• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

starter recording gear?

Note that with a cheap 4 track you are going to also need mics, stands, pop screen for the vocals, cables, probably a mixer, headphones, some way to isolate sound (assuming you're recording all at once), and ultimately you'll want to edit/mix/"master" on a computer...

If all that makes your head spin, look into an H2/H4 or Edirol R-09. The H2 is probably the most bang for the buck.
 
My band did a few recordings using just a computer and an M-Audio MobilePre USB. It comes with a lite version of Ableton Live which is real easy to learn.

The tricky part is getting a good drum track. Once you have that, you can just go direct into the MobilePre with the guitars and vox.

Because it was only for MySpace purposes, we used a midi drum beat. Our drummer was suprisingly cool with that. I guess he figured it beats having a drum track that sounds like shite.

None of that probably helped you at all if you don't have access to a computer, but just thought I'd share.
 
Have you checked out the Zoom H2 or H4? I've heard a few rehearsal recordings done with these here on TB and they make decent enough recordings for myspace from what I've heard and you wouldn't need to get any addition mics etc. I think James Hart has one maybe he could fill you in on them a little better?
 
If you have a pc with a decent sound card that is the way to go. You can do individual tracks and the mixing options are so much better. Also if you are short on mic's this will let you put more of them on the drums to get a better sound.
 
My band wants to do a couple of recordings
just to tide our myspace over
and to also just see if we sound any good

any advice on how much we'd pay for a cheap 4-track
or any other tips on first time recording

but if all else fails
we'll just have to record at school

I'd look for rehearsal studio with recording facility, something like this: Link Removed. 50 bucks for a three hours session, all the gear you need included.

Buying the gear for recording would be awfully expensive, not worth it just for a demo IMO.
 
say wat u want. I amit the getting Acid 6.0 pro 4 free is not the best idea ever, but the rock band mic? y r u hating on it?:hmm: Plus if u use Acid 6.0 pro for educational purposes once u can use it for free. One of the many loop holes i've herd of.:D
 
say wat u want. I amit the getting Acid 6.0 pro 4 free is not the best idea ever, but the rock band mic? y r u hating on it?:hmm: Plus if u use Acid 6.0 pro for educational purposes once u can use it for free. One of the many loop holes i've herd of.:D

Your ethics are as bad as your spelling. :mad: I'd bet that a SM57/58 is going to do a lot better for most people than a $25 toy.

amphlett7 said:
My band wants to do a couple of recordings
just to tide our myspace over
and to also just see if we sound any good

I suggest starting with a little self-education - seriously. Learn about the how, why, where, and when of recording equipment and processes. Once you get a handle on it, buy the equipment that will fit your needs and budget the best. The more you know about what you're doing the more likely it is that you'll not buy gear that is a waste of time and money.

Read this...Invalid Link Removed

If it seems overwhelming, re-read it an let it soak in.

Enjoy the ride :)