Gear suggestions?

[pnu7b4ss311]

I have browsed the forums here looking at tips and kind of being a lurker but I have been here for a little while checking the place out and I'm wondering what some of you would suggest here...

I am ready to do some better recording now, I have been content with my combo amp and a headset mic and Sound Recorder on Windows, that's it. It sucks but it has gotten the job done for me and now I want more. I'm not looking for anything amazing, just better than crap. Willing to spend about $300, less would be nice. I have been suggested the M-Audio USB Preamp; opinions? Other suggestions?

Any help is appreciated

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Is that the M-Audio Fast-Track?

A few of my friends have them and like them

I went a few steps further and got a Presonus Firepod, Presonus also make cheaper (less inputs) units, which might be worth checking out.

Are you just looking at recording your bass/guitar, or anything else?

You could always go the micing up way.

Or you can stick to just plugging straight into whatever interface you are using.

There are a few free recording software packages out there, and you often get things included (ie I got Cubase with my presonus firepod).

There are also things like the Ampeg SVX, Amplitube2 and Guitar Rig 2 which you can use to record with if your just recording the one instrument, and you can get pretty good sounds

[pnu7b4ss311]

I have a bass and guitar (I am a bassist though hehe of course), but I don't see myself using more than one input at a time.

I am not very experienced in much other than my actual playing skills, this is why I ask I feel I have improved enough to move to the next step.

How do you like Cubase? I was browsing through a couple cheaper programs at BestBuy and they looked decent (Session and Music Creator I think...) Again, don't need anything super special, just a nice blend of user friendly and decent sound.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I like Cubase, its a big system drain tho, but im using multiple inputs at once.

2x inputs for bass
2 (sometimes 3) inputs per guitar
MIDI - drums
1-2 inputs for vocals

Any program should be fine for you if you are just using one input

[Plain Old Me]

Im using a Presonus Firepod right now (I had an E-Mu card that fried...) and its getting great, professional results. The preamps aren't the greatest, but if you are running a mixer or DI into the input, you should be just fine. Of course, I am also using Nuendo, which may be a good part of it. I think the Firepod comes with some sort of Cubase, which I have used before and it gets the job done just fine.

[jwl]

Originally Posted by pnu7b4ss311

I have a bass and guitar (I am a bassist though hehe of course), but I don't see myself using more than one input at a time.

I am not very experienced in much other than my actual playing skills, this is why I ask I feel I have improved enough to move to the next step.

How do you like Cubase? I was browsing through a couple cheaper programs at BestBuy and they looked decent (Session and Music Creator I think...) Again, don't need anything super special, just a nice blend of user friendly and decent sound.

it's not so much how good the software is. they're all good. the big thing with what you want is doing your home work. you must be certain that your computer, software and breakout box are compatible. this involves going to all the different manufacturer sites and checking. however, you mentioned cubase. that is what i use and i'm happy with it.

jeff

[DocBop]

For an inexpensive setup I use a M-Audio Fast Track. MF has blems and refurb's all the time for $80-$100. Then I use Audacity or GarageBand for recording software. Audacity is free and is avaiable for Mac and Windows. GarageBand is inexpensive, but is Mac only.

[nastyn8c]

One of my buddies has a Line 6 Guitar Port. I don't know how well it works with bass, but he and my other friends love it for guitar.