What do I need?

[pmaraziti]

Hi All,

I need to do more "silent practicing" because I'm affecting my neighbors. I'd like to ask you for your suggestion to achieve what I'd like to do, here described:

1. I'd like to mix into my headphones my bass, my ipod (for playalongs), metronome and potentially my drum machine (Alesis SR16). I guess at any point in time I don't need to mix more than 2 of those signals.

2. I'd like be listen to the mix through my headphones but also at the same time to record myself. The purpose of the recording would be just to analyse and improve my playing. Ability to keep tracks separated for digital editing and similar would be a nice to have only

3. I would like not to spend too much (e.g. don't want to setup a proper studio ), I'm not a professional musician, I just want a tool to support my studying.

well, thanks a lot as always, TB is a great board for good practical advices.

Paolo

 

[RunBeerRun]

Do you prefer software(computer-based) or a hardware unit?

I generally use software, but I still own a tascam 4-track. It's an old unit, no built in effects. It does have an effect loop though, which can be used to mix down onto something else(another recorder).

 

[pmaraziti]

Well,

I don't have a hard preference, but since I own a company laptop only, probably the hardware path is preferrable...

Do you prefer software(computer-based) or a hardware unit?

I generally use software, but I still own a tascam 4-track. It's an old unit, no built in effects. It does have an effect loop though, which can be used to mix down onto something else(another recorder).

 

[Skywalker83]

Get one of Link Removed, i have one, They are solid gold!!!

Although you might run into problems trying to run 2 or 3 inputs (you would need some splitters)

The other option is to but a small cheap mixer, a behringer/mackie/alesis. There are 4 channel version of each of these. some models even have USB out so you can go direct into your computer.

for a recording solution you could download something like audacity its free and does the job. or if you want to go for something like Cubase LE, then you can add effects and plugins.

 

[Stu Brooks]

I have the same problem with the neighbours.

So I use Garage Band on my mac and plug my bass direct into the computer. Just need a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter for your patch cable. With the bass going thru garage band I can play along to Itunes. Or even better, import the track from itunes into garage band and give it its own track...make a loop if you have trouble lifting a part or whatever. Hopefully this helps you