Questions about home recording

[londoncalling457]

I sometimes record little demos with Cool Edit Pro, but only have one crappy mic that doesn't really pick up too much sound. Now, I'm looking to improve and make my own little home studio. My first question is how many mics should I have for recording guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard in a pretty small room. Also, should I stick with Cool Edit Pro or use another program such as Cubase or something? Your advice is appreciated.

[Seafroggys]

Cool Edit Pro is like 7 years old. Its probably violently outdated. Plus I can put good money that you didn't buy it.

But yes, I highly recommend purchasing Cubase.

[londoncalling457]

Well, my brother is the one who got it on the computer, but I'm not sure if he bought it or not. I'll look into getting Cubase. Thanks for the help.

[Blode]

For recording what you mentioned, the least PRACTICAL number of mics I would recommend using would be 5.. this is assuming you are recording the instruments at the same time.

Bass and keyboards can often be done direct in - which (particularly with bass) will yield great results.

The most simple practical drum setup involves 4 mics - 2 overheads, one snare mic and one kick mic.

and Guitar can be recorded using just one mic.

On a budget, I'd recommend something like a pair of Marshall MXL 603s microphones for overheads, a shure PG56 for bass and an SM57 or beyerdynamic M201 for snare. The M201's tighter rejection angle can be use to help reduce bleed if you don't want to deal with it.

The SM57 is also the standard for micing guitar cabs, but I'd say it depends on what you're playing.. as it's a dynamic microphone with a heavy capsule, it doesn't have the same transient response as a condenser or ribbon microphone. Studio Projects' C1 is a brilliant multi-purpose large diaphragm condenser that you can get at a very low price. These would be my two recomendations for guitar cab micing on a budget.

Along with mics, it's worthwhile (and almost downright essential) to buy a quality - generally outboard - audio interface. For well under a grand, the Motu ultralite and 828MkII along with the Presonus Firepod, Firestudio and firestudio project all represent great value for money (some include Cubase LE as well as some software plugins in the package.) other names to look at are M-Audio, Mackie, Emu, Edirol and Alesis.. there's plenty more.. Again, I'm naming names and items I'd consider without having the luxury of masses of money.

It's worthwhile to invest in some quality recording software. Though this doesn't always mean spending a fortune. Cubase SX3 - although now outdated, is still very relevant and a brilliant program. Sonar Home Studio also represents good value for money as well as Mackie's Tracktion, Logic Express and others.

Read around! :)