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RECORDING GEAR
Hello.
In the late Forum, there was a lot of material dedicated to this subject. The problem was that it was scattered throughout numerous threads.
I was gathering information but since I have been out during the past 2 years, and with the latest TAC evolution, all information was lost. Since I returned just last Monday (March 29) I do not even know if anything was organized and is soon to be up and running, so I apologize in advance…
In the meantime, I thought in creating this new thread, hoping to collect, in a more organized fashion, all the collective knowledge of TAC members.
A quick disclaimer: I Know nothing about gear… never recorded me… but I want to create a mini-mini-mini-studio in order to start doing so.
So all opinions about gear are welcomed.
I hope to initiate a library of information on this subject.
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32 Replies
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@LMG_73 . . . I so agree! I have often thought that is something that should be posted since we are asked to record/video for TAC. Having something in the Skills section of the site would be great, and even better if an on-going conversation could be had so as things change it could be a resource for everyone.
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hi @LMG_73 I agree, there should be a dedicated folder for gears, and unless someone pins this thread it will gradually get lost among newer posts in this folder i fear…
So… your mini studio… what have you got already? what kind of gear budget, specs, etc are you willing to invest in ?
do you want something ‘light’ and easy? such as usb microphone? or something that will allow to expand with time? such as Audio Interface and XLR microphone etc?
Do you have Windows or Mac OS? not that it should matter… or do you use tablet or phone?
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@Beatrice . Like this idea (best I can do without a “like” button.
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😉
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YAY!!!
I didn’t want this subject to go bye bye since I am also in my infancy with this!
I did get a piece of (combo??) gear recently in the form of a Boss acoustic amp that will plug into the computer via USB so I can use it for an Audio Interface.I await with anticipation what those with more expertise post here!!!
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I was thinking of starting a thread on this topic to answer questions – but under the new layout many items will get lost and long threads under wordpress with the current caching scheme kills the mobile users so not sure how to proceed other then wait and see.
For now if you have a specific question maybe just post those.
This is the last thing I posted in the old forums – just general info about your space……
You do need to plan your layout or recording will be a pain. You need to ask yourself a few question when laying things out.
When sitting in my Recording position:
Can I see/reach my gain knob on my audio interface?Can I see my level meter in my DAWHow will I hit record? Can I reach it?Do my Headphones reach my playing position (with plenty of slack)?How will the cable get from my AI to my Microphone?
Thumb rule for me is I don’t want ANY cables between my Chair and the Microphone.
Picking a Recording Position:
This will be skipped by most as we are space limited. Things to consider:
What is behind you (where the microphone is pointing)?
Corners(untreated) BAD
Large Glass Window BAD
Room Treatment:
I will not go into this as most will skip it at first and revisit it later when the are not happy with recording quality but here are a few nuggets:
Sound Proofing and Acoustic treatment are 2 completely separate things.
Sound proofing requires Construction – blah blah blah.
Acoustic Treatment: removes “the Room” from the recording. “the room” is NOT noise like A/C, refrigerators ticking clock and the neighbors dog. “the Room” IS built up frequencies that bounce (reverberate) around the room. you can hear these using a parametric EQ in your DAW or simply clap you hands and listen for the “SLAP Back”. There are manystrategies for removing the room and those can be discussed later as this is a very broad subject. So many acoustic treatment options including many DIY options.
Removing Noise: We don’t have a lot of control over many things that produce noise. Some simple things you can Easily do is:
Turn off your Ice maker.Turn off the bathroom fan (even if you can’t hear it).Turn off A/C, washer, dryer, dishwasher.turn off All TV’s (duh).
I have already typed too much here but this is a place to start and as you continue your recording journey many of these will become very apparent.
I’m sure this probably raises more questions then it answered. :cheers:
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Thanks @branman .
For what it is worth, @LMG_73 , Because there is a design in the TAC structure to move more into lesson reinforcement and encouragement, and away from general community things, like gear, and the like, I started grabbing the Youtube s posted by gear related posters in the OLD forums. tac.tonypolecstro.com. TAC have advised these OLDies are only going to be up for a while, and I have not grabbed many text posts, yet, but you can and save them locally.
I would love for your thread to succeed, but I see the lost in space issue being likely, since the Forums basically pull what was last posted to the top, and Pining is an Admin prerogative (which I understand as they are trying to be a better teaching site for the Lessons.)
I have also taken a lot of my questions like this (and too many other topics to mention) off TAC to e-Mail, FWIIFurtherW.
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@branman , “LIKE”, good post. lot of stuff you wouldn’t really think of when recording. I’m going to put my thoughts on a separate post so It doesn’t muddy up yours.
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Great idea @LMG_73 Now I know to review this post for guitar gear! 😊🧙♂️😎
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I was getting close to buying a Focusrite with two imputs and a Shure SM57. Still trying to stay away from the Chinese Overlords that manufacture everything. Was looking at Presonus 25 anniversary package with an M7 condensor mike and HD7 Headphones for $209. Presonus started and is designed in the US but I think like many manufacturing companies they now buy parts or assemble in China.
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@Ron-N , that is the setup I have, although a couple of years earlier. Specs are still the same, but the Anniversary Black is cool looking (mine’s blue with silver knobs). I have no issues with the M7, and it works great, once one realizes it has only one way to point it, and not talk to the top.
I also have USB mics. Two different approaches to the same issue. For Zoom, the USB mics are so darn sensitive, the M7 through the AI works better.
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Hi @Beatrice and @branman, Thank you for coming to the rescue!
I appreciate your inputs and support @darcelle, @Marty69, @Ron-N, @AttyTJ and @Alfred.
MY GEAR TODAY:
- BOSS KATANA ARTIST
- ROLAND AC33
- SHURE BETA 58A
- AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M30 X headphones
- WEBCAM (no brand?)
MY GOALS
- Save little things to share between friends and family
- Play on TAC VOM
MY PROBLEMS
- Do I need a dedicated audio/usb converter like focusrite (https://www.thomann.de/pt/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm) or steineberg (https://www.thomann.de/pt/steinberg_ur44c.htm) or roland (https://www.thomann.de/pt/roland_rubix44.htm)
- Or should I prefer mixing usb table (https://www.thomann.de/pt/behringer_xenyx_x1204_usb.htm or https://www.thomann.de/pt/behringer_xenyx_x1622_usb.htm). But these don’t have midi (what do I need midi for… I know, stupid question… but I don’t know…)
- Or should I just save everything with my Iphone?
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Hope to ear from you soon!
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Hi @LMG_73
thanks for the detailed info of your gear, seems like you have already made a good start and choice.
The best for recording onto your computer would be an Audio Interface. Doesn’t need to be too pricey. Most people on TAC use Scarlett Duo or Presonus or the likes, i use Native Instrument. If you have a pickup in your guitar you can plug directly into the AI. Or you may need another mic to get the sound from your sound hole as your mic will pick up your close up vocals, but not your guitar so much, if you wanted to record both at once.
Some people also use a USB mic for recording or performing. That picks up both guitar and vocals.
So for DAW (to record your sound) Do you have Mac OS? (free GarageBand)? If you have Windows, there is a free equivalent called Bandlab https://www.bandlab.com
Or some members use Audacity, or Studio One, or Ableton Lite, they’re free.
So it really depends on what you want to use… PC or phone… and budget etc.. Also from what you’re saying, you are not looking to do pro-studio quality, so either an audio interface, or a good usb mic would be adequate. What would be your preference?
Ps. Usually midi input is for midi-keyboards or other midi devices
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@Beatrice , WOW, this is an excellent post. At least for me. I deleted garageband off my IPhone, because I didn’t know what it was. I’ll download it from the Apple store and figure out how to use it. Also thanks for the Window alternative.
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hi @Cadgirl
Yes GarageBand is a good tool for recording music. That’s the one i use all the time, and there are lots of tutorial videos on Youtube for iPhone and iPad and for Mac OS, some examples
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@beatrice‘s questions put you on the right path. You have significant, and pretty good output to hearing, but what is your output to the Web. The DAW (with Presonus AI’s by the way you get Studio One Artist) is a huge factor in catching and mixing sound, but if you go with a single input source, like most USB mics (not all, but most) the AI is not a requirement. Zoom will take sound from the mic directly, if the computer can hear it.
Also, another well received DAW which is free is Audacity. (Personally, I chose to learn one of them, rather than mess with multiples, so that’s my story. ). I also took on learning a video mixer.
Keep at the goal. work on the guitar, catch some of it as you go to compare to later. the effect is stellar.
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Another alternative is to plug into a mixer (link below) that has a USB output. Plug in your guitar and microphone, set your gain and EQ and phantom power for the mic. Then send the mix to your PC or Mac via the USB port.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MG10XU–yamaha-mg10xu-10-channel-mixer-with-usb-and-fx
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Ah of course if you like some more advanced features and playing with nobs… then mixers are probably fun… although i’ve got zero experience with one 😅
a comparison…. for the clueless like me… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-pZxqx1KPU
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Hi again.
So let me get this straight:
- I should get an AI (more questions to come in this subject alone)
- With an AI I can plug my SHURE BETA 58A for vocals and get an instrument mic for guitar or plug her using the FISHMAN internal system. (or can I use my IRIG2 and plug the guitar to an AI?)
This system will let me
- Record to a DAW (more questions on this subject)
- Play through ZOOM
I’m sorry if I’m bothering anyone with so many questions… but, as you can see, I’m taking my first steps on these subjects…
Cheers. And let’s put some blisters on those fingers!
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hi LMG
yes, it seems like the most versatile option for you, since you have equipment you can plug onto the AI.
Then you can record and use for Zoom indeed.
there are quite a few videos on YouTube that give reviews of decent AI’s, here is a couple of them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmdg5jJK4H4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqL-IYc4Rn0&t=6s
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This reply was modified 4 years, 11 months ago by Beatrice.
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Hi again @Beatrice.
Thanks for those links. By viewing them, I found this one: https://www.youtube.com/user/MusicRepoCom.
It’s great. I’m learning a lot about this king of gear.
My 90 days challenge will include robbing a bank, in order to purchase all this stuff…
Cheers.
Let´s put some blisters in those fingers.
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This reply was modified 4 years, 11 months ago by
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Calluses, actually, Blisters are for typing, to discourage it.
Yes, you got all that exactly correct (but I had to look up your Sure to make sure.)
AI- Audio Interface- That what takes the sound we make and lets something on the Computer hear it.
DAW- Digital Audio Workstation- That what hears the AI for the Computer, and records it distressingly accurately.
Zoom- That what brings us all together one at a time (where playing music is concerned.). It can also hear, distressingly accurately, what we force through the AI to the computer, and broadcast it out to the fans waiting for it in the meeting, and it does not need a DAW to work.
But, ask away. and it is good to have you hear @LMG_73
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Hi again @ AttyTJ
Saw you yesterday in the live feed, on ZOOM.
As I told @Beatrice, I found this link https://www.youtube.com/user/MusicRepoCom. It’s really great.
And I have to correct your correction. I haven’t played for about 1,5 to 2 years. Started again last March 27. But with full intention, as if I had never stopped. I had mini calluses. Now I have blisters underneath the mini calluses… hurt like hell. But the worst phase is over since they are already reabsorbing…
Cheers.
Let´s put some BLISTERS (soon to be CALLUSES) in those fingers.
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Hi – I’m just setting up too. I have a hand-me-down system from my daughter. It looks impressive to me, but I don’t know what it is. She says I can just plug it into my old Mac Book. I think I will need some headphones. Any suggestions? I was wondering if I could get wireless ones that I could use for music listing too.
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Caution on wireless headphones. I believe they have an inherent problem with latency that will cause you some grief while playing your guitar with them. Corded to your audio interface or computer is superior, until you try to remove them and get tangled up. Still better than wireless though! 🎧
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Glad to see this thread is still active. I haven’t pulled the plug and bought anything yet. I am still thinking the Presonus would be the best. Life is getting in the way. Garage door fell apart. The deck rotted out and we crashed through about 6 inches to the dirt. On top of that, both my wife and I ended up in ER for a short stay. I do have some positive news on a new guitar but that will wait until Wed.
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Man, usually when people say “life got in the way,” they mean work deadlines, but you when through some real stuff. When it rains, it pours… I hope you and your wife are OK. I hope you’ll be able to buy your new guitar and enjoy the rest of the summer playing it on a non-life-threatening deck.
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Hello-
Been thinking about this stuff lately.
The goal is of course to record myself — with much better sound quality than playing and singing into my laptop. I wanted to dredge this thread up and bring it back into view…. Maybe others are interested too(?)
At this point what I need is a “dumb-guy” plan, complete with descriptions of the various parts and what they do—- (in simple language)—- for those of us who DON’T know what all those abbreviations are or mean. Something I can hook up to my laptop.
Plan is to be able to learn about all of its available functions over time- pretty sure most of them are WAY too far ahead of me now.
From what I’ve seen- (amazon)- it looks like something fairly decent can be had for ~$300 or so(?).
Please keep in mind my “computer-thingie / tweeter-hooter / electronics knowledge level”🙄 is low. Think LOW.
Soooo….. If just buying a “pre-bundled” setup for around $300 is the best way- so be it……… as long as it can be set up and operated by the likes of me.
So PLEASE feel free to just throw me ***your own personal thoughts*** on what you “think” I need….. THAT’S what I want!!!
Anyway- please post back- or even private message me- if you have any advice or suggestions… Anything is greatly appreciated.
PS— I know there is TONS of advice in this thread, and thanks for all that. I’ve read it all.
the old coach
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This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by the-old-coach.
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Wow, I missed that one, @the-old-coach . I just responded to @LMG_73 . His post was over a year ago. Then I read your post which said “dredge up this post” and so I looked at the date. Yikes.
Again, unless you want to do real mixing like @branman does, buy a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or 4i4. Then, you have lots of options from there. You can start with maybe the best $100, all around mic, the Audio Technica AT2020. And that would do it for the start. Well, you’ll need a mic cable and some kind of mic stand or mic arm.
I’ll check back tomorrow to see if you have more questions or if others have replied.
MG 😀
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This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by
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So, @LMG_73 ,
I’m fairly late to this party… ok, really late. I didn’t read everything by everyone else, I jsut read all your posts to get up to speed. There’s a lot of great info here as the community, and the people commenting, know a lot about this subject.
My 2 cents, given what you have, what you want to do, buy a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or 4i4. I tried another budget AI from a very reputable company. Focusrite has the best and widest compatibility. Yeah, there are better out there if you need and/or want and you’re willing to spend the money. But if you want an inexpensive AI, a regular AI, just go straight to Focusrite. Don’t waste your money finding out about the issues with other AI’s. (Getting the right driver, for one.)
Anyway, that’s what I think.
MG 😀
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I am right with you @the-old-coach with regards to keeping is simple. Came across this video on YouTube from Chris McKee at Alamo music that is a straightforward, easy to understand explanation He runs through a few of the basics that go into the running direct, mic-ing up a guitar properly (with a dynamic or condenser microphone), gain staging, basic interfaces, and software/digital audio workstations (DAWs). He keeps it very simple with easy to understand explanations.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiEmEVoi4Pc&t=97shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiEmEVoi4Pc&t=97s
Hope this helps.
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I think I’m getting closer to “narrowin’ it all down”— but I need to put my lack of knowledge back on full display, and toss in a couple more dumb questions – (please excuse me🙃- I’m just— still— in the “finding-out” part of my mini-studio project).
So……. in some bundles I see speakers- (“monitors”? is the term).
Do I need these? – (some/ most bundles don’t have them- and they are also sold separately).
What do they do?
Do they serve the same purpose as headphones– but out in the “open air?”– (to let you HEAR what you are singing- ***as you are singing it***—- so you can adjust your voice on the fly?). I know that’s a goofy-sounding sentence- but I hope you get my drift.
I think I’ve seen them onstage- (facing the singer), but never could figure out why.
If headphones and the monitors serve the same purpose- which is better– and why?
Is using headphones-(only)- just quieter?
Lastly- Can anyone give a SIMPLE explanation of these things like Garageband, Audacity, etc……. What are they? What do they do? Do I ***need*** them? Is this a monthly/yearly “subscription thing? Are they hard to “set up”?
Again– sorry about more questions. I just need easy to understand help and advice- I want to do his “right”.
Private messages work also…..
Thanks-
the old coach
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