I need some recording help

[one_true_leroy]

I saw the post about recording tools, and figured you guys could help. I've been playing guitar, bass, and banjo for about five years, and am ready to lay some tracks. I have a computer and not much else. I'd like something versatile enough to make my own backing material. I know a good bit about scoring for other instruments, but nothing about editing and mastering. Here's a list of questions:

Any good software for percussion/midi?

Good mics?

Is it better to go with on of the 8 track digitals and then USB to computer?

What are line levels, and should I worry about them?

I've plugged my electric guitar straight into my soundcard through the 1/8" line in and got a *decent* sound, but that's the most I've done.

Thanks!

[SlackJawedYokel]

1. Howdy. Hope this helps.

I have a computer and not much else. I'd like something versatile enough to make my own backing material.
The big questions are how much do you want to spend and how much are you willing to learn about the software?

Check out your local Barnes & Noble for Computer Music magazine... lots of helpful info on this digital recording stuff.
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/main.asp

Any good software for percussion/midi?
The list is *very* long.
Cubase is pretty much the standard for soho studio stuff like this.
http://www.steinberg.net/ProductPage_sb.asp?Product_ID=2442&Langue_ID=7

Propellerheads Reason 2.5 is an all-in-one solution combing drums, synths, recorder, mixer, effects, etc.
http://www.propellerheads.se/

Personally, I prefer Reason as it offers more for your dollar.
You'll probably want to get a little Midi-only keyboard for convenience sake.
M-audio and Edirol(Roland) make good ones.

Good mics?
One *good* vocal mike($300+ range, flatter response the better) and a good instrument mike(Shure makes one for about $120).

Is it better to go with one of the 8 track digitals and then USB to computer?
USB 2.0 to computer is perfectly fine... firewire is better as far as input devices are concerned.
If you've got a computer you can dedicate to the cause, you're much better off... more flexible, more versatile.
However, you'll need some significant horsepower... minimum 1.4Mhz and 512MB ram. You'll want a minimal Windows install... pref 2K or XP and you'll want 2 hard drives... one for the software and one to store onto and work from.
If you're computer-savvy you can install a decent audio card... a $300 Terratec should suffice.
Terratec Phase 88 Computer Recording System
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/search/detail/base_pid/708205/

Under $200: M-Audio Fast Track USB Computer Recording Interface
AudioTrak MAYA44 USB
Edirol UA-20 24-Bit USB Digital Audio and MIDI Interface
M-Audio Fast Track Studio USB Interface with Microphone

Around $500
Digidesign Mbox USB Interface
Edirol UA-700

Around $1200
Digidesign Digi 002R Rack

Around $2300
Digidesign Digi 002
Both come with LE versions of ProTools, the current state of the industry recording software suite.

What are line levels, and should I worry about them?
Absolutely. Levels are the amount of volume going from the input to the recorder. You need a strong signal without clipping.
Good mic, decent mic stand with pop screen and good quality low Z cables.

I've plugged my electric guitar straight into my soundcard through the 1/8" line in and got a *decent* sound, but that's the most I've done.
Most of todays pre-amp footpedals will go directly into your computer.
For instance, I've got a DigiTech GNX3 that has a SPDF digital output.
http://gnx3faq.loon.com/
http://www.digitech.com/soundcomm/guitar_list_messages.asp?productid=9

Line 6 PodXT or Guitar Port.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/482197/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/150394/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=rec/search/detail/base_pid/482232/

Great resources:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/
http://www.americanmusical.com/

[one_true_leroy]

2. Thanks, Cletus...

I'm gonna follow the links and do some homeworks... Santa's gonna be busy! ;)

[leftofthedial]

3. if you're gonna record the banjo

then I'm not helping

[dogonarug]

4. Some reading

The curve can be steep but fortunately not too long to get yourself in a position to record some tracks competently.

Questions like "what are line levels" can be addressed by doing a bit of reading. line, Mic and instrument levels are actually standard ranges of source output voltages whereas recording levels IE; +4dbm(pro) or -10dbm(semi pro) are nominal input voltages. So you want a recorder and card that handles hotter signals...+4dbm.
You also want your card to have as many input types as possible IE; a spdif input, at least two Mic inputs, an instrument input.

One of the better quality starter systems is the Aardvark Q10 which comes with it's own dedicated PCI sound card. It features 8 quality Mic pres, a stereo spdif loop, an instr.input and monitor outputs (to go to your amp and speakers) With a self contained unit like this and a multi-track program like cubase you can record as many tracks as you desire (up to eight at once) and have considerable control and flexibility at mix. Q10 new bout 600 bucks...ebay 400.

From experience I can tell you...dont go super cheap, you will just spend that much more on better gear when your recordings sound like ass!
I have a drummer friend that uses the above setup to record his drums.
He then sends the drum files to me and I add some guitars etc. and do the final mix...his drums sound quite good. I presently have a 24 tr studio and have been doing this stuff for a long time...I WISH there was as much reasonably priced quality gear when I started out as there is now! Also some links for recording sites that you can learn from...Cheers

http://gearslutz.com/board/index.php3?s=f79c7d06f4e83cacdf9c40e6d915f064

http://www.recording.org/cgi-local/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi

http://www.da7.com/