Recording for instrument demos.

[Will_White]

First post in this sub-forum. I've built a couple basses and other instruments and I'm wanting to know a good way to record them so I can post them. Up till now, I've just been using the mic on my phone and I've done 1/4" to 1/8" adapter straight into the mic input but that thinned it out alot. I want to step it up a bit, so what do I need to get decent quality recordings of my instruments?
I have a DI on my amp so I shouldn't need a DI box, and I'm using ubuntu studio so I'm set up on the software side, I have the Rocksmith audio cable too if that would be useful.
I also do acoustic instruments, CBGs, and my wheelbarrow upright bass, I've got plans for a more standard upright bass in the works as well. What would I need to record those? I have no mics. I'm not sure of a budget since I'm not really sure what I need, I would like to keep this inexpensive if possible.
Thanks

 

[Will_White]

Would an xlr to 1/8" work going from my amps DI to the mic input on my computer?

 

[Icemanaroonie]

Focusrite has less expensive things like the Scarlette Solo or 2i2. I'm not the most well versed in this area, but you need an interface that lets you plug an instrument or XLR cable into it, and then plugs into your computer, generally by USB.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I just made one. This what you have in mind?

 

[Will_White]

I just made one. This what you have in mind?

Yeah something like that only without the drum and guitar track.

 

[LurkingDrue]

Would an xlr to 1/8" work going from my amps DI to the mic input on my computer?

Maybe... It would depend on the impedance and the voltage requirements of the mic input. Also, since you are going from a balanced output to an unbalanced input, there is a strong possibility of noise introduced due to differences in equipment grounding.

Honestly, if you are planning on doing this more than once, I would invest the cash in an audio interface. I use a Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 that works perfectly well with Ardour. When recording bass, I use both channels to get from the amp as well as direct out of the bass to reamp if necessary later.

 

[Will_White]

Would the Scarlett solo work aswell? It has one instrument input and one mic input which is all I think I would need so I can get a clean signal from the bass and then the sound of the amp if it's electric or the acoustic sound if it's an acoustic. Is the 2i2 that much better? I don't see my self using two mic inputs. Also any recommendations for inexpensive mics for acoustic bass and guitar?

 

[LurkingDrue]

Would the Scarlett solo work aswell?

It should work fine. The 2i2 is much more versatile for input/output. The inputs are combo so each will take XLR or TS (tip,sleeve) connections. There are separate volumes for headphone and monitor outs so the performer can have their own output level separate from studio monitors. Monitor outputs are TS rather than RCA connectors. It just depends on what you might need in the future and whether or not you'd like to invest the extra 50 bucks for that versatility.

Also any recommendations for inexpensive mics for acoustic bass and guitar?

Sure SM57 is pretty standard starter fare for guitar, amped or acoustic. Probably not the best for bass due to the roll-off around 200 Hz although it could work just fine with the right placement and some EQ. Kick drum mics can work well for bass also.

 

[beans-on-toast]

It is nice to have line, mic, and instrument level inputs. Look for that as a feature. Switchable phantom power on the mic input is desirable should you ever have a mic that requires that.

The problem with using the mic input is that you will have an impedance mismatch with your instrument. That will affect the bandwidth in a negative way. So you are best using a digital IO box, perhaps USB based.

I like the Focusrite products. One input, two inputs, etc. use the same preamps so the quality is good with either. Their expensive boxes have some differences in the pre. Look at the noise specs when comparing models. You don't need to understand what they mean, just which is better than the other. Often the mic input is best in terms of noise but the gain is less than other types of inputs such s instrument or line level. The latter two come with more noise. Any would be good for your application.

The AKG P2 microphone is a great value ($100) in terms of cost/performance. Acoustic instruments do better with a more expensive mic. Often condenser mics are used to capture fine details. Very good mics can cost $1,ooo and up. See the AKG C414 XLS, Neumann U87i, both are great acoustic instrument mics. But you don't have to use mics that are in that class. It depends on how much you want to spend. Whatever your budget is, you can find a solution.

I suggest that you start with an affordable setup. With two inputs you can have DI and a mic. Learn how to craft a good recording, it isn't easy. You will figure out what the limitations are. In time, if the desire is there you can upgrade.

 

[whatizitman]

Would the Scarlett solo work aswell? It has one instrument input and one mic input which is all I think I would need so I can get a clean signal from the bass and then the sound of the amp if it's electric or the acoustic sound if it's an acoustic. Is the 2i2 that much better? I don't see my self using two mic inputs. Also any recommendations for inexpensive mics for acoustic bass and guitar?

I have a solo and I love it.

I'm too lazy to check if anyone mentioned this yet, but the solo is not a two channel interface, like the 2i2. You cannot record both inputs at the same time, so you couldn't both mic an amp and go direct at the same time. Or if you wanted to record your speak while recording the instrument direct, I don't think it will work. Also, the only thing I don't like about the solo is the 1/4" instrument input is not good IMO. Not a problem for me since I use a DI plugged into the XLR input. If I were not a cheap bastard I would bought a 2i2, but the solo does exactly what I need it to do, well.


UPDATE: I'm wrong on that. The Solo can apparently record both inputs simultaneously to separate tracks. Nice!

 

[beans-on-toast]

I have a solo and I love it.

I'm too lazy to check if anyone mentioned this yet, but the solo is not a two channel interface, like the 2i2. You cannot record both inputs at the same time, so you couldn't both mic an amp and go direct at the same time. Or if you wanted to record your speak while recording the instrument direct, I don't think it will work. Also, the only thing I don't like about the solo is the 1/4" instrument input is not good IMO. Not a problem for me since I use a DI plugged into the XLR input. If I were not a cheap bastard I would bought a 2i2, but the solo does exactly what I need it to do, well.

It's always tempting to put more money than you need to into digital gear. When you buy the higher end models, you usually don't use all the features, and before long, a better product is on the market. It's often better to start with a simpler setup and upgrade as you need to down the road. As you've done.

 

[Will_White]

I have a solo and I love it.

I'm too lazy to check if anyone mentioned this yet, but the solo is not a two channel interface, like the 2i2. You cannot record both inputs at the same time, so you couldn't both mic an amp and go direct at the same time. Or if you wanted to record your speak while recording the instrument direct, I don't think it will work. Also, the only thing I don't like about the solo is the 1/4" instrument input is not good IMO. Not a problem for me since I use a DI plugged into the XLR input. If I were not a cheap bastard I would bought a 2i2, but the solo does exactly what I need it to do, well.

I'll have to look into it, but I thought one of the demos was of a guitar and a mic with two tracks.

It is nice to have line, mic, and instrument level inputs. Look for that as a feature. Switchable phantom power on the mic input is desirable should you ever have a mic that requires that.

The problem with using the mic input is that you will have an impedance mismatch with your instrument. That will affect the bandwidth in a negative way. So you are best using a digital IO box, perhaps USB based.

I like the Focusrite products. One input, two inputs, etc. use the same preamps so the quality is good with either. Their expensive boxes have some differences in the pre. Look at the noise specs when comparing models. You don't need to understand what they mean, just which is better than the other. Often the mic input is best in terms of noise but the gain is less than other types of inputs such s instrument or line level. The latter two come with more noise. Any would be good for your application.

The AKG P2 microphone is a great value ($100) in terms of cost/performance. Acoustic instruments do better with a more expensive mic. Often condenser mics are used to capture fine details. Very good mics can cost $1,ooo and up. See the AKG C414 XLS, Neumann U87i, both are great acoustic instrument mics. But you don't have to use mics that are in that class. It depends on how much you want to spend. Whatever your budget is, you can find a solution.

I suggest that you start with an affordable setup. With two inputs you can have DI and a mic. Learn how to craft a good recording, it isn't easy. You will figure out what the limitations are. In time, if the desire is there you can upgrade.

Would the Akg p2 work ok for guitars? These probably aren't going to be the most nuanced instruments. Just wanting it for recording acoustic or for micing an amp for recording

 

[beans-on-toast]

Would the Akg p2 work ok for guitars? These probably aren't going to be the most nuanced instruments. Just wanting it for recording acoustic or for micing an amp for recording

A P2 can be used for anything that a Shure SM-57 is used for. The advantage is that the P2 is better in that it is more linear in the low end. It is a more modern design specifically for lowend reproduction such as bass, large brass instruments, and drums. It is also designed to take high sound pressure levels. I use mine to mic guitar and bass cabinets. It does a pretty good job considering the cost. I feel that the P2 does a better job than the SM-57. These are both what is called instrument mics.

I haven't tried it on acoustics. I have other mics for that sort of work. They are much better at capturing fine articulate sounds. This is where vocal mics are often used. They also cost a lot more. There's no free lunch, there are always tradeoffs.

A lot of people use the Shure SM-58 for vocals and acoustic guitar. Even better is the Beta 58.

 

[Will_White]

A P2 can be used for anything that a Shure SM-57 is used for. The advantage is that the P2 is better in that it is more linear in the low end. It is a more modern design specifically for lowend reproduction such as bass, large brass instruments, and drums. It is also designed to take high sound pressure levels. I use mine to mic guitar and bass cabinets. It does a pretty good job considering the cost. I feel that the P2 does a better job than the SM-57. These are both what is called instrument mics.

I haven't tried it on acoustics. I have other mics for that sort of work. They are much better at capturing fine articulate sounds. This is where vocal mics are often used. They also cost a lot more. There's no free lunch, there are always tradeoffs.

A lot of people use the Shure SM-58 for vocals and acoustic guitar. Even better is the Beta 58.

If you have time could you do a quick recording of the P2 on an acoustic guitar compared to a mic more suited for that role? That's assuming that the P2 would be a good choice for upright bass/ABGs.

 

[beans-on-toast]

If you have time could you do a quick recording of the P2 on an acoustic guitar compared to a mic more suited for that role? That's assuming that the P2 would be a good choice for upright bass/ABGs.

Easier said than done. Demo'ing mikes in a meaningful way will take more time than I have right now.

I wouldn't use the P2 on an acoustic instrument. Yes it would work but it sn't intended for the job.

There are so many products at the more affordable end of the scale out there now. My goto mics for acoustic recording include an AKG C414 or a Neumann such as a U87. These are both large diaphragm condenser mics and require phantom power to operate. I think that you might get your best answer by asking folks in a standup thread for a recommendation. What works with upright will work for acoustic guitar.

A lot of people use piezo under bridge pickups on upright. One problem with inexpensive mics is that they are noisier. Good for live work but not as desirable for recording. The piezo is quiet and convenient.

There are quite a few youtube videos on how to mic a standup and they do this with various mics so you can compare how they sound.

 

[whatizitman]

I'll have to look into it, but I thought one of the demos was of a guitar and a mic with two tracks.

You're right. I looked it up. The solo can record both inputs to two separate tracks. My bad.