Suggestions for a super simple recording setup

[b-bottom]

I want to do some home recording mainly just to lay down some ideas. Do you have any suggestions on an easy to use interface and software?

I've tried the midi thing and while i think that idea is cool....I just don't have the time and patience to try and figure it out.

Thanks!

 

[DuckSoup]

I used to use a Rock Smith USB cable. Upgraded to one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM

Best decision I made. With monitor mode on, latency is nearly zero.

I use Reaper for software which is fantastic for the price. (You can demo it for 60 days). You can use the free version of Amplitube, but you would be using a "Simulated" amp which I personally didn't like.

 

[bass40hz]

Really is no easy to use software, they all have their learning curves and some are less intuitive then others. Download a few and see what works for you. Ableton has a free version, Reaper is free for the full version (after the 60 day eval just keep hitting "still evaluating" and its free forever) and ProTools has a free download version called "First"...Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 v2 in my opinion is the best affordable, full featured and high quality option for an interface ~$150...have fun and try not to get frustrated. If you want super simple and no interface required, grab a Tascam DP-03SD and you are good to go the old school way with modern functionality. Rock on.

 

[Mcgiver69]

Depends on how much money but a Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 is $60 bucks and once you register the device you can get Tracktion Waveform 8 which in my opinion is the easier DAW to learn.

Then download:

- MT Powerdrumkit
- BOD 3

And you'll be good to go.

 

[guts]

It depends on what operating system you're using. If you have a mac, definitely just use GarageBand since it's free and the easiest one.

As for an interface, they're all exactly the same in terms of how difficult it is to learn how to use them, so which one you get depends more on your budget and how many instruments you want to record at once.

 

[jallenbass]

As for an interface, they're all exactly the same in terms of how difficult it is to learn how to use them, so which one you get depends more on your budget and how many instruments you want to record at once.

Some sound better than others though.

 

[filmtex]

Some sound better than others though.

Depending, of course, on how and what you're monitoring with.

 

[ofajen]

Recording to tape seems simple to me, but YMMV. I do find this new line of integrated preamp/interface/recorder from SoundDevices very interesting and this is one model that may be worth checking out:

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I’ve used one of their small field preamp/mixers in my recordings for years and it sounds great. Their stuff is all built for field/remote/portable use and is primarily used in professional journalism and video production. This new line is built for musicians who want something simple, portable and rugged. The more expensive ones basically just have more preamp/input channels.

Otto

 

[The Owl]

Steinberg/Cubase UR22 interface bundled with Cubase AI downloadable DAW is an excellent way to get started, works on both Apple and Windows platforms.

If you want something self contained, the TASCAM DP008 is a good bet

Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocket studio Along with Samson Studio Headphones And Deluxe Bundle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E639WSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TLdHCbQQTGHC3

 

[JulienP.]

I have the UR22 and with the Cubase i'm getting good results.
I'm using this setup with a SVTII-P and PF-50T DI's.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

Really is no easy to use software, they all have their learning curves and some are less intuitive then others. Download a few and see what works for you. Ableton has a free version, Reaper is free for the full version (after the 60 day eval just keep hitting "still evaluating" and its free forever) and ProTools has a free download version called "First"...Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 v2 in my opinion is the best affordable, full featured and high quality option for an interface ~$150...have fun and try not to get frustrated. If you want super simple and no interface required, grab a Tascam DP-03SD and you are good to go the old school way with modern functionality. Rock on.

Any info on the DP-03SD? I have a DP-008 and I know the DP-008EX is the newer version of that, but how does the DP-03SD come into play? Is that the next level up or basically the same thing? I found a used one at a good price and I'm just wondering if that would be a little bit better as far as sound and speed of exporting goes or where it falls in the product line.

 

[bass40hz]

Any info on the DP-03SD? I have a DP-008 and I know the DP-008EX is the newer version of that, but how does the DP-03SD come into play? Is that the next level up or basically the same thing? I found a used one at a good price and I'm just wondering if that would be a little bit better as far as sound and speed of exporting goes or where it falls in the product line.

Can’t really tell ya, check out the Tascam website and your answers should be there. I only have experience with the 03SD. They usually go for around $200 used. I am all iMac now so I don’t even use mine anymore, it just sits in its case.

 

[Allan Allan]

Can’t really tell ya, check out the Tascam website and your answers should be there. I only have experience with the 03SD. They usually go for around $200 used. I am all iMac now so I don’t even use mine anymore, it just sits in its case.

You want to sell it?

 

[bass40hz]

You want to sell it?

PM me.

 

[mmon77]

Reaper is free for the full version (after the 60 day eval just keep hitting "still evaluating" and its free forever)

Or just pony up the $60. It's more than worth that price if you like it.

Otherwise, you're no better than people illegally downloading music instead of paying for it.

 

[Allan Allan]

Or just pony up the $60. It's more than worth that price if you like it.

Otherwise, you're no better than people downloading music instead of paying for it.

This seems more like streaming off of YouTube instead of buying an MP3.

 

[mmon77]

This seems more like streaming off of YouTube instead of buying an MP3.

I meant illegally downloading MP3s ala Napster and the like. I've edited my post.

The point is you're taking someone's work without paying for it.

If a $60 piece of software is standing in the way of you and starting a home studio, you may want to rethink your hobby.

 

[cornfarmer]

I think you can use all of Reaper's features for 60 days, i.e. it's not a neutered demo version, if you want to try before you buy. They used to just make you wait through a pop up for a few seconds to bug you to buy it. The installer is tiny too. All this made me a happy customer. I use it at work exclusively.

 

[hbarcat]

If "super simple" is your top priority and all you want to do is record some musical ideas for your own use, then forget about the computer. Get a standalone 2 track digital recorder with a line input that records to micro SD cards.

To record an idea, turn the unit on, push a couple of buttons to enable the track, hit "record" and you're good. Saving tracks is super easy and deleting bad tracks is also easy.

Many of them have inputs for music players so you can play along with prerecorded tracks and also outputs for exporting to other media or DAW.

Lots of makes and models are available, typically $100 - $200 new.