paul White, a sound on sound writer, he does fantastic books, all of which have a short intro at the start that explains any terms you may need. He does some great home recording books.

2. For the SM57 you'd need either
A) An XLR-Jack cable (unbalanced as you have unbalanced 1/4 jack inputs)
B) An XLR cable, with an unbalanced 1/4 jack adaptor.

Both options will increase noise output slightly but as long as you buy decent cables and take good care of them, this noise won't be a problem.

3. As for the third question it is entirely up to you, What do you intend to do with your recording? If you wish to record drums will you be able to record them in your room? Or do you have a laptop e.t.c.
For the sake of simplicity, I would personally, buy a Behringer UB1202 to use with your MRS-4, this will give you 4 XLR inputs to use and will give use of 3 band e.q. It will be more portable than a pc and will save you a little money to spend on microphones.

Thanks a lot guys, I'm gonna look into it, but since my truck is in the shop, that is gonna have to eat up my money first before i venture into this anymore. When I finally get around to making money that isn't going to my truck, then I'm sure I'll be back to bug you two again. Thanks
-RJ