OK I got Pro Tools now what?

[chilliwilli]

Well I've been working with a hip hop producer who likes live bass and i mentioned i was interested in getting into the recording thing myself. He happened to have an extra Pro Tools package (The Mbox one with LE 6.7 and bunch of plugins and junk) lying around and he hooked me up.

I got that covered. Now i just need a better computer, a good keyboard, and a microphone for vocals to get me started. Right?

I'm going for the Prince approach if you feel me. You know do and perform everything using the keyboard(drums will be done using keyboard also by the way), bass, and guitar plus some other instruments.

I have around $3,500 available. I'll probably need more and will try to save plus christmas is coming maybe i can get some money as a present or an affordable piece of the puzzle like a mic.

Please help me. One thing im not to sure on is just how powerful my computer has to be. I'm probably going to go for a Mac, but do i need some quad prcessor monster or can i get alot out of something less. The comp in question would be used only for audio there would be no games on it or anything that might take up space and slow it down

Thank you

[these_go211]

i use a dual processor G5 with the standard memory, 512MB and haven't had any problems. obviously with the mbox you can only record 2 tracks at once, which hasn't been a problem for my machine. think the most tracks i've used so far has been about 6 or 7. but people also record using single processor laptops. i'm biased but i'd go for a mac. if you do go for an imac or other laptop you may need to get more RAM. but maybe others who are using this setup can comment on their experience.

a small amp would be useful as well as a di box. the countryman di is a great basic di that sounds good. i'm not saying it's the best of all time but many people use it and love it and it's doubtful any would say they hate it. that being said, the countryman di will only be as good as the sound source. so get a good bass! finally, maybe a shure sm58 or 57 would be a good basic mic to get as well. happy recording!

[chilliwilli]

I have a good bass(G&L), but couldnt i just go direct without a DI or amp?

[Dan1099]

Originally Posted by these_go211

i use a dual processor G5 with the standard memory, 512MB and haven't had any problems. obviously with the mbox you can only record 2 tracks at once, which hasn't been a problem for my machine. think the most tracks i've used so far has been about 6 or 7. but people also record using single processor laptops. i'm biased but i'd go for a mac. if you do go for an imac or other laptop you may need to get more RAM. but maybe others who are using this setup can comment on their experience.

a small amp would be useful as well as a di box. the countryman di is a great basic di that sounds good. i'm not saying it's the best of all time but many people use it and love it and it's doubtful any would say they hate it. that being said, the countryman di will only be as good as the sound source. so get a good bass! finally, maybe a shure sm58 or 57 would be a good basic mic to get as well. happy recording!

How do you record drums with only two tracks?

[hyperlitem]

theres a few ways to record drums using 2 tracks:

1. use only 2 mics, yea this isnt everyones cup of tea but i get amazing results with 3 mics, albeit expensive nuemanns and rodes but still it can be done.

2. Use the stereo outs of v-drums, again not everyones cup of tea, but i think that a v-drum set sounds just as good as a midpriced drum kit with midpriced mics, to get that really sexy sound your after you need to spend tons and tons of money.

3. Use say an 8 channel mixer, put 8 mics on the kit, then run the stereo outs of the mixer into the mbox.

Ive used all 3 of these methods. Its up to you, the mbox is a sweet little toy.

[chrisp2u]

If you haven't been there yet, go here... you'll likely find advice and answers to any questions you might have regarding PT.
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c

[these_go211]

the poster said this about drums:
"(drums will be done using keyboard also by the way)"

about going direct with your bass without di box or amp. well, it's not going to sound that good. your g&L is a nice bass and well sound a lot better using a di box or micing an amp.

and dare i say, maybe even try the bass/guitar pod.
depending on what environment you'll be recording in (house, apt, condo, etc) having a pod means you can record "cranked amp" sounds at any hour without disturbing anyone and mess around with a lot of different sounds and tones. and before the flamethrowers show up to toast me i'm not saying the pod will sound exactly like a cranked tube ampeg but if you can get a good sound out of it that you like, and YOU CAN get good sounds out of it, then you'll be happy. as always, YMMV and try before you buy. or use gtr center or musicians friend so you'll have a good return policy.

[WalterBush]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

I have a good bass(G&L), but couldnt i just go direct without a DI or amp?

No. Do a TB search on impedance matching. No DI with your bass is a good way to get an extraordinarily crappy tone.