Need Help!!! New To Recording At Home!!!

[bass10bfb]

Thanks for looking!!!! Ok here is the deal. I have never recorded anything at home. I just got a new computer setup, and I would like to start recording from home, due to health issues pretty much preventing me from gigging any in the future. So, here is a description and list of things I want to be able to accomplish. I need to know what exactly I NEED to get this stuff done. Brands and recommendations are fine, but mostly looking for what I need to make it happen.
I want to be able to do the following:
1. Record bass, guitar, synthesizer, vocals, and drums (don't have drums so I would need something for that???)
2. Want to be able to basically do like a studio, adding my parts in one at a time. I assume I need something like Pro Tools but really have no idea. But want the ability to go in and fix and adjust when needed. Just an amateur so I am sure there will be plenty of that lol.

Here is my computer setup:
Custom Built AMD Computer Quad Processor
- 23in monitor
- Keyboard /mouse wireless
- Recording interface with software
- custom built 6 core computer
16 gb memory
Dual dvd drives
320gb hard drive
1 tb hard dive for extra storage
Office 2016 pro
Windows 10 pro

- Presonus Audiobox II interface with Presonus Artist software

I plan to add another monitor as well.
I don't have to have the best, I just want to be able to record my music like this. Any helps and tips are greatly appreciated.
I am hoping I don't have to break my bank account setting this up lol!!!! Thanks again for any help and God Bless!!!
Barry

 

[bass10bfb]

Also, I will be tied up a lot the next couple of days, so if I don't reply back to the thread quickly, please forgive me. I will do the best I can!!!!!

 

[dlb1001]

You need a pair of studio monitors and/or a set of good headphones.
On my setup, I have a Focusrite interface, a pair of Yamaha powered studio monitors and Shure headphones. For the DAW, I'm using Reaper.
You will have to download the correct driver for your computer. Then, set your computer to use the interface, in place of your soundcard, so that you can get sound from the speakers. Then, adjust the settings of the DAW so that it can communicate with the interface. So, you will need to spend some time reading the DAW manual to ensure that you have correctly setup the DAW.

 

[bass10bfb]

You need a pair of studio monitors and/or a set of good headphones.
On my setup, I have a Focusrite interface, a pair of Yamaha powered studio monitors and Shure headphones. For the DAW, I'm using Reaper.
You will have to download the correct driver for your computer. Then, set your computer to use the interface, in place of your soundcard, so that you can get sound from the speakers. Then, adjust the settings of the DAW so that it can communicate with the interface. So, you will need to spend some time reading the DAW manual to ensure that you have correctly setup the DAW.

Thank you brother. Great info!!!

 

[wraub]

I have a Focusrite interface, and use Studio One. It was free. I have Ver. 3 and 2, as each is slightly different.
I also have Reaper, Audacity, and some others I got for free, but Studio One is very intuitive and fast for me.

There is a new version of Studio One, called Studio One 4 Prime, which is free also.

 

[Mcgiver69]

Thanks for looking!!!! Ok here is the deal. I have never recorded anything at home. I just got a new computer setup, and I would like to start recording from home, due to health issues pretty much preventing me from gigging any in the future. So, here is a description and list of things I want to be able to accomplish. I need to know what exactly I NEED to get this stuff done. Brands and recommendations are fine, but mostly looking for what I need to make it happen.
I want to be able to do the following:
1. Record bass, guitar, synthesizer, vocals, and drums (don't have drums so I would need something for that???)
2. Want to be able to basically do like a studio, adding my parts in one at a time. I assume I need something like Pro Tools but really have no idea. But want the ability to go in and fix and adjust when needed. Just an amateur so I am sure there will be plenty of that lol.

Here is my computer setup:
Custom Built AMD Computer Quad Processor
- 23in monitor
- Keyboard /mouse wireless
- Recording interface with software
- custom built 6 core computer
16 gb memory
Dual dvd drives
320gb hard drive
1 tb hard dive for extra storage
Office 2016 pro
Windows 10 pro

- Presonus Audiobox II interface with Presonus Artist software

I plan to add another monitor as well.
I don't have to have the best, I just want to be able to record my music like this. Any helps and tips are greatly appreciated.
I am hoping I don't have to break my bank account setting this up lol!!!! Thanks again for any help and God Bless!!!
Barry

I think the best answer to this will be the one that worked for me, 2 years ago I found myself at home for 8 weeks recovering from a mild heart attack and you can imagine how bored I got, so browsing on youtube I came across to Recording Revolution which explained recording in a very basic and simple way. Graham is a very likeable guy and strives to teach people to record at home with the cheapest and simplest of equipment. I would say pay his Youtube Channel a visit before buying any equipment or even choosing a daw.

I can see you have Studio One Artist which is a great DAW, if you find you can't get along with it or feel it is too complicated then I would recommend to go with Tracktion, it is fully feature and free (version 7). It behaves a lot like a tape machine in the sense it is a single screen and everything is right there for you to see.

Another choice would be Reaper, which is more advanced and free for a time and only costs $60.

As for Drums go and download MT PowerDrumkit2 it is a free drumkit which comes with a good groove library that helps you create a song just like EZDrummer which costs around $150.

For guitar amps: if you don't have the ability to record a guitar amp you can use plugins, go to Lepou plugins and download whatever you need there.

Go to Recording Revolution on Youtube and look for $350 recording studio or something like that. That video will get you started.

 

[socialleper]

If your interface came with Studio One Artist as a DAW, you are all set. If it is a cut down version, you can probably upgrade it to something more full featured through them. I'm looking at Studio One or Reaper. I am using Ableton right now and don't like it.

 

[knumbskull]

assuming the Presonus software is a multitrack recording program, sounds like you have everything you need, bar monitoring, which you mention you're getting. good luck!

for drums, EZ Drummer or one fo its variants might be good – I've never tried them but have heard good results. Or you could simply buy a loops package and use that (there are free ones too).

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Thanks for looking!!!! Ok here is the deal. I have never recorded anything at home. I just got a new computer setup, and I would like to start recording from home, due to health issues pretty much preventing me from gigging any in the future. So, here is a description and list of things I want to be able to accomplish. I need to know what exactly I NEED to get this stuff done. Brands and recommendations are fine, but mostly looking for what I need to make it happen.
I want to be able to do the following:
1. Record bass, guitar, synthesizer, vocals, and drums (don't have drums so I would need something for that???)
2. Want to be able to basically do like a studio, adding my parts in one at a time. I assume I need something like Pro Tools but really have no idea. But want the ability to go in and fix and adjust when needed. Just an amateur so I am sure there will be plenty of that lol.

Here is my computer setup:
Custom Built AMD Computer Quad Processor
- 23in monitor
- Keyboard /mouse wireless
- Recording interface with software
- custom built 6 core computer
16 gb memory
Dual dvd drives
320gb hard drive
1 tb hard dive for extra storage
Office 2016 pro
Windows 10 pro

- Presonus Audiobox II interface with Presonus Artist software

I plan to add another monitor as well.
I don't have to have the best, I just want to be able to record my music like this. Any helps and tips are greatly appreciated.
I am hoping I don't have to break my bank account setting this up lol!!!! Thanks again for any help and God Bless!!!
Barry

Well, most interfaces usually come with software and plug in packs. I actually prefer Cakewalk than anything else (solid, straight forward, and I'm used to it) but, any DAW will work. As long as you have your interface, and a couple mics, you should actually be good. Download some plug ins for your recording program, and get to it. For drums, an electric kit with midi out is the easiest to capture and mess with, but I prefer live drums over anything. I dont think I'm alone on that one. But yeah, just start your DAW, set the latency on your interface, plug in, and get going. You'll figure everything in time. All the programs out there come with help indexes, and tutorials, so you'll learn what you need to fairly quickly. My best learning tool is, and has always been, trial and error. I just try everything. Mess around with it. Have fun, and good luck.

 

[GBBSbassist]

It sounds like you really just need a pair of monitors and a pair of headphones.

For the money, these monitors are really hard to beat, especially for bedroom recording.

Mackie CR3 3" Multimedia Monitors Reviews | Sweetwater

I'm guessing the Presonus software came with your interface and is probably a watered down version, so you might need a DAW. Usually, the bundled versions lack features of the full versions.

Just a heads up though, you do NOT need ProTools. It's a great software package, and it's used a lot. It's pretty intuitive and I have yet to find a plug-in that didn't work with it, BUT you don't need it. There are tons of other DAW's out there and another one might suit your needs better.

I've found Reaper to be awesome for home use. It's also extremely affordable (free, or a one time donation of I think $60, which is unheard of for software like that). It's frequently updated as well.

If you want to do synth sounds, there are countless free plug-ins you can find online, as well as some pretty cheap ones on sites like Audiodeluxe.com. And it's not required at all, but I'd suggest getting at least a midi keyboard if you don't have one. You can pick up a small one for less than $100. You can always manually input midi into a piano roll in any DAW, but it's easier to experiment with sounds and what not having a controller in my experiences.

I use Superior Drummer 3 for drum stuff and it's incredible, but you might not want to invest that much money into it yet. There's a free plug-in called MT PowerDrumKit 2 that I'd suggest googling. It has a grooves section that allows you to put together a drum track in midi extremely quick.

The biggest advice that you should keep in mind with home recording is that you won't be good at it right away. You can read up on it all you want, get as much advice as you can, and you'll still suck at it early on. You have to just keep making recordings to improve. I wish I started a long time ago though, because the freedom to take the ideas in your head and make them songs without relying on others is incredible.

Good luck!

 

[CallMeAl]

Youll want to figure out the drums, that will be a variable. I havent used the mt powerkit personally, but looks like a great program and should meet your needs.

Midi keyboard! to drive that drum program, and do your synths. Most recording software will have a synth driver built in, i would just read the reviews and make sure youll be happy with the offerings. I just use a super basic $50 m-audio, but theres plenty of bells n whistles on more expensive boards if you want em.

Mic! I like the AT2020. Its only $100, and does a great job at just about everything.

You're gonna want headphones AND studio monitors; you need headphones, but after a while youll get sick of wearing them. Its also nice to listen thru speakers right there at your station without moving to another stereo.

Good luck! Home recording is super fun and can get quite addictive....

 

[bass10bfb]

Thank u so much guys for all the info!!!!! Just what I needed. And thanks for the encouragement and ideas, and brands of equipment. Just from all of your help, I already have a good idea of what I need and need to get. Thanks again so much for the help!!!!!

 

[GBBSbassist]

Thank u so much guys for all the info!!!!! Just what I needed. And thanks for the encouragement and ideas, and brands of equipment. Just from all of your help, I already have a good idea of what I need and need to get. Thanks again so much for the help!!!!!

I think the most important point that a few have mentioned already is trial and error. Don't be discouraged that your recordings don't instantly sound amazing. You learn tricks over time how to improve things, and once you understand more of what you're doing beyond "I need to press this button to make sound" it's easier to improve.

 

[socialleper]

I will add to the voices supporting Toontrack drummer software. I use EZ Drummer because it is cheaper, smaller, and a little easier on the hard drive. Superior Drummer as a crazy amount of features, and the drum samples are uncompressed. The downside is the install footprint is over 200gb! For quick song writing, EZD is useful.
When I first started recording, I didn't understand the importance of rack processing or final mixing\mastering. It is a bottomless rabbit hole of gear, technique, and information, but really critical to making things sound pro. You don't need this to get started, but if you get to the point where you want to polish your work it is something to look into. Learning to properly use an EQ and compressor is important to a good sounding product. I use IK Multimedia's T-RackS plugins since I am already using their Amplitube guitar\bass amp sims. Toontrack has a lightweight tool called EZMix that might be interesting. Izotope also has a good reputation.
For a MIDI controller I went with the Novation Launchkey 49. The price is good and it feels "right" as a keyboard. At first I thought a little 25 key would be enough, but I'm glad I upgraded.

 

[socialleper]

I think the most important point that a few have mentioned already is trial and error. Don't be discouraged that your recordings don't instantly sound amazing. You learn tricks over time how to improve things, and once you understand more of what you're doing beyond "I need to press this button to make sound" it's easier to improve.

Totally this.
Record some scratch tracks and experiment with stuff. Like anything, the first tries are going to be rough. Not everything you work on is going to be a home run. I write little 1 minute pieces to get used to doing it.

 

[bass10bfb]

Lots more great info. Thanks so much guys!!! Keep it coming!!! I really do like hearing what you guys are using too, now that I kinda know what I need.

 

[ToddOfThunder]

I will add to the voices supporting Toontrack drummer software. I use EZ Drummer because it is cheaper, smaller, and a little easier on the hard drive. Superior Drummer as a crazy amount of features, and the drum samples are uncompressed. The downside is the install footprint is over 200gb! For quick song writing, EZD is useful.
When I first started recording, I didn't understand the importance of rack processing or final mixing\mastering. It is a bottomless rabbit hole of gear, technique, and information, but really critical to making things sound pro. You don't need this to get started, but if you get to the point where you want to polish your work it is something to look into. Learning to properly use an EQ and compressor is important to a good sounding product. I use IK Multimedia's T-RackS plugins since I am already using their Amplitube guitar\bass amp sims. Toontrack has a lightweight tool called EZMix that might be interesting. Izotope also has a good reputation.
For a MIDI controller I went with the Novation Launchkey 49. The price is good and it feels "right" as a keyboard. At first I thought a little 25 key would be enough, but I'm glad I upgraded.

That's a lot of great info. I'm new to recording as well. This is helpful.

 

[JamesNC]

I am also fairly new to home recording. Since I don’t have a lot of extra money, I enjoy bargain hunting, buying used, and trading via places like Craigslist, Offer Up, Reverb, eBay, etc. Over the past year or two I have slowly put together a nice but basic bedroom studio for very little money.

I like to use outboard gear whenever possible (real amps, preamps, pedals) as opposed to plugins/VST’s. But with all the free VST’s out there, I could easily have saved even more money by going that route for amps and fx.

For drums, EZdrummer has been a game changer for me. At $150, this has been my biggest purchase but it was money well spent.

 

[The Owl]

I've been making extensive use of drum loops from sources like Loop Loft and Loop Masters. They sell both audio loops (my preference) and MIDI loops plus individual samples of drumkits.

 

[Real Soon]

The MIDI controller @alanloomis1980 mentioned is going to be a big deal. If you're thinking fairly minimal lines and all, a small one will work, but if you've got a bit of piano ability, you're going to want a 49-key or bigger STAT. It's your device for all the software recording, so you want to do some homework on this.

There's more options than ever, with drum pads or strictly keys, and dedicated drum pads if you want to delve deep into drum programming (which is what a lot of modern electronic type producers are into, so you've got resources waiting out there haha). It can all be as simple or as complex as you want, though, keep that in mind; this can look like a lot at first but doesn't have to be.

Best part is, though, that MIDI recording is super duper editable after you lay stuff down. After all, MIDI is just little instructions for the drum sounds and synth/piano instruments, so you'll be able to move notes around, adjust how hard they it, and a lot more. If you're new to it, give it time and youtube sessions and work at it, and I think you'll love it.


I'm realizing this isn't a brand new thread now, though. Hope the hunt's been going well??