Need a hand finding a recording device...

[StrangeObjectiv]

I don't have any experience recording, but I'd love to be able to. I'm short on money so the price range is up to about $200 if possible.

I'm not looking for anything very high end, just something to be able record well and play it back sounding good. I'd prefer something with a computer interface, USB to be specific, but if there's something better please say so.

I've been thinking about the Line-6 Toneport, but I'm not sure it's worth my time.

The idea is perfect, a very casual recording device at a perfect cost, but I'm not sure if it's worth my time and money.

Any help would be great, thanks guys!

[scottbass]

There are lots of computer USB recording interfaces available for $199 and less. It all comes down to what features you want:

- preamps with adjustable gain and XLR inputs?
- level meters?
- phantom power for condenser mics?
- high impedance input for guitar/bass direct in?
- simple software or a "light" version of cubase, gigastudio, etc?
- real time hardware monitoring of the audio signal?
- overdubbing?
- MIDI?
- PC (ASIO drivers) or Mac (Core Audio drivers)?

and a host of other features, too.

You first need to define what you are gonna record with it, what you want to do with the recording once it's in your computer, and how you want to play it back out of your computer.

IMO you need to read some kind of buyer's guide to help you decide more specifically what you want.

And, with very few exceptions, the more you spend, the better your potential results will be.

[Ampeg SVT]

The toneport is a very simple device to work with, the software that comes with it (POD Farm if you get Toneport Studio) is not too bad.

If you are recording just bass and maybe guitar then the GX is good.

[StrangeObjectiv]

I'm looking to specifically record guitar and bass, and as to the question about what kind of music in particular, I tend to deviate a bit. I'll be going with rock for a few days then focus heavily on blues or a funk feel so it's kind of varying.

I'm afraid to say Scott, I'm not familiar with most of those terms, and I know that's something I should learn. I'm really looking for something right now that with record with good quality and playback with good quality.

Can you recommend anything in specific?

[scottbass]

OK - What kind of computer do you have, a PC (Windows) or an Apple (Mac)? Will you be recording voice or acoustic instruments using a microphone? If so, what kind of microphone? Or will you just be plugging electric bass and electric guitar directly into it? I assume you don't know what a DI box is, so you won't be using one of those.

[StrangeObjectiv]

Alright, I have a PC, Windows Vista. I'll be recording Bass and Electric Guitar for sure. Chances are no Acoustic for a while, but it is a possibility, same for vocals. I don't have a microphone right now, but if I do get my full band together, I'd say I may as well think about this stuff ahead of time, so incorporating that would be a plus.

Anything I should defiantly research? Like terms, or devices? And would you recommend anything in particular?

[armywalaby]

I'm looking to pick up a Zoom H2 with my tax return. I believe some TBers have posted sound clips from one before, and it is very impressive.

[StrangeObjectiv]

The Zoom 2 seems interesting, but how would it compare to the TonePort which is what I'm most likely to get?

[vinny]

I recently got a Zoom H2 & like it a lot. It worked out so well that the guitarist in one of my bands got one & the guitarist & singer in the other band each got one. Hmmm, maybe I shoulda' got a kickback. We're mostly using them to record rehearsals so you get what's in the room, but I'd bet if you fed it from the board you could get some really clean stuff.

[Infernal Affair]

Originally Posted by StrangeObjectiv

The Zoom 2 seems interesting, but how would it compare to the TonePort which is what I'm most likely to get?

In what context? They're two very different devices. The Zoom is meant for live field recording. The Toneport is more for recording into a digital audio workstation (DAW). Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but it depends on what you want to accomplish. Read up on both of them. The manufacturer websites should explain them pretty clearly.

[dave_bass5]

I use the M-audio fast track USB2 interface. very simple to use, good low latency (6ms) it has a 1/4 Jack and XLR in.
I plug my Bass in to this and run either Guitar rig or the Amplitube Ampeg plug in to either record or just play along to mp3's etc.