Home Music Studiio, Where to Start?

[Kosmiche]

I'm interested in recording my own music on my PC, I have a bass guitar and need to know what I need to get to start making and recording music.

I will need software and some sort of hardware interface to connect my bass guitar to my pc.

Thanks

 

[TheDesX77]

Are you only planning to record bass, or might you expand into more instruments later? How much are you looking to spend?

To start with, a simple audio interface. Look for something by a well known manufacturer that has good reviews. Make sure it has an instrument input so you can connect your bass directly. Something like the Focusrite 2i2 or Presonus Audiobox USB is a good place to start for under £100.

Next you'll need a DAW to record and edit audio. I use Logic but I'm assuming you're on PC so that's not an option. Reaper is cheap and very good, also worth considering is Studio One 3 (I think this comes included with the Presonus interface). Most well-known DAWs have a free or entry level version, or at the very least a free trial.

I would stay away from Pro Tools as a beginner simply because it's so complex if you've never used a DAW before. There are much friendlier (not to mention much cheaper) solutions.

Once you have all that installed, all you need to do is plug your bass into the interface, set the gain and record. You'll probably want to find some sort of bass amp simulator to get the tone you want, most DAWs include one nowadays.

That should be all you need to get started. Down the line you'll want to add studio monitors, microphones and maybe some outboard gear but nowadays you can start recording with hardly any tools at all. If you have any questions I'd be glad to help.

 

[Kosmiche]

bass, mic and perhaps a keyboard later on I was a thinking.

Does it really matter which DAW I use I saw my friend use Reason and that looked quite user friendly so I was looking at the propellerhead balance interface which comes with Reason essentials.

My friend has a mixing desk would I be better off with one of these instead of a audio interface? Or in addition to perhaps, I have no idea.

Thanks for the advice

 

[Macha0n]

I would say what you need depends on what kind of recording you have in mind. Something with direct input to a software program will be great for jamming to backing tracks, recording licks etc., but if you're going to record something to be listened to, a couple of mics and a USB/XLR interface will definitely be a good investment. I've got a couple of these, usually running 2 mics per guitar (one front, one inside the cab/amp)- captures much more nuance.

As far as DAWs go, I agree that something like Pro Tools will probably be more of an obstacle than a help- all the above suggestions I would agree with. Reason is arguably more synth-based, but it is ace. You mentioned keyboards- if you've got a midi keyboard then Reason is like a million pound rack of effects and signal processors- the possibilities are endless!

Also, you do realise once you get into this you will need to buy many, many shiny things with lights and knobs on

ETA- I actually haven't used anything with a direct input for years, they might well be brilliant nowadays! I just like the flexibility of doing it the old-fashioned way!