BRAND NEW to recording, anyone have thread suggestions?

[Sweet T]

I'm assuming that my questions have been answered many times... but I'm not finding any threads that discuss what I'm looking for.

Specifically, I want to know what the real cheapskates do! MINIMAL upgrades, CHEAP software and interface... I'd like to see the threads already here, rather than asking the questions over again. Any suggestions?

[richiebee]

Everyone has different needs. Start by letting us know what kind of music you're creating, and how you want to create it, and how much you have to spend and what you already have in the way of gear. We can ask more questions as we get through your points...

[Sweet T]

I sing and play rhythm guitar, mostly Country, some bluegrass/folk, and I also really enjoy the old Rock n Roll like Janis Joplin, Pat Benetar. I use karaokesometimes. (I'm ducking and running!)

My needs are pretty simple, I think. I want to be able to record and manipulate vocals, guitar, keys, "canned percussion", and bass guitar. I'd like to have two to four tracks for vocals so I can harmonize with myownself, and enough tracks left over to cover any other instrumental parts I may need.

I have a shure 48 mic, a pretty cheap amp that I bought with my cheap electric guitar, and a nylon string acoustic. I do not know how to input the different musical parts into the computer, I'm assuming I need something like a pre-amp, but is there an even cheaper solution? I'm not looking for professional quality, just the cheapest way possible to mix these parts, and hopefully manipulate them somewhat with some decent software. I am willing to give up more time than cash.

Which leads me to one more thing I need, some software that's hopefully user friendly. I have no idea what to buy, and I don't want to pay for something that will end up a waste of money.

My local music store is selling some kind of interface with appropriate software for $200 and I'm probably going to purchase this, but am I going to regret it in the future, and wish I'd spent that money elsewhere? Or does this sound like a good starting point? Would this little "kit" be all I need? Or should I quit trying to go digital? I just can't afford to sink thousands of dollars into this, but I'd like to be able to record a few decent sounding recordings.

All I really need is a way to create a couple of demos that I can put on my website, myspace, etc, and record some amateur CD's for my own amusement. My hope is that I will meet other musicians and maybe become involved with a band that already has a bunch of equipment so I don't have to purchase it all myself. I have no desire to create a recording studio. After meeting some like minded people, I can spend my money on the equipment I would need to fulfill the band's requirements.

Oh yeah, about the spending amount... well, it's hard to say how much I can spend, I want to buy the most appropriate, least expensive possible. $1,000 is very high for me, $100 is probably not going to be enough. Maybe that helps?

[richiebee]

Yeah, so there are lots of two channel audio interfaces that come bundled with software. I'd look for something with Cubase LE, which has lots of limitations, but you can always upgrade later to Cubase 4, and you'll already be familiar with the software by the time you do it. No point in getting more than you need at the moment, and I'd say Cubase LE will get you started. Going through the SoundCard Wizard, it looks like the cheapest thing that will do the job for you is the Alesis IO2. Comes with Cubase LE for $150. Will it be the best thing in the world? Heck no. You might be upgrading in a year or two, but its a good place to start, and who knows, it might suit you forever (I'm still using the 2 channel USB interface I bought something like 4 or 5 years ago). I keep thinking of changing it, but can never find a justifiable reason to do so. It works, why mess with it?
Pretty much any interface will give you decent quality these days. The issues are more likely to be noticeable latency (delay in hearing what you're playing). Even small amounts of latency are enough to put off a performer! But I'd think the Alesis IO2 will be fine.
I wouldn't look too far into the future. Get something entry level and see where it gets you. You might want to upgrade, and you might not. Deal with it when its an issue.

R.

[brandondrury]

Check out the home recording soundcard wizard (in my signature). It'll get you started.

Brandon

[Sweet T]

oh wow, now that was helpful!