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Hi all, new to the forums here. Ummm...anyway...

I am a total noob when it comes to recording. Well, actually I've never recorded at all. But I have had a lot of ideas recently for an album and want to start recording a simple raw version of it. I don't have a lot of money and am thinking of just getting a 4 track recorder. I want to be able to record some bass, guitar, drums, vocal and piano. Eventually I would like to add some "noise" or electronic sounds as well.

Can anyone recommend a good 4-track to get started on?
Would a 4-track be a good way to go for a newcomer?
Also, can anyone recommend any literature that will help me learn what I need to know while mixing/recording an album?

Please, any info is greatly appreciated!

Thx.

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MadTiger3000 Thu, 09/06/2007 - 14:03

Depending on your level of musicianship, and taste in music, you might not need to add any _extra_ noise at all.

Snap!

Had to do that.

I would agree with zemlin: you may not want to go with a 4-track unit. It is unnecessarily limiting. Your computer is a perfect tool you already have. It would serve you better to get mics and and interface, and use your computer. Free software such as Audacity can be used, and you are well on your way.

RemyRAD Thu, 09/06/2007 - 15:59

And I come in with a third vote for using your computer. A much better thing than any analog cassette anything!

A low-end USB computer audio interface with 2, 3 pin XLR microphone inputs and a Shure SM58 is all you need. The inexpensive USB audio interface will probably have a decent piece of professional bundled software that will not only allow you 4 tracks but will allow you up to 64 tracks! It all depends on the power of your computer. In this situation, less is not more. Speed and memory will dictate, exactly how many tracks your computer will be capable of. It's even better if you have an extra hard disk drive for your audio storage. This can be accomplished with an external USB drive. But even the slowest oldest Pentium PC computers, are generally all capable of at least 4 tracks of audio. OF DIGITAL AUDIO! With digital reverb, digital echo, digital compression, digital limiting, digital imagination! And all available for under $300 complete.

Just ask if you have more questions.
Ms. Remy Ann David