Old school Old guy needs advice

[ac100X]

I would like to share audio files with my band mates, I have used drop box at work to send files but I know absolutely nothing about recording and recording programs. What would be a inexpensive program & microphone for recording 4 string bass. A drum track might be useful. Price range $200 or less, or if it is really a giant step up I could see spending more.

 

[CallMeAl]

USB interface. I have a discontinued M Audio, but this one looks similar:
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You won’t need a mic unless you wanna do vocals or acoustic instruments. Electric bass can go straight into the interface. I have one of these that works great for instruments:
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/shure-sm48-cardioid-dynamic-vocal-microphone

PC or Mac? I use garage band for my MacBook. It was free on my old Mac, I think they wanted $10 for the new version download. I also use Audacity for other chores (slow down, key change of MP3s.) which is supposed to be easy/minimalist for multitracking. But free/cheap ($10-20) downloads and apps abound, most with drum track options.

there ya go, under $200

 

[ac100X]

USB interface. I have a discontinued M Audio, but this one looks similar:
Invalid Link Removed

You won’t need a mic unless you wanna do vocals or acoustic instruments. Electric bass can go straight into the interface. I have one of these that works great for instruments:
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/shure-sm48-cardioid-dynamic-vocal-microphone

PC or Mac? I use garage band for my MacBook. It was free on my old Mac, I think they wanted $10 for the new version download. I also use Audacity for other chores (slow down, key change of MP3s.) which is supposed to be easy/minimalist for multitracking. But free/cheap ($10-20) downloads and apps abound, most with drum track options.

there ya go, under $200

I prefer a PC/Windows but I have a I-Pad but I don't use it.

Thanks for the recommendation, Looks cool.....I have some questions:
1. What is it? It says "and works with virtually any PC or Mac recording software." Do I need software?
2. I guess you plug in and it does what? Does this thing make the audio file or does the software? Do you need those locking type cords to plug in? Does this plug unit into your computer?
3. Is this software I should use - "the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows?" or...I like the name "garage band" is this for PC?

 

[CallMeAl]

I prefer a PC/Windows but I have a I-Pad but I don't use it.

Thanks for the recommendation, Looks cool.....I have some questions:
1. What is it? It says "and works with virtually any PC or Mac recording software." Do I need software?
2. I guess you plug in and it does what? Does this thing make the audio file or does the software? Do you need those locking type cords to plug in? Does this plug unit into your computer?
3. Is this software I should use - "the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows?" or...I like the name "garage band" is this for PC?

The interface plugs into a computer via USB. It will convert your bass signal into something your computer can read. No need for special cables; that’s an input that accepts both mic cables and instruments.

You will need software, but for scratch recording you don’t need to spend a hundred bucks. the software itself will drive your recording session, then convert your recordings to MP3 or similar files.

garage band is for Mac only, it looks like. But I know there’s plenty out there for PC:
Best Free Recording Software Programs in 2019

I haven’t used that particular interface. Just make sure the interface you choose and the software you choose are compatible. ( but based on that claim, the PreSonus should be compatible with whatever you choose.)

happy recording

 

[ac100X]

Thank you soooooo Much!