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How can i start doing basic recording fast and cheap!?
- Thread starter MODNY
- Start date
If you want to get started with something basic, I would recommend either a single input interface like a stealth plug (about $100), or the line6 toneport GX (about $60). Then use whatever software comes with it, or something free like Audacity. You can get pretty decent quality recordings with this kind of setup, and it'll give you an idea if you want to get more into recording or not.
I would recommend the Zoom B2.1u pedal with USB.
It simply plugs into your Windows or Macintosh computer with a USB cord and allows you to record into the software of your choice. It comes with the easy to use Cubase LE.
Goes for about $189 new but worth it and it can be used for live use and as a headphone practice amp. Many TalkBass users consider it to be an extremely versatile and useful piece of equipment.
It simply plugs into your Windows or Macintosh computer with a USB cord and allows you to record into the software of your choice. It comes with the easy to use Cubase LE.
Goes for about $189 new but worth it and it can be used for live use and as a headphone practice amp. Many TalkBass users consider it to be an extremely versatile and useful piece of equipment.
The above suggestions about the hardware interface are good.
But even the "LE" versions of recording software can be somewhat daunting.
I would suggest trying AUDACITY to start with. It will help you get comfortable with the concept of recording tracks to the hard disk of your computer, and then when you're ready you can "move up" to more sophisticated recording software.
Check out Audacity HERE. It's completely free.
It's just so simple to use, I find the majority of recording that I do can be done just with Audacity. And of course you can take the "clips" that you record thusly into any other software you choose.
Good info Illbay. You can also just record directly from your bass into your computer with an adapter cable. It won't be the best sound but would be acceptable for becoming familiar with the process.
- Jun 19, 2004
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- Endorsing Artist, Schroeder Cabinets
Are you looking to multi-track, or just record yourself to get down ideas?
I *love* my Zoom H2. You can use it as a 4-channel (stereo mics in front, stereo mics in rear) field recorder, or as an interface to your computer, no real multi-tracking though.
I *love* my Zoom H2. You can use it as a 4-channel (stereo mics in front, stereo mics in rear) field recorder, or as an interface to your computer, no real multi-tracking though.
For drum loops, if you want to program them yourself, you probably want to look into something like Battery, DFH, or Guru. These are all VST/DXi drum samplers that plug into your sequencer of choice (Cubase, Sonar, Audacity, Reaper, etc). These work best when you have a MIDI drum pad like the AKAI MPD24 or the Korg PadKontrol (both are around $200).
If you don't want to program your beats, there are loop CD's available that you can plug into something like Sony ACID (or a regular sequencer).
With the stealth plug you could do it with an adapter (XLR female to 1/4" female), but I don't think there's a way to disable the onboard preamp (I could be wrong). If you want to record from a DI or mic on your amp, the stealth plug is probably not the best choice. I would go with something like the Toneport UX1 (same as GX1 but has an XLR input which it sounds like you'll want), maybe that zoom pedal (I would be a little hesitant because most regular multi-effect pedals are somewhat flimsy, and with the zoom if the pedal breaks you're down a recording interface too), or if you want to spend like $150-$200 you can get the new presonus audiobox or m-audio fasttrack pro. In the around $100-$200 price range there isn't a huge amount difference in the quality of the interfaces, it's mostly about getting the right inputs/outputs and hopefully some decent drivers.
Probably not, there are places you can get loops for free though. Like http://www.loopasonic.com/ for example. Just look on google and stuff you can find a lot of things for free. I could make you some free loops better than the ones on loopasonic though lol..
That sucks man, we've had to pay to get two of our new computers 'upgraded' to XP so our programs would work. I used Audacity for a while, and although it's not that versatile, it does get the job done.
I picked up a Zoom MRS4B digital 4-track, which wasn't too painful on the wallet, and I use Audacity as well - both of these I would really rate IMHO.
As far as software goes, considering it's free, Audacity is a fine piece of software.
I also use something called DMC Poweramp - (I think it's called that) - which is free and is a useful piece of software for recording anything from anything and converting it to anything.
If it's a free drum machine you're after you could do worse than use Hammerhead - it's very basic but it will let you make simple drum loops and/or record on the fly using Audacity if you record through.
As far as software goes, considering it's free, Audacity is a fine piece of software.
I also use something called DMC Poweramp - (I think it's called that) - which is free and is a useful piece of software for recording anything from anything and converting it to anything.
If it's a free drum machine you're after you could do worse than use Hammerhead - it's very basic but it will let you make simple drum loops and/or record on the fly using Audacity if you record through.
yea
i'm pretty basic. i had previous cubase experience but thats it. i want to keep it as simple as possible.
with the fast track USB it comes with everything. this way i know everything will work with each other. it also has all kinds of effects and loops etc just like the tone port, but i believe is actually vista compliant.
gonna return the toneport this afternoon and see what happens. i had the ux2, which has more ins and outs than the fast track, and since the store i bought it at only has exchange only i'll put the other 100$ towards some decent monitors or something i dunno.
i'm pretty basic. i had previous cubase experience but thats it. i want to keep it as simple as possible.
with the fast track USB it comes with everything. this way i know everything will work with each other. it also has all kinds of effects and loops etc just like the tone port, but i believe is actually vista compliant.
gonna return the toneport this afternoon and see what happens. i had the ux2, which has more ins and outs than the fast track, and since the store i bought it at only has exchange only i'll put the other 100$ towards some decent monitors or something i dunno.
Rickett Customs
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- Oct 7, 2000
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I 2nd the zoom B21u mentioned in one of the first few posts. I'm using it with Vista and Cubase - and I've been through a few other interfaces that gave me lots of problems (mostly latency).
The Zoom is incredibly user friendly, has lots of great effects that make it real easy to get a great sound going straight in, has drum beats in it if you want some inspiration or basic loops, and can be used as a pretty decent stomp box too. Comes with Cubase LE (make sure it's LE4 though or it WON'T work with Vista) - and to be honest I still haven't found any reason to have to go beyond the limited edition of cubase. Seems you only get scoring capabilities, a handful of added effects and plug ins, and some extra midi editing capabilities that I don't think I'd ever have any use for anyhow.
Last note, whatever you get I found that downloading ASIO4all makes a world of difference. all ya gotta do is go to www.asio4all.com, download it, and choose it for your asio driver.
The Zoom is incredibly user friendly, has lots of great effects that make it real easy to get a great sound going straight in, has drum beats in it if you want some inspiration or basic loops, and can be used as a pretty decent stomp box too. Comes with Cubase LE (make sure it's LE4 though or it WON'T work with Vista) - and to be honest I still haven't found any reason to have to go beyond the limited edition of cubase. Seems you only get scoring capabilities, a handful of added effects and plug ins, and some extra midi editing capabilities that I don't think I'd ever have any use for anyhow.
Last note, whatever you get I found that downloading ASIO4all makes a world of difference. all ya gotta do is go to www.asio4all.com, download it, and choose it for your asio driver.
