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So, I want to record covers for youtube and I want them to have high quality (without noise, clear, the voice is not distorted). What gear I must buy to achieve that quality? My computer is laptop. I want record keyboard, piano, violin, acoustic guitar and voice. What interface do I need? And what kind of microphones?
I tried to record my keyboard using the method of line recording. And in this recording, except good quality keyboard sound, is a lot of noise.
What I must buy/do to reduce this noise?
My budget is something about 250$.

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RemyRAD Mon, 08/22/2011 - 01:26

There are a lot of people here doing exactly what you want to do. It's fun to record yourself and broadcast yourself on YouTube! It's the new world television network.

$250 US actually can provide you with a fairly wide choice of terrific entry-level style studio equipment. While many people utilize mixers and special computer audio interface devices, all YOU need, really, is a decent pair of headphones and 1 or 2 USB microphones. These USB microphones plug directly into your computer. No mixer necessary. No computer audio interface necessary. And these USB microphones can be found in both large & small capsule condenser types & dynamic types. I recommend 1 of each but with only $250, you can afford 1 & 1 pair of headphones. If you want stereo, for instruments and such, you'll need a second matching USB microphone. Now to record your electronic keyboards, directly, you will need a separate, non-microphone capable, line level USB audio interface. That's because electronic keyboards put out higher volume levels than microphone inputs can handle without additional special adapters & circuitry. A line level device can accept a direct electronic keyboard output. But even those can cost the better part of $100 US.

Now when it comes to the USB microphones, they are all mostly designed for folks like you. We are not talking about those cheap multimedia headset USB gizmos. Those are only for talking to your friends on the Internet with. You need an actual entry level studio USB microphone to get started with. The good thing about those is that numerous manufacturers may also include with the microphone very capable multitrack recording software. This multitrack recording software is generally what we do would call a limited edition variety. That means that its retail cousin generally costs approximately $400 US or more. The special edition version only eliminates some of the premium features not needed for your applications. But still so incredibly professional and versatile that it will astound you while it surrounds you and sounds you. But not all USB microphones include such incredible software. That's why you need to shop online and asked about the bundled software. If they tell you the microphone does not offer bundled software, go to another manufacture that does. In that price range what you are looking at, they all buy their stuff from your cousins across the border in China. So don't bother looking at the specifications. They mean nothing. Get the one that has the features and the bundled software you want to use. And don't forget to get yourself an inexpensive pair of Sennheiser headphones (my favorite). But make sure you like them also or find a pair you like the sound of.

Do the above. And report back with your covers, i.e. under pants, pants, shirt, shoes and some good recordings. Ask if you need help. Although I'm sure your mother showed you how to do that years ago. Any problems with the recordings? Ask us.

I'm actually a professional nincompoop and that I forgot to say.
Mx. Remy Ann David