just getting started

[mostel]

Hi....I'm new at this(home recording)...I'm interested in recording to my dell/4600..from my Yamaha keyboard and adding vocals. I'm pretty convinced(so far)...it might be easier building the space shuttle in my backyard...but...I'm willing to learn! I don't need a lot of bells & whistles....but...I'd like the end result...to have a moderate degree...of quality. Audio/midi interface?...mic(s)...dynamic or condenser?...software?......should I upgrade my sound card?...is "firewire" the way to go?....to name a few of my basic questions... I'd be doing solo(vocal) recordings(for now)...using the keyboard(instruments) only. I tried this a while back using "Record Producer" deluxe software....midi to usb(pc) connection only....sounded like "nails on a chalkboard"!!!.....hopefully you guys can get me headed in the right direction....thanks

[richiebee]

What kind of keyboard do you have?

What are the specs of a Dell 4600?

How good is your voice? How good is the room that you'll be recording in? All of these things have a bearing on what might be the best way for you to go. We can speak in general terms, like a condenser mic is generally of higher quality than a dynamic mic, but whethre it makes any difference will depend on other things.

Also, the biggie... how much do you want ot invest in this?

[brandondrury]

Hello Mostel,

You have pretty much asked all the usual beginner questions. I'd highly recommend that you read the "Getting Started" link in my signature.

I'd highly recommend that you ditch the idea of using the stock soundcard and switch to a real deal recording audio interface. The home recording soundcard wizard can help you. (See my signature for that too).

After you have went through both of these links (quite a bit of reading), feel free to ask any specific questions on the forum.

it might be easier building the space shuttle in my backyard...

Maybe. I just watched a show about the LEM (Lunar Module that the astronauts used to land on the moon). It cost well over a billion dollars and took 7 years for genius engineers to complete.

In contrast, you could probably figure out everything you need in less than an hour. I've got a feeling you'll come in at slightly under a billion dollars!

Brandon

[brandondrury]

We can speak in general terms, like a condenser mic is generally of higher quality than a dynamic mic, but whethre it makes any difference will depend on other things.

Speaking in general terms like this is totally useless. While I would use a condenser for an orchestra or something, dynamic microphones are used on all kinds of major label vocal recordings.

As for the keyboard, you may consider using VST instruments or samples. We'll get to this stuff after you browse through the links I mentioned above.

Brandon