Recording a track - how?

Phaser

Phaser

Phaser

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I'm a DJ so i'm not too clued up on the actual recording side of things..

A couple of mates are wanting to record some vocals over a track.

At the moment i've got 2 turntables, a mixer, and a monitor speaker connected to the output of the mixer.

What hardware would I need? I'm guessing a condensor mic with a pop shield?

Would I need some sort of mixing desk?

Also how would they go about recording the actual track? I'm thinking play the music through some headphones, whilst recording just the vocals on the mic? Then taking the vocals, and "placing" them over the beat? Is that right, if so how would I get the music playing/vocals recording at the exact same time?

Cheers for any help!
 
Yep, think you've got it right. You need a mixer yes, a big one isn't required here, but to use a condenser it must have phantom power (+48v). Recording whilst listening to the backing on headphones is the standard way, make sure they arn't going to leak too much sound though by keeping them as quiet as you can, closed back with one cup lifted off is popular. What will you be recording onto? A PC presumably?
 
Thanks for the info mate, any models you recommend? Basically wanting to do it as cheaply as possible, it's just a hobby and they'll probably give it up and move on to the next latest thing in a few months. :p

Will be using a PC to record on to.

Is there any software which plays the song, but at the same time, launches a new file which begins recording?

Otherwise you're going to have to spend ages working out how long it took you to start recording etc, and take that away, then place it over the beat, and if its a second or so out it'l sound stupid.

Do you understand what I mean lol?
 
You require multitrack software really. The backing will play on one track, the vocal can be recorded on another simultaneously. Due to recording latency, they may be slightly out at first, but you can shift them into place quite easily if this is the case. Even eJay is a multitrack program (I still use music director gold by them for my stuff, not thier samples though of course). You might consider that program if your new to this actually, about £20 I think :)

For the mixer, look at behringer kit, mabye Behringer XENYX 802 or Tapco MIX 60 as the cheaper models that feature phantom powering (about £50 each). The Behringer C-1 is a very cheap condenser vocal mic (£30), though it may be worth looking at the Superlux SL-CMH8A (£48) as a higher quality alternative.

For cables, the mic needs an XLR cable. To connect the mixer to the PC, a 2xphono to 3.5mm jack will do (you have a line in available? What soundcard is it?). You'll also want a mic stand and everything :)

I can tell you where to get this kit, but it is a competitor. Email in trust :)
 
I see, thanks once again. Got Cubase so I guess the software side of things is OK. Also have Cool Edit Pro.

Line in is available, but i was looking at getting the M-Audio 2946? card for about £50 which has 2 phono inputs.

Would this work in terms of connecting everything up?

CONNECT.bmp


Will check that mic out, would probably go for the higher priced one if results are better. Got about £200 to spend which includes soundcard, mixer and mic/stand.

Thanks once again.
 
Ah, cool. I looked at your diagram in sound city :)

Yes, that card is good, i'd go with it. Use a 2xphono to 2xphono for it. These are just called interconnectes and are readily available. Or you can use 2x6.35mm jack to 2xphono providing the output levels match (-10db and +4db exist, avoid connecting one to the other).

With £200 total budget, mabye look at the Audio Technica AT2020 for £70, it reviewed quite well in FM magazine and is probably worth the extra :)

Cubase will be perfect for this too :)
 
Would the ouput to the PC come out of the "tape output" on the mixer?

The thing is I can't see no volume control to adjust that accordingly...

I might have to go for the MIX 100 as i'd require 3 inputs?

One for my mixer connected to my decks.

One for the mic.

One for the output of the PC.
 
Over in sound city, I mentioned that I wouldn't put the PC output through the mixer at all. It is quite possible to work without (I do) and saves you needing a 4 bus mixer. The mix 100 is not 4 bus, they will cost a lot more. PC straight to monitors is all you need. Adjust volume at PC, in program, on monitors; whatever you have available :)
 
Ah right. Would just be a bit tricky adjusting the level on the PC for my decks/mixer etc, rather than quickly turn a knob on the main mixer.

Also, how would I direct the sound of the track through headphones, and not the mic too?

And if the soundcard just has 2 phonos out, that means i'd have to get a converter to connect my headphones to the output for when I want to record vocals? :confused:
 
Hearing the mic through the headphones is usually desirable, but could be made not to on soundcard settings if you wished.

Do your monitors have a headphone output? If not then yeah, an adapter is required. I use the headpone socket on the front of my PC case, but not everyone can connect those up to output (the cables are obscure).
 
Unfortunately they don't mate. Guess i'd have to get a cable. 2 phonos to a female jack...

So is that the best way to do it, rather than having everything into the mixer?

Thanks for your input so far, much appreciated!
 
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Everything into the mixer is neat, but you need at least a 4 bus model which is going to cost a lot more. The Yamaha 12/4 is the cheapest 4 bus I see at £105. I have a 10/2 by them, it is a good mixer so I expect the 12/4 is great, but for the mic, soundcard and mixer together with accesories, it isn't really affordable.

A switch box or splitter might be best, saves unplugging things. A splitter can be used with outputs no problem. The volume may drop with headphones connected is all.
 
The picture shows the exact one I have. tbh, I don't find mine very stable and the boom won't stay put, it needs to balance with the mic as it won't tighten into place. It describes a different one though, so may be ok :confused:
 
Will you be wanting to record the vocals and the decks at the same time?

If you can get the decks mix onto the PC (using cool edit or cubase) you could possibly book into a local studio where you can transfer the tracks, then get to use some quality mics for a good vocal sound.

Then take the vocal tracks home and mix them on the PC. If your vocalists know what they are doing you could easily do 8 tracks in one day. Will probably cost less than the mics and desk you're talking about too. If it's just a passing thing then why buy a bunch of kit? Plus a session in a studio is a great experience.
 
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