Newbie, Introduction and Help

[aled]

Hey every1 on this forum site, Im Aled and im from the uk.

Im looking into Turning my room into a home studio and Ive been looking into this and it's all a bit confusing but im getting it slowly and i need a little help from you guys

Just need to know what you guys use and why?

for my studio, id be recording Acoustic Drums, so how does micing the drums up work, obvoisuly using mics, but where do the mic's connect and how does it get to my computer, also ive read about mixers's and audio interfaces
what do these do and how do they work?

really i need to know what i need and why, and how around about i need to spend

sorry if im being a pain.
Just getting into the recoridng side of music
Cheers Aled

[The Fallen]

Hey Aled,
If you plan on micing drums, you might wanna check this site out then: http://www.presonus.com/computerrecordingbasics.html .Its off a company website but it gives some REALLY good insight on how to place mics and stuff, just click on the "Videos" link. Basically, I would advise buying a drum mic kit, not a very expensive one, just to get started with. There are a few ways you can mic drums, some you'll see in that video if you watch it. Some mics clip right to the drum rims, others you need to buy stands for.

For a set-up. Ive got the most basic set-up you can have, and probably not the best, but it works. I have a mixer (you will want probably about an 8 channel mixer for all your mics AT LEAST, if you go with a mixer), all of my mics and instruments go into the mixer and then from the Master Out I have a 1/4" cable go to my computers standard mic jack with a 1/8" adapter. Now, this is probably one of the worst ways you can do it, because in the adapter you lose a lot of quality and that jack isnt set up to handle that kind of signal, but I did it because I just wanted to get the music into my computer to play with it.

Now, I will advise, just like many people on here will. Get a soundcard. Basically this is something that you put in your PC which can actually handle the transfer, and is made to do so. There is a soundcard tool on this site that can help you out ALOT. Get a program. Now Ive heard alot about Cubase and it seems like alot of people use it, therefore youll be able to find all sorts of help on this site if you have troubles with it, but its YOUR comfort level that ultimately decides that. You need something to take the signal from your mics, and relay them all to your soundcard so your program can record it. I personally am going to invest in a Presonus Firepod because its got 8 Channels with Preamps and is connected to your PC via a Firewire port. But like I said, look around, its your comfort level and your needs that will decide this, and your budget . There are alot of really good articles on this website about recording and what you need to get started, take a few hours and read them, they are a HUGE help.

-The Fallen-

[brandondrury]

The two links in my signature will get you started.

Read both of these, and then ask some more specific questions.

sorry if im being a pain.

The only pain occurs when people apologize for joining / posting on this forum. If I wanted to talk to myself, I would just do it in Notepad or Word.

Brandon

[aled]

Hey guys thanks very much for the help + Much appreciated

im still a little confused on a mixer as in brandons thread on "Starting Your Own Home Recording Studio " it does not mention a mixer whilst The fallen has
Mentioned one.

so far I have come up with some gear and software I am thinking baout getting

PRESONUS FIREPOD 8 CH STUDIO
7 PIECE DRUM MICROPHONE SET
ALESIS MONITOR 1 ACTIVE 520 (already have)
CUBASE SX VERSION 3 (already have)
7 Microphone Stands

what else would you reccomend or what i need?
Or not reccomend me to get from my list?

thanks for the time
Aled

[The Fallen]

Hey Aled,
If you decide to go with the Presonus Firepod, you wont need a mixer. I only mentioned it because thats what I'm using. Others will have drastically different set-ups. The gear you mentioned sounds good, Im also really considering getting the Firepod, mainly beacuse you have so much versatility like linking more for more channels, and if you ever decided go onto recording more than just drums you got Midi and other stuff you can do with it too. The future of what your recording capabilities could turn out to be is something to consider, cause it would be a bummer to have to buy all new gear. Any other questions, just ask, and Ill respond to the best of my knowledge.

-The Fallen-

[brandondrury]

7 PIECE DRUM MICROPHONE SET

How much is it?

I'm not big on these microphone kits. They are kind of like those gift baskets at Walmart where you get a fancy basket, a bow, and 2 packets of hot chocolate for $20.

I mean that they are usually budget mics with little resell value. If it was me, I'd snag (2) $100 condensers (Kel HM-1's would be my first choice, but there are probably a few MXL mics that would work). Then I'd get on ebay and buy 3 or 4 used SM 57s. (Make sure they aren't junk, obviously). That would have you covered for about $450 (give or take). The good thing is you can always ditch the 57s for the same price you paid (as long as you don't break them).

Also, the 57s are great on guitars, sometimes great on vocals, great on snares, pretty damn good on toms (probably better than whatever they put in the little kit) are great for just about anything live or in the studio. I've used them on kick drums and was very happy although you may need to add a little low end shelving.

what else would you reccomend or what i need?
Or not reccomend me to get from my list?

Everything looks good to me. You didn't mention a pop filter, headphones, or extension cables though.

im still a little confused on a mixer as in brandons thread on "Starting Your Own Home Recording Studio " it does not mention a mixer whilst The fallen has
Mentioned one.

You should have no problem getting by without a mixer using the Firepod. Your inputs and monitoring are covered. That's all a mixer does in a home recording situation.

Brandon

[aled]

ahh guys thank you very much been a great help to me!

and if you ever decided go onto recording more than just drums you got Midi and other stuff you can do with it too.

yeh il be using it for many instruments with my band

The future of what your recording capabilities could turn out to be is something to consider,

haha yeah the best even have to start at the beginning :P and thats why you guys are here! to help me!! Thanks for the reply


Brandon, thanks for the great advice.
About the mics, I am goning to take your advice and start with buying a pair Kel HM-1 condenser mics and then get some SM 57s, Saved me some $$ there mate (Y)

About Pop filter i forgot to mention i have one (stole form a friend)

Headphones was another of my questions, what headphones do you guys recommend at a price range up to $150?

Also about Metronomes, as i have and electric kit and an acoustic kit i use the electric for a lot of practise with the built in metronome which is a big big help as i have never played with a metronome i can acually hear whilst playing on an acoustic set, so really what metronomes would you recommend ?

Extension cables, HELP!

thanks very much again guys!

P.s Brandon you dont have to talk to yourself on notepad or word now, you have us

[brandondrury]

Headphones was another of my questions, what headphones do you guys recommend at a price range up to $150?

I probably wouldn't spend that much on headphones. Actually, I know I wouldn't because the most expensive headphones I own are a pair of $60 Audio Technica's.

As a drummer, you should look into some isolation headphones. Do a search on the forum and you'll find a couple different brands...one is sold online by Harvey Gerst and, if I remember correctly, they were around $30. If you buy from him, tell him that Brandon Drury recommended them.

Most of the time, when I use monitors I just hand the guy tracking my $20 Behringer headphones. If they complain, I hand them the Audio Technicas. If they don't like that, too bad.

Extension cables, HELP!

These are the cables that extend from your headphone output (probably from your breakout box / computer interface) to your singer or whatever. They are 1/4" extension cables and a no brainer.

Brandon

[brandondrury]

Headphones was another of my questions, what headphones do you guys recommend at a price range up to $150?

I probably wouldn't spend that much on headphones. Actually, I know I wouldn't because the most expensive headphones I own are a pair of $60 Audio Technica's.

As a drummer, you should look into some isolation headphones. Do a search on the forum and you'll find a couple different brands...one is sold online by Harvey Gerst and, if I remember correctly, they were around $30. If you buy from him, tell him that Brandon Drury recommended them.

Most of the time, when I use monitors I just hand the guy tracking my $20 Behringer headphones. If they complain, I hand them the Audio Technicas. If they don't like that, too bad.

Extension cables, HELP!

These are the cables that extend from your headphone output (probably from your breakout box / computer interface) to your singer or whatever. They are 1/4" extension cables and a no brainer.

Brandon

[oldman2]

Hello! to all.and thanks for being here to help guide me through the learning process.
My name is Richard Sivley I live in Harrison, TN [Chattanooga]
I am 52 yrs.old have a 17 yr. old son [Rickey]. We are in process of setting up home studio. I have spent the past few months at various forums learning all that I can.
I have played in bands since I was 12 , but have limited recording [other than personal low format jams,gigs,etc.] experience.
As an oldman I don't much care to perform live anymore [been there done that] I enjoy playing, but not the hassels. My son [Rickey] has more talant as a musician than I ever had and I want to help him as a songwriter and performer.
I have purchased lots of used gear from pawnshops, ebay,flea market, yard sale etc. I have not set up,nor have I made a list of gear yet. After we get setup I am sure that I will be asking for advice.