theDisconnect: RECORD MUSIC WHILE ALSO BEING BROKE

theDisconnect 09.18.17	List is list
DungeonBoy 09.18.17	Scarlett 2i2 is going to be your best bet for a great entry level audio interface. You can get the solo for $100 (1 mic input) but I would recommend the 2i2 ($150, 2 mic inputs) in case you ever want to dual mic. For recording your amp, get a SM57 dynamic microphone ($100) If you are recording vocals or acoustic guitar, grab a good condenser microphone. The absolute best bang for your buck is the Rode NT1a ($230). A little expensive if you are broke, but you will not regret getting this mic if you want to mic an acoustic guitar or vox. Good luck!
theDisconnect 09.18.17	@DungeonBoy thanks a lot! I've heard a lot of good things about the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, but I guess it is better to have two inputs just to have it. I will look into the mics! Greatly appreciated!
ThyCrossAwaits 09.18.17	dammit I was literally about to suggest the Scarlett...thing is a magic box I'm tellin ya
DungeonBoy 09.18.17	https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1505747542&sr=1-3&keywords=scarlett+2i2 and at the moment it's almost the same price as a solo usually is on Amazon. I would replace mine in a heartbeat.
artiswar 09.18.17	I've been using the Scarlett Solo and its pretty awesome for how cheap it is. Get some free VSTs and you can get good tones out of GarageBand.
PitchforkArms 09.18.17	Try Reaper as a DAW. The UI is intuitive and the stock plug-ins are great. The main point of advice is to take your time and be smart a deliberate in your choices. SM57's are the go-to dynamic. I would recommend an AT2035 for a dirt cheap condenser.
DungeonBoy 09.18.17	Try Reaper as a DAW. [2] Reaper is fantastic and within the world of bedroom recording, equivalent to using something like ProTools, Cubase, etc. and it is also incredibly efficient on CPU taxation. It's free to try, and I think like $60 for a registered license. It's worth a lot more than that. I tried Garage Band once, and while being a very simple and an easy to use DAW for starting out, it was pretty limited. I used to use ProTools but switched to Reaper a few years ago, and wouldn't switch to anything else at this point.
joshuahuntkc 09.18.17	don't bother buying a new SM57, they are tanks and last forever so forsure go used and save a few bucks, can probably get one for 50 bucks used. Reaper is good for starting out but a lot of plugin limitations, if you ever decide to upgrade your DAW and you happen to be a student make sure and look for student discounts. You can get Pro tools for about half the price that way
DungeonBoy 09.18.17	"Reaper is good for starting out but a lot of plugin limitations". I'm curious what you are referring to. Reaper has never had any issues with any plugins I've thrown in it.
joshuahuntkc 09.18.17	just VST and DX which limits to low quality plugins for the most part, some AU's work on Mac but you cant get into any of the high quality stuff on Reaper. There are a lot of other limitations but if your just working on home studio stuff its not a big deal to start out
theDisconnect 09.19.17	Ended up dropping $150 on the Scarlett 2i2, and found a used SM57 for $55. @DungeonBoy guess the 2i2 was only on sale earlier which is odd. Thank you everyone for the help!
DungeonBoy 09.19.17	Yeah man, even at $150 it's worth every penny. Good choices. Hope you have fun recording! Definitely share some tunes on here when they are ready.