Recording equipment
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- This topic has 13 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago by
Rootwitch.
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Hi guys,
I know absolutely nothing about recording gear. I don’t know what’s good, or what I need. I want to be able to record backing tracks at least, in order to work on leads over them, much like IG’s teachers do.
What do you recommend? I realize that there are many ways to go. I don’t have access to a computer, so what would be a good alternative? I guess I’m looking at a price range between 1K and 2K, preferably closer to 1K. I’ll need monitors too, of course.Frank :confused:
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Hey Frank,
What exactly do you mean by no access to a computer? If you don’t have a computer to record with, I’d probably use some of that dough to buy a computer! š
I used a standalone 8-track recorder way back in the day, but that was really lousy compared to the recording functionalities of an actual computer, especially for guitar recording.
With your budget you could get a great computer, Cubase, and some guitar amp modeling software (GuitarPort, Guitar Rig, etc.), along with some VST plugins to sample instruments. That’d be more than enough to get you started.
@Frank 8679 wrote:
Hi guys,
I know absolutely nothing about recording gear. I don’t know what’s good, or what I need. I want to be able to record backing tracks at least, in order to work on leads over them, much like IG’s teachers do.
What do you recommend? I realize that there are many ways to go. I don’t have access to a computer, so what would be a good alternative? I guess I’m looking at a price range between 1K and 2K, preferably closer to 1K. I’ll need monitors too, of course.Frank :confused:
Hey Frank, š
Recording is something I actually know a bit about, because I’ve owned and operated many different multitrack-recording (MTR) setups over the last 20 years! š® (LOL!) Anyways, as much experience as I have with “old-school-type” recording-setups (IE: those that do NOT utilize a computer as the hardware of the MTR or the computer’s hard-disk as the MTR’s storage-medium!) I can give you a good opinion regarding what you should do. š
Here’s a bit of historical perspective: Back in 1989, I got my first MTR-setup, and it consisted of an open reel-to-reel Teac/Tascam 40-4 1/4″ analog 4-track deck, (believe-it-or-not, that deck sounded EXCELLENT! It wasn’t very flexible though!) a Teac-3 8x4x2 mixer (NOT a very good mixer on-the-other-hand, but served the purpose at that time!) along with a few pieces of other essential gear (a few mics, a couple of compressors, a multi-effects unit, headphones, near-field monitors with separate monitor-amp, and assorted cables, etc!) Then a couple of years later, I got a Tascam/Teac 80-8 (8-track reel-to-reel) and a Carvin 24x8x2 mixer.) Then when I got into a pretty serious band in the 90’s, one of the other guys and I became partners in a little project-studio setup, replete with (3) Alesis ADAT decks (total of 24 digital-tracks) and a Yamaha O2R (Fully-Automated, “flying-fader” mixing-console! AWESOME mixer. (I did some nice work on that stuff!) Aaaahhh….The good-ole-days!!! Sorry…I digress….:o
Fast-Forward to 2009! I’ve meant to get a computer-MTR-setup, but I never pulled-the-trigger! So to hold me over until I get a killing-computer setup, I use a Roland VS-1880 and more recently, a little BOSS Micro-BR! I love my little Micro-BR! It’s got great functionality for such a small-unit! (Being Irish, I’ve heard this before!!! :o)
Anyways, if I were you, (that is, someone who’s NOT able to use a computer,) I would look into those units out there (models by Boss and Zoom come immediately to mind.) In fact, the one made by Zoom seems to be VERY user-friendly in that there is a built-in, fully-functional drum-machine right on the top of the unit! Most of these “all-in-one dedicated hardware-digital-recorders” have anywhere from 2-to-8 mic-inputs, (great for band or “Real-drum-kit” recording!) some guitar/bass-amp models (for low-volume/late-night recording!) and mixdown-effects/mastering-tools! Pretty cool, huh?!? (LOL!) As far as your desire to get some real “in-the-room” monitors goes, you could always start out using ONLY headphones! The thinking there is that you’re gonna want to have a good set of headphones anyways, even when you have in-the-room monitors. The good headphones are for a.) checking the stereo-imaging and effects-levels in your mixdowns, and b.) having a second (or third) different playback-speakers/monitors just to check the effectiveness of your mixdown efforts! That last point having been made, it’s NOT 100% necessary, and as I said earlier, you can forego the “Real-monitors” at first to help defray initial-startup-costs! š
Also Frank, don’t forget to include all miscellaneous recording needs during your initial startup-needs (such as a few mics, cables, and mic-stands!)
BTW bro, if you ever decide to do the whole PC/Mac computer-type recording-setup, I’m sure there will be plenty of other people around here at Infinite Guitar (instructors and fellow IG members,) who’ll have plenty of ideas about the best way to get in to THAT type of MTR environment! š
Best of luck in your pursuits Frank!!! š
P.S. Let me know if you have any further questions regarding the “old-school” hardware/standalone-MTR setup, OK?!?
~Bill Meehan~ š
Thanks so much for the reply guys! This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. Bill, I really appreciate your input. I am also Irish, so haha on the Micro-BR funnyness. :p
I am interested in working with a computer if I can. It seems intuitive enough. I want to spend time recording and jamming over backing tracks. I am not so into dial twiddling if you know what I mean.
I want to be up and running asap. The sooner I can get this show on the road, the sooner I can get the show on the road. I miss playing live, and I want to do it right this time. That means playing my own stuff. So, thanks again for the input, Bill and Sean. I appreciate any and all advice. š
Frank
Are you still looking for advice here Frank?
I realize the topic is a little old, but I’m new here so,…. https://www.infiniteguitar.com/forum/images2/smilies/cool.gif
My advice is get a computer based solution. If you think the investment is a little out of your range, save a little more money, get a loan, sell old gear, etc. Actually, you could be setup nicely for 2K. Spend about $1700 on a decent PC, $150 – $200 on one of those Line 6 USB devices, and $100 on some backing track disc’s (or download free ones off the net). There is a really slick FREE DAW (recording software) called Reaper. Does everything all the major ones do, and from I’ve read, it’s very stable.
Bill actually described the path I’ve taken, which can be enlightening, but has also proved costly. Because we’re dealing with technology here, (correct me if I’m speaking out of turn, Bill) but I assume (like me) you didn’t get much for your dated gear when you went to sell it to get the ‘next greatest thing’. I’ve lost lots of money doing it this way. I call it “The Stepping Stone” method, and about 3 years ago, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t do that anymore. I kept buying the $100 audio interface, then the $200 (and I’d get about $25 for my old one), then $300, etc. Now I try to buy once and be done with it.
A buddy of mine got one of those single unit hard disk recorders, thought it was awesome, then he came over and saw my computer setup, and replaced all his stuff within a week.
Hope this helps.
I’ve used Reaper as well.
Very well supported and constantly growing. The ask for a license fee of $59. But it is free to “evaluate” as long as you want. Its the honor system. I’m still evaluating it myself.
I recently started using Pro Tools 8 LE as well. Got it with a Mbox USB audio interface for $225 on eBay. Add that to a decent computer and you are off and running.
Keep in mind, when it comes to the PC. If you are only recording 1 thing at a time, (your guitar) versus an entire band, you dont need as much under the hood. And if you arent making 12-24 track songs you can save some money there too.
@Rootwitch 9045 wrote:
I realize the topic is a little old, but I’m new here so,…. https://www.infiniteguitar.com/forum/images2/smilies/cool.gif
Bill actually described the path I’ve taken, which can be enlightening, but has also proved costly. Because we’re dealing with technology here, (correct me if I’m speaking out of turn, Bill) but I assume (like me) you didn’t get much for your dated gear when you went to sell it to get the ‘next greatest thing’. I’ve lost lots of money doing it this way. I call it “The Stepping Stone” method…..Hope this helps.
Hi Rootwitch, š
You sure hit the nail on the head man! I’ve lost thousands of dollars on the re-selling of gear! However, (and I know I risk sounding/seeming cliche here) I would NOT trade the experience and the memories of using my old-equipment! š That having been said, I totally agree that the computer-based DAW is the way to go these days. I think I replied and said as much in another more recent reply (I think?!? :confused: ) One aspect of computer-based recording that I am adamant about is that I believe people should keep a separate computer to fulfill their recording needs ( I think Mac’s rule the world here!) from their “everyday-email-internet-surfing-etc.” computer-applications! (I suppose our PC’s will continue to suffice here!!!) :rolleyes: š
BTW, these sure are exciting times to be getting into computer-based DAW recording. (Now if only I had enough talent to actually enjoy the results of these fine recordings! – OUCH! – LOL!) š®
~Bill Meehan~
Oh, I wouldn’t trade the experiences either. I started off on the cassette 4-tracks – Bouncing tracks until there was more hiss than music..LOL. I was in heaven when I got my Fostex Model-80 1/4 inch reel-to-reel. I had an Alesis SR-16, and some Alesis 8 track sequencer. There was a trick, where you’d lay down (what was nothing more than a static track) on the one track, which was used by the drum machine/sequencer to launch those units at the same time, every time. So, you never had to print the drums/keys to tape (thus, not wasting a valuable track). This left 7 tracks for guitars, bass and vox….And whatever else. I remember thinking “It can’t get better than this!”.
I’ve still got that Fostex in my closet. I fire it up every now and then just to listen to what’s on those old tapes. Great times.
I actually have the opposite setup – Heavy duty PC (8 core) for my DAW and an iMac for fun.
@Rootwitch 9071 wrote:
Oh, I wouldn’t trade the experiences either. I started off on the cassette 4-tracks – Bouncing tracks until there was more hiss than music..LOL. I was in heaven when I got my Fostex Model-80 1/4 inch reel-to-reel. I had an Alesis SR-16, and some Alesis 8 track sequencer. There was a trick, where you’d lay down (what was nothing more than a static track) on the one track, which was used by the drum machine/sequencer to launch those units at the same time, every time. So, you never had to print the drums/keys to tape (thus, not wasting a valuable track). This left 7 tracks for guitars, bass and vox….And whatever else. I remember thinking “It can’t get better than this!”.
I’ve still got that Fostex in my closet. I fire it up every now and then just to listen to what’s on those old tapes. Great times.
I actually have the opposite setup – Heavy duty PC (8 core) for my DAW and an iMac for fun.
Rootwitch, š
Ah yes, the old “sync-track” trick! I did that many times with me Roland R5 Human Rythm Composer (drum machine!) and my 4-track and 8-track Tascams! Anyways, it sounds like you ‘ve got a very powerful PC-DAW now (8-core…I didn’t even know they made that yet! Shows how little I know about the new stuff! – LOL!) š® š
Yes your setup is a bit backwards from the hypothetical one that I conjured up, but I think that more importantly, you wisely knew enough to keep your systems “segregated!” Great idea. š š
~Bill Meehan~ š
8 core = A motherboard with 2 CPU sockets, each housing a quad core.
@Rootwitch 9077 wrote:
8 core = A motherboard with 2 CPU sockets, each housing a quad core.
Hi Rootwitch, š
Yes I know what quad-core means, and I figured that “8-core” would be some sort of “double-quad” configuration. It’s just that I wasn’t aware that this stuff was already available! š® WOW!
Anyways,can you answer this question: With two CPU sockets of quad-core processing enabled, do “all-8” micro’s work in parallel processing/simultaneously? :confused: If so, how would such a system get bogged down? (if at all?!?) Do you need to have massive amounts of RAM memory coupled to such a processor-intensive system? :confused: Are you ultimately bound by the maximum speed of the memory-caching? :confused: Do the AD/DA-converters have anything to do with latency (like when trying to monitor an overdub against an existing/already-recorded track in a DAW/MTR environment?) :confused: These are some of my “obvious newbie” questions that I have, since I’ve yet to “dive-in!”
Any quick enlightenment/advice would be GREATLY appreciated! š
Thanks for your time, expertise, and patience! š
~Bill Meehan~ š
@Rootwitch 9077 wrote:
8 core = A motherboard with 2 CPU sockets, each housing a quad core.
Hi Rootwitch, š
Yes I know what quad-core means, and I figured that “8-core” would be some sort of “double-quad” configuration. It’s just that I wasn’t aware that this stuff was already available! š® WOW! Anyways,can you answer this question: With two CPU sockets of quad-core processing enabled, do “all-8” micro’s work in parallel processing/simultaneously? :confused: If so, how would such a system get bogged down? (if at all?!?) Do you need to have massive amounts of RAM memory coupled to such a processor-intensive system? :confused: Are you ultimately bound by the maximum speed of the memory-caching? :confused: Do the AD/DA-converters have anything to do with latency (like when trying to monitor an overdub against an existing/already-recorded track in a DAW/MTR environment?) :confused: These are some of my “obvious newbie” questions that I have, since I’ve yet to “dive-in!”
Any quick enlightenment/advice would be GREATLY appreciated! š
Thanks for your time, expertise, and patience! š
~Bill Meehan~ š
If the application has mutli-threading capabilities, it can take advantage of all cores. I use Cubase 4, and it has mutli-threading.
My bog-down issue is memory. I’m using WinXP (32-bit) which doesn’t “see” more than 3GB, or a little over, of memory. I’ve got 4GB in there, but I know it’s not all being utilized. As a result, if I load up too many VST’s that use samples (drums, piano, strings, etc), I have issues with it crashing. Fortunately, I’m more of a guitar/bass – maybe organ kinda guy, but there’s other ways around the sample issue (print your VST’s to “tape”).
AD/DA converters are pretty standard these days, even for the budget devices. It’s not likely it will end up being your bottleneck (heck, guys are using laptops for recording, which are always slower than their PC counterpart).
For basic recording (assuming you’re not using tons of samples – But you’re doing more guitar, bass, drums) even a pentium 4 will do, with a couple gig of memory – That’s what my previous system was. If you’re looking for something that will keep you out of the store (with upgrades) for a while, faster is always better – Fast dual or quad core CPU’s, lots of memory (assuming your using a 64-bit OS), and fast (SATA) hard drives. I’ve got one hard drive for my OS, another (10,000RPM) drive that I record audio to, another for my instrument samples, another for my drum samples, and another spare…. What the heck – Hard drives are cheap these days. :p
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