What Exactly Do You Need For Recording?

[rudy4444]

Please correct me if I’m wrong (I didn’t read all the posts) but I think OP doesn’t have any decent computer right now...?

Agreed on the other points. Good cheap laptop or even tower (PC), Focusrite AI and Bandlab Sonar...

From the first post:
"I'd like to start recording, and I'm getting a computer for it."

I won't do a detailed post, but I separate the process into two "stages", recording the audio with a dedicated recorder and then moving files to a PC using Reaper to edit.

I use the same PC to do HD video / audio editing (using Reaper) and it works well. To avoid all the PC difficulties I purchased one of the PCs available from many suppliers that are in lease programs and come back in to be re-sold at a year or two of age. It was around $100 and looked like a brand new machine. Mine came with totally wiped and with a brand new install of Windows 7. I disabled any updates and any connection to internet as well as any background tasks it was running.

I run Reaper and do a few other things on it like my CAD drawing work.

My wife and I use two Chromebooks for anything relating to the internet and couldn't be happier. Anything I need to transfer from my dedicated PC to the internet is done via USB jump drive.

I have a few actual hardware recorders to do audio recording. My main recorder is a Zoom R24. I've done a few full band CD projects for 4 piece acoustic bands by capturing the audio in 24 bit with the R24 and moving to the PC for editing.

There are several hardware options for recording, including many of the newer ones that are billed as live mixers / audio recorders such as the Zoom Live trak series.

Why do it that way?
Excellent high quality recordings can be done easily because hardware recorders are DESIGNED to do just that, and they do it while requiring a minimal amount of thought to the whole process. They are noiseless, accept high quality phantom powered condenser mics or direct instrument connection, can be instantly transported to the best location to capture your muse, some working just fine an a few AA batteries. For recording bass all you need is a bass, cable, recorder such as a Zoom R8, and a set of headphones. Beyerdynamic DT-770s are my personal headphone choice.

Computers are fine for editing, but they have a stifling effect on the creative process, and that's what it's all about for me.

No locked to the box for me; if I want to go record in the park under a shade tree I have that option.

I've already said too much...

 

[TomB]

I'm the same... I'm really intimidated by all of the computer based technology..

I like the idea that there's a "mixer" type interface... I'll definitely check it out. I understand, oh, if I turn this knob, this will happen, better than menu diving..

I like the idea mentioned above also about one of the Zoom field recorders

It’s already been said I’m sure, but a simple mixer can provide an audio interface. My little Soundcraft 8 even allows for USB output on 2 channels.
But since I’m using GarageBand into an iPad, I also have the iRig II that allows me to take the XLR output into a Lightning input on the pad. Simple, cheap, works fine.

 

[hughbh]

If I had a Focusrite Scarlett, what plug-ins would be compatible with it, and where could I buy them from?

Does Scarlett come with any pre-loaded plug-ins?

 

[Bill Murray]

If I had a Focusrite Scarlett, what plug-ins would be compatible with it, and where could I buy them from?

Does Scarlett come with any pre-loaded plug-ins?

plug-ins would be used through the DAW not the interface. The Scarlett is an interface which basically just gives you the ability to have an instrument speak through your laptop/cpu. You’ll get a good clean signal you can use in your DAW.

Plug-ins allow you to take that clean signal and do pretty much anything to it. Think of them as virtual studio gear (amps, effects, etc).

Most plug-ins are universal meaning they can be used in Studio1, Logic, Protools, Reaper, etc. However, some are exclusive and essentially every DAW will include basic plug-ins many of which sound good, Logic’s synths are worth the entry price alone.

 

[Patrice B]

If I had a Focusrite Scarlett, what plug-ins would be compatible with it, and where could I buy them from?

Does Scarlett come with any pre-loaded plug-ins?

It has two Focusrite vst plugins when you register plus one freebie per month in your account if I recall correctly. They have basic free DAWs too but they are limited.

 

[Basslice]

It has two Focusrite vst plugins when you register plus one freebie per month in your account if I recall correctly. They have basic free DAWs too but they are limited.

Yeah, the Scarletts come with bundles. They change overtime. My first Scarlett came with Ableton Lite and Pro Tools First and a bunch of plugins. Currently they come with their Hitmaker Expansion Pack® (HEP).

From what I can tell on their site, the HEP does not have a bundled DAW, but you can buy one online pretty easy and you are better off with a full-functioning DAW than any hobbled "lite" version. Everyone has their favorite DAW.

The HEP does have the following plugins that are pretty decent:

• Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite (decent compressor and eq)
• Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC (awesome channel strip - but not really intuitive or for beginners. I have it - still learning)
• Brainworx bx_masterdesk (definitely not for beginners)
• Antares® Auto-Tune® Access (It is a hobbled version of the real thing. I use Celemony Melodyne)
• Some other drum and keyboard instruments plugins

 

[Patrice B]

Yeah, the Scarletts come with bundles. They change overtime. My first Scarlett came with Ableton Lite and Pro Tools First and a bunch of plugins. Currently they come with their Hitmaker Expansion Pack® (HEP).

From what I can tell on their site, the HEP does not have a bundled DAW, but you can buy one online pretty easy and you are better off with a full-functioning DAW than any hobbled "lite" version. Everyone has their favorite DAW.

The HEP does have the following plugins that are pretty decent:

• Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite (decent compressor and eq)
• Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC (awesome channel strip - but not really intuitive or for beginners. I have it - still learning)
• Brainworx bx_masterdesk (definitely not for beginners)
• Antares® Auto-Tune® Access (It is a hobbled version of the real thing. I use Celemony Melodyne)
• Some other drum and keyboard instruments plugins

Mine (2nd gen) came only with the Focusrite Red plugins and a lot of other free stuff was available via their Plugin Collective free offers. I’ve also got some Softube plugs and XLN Addictive Keys (quite good pianos BTW).

I also have the bigger 18i20 but it has now been replaced with a Presonus Quantum 2626. The 18i20 is now relegated as an additional 8 inputs channels via ADAT or as the MacBook Pro audio interface.

And being an avid gear nut, I still have a Roland OctaCapture for school duties and my old Edirol FA-66 FireWire. And, not the least, still having two working PCI excellent cards: an Echo Mia and an M-Audio AP2496…