I have some n00b Homerecording/Computer questions

[Hxcguy]

I have a 2 part question:

I want to start recording some stuff at home. I have a acoustic drumset, and guitar and bass rigs. I would like to know what is required to allow me to record onto my computer.

Second part, i need to purchase a new computer. I would like to purchase a laptop that will interface well with the recording stuff, and be suitable to hold my music collection on it (mp3's) Thats all i will be using it for (i dont play games, and only really surf the net for tabs and such). Do you guys have any recomendations?

[moaner]

You might be able to have a search and find a list of neccessary recording equiptment, if you can't, just say and i'll make you one

as to recording with a laptop, get one with lots of USB ports, cause you'll need a USB audio interface (100%, most lappies don't even have line ins), and almost certaintly a USB harddrive (a normal 5 minute song on audaicty can be VERY big).

[CanuckMania]

You might be able to have a search and find a list of neccessary recording equiptment, if you can't, just say and i'll make you one

as to recording with a laptop, get one with lots of USB ports, cause you'll need a USB audio interface (100%, most lappies don't even have line ins), and almost certaintly a USB harddrive (a normal 5 minute song on audaicty can be VERY big).

could you make one?

I could use it too, I've done plenty of searches and I could never find like a list of the basic necessities for do-it-yourself home PC recording.

[Hxcguy]

You might be able to have a search and find a list of neccessary recording equiptment, if you can't, just say and i'll make you one

as to recording with a laptop, get one with lots of USB ports, cause you'll need a USB audio interface (100%, most lappies don't even have line ins), and almost certaintly a USB harddrive (a normal 5 minute song on audaicty can be VERY big).


Yes please could you make one? I'd apreciate it.

[gaz12369]

try to go firewire if you get a laptop, more-so with a mac...its faster, exept for USB 2.0, but there are only 2 devices that use usb2, a behringer one and an edirol rackmount one, cant be assed 2 look up the models.

Gaz

[airborne50caliber]

Basic List

--> 1 or 2 cheap condensers

you can use these as drums overheads and for vocals. In a basic home pc studio you will meet the limitation of your mixer and pre-amps way before the limitations of your condenser, so buy a cheap one to start, its not worth spending more money

--> 2 dynamics

These will be used for your kick drum and snare, and then to mike up your cabs. A good choice would be a shure sm57, which is a good all-rounder and great for the snare. The second one could be a cheaper sennheiser or something, or a beta 52 if you wanna go pro on the kick drum. You can get really cheap dynamics and sometimes its worth pickin up a few of these to try them on your toms. If they're not good enough, at least you'll have some spare dynamics. If you don't wanna take the risk, the overheads will handle your toms.

--> Mixer

If you plan to go live recording at all, you will need a mixer that can handle both your drum mics (4 or 5 channels) and your other stuff. So either get two medium size mixers (they come cheap) or a bigger, say, 12 channel one. For makes, I can reccomend yamaha, mackie, and specially behringer. If your interface is going to have 4 inputs or something you may want to look into a mixer with subgroup outs.

--> USB/Firewire Interface

I'll leave the details of this to the others because I don't actually own one. There are the types that have only 2 inputs (stereo) and those with more. The only way to take advantage of these extra inputs is to get hold of a mixer with subgroup outs.

So that's the big 4. With these, you can get going. Once you're ready to take a step forward:

--> Compressor/Expander/Limiter

These three functions usually come within one dynamics processor. I can recommend behringer for dynamics processors. I own the MDX2600 and have tried the autocom, they are great choices. These are important in going a step forward with your sound and you will soon want one.

--> Reverb Unit

Digital if possible.

--> EQ

You will want a 31-band graphic eq when you start to get a bit more pro. Try to get a 2-channel one. I have a 2-channel one, so the signal path for say, a guitar, is

MIC --> MIXER --> (INSERT SEND) --> EQ 1 --> COMPRESSOR --> EQ 2 --> (INSERT RETURN) --> MIXER

This way you can correct the input signal on your fist eq channel (you do not want to be compressing a bad signal) and you can use the second channel to give life to what comes out of your compressor. EQs can also be patched in to compressors so that only specific frequency ranges are compressed. This is useful for eliminating feedback etc.

--> MIC PRE

Now you are getting more into it, and the thing that will be most hindering your vocal sound is the quality of the mixer mic preamps. It is time to get a good pre-amp. Don't bother to get tube unless your other equipment is good enough to carry the quality through, otherwise the money difference will be a waste.

--> A whole load of other stuff!!