man_from_uncle said:
Hello all,
I am not a regular to these parts of the boards and i've never even owned a separate sound card. However I now find myself with the need to record onto the computer. Guitar mostly, both accoustic and electric. What do i need? Will a standard onboard card do the job? Do i need a special card with an audio in option? Any software recommended? Special PC recording devices?
Please don't feel obliged to answer it all. I just need an idea so i don't build a PC that can't be used in this way.
Many Thanks
The best results will be obtained with a dedicated recording card (such as the M-Audio Audiophile192, M-Audio Audiophile2496 (
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~M-Audio-Delta-Audiophile-2496~ID~1437.asp)), and an outboard pre-amp, such as the M-Audio Audio Buddy or this rather lovely looking (and cheap) ART tube pre-amp:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~ART-Tube-MP---The-Original~ID~3717.asp
If you want to record two things at once you will need two pre-amps.
Any more than two things at once will require a small mixer.
If you want to record more than two things at once, all on to seperate tracks, you will need a card with more ins, such as the M-Audio Delta44.
Software ranges in price and functionality from free and basic to expensive and complicated.
Audacity is free, N-Track and Tracktion are cheap solutions.
Get Cubase SE3 if you have a little cash burning a hole:
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/7747
It's great value IMO
You'll need a mic too for he acoustic guitar of course.
I'd recommend a Rode NT3 as a cheap mic for acoustic guitar.
It's a Hypercardioid pattern mic, so if you angle it just right you can cut out noisy things (such as your PC, boiler, cat, etc
) to a certain extent.
It's also pretty good for vocals - if a little bright.
An SM58 is classic for live vocals - and doesn't work too badly for recording either!
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/2022
The SM57 has the same capsule as the '58, but without the built in foam pop shield, making it better for recoding things like acoustic guitar, your dog barking etc
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/3010
In reality you can record anything with the above three mics - they're all good general purpose mics. The NT3 is more sensitive than the others as it is a condensor. This also makes it more vulnerable to damage and picking up vibrations etc (although it has a built in shock-mount).
One last tip - don't record your guitar direct! Always mic up the amp if you can. If you *must* go direct use a good amp modeler such as Amplitube.
Have fun
