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Hey guys,
I play guitar and I want to record a cover album with a couple of mates for the summer holidays with piano, guitar, vocals and possibly drums and bass (recording individually). I am a complete newbie so all the information I have is from a couple of people from the guitar shop.

I have a couple of questions regarding interfaces:

1. Because I have a very limited budget range (100 bucks AU) I dont have enough money to buy a mixer. Would it be possible to record the guitar, piano and vocals by JUST using a computer recording interface (U-control UCA222 BEHRINGER) plugged directly into the computer and still have a decent sound?

2. Is it possible to record drums with the ubove mentioned interface ?

3. If its not possible to record drums, does the sound from a drum machine or a virtual drum sound any good ?

4. Is there anything I really need to know before going ahead with this ?

5. I haven't bought anything yet so if I have the wrong equipment in mind for the job please tell ! :)

Thanks heaps !

Comments

jg49 Thu, 11/19/2009 - 03:03

The UCA222 BEHRINGER is probably not what you are looking for. It is an analog line level to digital converter and does not have any preamps. Line level signals already have been preamplified by another device. For example most electronic keyboards have a preamp built in and produce a line level signal, most guitars do not and that is the case with nearly all microphones. Most drum machines are line level, are they "good"? Depends on your definition of good, the quality of the drum machine, it's samples (sounds) and the ability of the programmer. It is not really possible on the budget you propose to get any level of pro recording but the quality you are seeking is all relative to what your expectations are. I think some more research on audio set ups is in orderbefore you purchase something.

Lougarcia Fri, 12/04/2009 - 05:33

Interfaces... maybe you can use the M-Audio Delta 1010LT for PCI card.
I believe 2 of the analog Inputs that has MIC level that can boost higher dB state. Its economy wise using this. You can interface it with Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo and more. If you are really tight on budget. You can Use your DAW as your Mixer and has its own Real-time effects.

Hope this one helps!

anonymous Sun, 12/06/2009 - 10:03

for around $200 you can get the Zoom H2 recorder which will probably give you the best bang for your buck.. basic easy portable audio recorder - you can get very good quality results with minimum fuss.

As a drummer, drum machines are just that.. machines...it will sound clean - but dead and phony - no bias here :). and they are expensive to get good quality ie, $400+.