lets say I want to record some drums, and have a mic for the kick, a mic for the snare and high hat, and one over-head.

How do I get each signal to be recorded into a seperate track? Pics or links plz of any special equipment I will be needing.

ty vm :D

Are you going to be using a computer? If so, you'll need a USB or Firewire interface with at least 4 or more inputs.
Otherwise there are alot of standalone recorders you can get, but usually with more than 4 inputs, they get a little pricey.

computer. so I just need an interface with multiple inputs?

Yup.

If you want 8 tracks recorded at the same time, you'll need 8 inputs. Usually the min. of inputs these days are 2. Alot of people run like 8-10 drum mics into a mixer board, then just run the 2 chanels into the interface, but you can't controll individually after it has been recorded. What you get is what you get.

What kind of budget are you looking at, and I can throw some ideas your way.

Im looking at spending $500 to about $1000 over-time on recording equipment. So would I need something like this http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-iO14-Portable-14-Input-FireWire-Audio-Interface?sku=246030

or should I get another thing entirely for recording the drums ( some kind of a digital workstation or something along those lines ) and get an interface with 1 or 2 separate inputs for guitar and bass recording?

as you can tell im really inexperienced with recording equipment.

That alesis will work, but you will only have 4 mic/pre inputs.
If you go for something like THIS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/8pre/) or THIS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Firepod/), IMO you will be much better off.

That alesis will work, but you will only have 4 mic/pre inputs.
If you go for something like THIS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/8pre/) or THIS (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Firepod/), IMO you will be much better off.

Spot on.....

i highly recommend the presonus firepod, or if you decide on only 4 inputs then the firebox. Rmcaudio.com will hook you up for cheep, i think they sell presonus

it depends on what software your using aswell. alot of them come with the software but only work with a certain interface. ie: protools will only work with m audio stuff (m box)

as far as inputs, get as many as you can afford. drums will probably take up the most mics, but thats gunne be all you need.

Before you buy any of that I would recomend any of the books on this page: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bv/navigation/recording-instructional-books?N=100001+305114