Help with amature recordings?

Slide/ · 05-19-2012, 09:23 AM

I'm looking to record a bit of my music as a demo for a few interested parties, but I'm worried about quality; I'm not looking for crazy studio-radio quality, but along the lines of what you hear from Nina Nesbitt on her youtube videos; go do a search for 'Glue' or her '96 F***ries' JME cover.

This girl says she records in a home studio. So apparently it can be done!

I have basically the bare minimum at the moment; a keyboard, but I'm not really looking to record the keys. Two guitars, a fender acoustic and an old half size Samick (which I LOVE).

I have PCs and software of course, Audacity. And a cheap mic, but I'm looking for a new one; does anyone know of a good low-price-range (under $200) mic for vocals?

How can I connect my guitars to the software? Neither of them have pickups. Is there a quality, cost-effective way of doing that? How is it done? Or would it be a better idea (for a higher quality sound) to get a new guitar that has everything already installed to connect it to an amp or mic?

Thanks a ton in advance! I really know nothing about recording, so anything you can tell me would ba amazing!

almostxx · 08-22-2012, 08:34 PM

To get the source (microphone) into your computer, you'll need an audio interface, unless youre already using your audio card. For your guitars, you'd either have to buy a pick up or mic them. As for your mic, I'd say a blu snowball will probably be good for you, because then you can spend money on your audio interface.

As a general first mic choice, you'll want probably a small body condensor if you're just doing guitar, or a large body condensor if you're doing vocals as well. These are NOT the microphones you'll see on stage; those are dynamic, which are built to last, not to sound good. I'd post some links, but I haven't posted enough! So, i'd say go to sweetwater's website and just look at reviews for mics under $200.

ferdie_poly · 09-23-2012, 06:34 AM

For decent and basic home recording I think this is waht you need:

PC: Interl Core @ Duo with 2 GB RAM (minimum) and at least 250 GB HDD

USB Audio Interface: there are cheap but good choices like M-audio Fast Track or a Line6 UX1. Whats good about these interfaces is that they come bundled with recording software (Ableton Live) and Guitar Effects.

MIC: I think the Shure SM58 (a legend!) is under $200 just check it out.

05-19-2012, 09:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Slide/ Groupie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2	Help with amature recordings? I'm looking to record a bit of my music as a demo for a few interested parties, but I'm worried about quality; I'm not looking for crazy studio-radio quality, but along the lines of what you hear from Nina Nesbitt on her youtube videos; go do a search for 'Glue' or her '96 F***ries' JME cover. This girl says she records in a home studio. So apparently it can be done! I have basically the bare minimum at the moment; a keyboard, but I'm not really looking to record the keys. Two guitars, a fender acoustic and an old half size Samick (which I LOVE). I have PCs and software of course, Audacity. And a cheap mic, but I'm looking for a new one; does anyone know of a good low-price-range (under $200) mic for vocals? How can I connect my guitars to the software? Neither of them have pickups. Is there a quality, cost-effective way of doing that? How is it done? Or would it be a better idea (for a higher quality sound) to get a new guitar that has everything already installed to connect it to an amp or mic? Thanks a ton in advance! I really know nothing about recording, so anything you can tell me would ba amazing!

08-22-2012, 08:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
almostxx Groupie Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 7	To get the source (microphone) into your computer, you'll need an audio interface, unless youre already using your audio card. For your guitars, you'd either have to buy a pick up or mic them. As for your mic, I'd say a blu snowball will probably be good for you, because then you can spend money on your audio interface. As a general first mic choice, you'll want probably a small body condensor if you're just doing guitar, or a large body condensor if you're doing vocals as well. These are NOT the microphones you'll see on stage; those are dynamic, which are built to last, not to sound good. I'd post some links, but I haven't posted enough! So, i'd say go to sweetwater's website and just look at reviews for mics under $200.

09-23-2012, 06:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
ferdie_poly Groupie Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 13	For decent and basic home recording I think this is waht you need: PC: Interl Core @ Duo with 2 GB RAM (minimum) and at least 250 GB HDD USB Audio Interface: there are cheap but good choices like M-audio Fast Track or a Line6 UX1. Whats good about these interfaces is that they come bundled with recording software (Ableton Live) and Guitar Effects. MIC: I think the Shure SM58 (a legend!) is under $200 just check it out.