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anonymous 26 December 2008

Hey,

I am trying to record some of my songs at home, I can play guitar okay, can play the drums on a keyboard and sing a little.

I want it to sound respectable but doesn't have to be super quality sound.

Items I have access to:
guitars, microphones, computers, Fostex MR-8, and a Fender Princeton amp

Things I am thinking about getting:
- a basic MIDI controller keyboard (for under $100) that I can connect to my computer and record drums and bass that way
- a used Behringer V-tone modeling guitar amp so I can record distorted guitar (around $30)

My questions:

1. If I mix my music in my computer, is there free or inexpensive software I can use?
Or should I just use the MR-8 to mix it?

2. What other options do I have for under $200?

Any help greatly appreciated!

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Comments

RemyRAD Sat, 12/27/2008 - 03:36

And you have the "Audacity" to come here and ask a question like that? I'd say, try Audacity since it's free. Not quite a multi-track program. Just not quite sure what you're currently using or how you go about your projects? Obviously, one needs more than a multitrack machine & a computer. You already know it's a little more involved than that.

I don't think you quite realize that the $200 budget you have could get you a better USB professional external audio interface, that comes bundled with some truly amazing multi-track recording & MIDI Limited edition software. That's an awful long sentence. I think mostly you'll find that "CuebaseLE" is quite a popular bundled software amongst a lot of audio hardware manufacturers. And in that respect, you'd be able to do things in software that would cost you thousands & thousands of dollars in hardware. So, I recommend that. But with what you want to do and what you've mentioned, this would be the cherry on top.

Cherry on the bottom
Ms. Remy Ann David

anonymous Sat, 12/27/2008 - 11:46

Thank you very much for the reply.

Sorry... I just wanted some advice to understand the best way of doing this on a budget.
I have recorded rock bands with a portastudio, basic mixer, and microphones but I don't have any experience with anything else.

So I understand that CubaseLE + USB external interface bundle (perhaps the Lexicon Lambda?) is my best bet. That will allow me to record and mix on my computer.
Then I will just need a MIDI controller to record the percussion and a modeling guitar amp.
That seems like everything I need.

Thanks again!

RemyRAD Sat, 12/27/2008 - 12:09

You are certainly on the right track. And, yeah, I just recently equipped a small production studio with that very Lexicon unit. Good stuff. Especially the bundled reverb plug-in. Especially when you think about the fact that my PCM 60/70 cost me, $850 & $1500 US, respectfully when they were introduced, in the 1980s. You're getting a great Bang for the buck.

Go for it!
Remy

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