Fast Track Ultra Audio Interface

[brandondrury]

I am Tiffany. I would like to start a small recording studio of my own, just for me and my friends to record the songs that we wrote. I have no idea what i need. I've done some research online, but it is still very confusing.
Right now, I have a Yamaha Motif XS8, a Shure 58 microphone (with cable), a pair of monitor speaker, and a laptop. (dell m1330, vista)
i'm planning to buy a M-Audio fast track ultra (Buy M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces & Convertors | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend)
i do not want to spend a lot of money to build an advance studio, but just a basic one that can let me use for a few years but doesn't sound bad.

i am planning to record acoustic grand piano, hand drum, vocal, guitar/violin in the future at the same time, like improvisation, also, recording song tracks by using the keyboard with midi and a microphone only.

can you give me some advice please?
thank you so much!

i really appreciated if you could reply me.
have a nice day!
--
Tiffany Hong

This was sent to me via email.

[brandondrury]

Hey Tiffany,

Choosing audio recording gear is always confusing.

You've got a good setup now and it looks like the only thing you are missing is the audio interface. The M-Auido Fast Track Ultra is a fine way to get started. (I'm pretty that one has phantom power, but make sure it does before purchasing it.)

I say jump on that audio interface if it meets all of your needs. (If you aren't sure what your needs are, go through the beginner section here: Home Recording Soundcard Wizard / Audio Interface Search Tool )

Check out this rebate:
Instant Rebates | Musician's Friend

[PeterPav]

Even though your SM-58 microphone doesnt need phantom power, likewise Its an important feature to have if you upgrade to a condensor mic in the future, which alot of people do. Not all units have it.

[tiffie]

Originally Posted by PeterPav

Even though your SM-58 microphone doesnt need phantom power, likewise Its an important feature to have if you upgrade to a condensor mic in the future, which alot of people do. Not all units have it.

thanks!
but what is differences between condensor mic and dynamic mic? will i need phantom power if i upgraded to a condensor mic?

also, does this mean as soon as i buy the m-audio fast track ultra, i'm ready to record? btw, i have cubase ai 4. can i record midi and voice at the same time?
thank you so much!!!

[PeterPav]

Originally Posted by tiffie

thanks!

Your Welcome

but what is differences between condensor mic and dynamic mic? will i need phantom power if i upgraded to a condensor mic?

I couldn't tell you exactly but condenser mics are generally used for recording while Dynamics are used both live and studio. I believe unless you use a USB condensor mic, you will have to have Phantom Power to run the Condensor Mic.

also, does this mean as soon as i buy the m-audio fast track ultra, i'm ready to record? btw, i have cubase ai 4. can i record midi and voice at the same time?

I believe you can, Do u mean Cubase Essential 4? If so then yes you can, I believe any recent version of Cubase will have both midi and audio.

thank you so much!!!\

Good Luck !

[brandondrury]

what is differences between condensor mic and dynamic mic?

I have an entire chapter on microphones in my home recording book (which is super close to being finished!!!!) so I won't go into great detail here.

The short version is the condenser microphone is a different design that requires electricity to work. This is called "Phantom power".

Condensers generally sound better on "pretty" sources like acoustic guitar, soft vocals, and drum overheads than a dynamic mic such as your Shure SM58.

Brandon

[PeterPav]

I just looked at the fast track ultra. Looks real nice. Just being clear here. The Ultra is a few hundred. Plain Fast track (99$) does not have phantom power. Ultra should do everything you want, and looks good for the future.

Pete

[tiffie]

Originally Posted by PeterPav

Your Welcome

I couldn't tell you exactly but condenser mics are generally used for recording while Dynamics are used both live and studio. I believe unless you use a USB condensor mic, you will have to have Phantom Power to run the Condensor Mic.

Good Luck !

I'm sorry, but what is the difference between recording and studio? they seem to be the same to me.....

[PeterPav]

Sorry T,
They are the same. I meant to say. Condensors are used in studios for recording and Dynamics are used for both studio recording and playing live, like through a PA at a nightclub. You can start recording right off with your 58.

[jules80]

Hi Tiffie,

'Dynamic' mics don't need an electical power source to work. You just plug them into your mixer and sing into them.

A Condenser (or capacitor) mic needs a power source to make it work.
That power source can be found on your mixer (or audio interface) and all you do is plug the mic in to the right place, and push the 'phantom power' button to make it work.

ALTERNATIVELY you can get a condenser mic that will accept a battery internally (like the C1000 etc) in which case you don't need 'phantom' power.

Always turn the phantom power buttons off if you are not using a capacitive mic.

Recording in a studio? - Well, you CAN use either type and one is not NECESSARILY better than the other. You should try as many different mics as you can get a hold of and see which one you prefer.

My voice is not very good as I had a childhood accident - but it sounds much better through an SM57 (normally not regarded as a vocal mic) than an expensive condenser mic.

There is no such thing as the 'perfect' mic - Try as many as you can and don't buy one 'just because it's expensive and must be good'.

Hope that's helped a little.
Now I am off to send back my new Fast Track Ultra as I have had nothing but trouble with it! lol

Jules80