Setting up my home recording gear from scratch

[homerecordingnewbie]

Hi guys,

Firstly, this is an awesome website, am still reading through it all and have gone through the audio interface wizard and am trying to find out about everything I need to set up a simple home studio. Excuse me for my silly questions, I'm really not too clued up about technical issues - typical girl - I just can't wait to play my songs and sing like a bird.

The only thing I have is a Yamaha keyboard with MIDI. I want to start off by recording piano and my vocals only, maybe a guitar later, so only 2 inputs required. Anything additional I would want to use MIDI.

I don't have a sound proof room, but I'm going to make the best of what I have.

I'm about to buy a HP dv4t with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, and am planning on getting a Shure SM58 mic, XLR cable, good mic stand, pop filter, studio monitors. I guess the problems I'm having are making the decisions about which software and which preamp to use and should I go for the preamp with the software (LE version) included?

The computer has an option of including the software Magix Musicmaker 15, so I assume that's compatible with Windows 7. I have seen Pro Tools in a studio before and I feel that its way too complicated for my needs. I'm open to Cubase, but not sure if it will be compatible with the computer and Windows 7?

How do I know which preamp will be compatible with my computer? I'm scared to buy all the parts separately and then get them home and they don't work together. e.g. 64 bit operating system, Windows 7, ports or anything else I don't know about yet. And then I read the soundcard (with built-in preamp) advice so not sure if I should go that route, and what would be best for me, and compatible with everything at the same time.

I wish there was just one package I could buy with everything I need included! I guess I don't want to go over $1,000 max for everything (laptop and keyboard excluded from budget) else that I'll need.

Specs of laptop:
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M

Hope I havn't forgotten anything.

I would appreciate any tips or advice on how to go about this and get it right! Or, if someone could say, girlie, buy this make and model and that make and model and you'll be fine, that would be even more awesome

[jagcmos]

A lot of pro audio companies offer recording starter packages.
Example Link: Shop Pro Audio, Recording, Studio & Recording Packages | Musician's Friend

[novotlr]

I think getting one of those bundles is a pretty good idea as far as what you are looking for. For recording vocals you are going to need a condenser mic which I didn't see listed in your list of what you wanted. That is included in the package. The Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini Recording Bundle listed on the page seems like a decent starting point. You would be getting Pro Tools but honestly if you just spend a little bit of time with any program you should be able to get the hang of it. There are many sites and videos on the web that can help you out if you get stuck.

[newkid]

Originally Posted by homerecordingnewbie

Hi guys,

Firstly, this is an awesome website, am still reading through it all and have gone through the audio interface wizard and am trying to find out about everything I need to set up a simple home studio. Excuse me for my silly questions, I'm really not too clued up about technical issues - typical girl - I just can't wait to play my songs and sing like a bird.

The only thing I have is a Yamaha keyboard with MIDI. I want to start off by recording piano and my vocals only, maybe a guitar later, so only 2 inputs required. Anything additional I would want to use MIDI.

I don't have a sound proof room, but I'm going to make the best of what I have.

I'm about to buy a HP dv4t with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, and am planning on getting a Shure SM58 mic, XLR cable, good mic stand, pop filter, studio monitors. I guess the problems I'm having are making the decisions about which software and which preamp to use and should I go for the preamp with the software (LE version) included?

The computer has an option of including the software Magix Musicmaker 15, so I assume that's compatible with Windows 7. I have seen Pro Tools in a studio before and I feel that its way too complicated for my needs. I'm open to Cubase, but not sure if it will be compatible with the computer and Windows 7?

How do I know which preamp will be compatible with my computer? I'm scared to buy all the parts separately and then get them home and they don't work together. e.g. 64 bit operating system, Windows 7, ports or anything else I don't know about yet. And then I read the soundcard (with built-in preamp) advice so not sure if I should go that route, and what would be best for me, and compatible with everything at the same time.

I wish there was just one package I could buy with everything I need included! I guess I don't want to go over $1,000 max for everything (laptop and keyboard excluded from budget) else that I'll need.

Specs of laptop:
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M

Hope I havn't forgotten anything.

I would appreciate any tips or advice on how to go about this and get it right! Or, if someone could say, girlie, buy this make and model and that make and model and you'll be fine, that would be even more awesome

You can find starter packages.
Even call up the various music gear sites and ask them to put together something for your needs. They love to do that cause they plan to sell you on buying it asap.

You can email kellys c&m with questions and get them to tell you what you need.

Whoaaaa....... win 7 can be a problem
you need to make sure you can get drivers
AND that they work on 7

ditto 64 bit -- not everything works with that yet

buy a pc with downgrade rights to xp pro
that will work fine

get an xp pc with usb
add an audio interface
you need the built in preamp
condensor mike(s) and midi in
skip the sm58 for now
use existing kb

use the sw that comes with it for now
you can upgrade later
or switch to another DAW if you dont like the freebie starter
PT requires their hardware , if it comes with it use it else dont

1000 should get you a top notch recording ability if you have teh pc

i would NOT get a laptop unless you absolutely need the portability to record on location

[homerecordingnewbie]

Thank you for your ideas. I have been looking at all the bundles available and am starting to think that maybe I should go for the Tascam DP-02 with cd burner, and cut out the whole computer thing for now.

[newkid]

Originally Posted by homerecordingnewbie

Thank you for your ideas. I have been looking at all the bundles available and am starting to think that maybe I should go for the Tascam DP-02 with cd burner, and cut out the whole computer thing for now.

Why does looking at bundles make you think that?

I would think hard and rethink that.
Won't be long before you think a pc was a better choice.

Why waste money on a cd burner?
If you can record. Move the file to a pc and burn there.
Why duplicate cost needlessly.

AT least look at otehrs like the zoom 16channel
give you stand alone plus pc connection

[novotlr]

Originally Posted by newkid

Why does looking at bundles make you think that?

I would think hard and rethink that.
Won't be long before you think a pc was a better choice.

Why waste money on a cd burner?
If you can record. Move the file to a pc and burn there.
Why duplicate cost needlessly.

AT least look at otehrs like the zoom 16channel
give you stand alone plus pc connection

I had a stand alone before I invested in a audio interface and recording software. The stand alone now sits and collects dust on the shelf. Even though the unit sounded great and worked like a charm (its a Korg D1600) moving to the computer has really been a plus.

For some people though a stand alone unit is right for their needs. If you feel you are going to move step by step to the PC just skip the stand alone and save some money and learn the pc system.

[brandondrury]

am planning on getting a Shure SM58 mic

That's a good workhorse mic, but on most chick voices it can get brittle. I have no idea what your voice sounds like, but if I had to bet, I'd be more inclined to go with a Studio Projects B1 at the same price. (This means you'll need phantom power)

Whoaaaa....... win 7 can be a problem
you need to make sure you can get drivers
AND that they work on 7

ditto 64 bit -- not everything works with that yet

This is correct, but all it takes is a quick look at the manufacter's website (both the hardware and the software) to make sure they are compatible. I'd guess manufacturers will be ready much faster than they were with Vista (it took about 2 years before most manufacturers were up to date).

Brandon

[homerecordingnewbie]

Thank you Brandon and to all for the good advice. I'm going to take it. Getting the pc for now, and will get the software etc as soon as the manufacturers get it to work with Win 7. Can't wait. Thanks again!