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Getting started checklist for newbies

Getting started checklist for newbies:  

For this page we will mainly focus on DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) based recording. Although there are other recording options out there, you will have the most options recording with a DAW based system.

 
  1. A computer – Mac or PC – Both work equally well (yes, I said it).  Just be advised that some software is Mac DellComputeronly and some PC only.  Be aware of this when choosing software, based on your computer type.
  2. A dedicated soundcard for music recording is strongly advised.  Companies like M-Audio, RME, Focusrite, PreSonus, Motu and many others make affordable soundcard/interfaces
  3. A microphone
  4. Speakers and/or headphonesMonitors
  5. DAW software – Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Abelton and several others.
ProToolsbox

While it's possible to plug a USB microphone unto your laptop and record, it's not going to get you the best quality in the long run, and we're here to help you make the most efficient use of your money to set up and record quality productions.  My philosophy is, if you spend $25 dollars on a cheap USB mic, only to realize 3 months later that it sucks and you need a better mic, you didn't save $25 dollars anywhere, you really just threw it away.  So, save your money a little longer to invest in something worthwhile.

 

Here are some suggestions and guidelines:

 

Computer/Mac – This is the HUB of your productions.  While the elitists will tell you that you need a dedicated computer for recording and not put it on the internet, I will tell you that my computer is always on the internet, I search the internet like a crazy man and even play video games on it! /gasp.  I have also mixed projects with over 100+ sampled orchestral tracks + vocals and have had music placements several countries....on my gamer/recording PC.  The elitists will also tell you to buy the most super-duper fasted GHZ processor you can find, with 32 gigs of RAM. The truth is, if you are a bedroom Rapper, spitting yo' dope' lyrikz over some crazy beatz, you're not going to need anything special.  However, if you are putting on a virtual symphony and a million trillion effects, you might wish for some more GHz and the 32 gigs of RAM might turn to 64 gigs!

 

Selling points for a DAW computer -

  1. Try not to have it loaded with crapware.  The leaner you can make it with fewer programs, the less crashing and stuttering you are likely to run into.
  2. Having a second hard drive to stream audio from is very good.  Your /C drive will handle the programs and the second drive will handle streaming audio, which will help your performance. If you are using large sample libraries, having dedicated hard drives for those libraries are also recommended.  Hard drive speeds of at least 7500 RPM are recommended.  Using external hard drives are ok too, as long as they are at least 7500 RPM.
  3. If you have a Firewire interface, make sure your computer has a Firewire port.  Texas Instrument Firewire cards are recommended in most cases.
  4. To build, buy or hire a DAW builder.  If you are good a building computers, have at it!  Just do some research first and make sure you are using components with a proven track record in recording computers.  One of the most frustrating things you could have, is a computer that crashes.  I recommend going with a DAW builder if you are a novice.  There are several reputable around, a Google search will turn up several quickly.  StudioCat and ADK Audio  are really good ones.  ADK also offers benchmarks on audio computer and components on their site.
 

Soundcard/Audio Interface

  1. Using your computers internal soundcard is not ideal.  It can be used in a pinch but you will more often than not run in to trouble.  Here are some tips for purchasing an interface.
  2. Make sure it has enough ins and outs (I/o) that you might need.  Plan for a future expansion as well.  If you plan on being an acoustic/vocal person, maybe two inputs (guitar/vocal) are all you need.  However, if you think you might eventually have some friends over to record or you want to record with several mics, it is a good idea to find an interface with more connections available.
  3. If you plan on recording with live effects, you are going to need your interface and computer to work at enough speed that it can process the effects without you noticing any latency from the time it enters your microphone until it hits your headphones.  Make sure your interface can go under 256 buffers. I would recommend 64 buffers or even 32, but 256 is ok in most situations. Check the specs before you buy.  Anything over 10 milliseconds round trip, you may start hearing latency.  Remember, don't invest in something cheap if it will not do the job you need it to.  You turned that 'cheap' purchase into money out the window.

Microphone – There is already a decent write-up on studio microphones, see article: http://www.homerecordingwizard.com/picking-a-microphone/   Just make sure, if you are serious about recording, do not buy a USB microphone.  Do some research and save money for the most important piece in your signal chain.  (Besides your voice or instrument)

 

Speakers and Headphones -

  1. Mixing monitors and headphones differ from consumer headphones and monitors in that they give a flat response with no hype in the lows or highs.  Mixing with flat response speakers will give you a more accurate representation of your mix and how it will translate to other systems. If you are mixing through your killer 5.1 consumer stereo with the hyped sub, you might not mix your low end appropriately and your mix will only sound good on 'your' system.  Find headphones and monitors for mixing and a flat response.
 

DAW software -

There is a ton of software out there.  You will always hear people say “ProTools is the industry standard” but that really only applies to large studios.  Music creations happens in all DAW's.  Some software is a little better at something than others, for instance, I find Sonar's midi really great to work with, but I find editing and audio post production much easier to do in Pro Tools.  I'm sure Hans Zimmer would tell me Cubase has the best midi.  It's all personal preference.  If you are not working in a major studio, Pro Tools is not that important to learn. I suggest finding one DAW, and sticking with it until you Master it. There is always a learning curve, but with YouTube videos, product instructional video's, forums and us, you can learn anything you need with a few strokes of the keyboard.  Let's not overlook the product manuals either  :)

 

As mentioned several times above, I have learned my lesson buying items on the cheap, because I wanted it “now”, instead of saving more money for the better product.  In the end, the cheap item didn't perform where I needed it to and it ended up being a paperweight on my desk.  Make sure you research your purchase, ask in forums, here, the store, before you shell out your hard-earned money.  Another option is to buy used gear.  There are several reputable online retailers selling used gear.  Here is a good time to drop in my Guitar Center affiliate link: http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-7384717-11506960 . This is the link to their used gear section.  There is always Ebay as well  :)

Mike Lizotte

 

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