I dont even know the first step to self recording...Help?

[WarofAges]

I've always wanted to be able to record my own stuff, and i finally got my own computer.

Im downloading a program called reaper right now, but how do even start? I have an active jazz bass and an instrument cable. Could some one help?

dunka

[Dave Muscato]

You'll need an interface. This is a pretty good article that covers some basics:

http://www.acousticfingerstyle.com/C...Recording1.htm

[WarofAges]

thanks for that, im still reading it.

would some thing like the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI be something i could use as interface, or what about the pre amp in GK head?

[Skywalker83]

Also check out here

http://www.soundonsound.com/

Alot of audio gurus and industry pro's to be found on the forums there. Also lots of information about various gear and techniques.

Also use the search function on the forums here. I'm sure many have started out on here the same way as you have, so alot of "how to's" and "what to do's" might have been answered before. So take advantage of the search function.

The recording world can be very daunting at first, but once you start getting the hang of things it gets much easier. Just don't give up when things aren't going the way they should.

I'd also recommend whenever possible go to the internet for help, rather than books. The equipment and methods in the recording world change so quickly that books soon become
outdated.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress, and post some of your recordings up on the forums here!

[WarofAges]

thank you

[Dave Muscato]

Originally Posted by WarofAges

thanks for that, im still reading it.

would some thing like the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI be something i could use as interface, or what about the pre amp in GK head?

No, you'll need something that hooks up to your computer, like a PCI card, or a standalone unit with a computer interface (USB or Firewire port). For example, a Line6 Bass POD, which has a USB port, or a PreSonus Firestudio, which uses Firewire or USB. Here's Sweetwater's complete line-up:

http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/compu...io_interfaces/

I recommend calling or emailing Dan VanAmerongen (he's a fellow TBer and he also works for Sweetwater). He'll help you figure out exactly what you need. His email is Dan_VanAmerongen@sweetwater.com and his phone number is (800) 222-4700, ext. 1253. Great guy, no pressure, and can answer all your questions about this type of stuff and what would be best for what you're trying to accomplish.

Are you looking to record just yourself, or multiple instruments at once?

[WarofAges]

well, im just starting out on my own. So i just wanted to record some of the bass stuff i write myself, and record bass lines for my band that come to my head so i dont forget them.

My band mates have a whole bunch of nice gear, and i get a good bass tone from that, but what i do doesnt have to sound perfect, you know?

thanks

[Nick Kay]

You can take a line-out from that Sansamp or that GK head, use a converter to go from 1/4" to 1/8", plug it into the microphone input or line input on your computer's sound card, and record it with Windows Sound Recorder. It won't be great sound quality, or quiet as far as the noise floor goes, but it'll get the job done.

The next step up from that is to get a budget audio interface. There's a ton of them out there, a butt load of topics in this very forum on the choices available, and enough discussion to make your head spin on various other forums (Studio Central, Sound on Sound, Gear Slutz, etc.). After that, it starts getting complicated - mixers vs. outboard preamps vs. interfaces with integrated preamps, and all sorts of other difficult decisions like that.

If you're completely clueless on the whole process, though, I'd suggest downloading Audacity or Reaper and taking a look at Tweak's Guide. It's a great resource for the amateur recording engineer, even the one that's just starting out and doesn't have an idea what they need to be doing.

[Dave Muscato]

Originally Posted by WarofAges

well, im just starting out on my own. So i just wanted to record some of the bass stuff i write myself, and record bass lines for my band that come to my head so i dont forget them.

My band mates have a whole bunch of nice gear, and i get a good bass tone from that, but what i do doesnt have to sound perfect, you know?

thanks

You know, for what you're describing, I would actually recommend a Zoom H2 portable digital recorder. You can use it to record your bass lines via USB and an adaptor out of your SansAmp or GK head to your computer, but you can also use it to record on-the-go, for getting down vocal melodies (it runs on batteries or from USB power, or with an AC adaptor), and you can use it to record band practices and live shows. It has an SD card slot and built-in microphones for recording in stereo at various MP3 qualities, CD quality, and much higher, also. It runs on two AA batteries and is a little bigger than a deck of cards, and comes with a mic-stand mount.

If you go to my old band's website, http://www.treasurejunkieband.com, some music will automatically start playing: those are some recordings of my band live, using a Zoom H2. They're about $150 and easily the most-used piece of equipment I have except my basses and amps. I use it to record meetings, classes & clinics, phone calls (all with permission, of course), band rehearsals, live shows, etc. Highly, highly recommended.

The same company also makes the H4 model, which costs a little more, and allows you to hook up external mics and/or instruments directly. In my humble opinion, if you only intend to record directly with your own bass and not two tracks at once, save yourself some money and get the H2 and an adaptor from Radio Shack for your bass, instead, and just use your SansAmp. This will give you more control over your tone (using the SansAmp) rather than just going directly in, anyway. All you need otherwise is a decent set of headphones and Audacity or Garageband and you're good to go.