No, you don't need a mixer. you need "that thing you posted" which is a USB audio/midi interface, a couple of good microphones(preferably one of those would be a condenser mic), and a good multi-tracking program (like the two I listed above) for your PC which will have a mixer built into it.

Nice. thanks A LOT man. Once I get stuff recorded, would you be willing to listen to it and help me out on ways to improve it?

Sure.

There are many sites online that can help you get started in home recording. Here are some good places to start:

http://homerecording.com/newbies.html
http://www.pcmus.com/AudioTips.htm

I have not used this Multi-Track program but people have said its good (and free):

http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/ind...ction=download

You are gonna want a very good PC to do all of this. Hopefully your laptop is up to date. Whatever program you decide to use, make sure you work with it alot. It will take some time to get the bugs worked out and to learn how to use the program to its fullest. I use Cakewalk ProAudio 9, and it does a good job with alot of features.

If you want to go really basic just to start off with, here is what you need:
Computer with sound card
Mic that can connect to sound card
Software to record with

Thats all you really need to get started. Now obviously that isant going to record a pro sounding album, but it is a start. There are many types of things to buy that connect mics to your PC. If you could tell me how much you are willing or able to spend, I can work up a good model of equipment you should buy. Just let me know how much you have to work with and what type of music you want to record.

Oh and if you want an experianced ear to listen to your stuff once you get it mixed down, I'll be happy to help. I have recorded 3 albums in my home studio, and I may not be the worlds best, but I do have some help to lend.

Wow thanks A LOT. Oh and I already have Kristal downloaded lol so thats a start. I don't really have much to spend, i just moved out into an apartment with a friend and go to a University full time. But anything less then 150 on a interface and mic would be pretty good to start out with.

^ Here is what I came up with for $200 (I know thats over-budget, but I think you will be happier with better mics):

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/703606/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/273166/


That should get you started with a basic home studio. I would recommend getting a better audio interface (get a desktop PC and PCI audio input card), a mixer, and more mics sometime down the road. Using one mic at a time works, but you will get a much better sound out of a couple mics (especially on drums). You can also make your own pop filter with an old set of pantyhose and a wire coat hanger. Does the same exact thing that the $20 ones do, but saves you some money. You will probably want to get a mic stand as well. Until you can afford to get this stuff, or while your waiting for it to arrive, do a ton of reading and get studied up on recording techniques and tips. There are a ton of sites out there, just look for them. Hope this all helps!

DEFINITELY invest in that MXL mic package that's in the second hyperlink that phoenixflames posted! You'd be stupid to pass that up! Its EXACTLY what you need at a price you're not likely to see anywhere else. The m-audio would be be a much better and slightly cheaper interface for you as well.

Alright, I've found my next investment, thanks A LOT guys.

What software would you absolutly recommend?

^ I've used N-Track, Stienburg Cuebase, and Cakewalk ProAudio 9. To me, I like Cakewalk, but thats just because I've used it the most and I know how to operate it. I would say just to get any of them (they are all basicly the same), and use it till you know what you're doing. SATCHMO, you have any recommendations? I think they all work the same and have the same quality. I haven't used that Kristal Audio Engine one yet so I can't vouch for it. Cakewalk and Cuebase both have alot of plugins for them, so if you are using alot of effects, that is a mark in their favor. Cuebase seems to be more of a resource hog, so if you have a slow PC, go with Cakewalk. I can't really think of any other differences. Just get whatever one is most convient and go from there.

i actually got cool edit pro installed today, I wont know how anything goes though until I get my mic and stuff. I'll keep it updated tough.