Recording Equipment

[primushead]

Ok, so I'm looking to record some stuff (songs, music, ideas) that frequently pop into my head.  Nothing too fancy, just enough to get songs on file.

I've had friends that use ProTools and Sony ACID studio and stuff like that...but can anyone recommend something for a relatively inexpensive price?  

I guess the setup I have in mind is a microphone running through a computer.  I'd also like to maybe put a drum track or electronic stuff on there too...so would I need a mixer?  

If someone could just give me a list of things I need/things you would recommend, I would really appreciate it.

[Hawkeye]

I don't know much about it really, but I use a multi-effects guitar pedal with a USB out that runs to my computer.  I run my guitar, keyboard, and microphone through it.  The pedal also has some drum beats.  You can record basically anything with it through the mic, although I haven't tried recording drums or anything like that.  Probably not what you're after but that's what I use for now.

Here's a link to the pedal.  It comes with the recording software, which took a little getting used to, but it seems pretty versatile with lots of effects, etc.

http://www.digitech.com/products/GNX3000/GNX3000.htm

[aMD]

these days you have a ton of possibilities.  how much you wanna spend?  i'm guessing you already have the computer.  macs come with garage band.  I have a pc with acidpro and soundforge, but mainly use acidpro.  you'll need to get some sort of device to connect the microphone to computer via usb.  i suggest you get an inexpensive such device with two inputs specifically for guitar and microphone. musician's friend is having a sale right now and I was thinking about ordering one myself (been borrowing lizkings).

this one's cool and comes with a recording program for $90:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-TonePort-UX1-USB-RecordingModeling-Interface?sku=249700

they have a single input for 50:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Toneport-GX-USB-Recording-Interface?sku=241406

This one your cheapest avenue:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-JamLab-Personal-Guitar-System?sku=241104

[megalicious]

I've had friends that use ProTools and Sony ACID studio and stuff like that...but can anyone recommend something for a relatively inexpensive price?  

i use adobe audition. and this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-Onyx-1640-16Channel-Mixer?sku=634268

but then again, we make commercials. and that board is effin expensive. off topic, but... i am getting more and more into audio production these days and have been thinking about getting a degree in audio engineering. costly, but man, would i heart my job.

[tomEisenbraun]

all you'll really need is some basic software and an m-box to get started. I'd suggest M-Audio's FastTrack and Audacity.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrackUSB

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

As you expand more and more, I'd suggest thinking about a Mac for your next computer, as it will really serve as a solid powerhouse for making music on. Worth every penny for the recording I've done on mine.

[primushead]

Awesome, thanks for the replies everyone.

I forgot to post my price range, but I'll have about $200-$300 I'm looking to spend.

[LizKing531]

If you've got a Mac - Garageband's pretty good. If you're just looking to record, not gettin into all the crazy looping & stuff thats in ACID,  Sound forge is great for getting recordings - it simple, real easy to use.

if you want to go really cheap on gear, you can get a 1/4" to 1/8" jack (from guitar plug to headphone plug size) & you can plug a mic straight into the mic jack on your computer.

I've always been told to spend the money on the microphone - get the best mic you can for your money & fit the rest of it in with what you've got after that.

[aMD]

if you want to go really cheap on gear, you can get a 1/4" to 1/8" jack (from guitar plug to headphone plug size) & you can plug a mic straight into the mic jack on your computer.

I don't think that'll work actually.  You need some sort of interface. right?  but who knows with computers these days, i could be wrong.

[LizKing531]

if you want to go really cheap on gear, you can get a 1/4" to 1/8" jack (from guitar plug to headphone plug size) & you can plug a mic straight into the mic jack on your computer.

I don't think that'll work actually.  You need some sort of interface. right?  but who knows with computers these days, i could be wrong.

It definitely isn't best, but it works alright with a simple microphone.  

Something else you can do is get a good USB microphone - powered condenser mic -

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-MXL-990991-and-Audio-Buddy-Package?sku=703626

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-.006-USB-Powered-Condenser-Microphone?sku=273175

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/AudioTechnica-AT2020USB-USB-Condenser-Microphone?sku=272999