Inexpensive self-recording gear

Spirit7

Spirit7

Spirit7

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7 Dec 2004
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London (uni); Paris (Home)
Hey all,

I'm looking for suggestions as to an inexpensive but good quality way of recording guitar to computer, preferably with the ability to overdub and add melodies etc to riffs that I've already recorded. What are the options for this, and is it excessively complicated? I'm a recording nub, though a pretty experienced guitarist...! Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

-C
 
How much is 'inexpensive'?

I would suggest a Line 6 Guitarport or Toneport to get your sounds into the PC and there is a bit of free recording software called Reaper thats worth a look.
 
I'd be interested in knowing more about this too.
What soundcard would you recommend? Are there any other hardware issues to consider? (Is there another thread somewhere else that covers using pc to record?)
Also are there any good drumming programs out there? I've used fruityloops but I don't think it sounds realistic enough.
 
For budget recording m-audio are the way to go in my opinion.

If you're just recording guitar then you're not going to need loads of simultaneous inputs recording, so something like the M-Audio Audophile 192 would be decent, I used to have one of these and the audio quality was good. *Or the E-mu 0404, which is even cheaper. I've seen a lot of people using this card.

The toneport as already mentioned is great as a tone shaping front end to your recording process, although something better would be a Line 6 POD (POD XT if you can stretch to it) as this'll give you more tone shaping options, more outputs etc.

A lot of people use audacity for quick recordings, it's a free download and I haven't used it myself but from what i've seen and read it looks like a handy tool to have for trying out your first recordings.

*I think with some E-mu soundcards you can get bundled versions of Cubase LE, although not with the 0404 mentioned above, (LE=light edition, Cubase is a very popular sequencing program). I'm using an Emu card myself at the moment and i've been very impressed with it, they're also supposed to be very stable in Cubase.
 
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Ive got the Fast-Track USB Link Here and it's great value for money imo.

Obviously it's external so it's extra equipment lying around, but means you can use it on someone else's PC or a laptop whenever you need to. You also get a free version of GT Player Express (Details Here which gives you around 60 presets or you can make your own. If you want to hear any samples look at the bottom of that page or i can make some for you. :)

It's only has one line-in and one XLR mic input, but for most that should be enough (electric guitars, acoustic, keyboards, drums etc) but unless you need MIDI in/out then it's a good choice to go for. (remember you will some decent 2.1 powered speakers with a line in to get good stereo sound ;) )

Then enjoy. :)
 
benneh said:
M-Audio 2496 £60

Little behringer mixing desk £70

DI box £25

SM58 mic £55 (if you decide to record from amp)

XLR-XLR lead £4

Download a copy of cubase, and evoila. Personally I don't see the need for a line 6 pod etc, you can DI and add effects in cubase.
Click to expand...

The little behringer mixers have been superceded by the Xenyx series. I got the 502 model for £39, which is a great preamp for my SM58 for guitar and vocals :). This then goes into the line-in on my sound chip, and into adobe audition.
 
dmpoole said:
Just found my new toy - http://line6.com/toneport/kb37.html

Hurry up Santa

Looks like my Focusrite might be going.
Click to expand...

Damn wish I'd seen that before I'd bought my lads Xmas present. :(

As for cheap recording solutions you can get the Toneport UX-1 for ~85 quid it's not perhaps the best solution but it's a good "Bang for buck" bundled with Abelton Live LE iirc.

Sp!
 
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