Cheap (or free) recording programs

OriginalCrash · #1 03-10-2009, 10:11 AM

So I'm not looking for anything fancy... I'm not trying to mix albums here or anything. But it would be nice to be able to do some simple recordings for, say, uploading soundclips on here or just to playback and evaluate my performance, that sort of thing. What options are there? My computer isn't quite cutting edge, but it has a 2.2 GHz Intel dual core processor and 2 GB of memory. I don't have much in the way of inputs, though... just the standard mic and line ins. Anyway, that's really it; I'm just wondering what's out there that will do a decent recording for what I want. Thanks!

Brian

Tony G · #2 03-10-2009, 10:13 AM

Audacity is free.

disasterline · #3 03-10-2009, 10:14 AM

audacity is what you need. i love using it! its free and easy to use. if you have an interface (like the lexicon alpha its cheap) it makes it GREAT quality for a free program

so download audacity! if you dont have an interface or whant to get one, go to radio shack and get a 1/4 to 1/8 jack so you can plug it into your computers line in

megadan · #4 03-10-2009, 10:14 AM

Audacity is the correct answer!

bsqueezer · #5 03-10-2009, 10:15 AM

Audacity is a free program, Reaper is another one.

winston · #6 03-10-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsqueezer

Audacity is a free program, Reaper is another one.

While Reaper has an indefinite trial period, it's not technically free--you're supposed to buy a license sooner or later ($200 commercial/$50 non-commercial). It's great that you can evaluate the full version to see how it works for you. This is coming from someone who's tried Reaper for a while and should pony up for a license soon.

That said I think Audacity is simpler/less confusing, especially for simple audio file uploading.

If you want to convert files to mp3 be sure to download & install the LAME mp3 encoder (should be on the Audacity download page). Also, if there are issues with the stock soundcard drivers (pops, cracks, latency) you may want to download the asio4all driver.

OriginalCrash · #7 03-10-2009, 10:29 AM

Alright, I'll have to check Audacity out again... I'd used it in the past (don't have it anymore) for making/editing ringtones; I just never used it for recording. Any advice on plugging in, other than just getting an adapter? I know a lot of simple recordings I've heard the mic/input is clipping pretty hard... Is this something to control just by using the volume controls on my bass and effects or is there something else I should look into (matching impedances, levels, etc.)?

Brian

OriginalCrash · #8 03-10-2009, 11:46 AM

Quick bump for the question of what to use to plug in to the computer... is a simple 1/4"-1/8" adapter all that's needed? I'm about to head out and run some errands so I can grab one while I'm out, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else I should be getting...

Brian

megadan · #9 03-10-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OriginalCrash

Quick bump for the question of what to use to plug in to the computer... is a simple 1/4"-1/8" adapter all that's needed? I'm about to head out and run some errands so I can grab one while I'm out, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else I should be getting...

Brian

technically, yes. That will do you for now. The next step up is quite a bit more expensive, so use this for now. When you get tired of the low quality, muddy sound, and distortion, come back and ask again

atheos · #10 03-10-2009, 12:35 PM

For simple multitrack purpose Kristal is also very nice (if a bit old): http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

They were making a sequel too but the last news are from 2007 so I guess the project is more or less abandoned.