I started probably like most people with a simple cassette recorder with a built-in microphone. Nine years ago I got my first four track cassette recorder, which was already a huge improvement. A few months ago I got this thing, it's really amazing... I can absolutely recommend it:
It's got lots of guitar, bass, vocal and drum sound effects, bass and acoustic guitar simulator for electric guitar, a drum computer, 8 tracks, pitch correction, a built-in CD burner, and with a simple memory card you can record hours of music. Once you have this thing, you'll never be bored again...
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Nice stuff....I started the same with a mono tape recorder then a tape to tape machine with some line inputs where you could record with the last take onto the other tape.
Then came the (at the time incredible) Fostex X19 4 track? (I think) then followed by a Tascam244.
Digital came in and the band got a FostexDT8. Great machine but I never mastered it. You could only get 3 songs to fit on there and then you had to go out and buy a DAT recorder or bug a mate to free up your space and keep an archive of your tracks.
Now I got a PC, ok, a Laptop hooked up to a MOTU 828 running Steinberg's Nuendo for my audiowave recording and Propellerheads Reason2.5 for any sequencing/midi action.
I will be hopefully switching to an Imac for better reliability just hanging on for the best price.
I still think I had the best vibe going in the earlier 4track days. Convenience promoted complacency whereas limitation breeds innnovation.
A year back we tried using a reel to reel fostex R8 and I must admit it was more appealing to listen back to. If I had the money I would go all analogue. So, I'll just get an Imac instead. lol
2 Golden Rules of a home studio from Sound On Sound Magazine......
Never Sell and never Upgrade.
A lot of truth in those statements. The Will and talent are more important than a complicated studio to cover up an inadequate song or performance. Buy and then stick with what you know and get the most out of it. Like I said, to this day I prefer listening to my 4track demo's a lot more than most the digital stuff I have since done. Let's face it, if the songs are good you are probably gonna re-record them in 'THE NUTS' studio anyway so you don't need a great deal of stuff.
The reason why I tried to accumalate a lot of gear was to go into small business with it. I decided it was less hassle just to keep the studio for myself and do the odd private job.
I seriously believe with a cheap Pentium 3 PC, a PZM mic, and some free downloaded software you could still record a great demo.
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About 80 quid for the PC tower, 30/40 quid on ebay for a PZM mic. (Like the police interview room mikes). A boss compressor pedal for another 40quid would help some more too.
Then maybe a large jack to small jack convertor into the mic input on the PC, download a programme called Cubase and your away. Multi-track heaven with all the effects on the cubase programme you need for good experimentation.
I am currently trying to sort a cheap set-up for a friend so I can keep you posted if your interested.
Please. I had a Fostex many years ago and had a lot of fun with it. I got it out again a few years ago. Spent hours and hours laying down a bass track only to have the f*cker stolen in a burglary (tape and all.) What really pissed me off is that the thing was worthless, but the burglar must have been dazzled by the pretty lights. Bastards.
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Sh*t! That's a bummer man. My sympathies. If you want PM me. Would be good to know what you'd like to get of your recordings for me to advise best.
Ebay is certainly where I acquired most of my stuff. Do you actually need a PC or just a mic? I'll send you some links of possible related stuff to check.
Good ram and processor always helps in performance but if your not intending too record orchestra's, you could be alright with what you got already.
i currently use the new Soundblaster X-Fi soundcard, professianal edition. its audio creation currently rivals professinal studio stuff. and its got all the external crap that i need, from the safety of my computer
"if asking, begging and pleading doesn't work, always go with a song and dance number."
I started probably like most people with a simple cassette recorder with a built-in microphone. Nine years ago I got my first four track cassette recorder, which was already a huge improvement. A few months ago I got this thing, it's really amazing... I can absolutely recommend it:
It's got lots of guitar, bass, vocal and drum sound effects, bass and acoustic guitar simulator for electric guitar, a drum computer, 8 tracks, pitch correction, a built-in CD burner, and with a simple memory card you can record hours of music. Once you have this thing, you'll never be bored again...
That's the one (I'm pretty sure) my mate bought - still think he is learning the ropes
That's the one (I'm pretty sure) my mate bought - still think he is learning the ropes
Yeah, it's got a very thick owner's manual, I thought it would take me months before I would've figured the thing out. But it's not as difficult to work with as it might seem.
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DM's Beatles forums › Other music forums › Musician's Corner › How do you record your own music at home?