want to start recording

[manojr]

Hi,
I am very passionate about singing and playing guitar. I am not a professional person. I am still learning. I mostly cover songs in acoustic.

I have been recording cover songs through a PC- mic using audacity.

But recently I have had thoughts about getting some equipments which would let me record my music better.

I have been on the hunt since then, I have come across so many USB Audio interface but I m very confused on what to get.
Some stuffs that i have looked into are:
* M-audi fast track pro
* Behringer Podcastudio FireWire
* Cakewalk UA-4FX

Same goes with the microphone as well.

I was just wondering what would be an ideal equipment to start off with.
I would just have 2 inputs, vocals and acoustic guitar.

So that would be
1 X audio interface/sound card
2 X Microphone

Just for a start , my budget is 200 - 300 £ GBP

I dont know if i would need a mixer and monitor ? ( prolly that would be the next stage? )

Thanks very much for your help in advance.

regards,
manoj

[newkid]

Originally Posted by manojr

Hi,
I am very passionate about singing and playing guitar. I am not a professional person. I am still learning. I mostly cover songs in acoustic.

I have been recording cover songs through a PC- mic using audacity.

But recently I have had thoughts about getting some equipments which would let me record my music better.

I have been on the hunt since then, I have come across so many USB Audio interface but I m very confused on what to get.
Some stuffs that i have looked into are:
* M-audi fast track pro
* Behringer Podcastudio FireWire
* Cakewalk UA-4FX

Same goes with the microphone as well.

I was just wondering what would be an ideal equipment to start off with.
I would just have 2 inputs, vocals and acoustic guitar.

So that would be
1 X audio interface/sound card
2 X Microphone

Just for a start , my budget is 200 - 300 £ GBP

I dont know if i would need a mixer and monitor ? ( prolly that would be the next stage? )

Thanks very much for your help in advance.

regards,
manoj

Prices over there do not translate, even with allowing for the exchange rate, to prices here. I think a good source is thomas.de(?). Should have ads in your magazines.

It is tough. So much to choose from. So many opinions.
Use the interface wizard on this forum.
Some vendor web sites have similar ones.
Kellys music and computers, maybe others also, let you pick the interfaces you are considering and make a table comparing them.

With only your list I would go reluctantly with the M thing.
But first look at ua25ex and emu0404 as well as similar ones.
Get an mxl990 mike and/or an sm87/sm88 or an sm87 knockoff to start. Official Speaker Repair Site - Orange County Speaker Repair and Sales - SpeakerRepair.com - Home of GLS Audio has the Chinese copies.

If you really want to separately mike the guitar while singing, not best imho, then get the 990/991 pair with a package discount price.

If you want stereo, then two 990s would be good to start. Unless you are going to record separate tracks, first vocal, then the guitar, then go with the 990/991 combo.

If your budget can stand it there are more expensive mikes but how much better depends on your wallet and your ear. I would go with my wallet until I have experience and know
what I need to change to improve things.

Don't forget cables stands adapters etc. add to the total cost.
And if you really get serious tweaking the room can be expensive also.

[ankursamtaney]

A mixer is not necessary. Look for brandon's piece on "do i need a mixer" (or something to that effect).
Make sure you buy an interface which has 2 mic preamps. Example: Line6 UX2, or other similar ones. 2 XLR Inputs and phantom power would be a must. Anything less would be a compromise 6 months down the line. Go with 2 decent condenser mics. Although everyone's against Behringer here, i think the Behringer B-2 Pro is an awesome large diaphragm condenser mic for guitars and vocals. But yea, get 2 mics so you can do stereophonic recording.

[manojr]

Thank you very much !!
I have almost made up my mind to buy my self m audio fast track pro

and with the micrphone, i am still looking
mxl 990/991
and some Shure Microphone

and yes i would prolly go for a condenser mic.

regards,

manoj

[newkid]

Originally Posted by manojr

Thank you very much !!
I have almost made up my mind to buy my self m audio fast track pro

and with the micrphone, i am still looking
mxl 990/991
and some Shure Microphone

and yes i would prolly go for a condenser mic.

regards,

manoj

that would be a good place to start

fyi
the 990/991 are condensor mikes
the shure 57 is "dynamic" mike

[manojr]

How about software?
would audacity do it?
or should i go for something else?
just for a start?

[newkid]

Originally Posted by manojr

How about software?
would audacity do it?
or should i go for something else?
just for a start?

Audacity is plenty good to start with.
Learn with it and when you KNOW that you need something else and WHY you need it then consider buying more software.

[manojr]

Thanks mate
You have been really helpful !!
I have bought the things
M-Audio Fast Track Pro MXL 990/991 XLR cables Mic Stands

Cant wait to get them and play with it.

regards,
Manoj