Easy-to-learn/use Recording Software for the Aspiring YouTube Bassist

[MadModBassist]

Hey guys, I'm a somewhat-famous bassist on YouTube. If you've seen a bass video by MrBrawl, that would be me

Well, my purpose in coming here is that, I'm formulating a Christmas list. I'd really like to step up my game in my videos, because I've always done video and recordings the "old-fashioned" way: have the song playing in the background while I play over it, all one take. However, most covers I see have the song overlayed, mostly through the implementation of Windows Movie Maker or something simple like that.

My next problem is, I'm running Windows 7, which will not be compatible with Windows Movie Maker and is instead supposed to get some new bogus movie maker called Windows Live Movie Maker or something like that.

Couple these things with the fact that I have nothing to record with (no cords to plug into my computer/etc.), and I'm really at a loss. I've usually never had that much of a problem with recording as I've done it, but I feel I'm not getting the views and ratings I deserve (hope I don't sound too arrogant here, but it's what I really believe!) because of volume and sound quality issues.

So my question this time is, what kind of software should I ask for for Christmas? I tried Audacity once but it seemed really complex, for me anyway. I may have tinkered with it incorrectly, but it might also have been due to the fact that it wouldn't recognize my microphone...I dunno.
I just need something easy to use or easy to learn to use that will produce fine-quality recordings to use for my YouTube videos. Nothing too fancy, yet something of worthy quality. Any suggestions guys?

[paul_wolfe]

Dude

If you're serious about recording quality videos you need a MAC and not windows. There's no comparison IMO.

[Kwesi]

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

Dude

If you're serious about recording quality videos you need a MAC and not windows. There's no comparison IMO.

I strongly disagree with this statement even though I myself own a mac, lol.

Anyway to the OP basically you're looking for 2 things:

1) An audio interface - simply put it's hardware that will send the signal from your bass or whatever instrument directly into your computer. I've heard good things about the Line6 toneport series so maybe it's worth a look? I personally use an Echo Audiofire4 and love it (I got mine new for $200+).

2) a DAW - DAW stands for digital audio workstation and it allows you to record the signal form your audio interface. I can't recommend software for windows as I'm not too sure one what's good (for under $500) but I use Garageband on my mac. It's not the most powerful in the world but it's simple and I like it

I'm sure some of the season recording vets will chime in sometime but I hope I helped a bit.

[MadModBassist]

Thank you for advice, man. I've seen Garageband in action (my old youth pastor used it to make a song completely by himself) and it looked really cool and easy to use!

And paul_wolfe, apparently it flew over your head that I need something cheap. I'm not going to drop $1200 or whatever on a Mac when I have a perfectly fine and amazing PC my uncle custom built for me for my requirements. There's no place in this thread for your blatant opinions

[standupright]

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by paul_wolfe

Dude

If you're serious about recording quality videos you need a MAC and not windows. There's no comparison IMO.

Welcome to the end of the last century! Seriously, it's been an even playing field for a while.

MadModBassist: I just converted my DAW to 64bit Win7... it rocks! Give it time to actually be released and the free (and cheap) apps that do what you need will have caught up. Also, the WinXP compatibility part of Win7 is pretty solid to if you need older apps.

[soong]

If Audacity is complicated, i'm sorry, but you'll just need to try harder. Its one of the easiest things out there.

As for recording, the cheapest thing would be to get something like a USB Behringer Guitar Link and use the EnergryXT software it comes with. All under $50 and you'll get pretty decent bass DI sound.

[paul_wolfe]

Firstly apologies to the OP, I missed the fact he was looking for a cheap option. And I speed read the post and mainly saw the 'VIDEO' part of the post. And of course I didn't know you had a custom built PC.

But

Welcome to the end of the last century! Seriously, it's been an even playing field for a while.

It's not the hardware. It's the specialised software that's available. And again I apolgise for speed reading the original post and focusing on the word VIDEO. if you know any pro or semi pro video guys go ask them what computer system they use - chances are it will be a Mac.

That was what I was trying to say.
No offence meant.

[paul_wolfe]

And I think DKMarlowe has got a tutorial on how he records his YouTube vids on his website

http://playbassnow.com

[MadModBassist]

Hah, why didn't I look at MarloweDK first? I shall check that out.

No offense taken, man. Glad you came and clarified :P I would definitely agree that most people prefer to use Macs when it comes to video editing and related things. I might consider getting some Mac software for that type of thing in the future, but for now I just need a cheap option. I would like to see what MarloweDK has, because he always gets great quality in his vids.

[MrTAteMyBalls]

yeah, if you just want something decent but cheap....look into something like this:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...ku=241228#used

it's cheap and will do what you want, but you will still need some kind of software. i use cubase, and it's nice but a good bit more complex than audacity. i know presonus is nice, and a lot of people like the line 6 toneport, and i think it comes with software.

[grifff]

That Korg PX5D looks really nice for the price. MarloweDK apparently uses the PX4D to record all of his videos. I'm debating getting one just for the practice value.