Starting gear

[Sister_Wrath]

Hello guys!!
I'm so glad this forum exists!!!
I would like to know what could be the basic gear to get into home recording -specially for voice recording- I have a small project with my best friend: we've decided to do a demo. My friend plays lead guitar, and i play guitar and vocals. I would like to know which good software could we use for drumms & bass -loops- and what hardware is necesary for recording the voice and the guitars. I need a 101 crash course for low to moderate budget. Any advice?? Thanks in advance

[3fingers]

The fundamentals for me are Cool Edit Pro 2 for the mixing/recording with the mp3 plugin, a v-amp2 for guitars (I also use the thing to sing through), and an SM-58 for vocals..I would use the Sm-57 if I were mic'ing and amp (but I use one to sing through and it's fine). Use backing tracks for starters to learn CoolEdit, then lots swear by fruityloops for drums, I have heard nice things about a jam station that does complete rhythm tracks (bass included). Loopology if you really want loops...these work for me. Good luck on your projects.

[El_jalepeno]

[ QUOTE ]
3fingers said:
The fundamentals for me are Cool Edit Pro 2 for the mixing/recording with the mp3 plugin, a v-amp2 for guitars (I also use the thing to sing through), and an SM-58 for vocals..I would use the Sm-57 if I were mic'ing and amp (but I use one to sing through and it's fine). Use backing tracks for starters to learn CoolEdit, then lots swear by fruityloops for drums, I have heard nice things about a jam station that does complete rhythm tracks (bass included). Loopology if you really want loops...these work for me. Good luck on your projects.

[/ QUOTE ]
What can you tell us about setting tempos and looping drums in Cool Edit? I am clueless to the drums section... [img]images/smilies/headscratch.gif[/img]

[3fingers]

EJ, there is a setting that you can enable on the part of the loop if you right click on it and check the box that says "Enable Looping." Then there is tempo and pitch options available as well. You will know you got it working because there will be a "little circle" icon in the upper left hand corner of the track. The program even allows you to drag and pull the tune into various measures (all marked out for you in Cool Edit).Setting the loops into separate channels then allows you to sculpture the track to your liking (adding reverb to the drum or cymbals).
I can take screen prints for you if you like and post those on my website showing how I do it. It does work, but some of the loops will get you a real "techno" sounding backing which is what I don't want. I did make some nice blues/jazz backings...it's just a matter of hunting for the loops. Give it a go and if no luck, PM me and I will post the pics. Bon Appettite!

[gutwrench]

the software i use is "power tracks pro audio 8"... for one main reason, easy-to-use... what other reason is there... and you dont need to buy a high dollar sound card... i have a cheap $40 'creative soundblaster' card and this program turns your PC into a recording studio...

it has all the after effects that can be applied, and its great for midi applications too(being a keyboard player i use midi quite often)... it also has all the drum machine plug in type stuff also... it has a built in mixer with savable mixer moves... it gives you complete freedom with editing tracks... and every other fucking thing youll need

but guys, like i said, user friendly is what i love about it... and believe me once you get a little more advanced with it youll soon realize it has everything you need...

thats my opinion anyways, but im just a keyboard player... you can download it online for $25... but email me if your interested, i might be able to do a lil sump'n sump'n [img]images/smilies/sssh.gif[/img]

Power tracks pro audio 8.0

[wahwah]

Everyone has a take on whats probably very similar gear for the price. Cakewalk 9.0 or Sonar (both by Twelve Tone Systems) is very good...if I ever learn how to break the seal on the box of Sonar, I'll let you know! [img]images/smilies/icon_lol.gif[/img] But I'm told its the natural successor to the 9.0 version-I just feel comfortable using what I know. This sequencer type package would allow you to record and edit live audio clips. If you go the other way then you'll be looking at a hardware recorder such as Tascam or Roland or Yamaha. These again allow you to record data direct to the unit, store it on the small hard drive or burn it onto cd or sometimes minidisc...expect to pay more for these types of machines rather than the software. Prices have come down as about 10 years ago the Alesis ADAT cost about $4000.00! Look on e-Bay and you'll see that prices drop dramatically on stuff thats a couple of years old.

A good amp simulator as in V-Amp or POD will let you record convincing guitar and bass without disruption to all around you. The SM57 or 58 is, as has already been said, a industry standard mic without getting into serious money. You could also look into a mic pre-amp to get a warmer sound or there is probably software that you can use to make it warmer...Cakelwak comes with effects built into the software. Hope this helps.

[Valmar]

The PODxt has a tube preamp setting that you can use to warm up the vocals,keyboards,guitar,etc...

[3fingers]

Yes..the v-amp does also. That is the setting I use for vocals. Cost was $129 a year ago....an easy win, but that POD XT is looking mighty nice on EBAY...???

[VHF]

If you want to start on a ZERO budget get the free pro tools demo version here

then just plug in a mic or amp simulator to your sound card and knock yourself out.

[Sister_Wrath]

Thank you very much guys, alla advices are going to be taking into consideration, thanks pros!!