Cross-posted from The Lounge...

[GReedDiamond]

...DUer Taverner's internet/DU band idea - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=9625973&mesg_id=9625973

Check it out...

[Glassunion]

1. I wish I had some studio equipment. This sounds like an awesome idea.

I spent all my money on the guitars and amps and the room they sit in. Nothing left for recording.

[GReedDiamond]

2. What about using your computer to record?

If you have a stereo sound card, you should be able to plug a guitar directly into your computer, and record tracks into some audio recording software. I did a Google search on "audio recording software" and found free downloads, such as "Audacity" -- http://audacity.sourceforge.net/.

I've never used Audacity, or any of the other free audio recording software in the Google search results (I'm using Cakewalk Sonar 8.5 Producer, which I bought when I ordered my audio recording computer from PCAudioLabs), so I cannot recommend any particular free software, but with a little research, I think you'll find something you could use. Apple's Garageband comes to mind, too, but again, I've never used it.

If you want the amped sound, get yourself a used Shure SM-57, put the 57 on your amp (play around with the placement to get the best result) and plug that into your soundcard.

Right now on Ebay, I see a seller with new SM-57s for $80, without the packaging. I see a used one just closed at around $71, I see another used 57 with 4 days left, now at $34.

57s are great mics, extremely durable, and very good for mic-ing guitar amps and snare drums. They're good all-around mics, useful for many different situations, including vocals. Another good mic to have is the SM-58, which are a little more pricey than 57s, but still affordable mics, and great for recording vocals on a budget.



NOTE: 57s and 58s use an XLR cable (female end into mic, male into soundcard/mixing board), so you'd have to get a converter for XLR to 1/8" mono male phone jack (mini-plug) such as this, which are around $5 to $15 (at http://www.fullcompass.com):



So, for nothing, or less than $100-$200, if you get a mic or two, I think you could be recording to your computer.

[Glassunion]

3. I'll give it a shot. I can run the input through my digtal amp head.

Line 6's rule for emulation.

[GReedDiamond]

4. Assuming that works out for you...

...and you want some drums on your tune(s), just let me know.

I'm using these, Roland TD-20X electronic drum kit:



You'd most likely not realize that they are electronic drums when you hear them.

[Glassunion]

5. I've never had a problem with digital... I missed out on a sweet gig because I use

a Line 6. The singer did not think it looked as cool as a stack of Mesa's.

I showed up to audition with my 2x12 cabinet, I never put it above 3, and they were worried if it would be loud enough...

They had no issue with my playing, only my gear. We are well past the age of shitty transistors.

[GReedDiamond]

6. Digital drums have come a long way...

...in particular, the Roland TD-20X is the top of the line Roland digital drum kit, which cost the price of a good quality late-model used car. I basically spent my "life savings" on them, which was probably not fiscally wise, but which allows me to remain sane -- there's nuthin like drummin to vent, when you feel like your head's gonna explode after hearing about the latest political bullshit to have hit the fan.

Besides that, they are great for recording, especially in a home studio environment, because I can do everything through headphones, so no worries with the neighbors.

I also have a mid-60s Camco drum kit which originally belonged to Dewey Martin of Buffalo Springfield, which I use for live gigs, but (unfortunately) not so much for recording anymore.

So as Dumbya once said, "bring it on"!