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anonymous 8 February 2009

First, I am a complete newbie as far as recording. I just want something extremly cheap to play around with. I am a hobbiest musician, and just want something to make a record to hand out to friends. I don't need anything incredible, just a mixer and a mic or two, and the some kind of recording software. I'll probably use some cheap/free software, so that isn't really an issue, as I can find that on my own. I'm already looking at a Behringer Xenyx 802, and the older Eurorack 802. That's right at what I'm wanting to spend for the mixer. I still have an open mind, so suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking to get out cheap on the mic dept. too. I'm hoping my vocal mic could be something like the Behringer XM8500, or something around that price range. What do you guys think? Or, should I just forget about recording myself, and just work on getting small gigs? Thanks in advance! 8-)

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jg49 Fri, 02/20/2009 - 20:20

A cheap(er) alternative to gaffers tape is blue painters masking tape not quite as sturdy but passable.

The best all around IMO multipurpose stands are the tripod/boom combos. I have some Atlas ones real nice and some on-stage that are passable but not very long lasting. I think those were $ 29.00.

soapfloats Sat, 02/21/2009 - 01:50

The on-stage are the stands I rue. The "tour-grade" ain't much better.
Had problems w/ them tonight for a live concert/recording session.

Droopiness is not cool, to say the least.

Worry not Codemonkey.
I enjoy hijacked threads.
More often than not, I (and hopefully the OP) learn something that benefits more in the long run than the original concern.

It's the "Yes, but no.." that people like myself need.
The "That's not what I was asking about, but damn, that's a good point".

I have a rudimentary knowledge/skill set of a lot of aspects of recording,
but in trying to do so much, can forget about the happy little bush in front of the happy little tree.
There's a painting analogy for you.
God bless Bob Ross.

anonymous Sat, 02/21/2009 - 05:32

soapfloats wrote: The on-stage are the stands I rue. The "tour-grade" ain't much better.
Had problems w/ them tonight for a live concert/recording session.

Droopiness is not cool, to say the least.

Worry not Codemonkey.
I enjoy hijacked threads.
More often than not, I (and hopefully the OP) learn something that benefits more in the long run than the original concern.

It's the "Yes, but no.." that people like myself need.
The "That's not what I was asking about, but damn, that's a good point".

I have a rudimentary knowledge/skill set of a lot of aspects of recording,
but in trying to do so much, can forget about the happy little bush in front of the happy little tree.
There's a painting analogy for you.
God bless Bob Ross.

Just out of curiosity (I missed the point slightly) was that a post sticking up for me? If so, thanks for that. If not, well, I'm used to it. Anyway, thanks for all the advice. And, how do I hijack my own thread? :lol:

anonymous Thu, 02/26/2009 - 14:05

Hey, I've got another question. (I can hear the groans from here!) Can the SM58's grill be put on the SM57? If so, we have a couple cheap grills laying around (attached to cheap mics). If I'm not mistaken, that should basically turn the SM57 into an SM58. And I'd have both models for half the price.

anonymous Thu, 02/26/2009 - 16:52

I have heard that foam windscreens distort sound, is that true? I'll have to try that tape thing when I get my mic. Thanks guys!

I suppose if you took the definition of distortion as "anything that changes the sound even a teensy weensy bit," then windscreens distort the sound. So the answer is no. Sure, a windscreen will take away a very small amount of extended highs, but the real purpose of a windscreen is to help diffuse sibilants and splosives (sounds like S, T, P, etc...). But the software you have has a tool called a de-esser that will help with that too, if it is needed (it isn't always needed).

soapfloats Sat, 02/28/2009 - 00:09

I agree w/ Jeremy.
Eventually you're gonna want something better, or at least something that offers more input/output capability.
$500 should put you in the neighborhood.

Otherwise, just by looking at the Yamaha and its specs, that should do the job. You've got 2 mic inputs, 2 line, a headphone out and a ST out for active monitors. Not sure about latency.

anonymous Sat, 02/28/2009 - 13:58

I'm not sure about ever needing/wanting more inputs. I'm not in a band, and at the moment, have no real aspirations for joining one. Two inputs will be all I need. I can only play one instrument at a time, and with certain instruments, sing. So, two is enough for me.

It really depends what you want to do. Record an acoustic guitar and sing? You'd only NEED two inputs, but 4 inputs would be plenty.

anonymous Sat, 02/28/2009 - 14:20

Thanks guys. Just a little thing that happened today: I went to a small music store looking to see what they had. I found a used SM57, and they had it in a case, so I asked to see it. They handed it to me, and the price tag said $130! I asked the girl if they could possibly take a lot less. She quickly informed me that the owners might take $15 less. I said not to bother the owners in that case, I'd just go elsewhere. Just thought I'd mention that those are the kind of stores I have close enough to deal with. I have a few more to check though.

anonymous Sat, 02/28/2009 - 14:29

I'm sorry this is so long. I just have to get advice. The only friend I have that has ever done any recording only has a cheap mixer with two cheap mics, and a cheap PCI interface. So, I only have a little advice from him. You guys are the only ones that I feel have enough experience at this to help. Again, thanks for all your previous input, and, keep it coming!

anonymous Sat, 02/28/2009 - 14:35

Jeremy wrote: See even if you get the firebox, and decide you really enjoy recording and want to expand, you could connect it firewire to another firebox or firepod. The firepod is regarded quite possibly as the best entry level recording gear.

Thanks, but I figure, if I ever want to expand, I'd rather go ahead and just get a whole new outfit. I'm not sure why, but I hate having to link anything. I play with hobby-grade RC cars, so I'm no stranger to having to link things together. And, by the way, I'm not selling them. Even though, I might get enough from my two cars to buy the whole outfit.

anonymous Sat, 02/28/2009 - 15:52

The Yamaha interface is capable of a bit more, but the Line 6 comes with guitar software. You'll have to use Audacity or some other free recording program if you go with the Line 6 interface; I'm going out on a limb and guessing that the Yamaha interface comes with somethingLE that is actually quite a decent. You have to choose between a nice interface for electric guitar or a more capable all-around interface with no decent electric guitar simulators.

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