Audacity 1.3 Beta: Can I do better?

[JakeK]

Since 2006, I've been recording with Audacity, and by 2009, began using the Windows Vista-friendly Audacity 1.3 Beta to do all my recording for any instrument and voice.

For the instruments, I'm using an adapter that will plug a standard guitar cable into the "mic" jack into my computer, recording everything direct into the computer. So it goes like this: Guitar/bass > pedal board > adapter > computer.

For the voices, I've been using a Logitech desktop mic. Gets the job done.

What can I use to record my amp properly? Sometimes, the guitar tracks (solos, in particular) are too dry, making me sound like The Eagles (not a bad thing, but you get my drift)

Can I do better than my current setup for recording? If so, any suggestions?

[sloop_john_b]

Are you willing to spend any money?

[JakeK]

Are you willing to spend any money?

In the short term, no, in the long term, yes. What I mean by this is, I have a workable sound, but I want it better, and to do that, I'm gonna need some dough. I actually do have a good bit saved up, which would be great for a mic.

Also, how useful is the Line6 Pod and what does it do?

[charlyg]

Oops I re-read and see it is a pc my bad........

If you use a Mac check out Amadeus Pro. I find it better than Audacity. 40 bucks!!

http://www.hairersoft.com/AmadeusPro/AmadeusPro.html

[jps]

Jake, Macs come with GarageBand, which I think is excellent, especially for something included in the price of the computer.

[weemac]

I recently got rid of my protools stuff (I did try to like it) and got a Presonus Firestudio Mobile which comes with Studio One software.
Studio One was written by some of the original programmers of Cubase VST and works very well, and the Firestudio mobile set up very easily as well. It's cheap, cheerful and works a charm!

Eden.

[sloop_john_b]

Jake, do you just want to do demos for yourself to get your ideas down, or more serious recordings aimed at a release?

[chrisdski]

In the short term I would suggest you look at a USB A/D box like an M Audio fasttrack. You can get them for $100 and it comes with recording software also (or continue to use your Audacity). Then pick up an SM 57 or 58, probably can find a used one on CL for $50 (or new for ~$100). That $200 will increase the quality of your sound immediately.

In the long term....how much are you willing to spend GAS!!!

[JakeK]

Jake, do you just want to do demos for yourself to get your ideas down, or more serious recordings aimed at a release?

For presentations to band members: Demos
For full on recording with a band: aimed serious recordings

[sloop_john_b]

Jake, do you just want to do demos for yourself to get your ideas down, or more serious recordings aimed at a release?

For presentations to band members: Demos
For full on recording with a band: aimed serious recordings

So both then? Are you gonna be recording drums?

[TommySixGun]

"hanging a mic" over your amp is always going to be the most challenging thing to record. If you're just recording for fun, get a POD or a Digitech RP product. I have Audacity, Adobe Audition, a Mac with Garage Band and a PC dedicated for Pro Tools. Recording a guitar using a microphone isn't as easy as using an MFX device on any recording software package, IMHO. The best mic I have for recording guitar is a Sennheiser e609.

Tommy

[antipodean]

"hanging a mic" over your amp is always going to be the most challenging thing to record. If you're just recording for fun, get a POD or a Digitech RP product. I have Audacity, Adobe Audition, a Mac with Garage Band and a PC dedicated for Pro Tools. Recording a guitar using a microphone isn't as easy as using an MFX device on any recording software package, IMHO. The best mic I have for recording guitar is a Sennheiser e609.

Tommy

+1 - though I note that the use of Pods and their ilk for recording is not necessarily limited to amateurs having fun. It is so much easier to record with this technology - you need the right environment (a real studio - not your living room) and the requisite experience to get a decent sound with a mic, not to mention the right interface equipment....

[JakeK]

So both then? Are you gonna be recording drums?

If I can get a drummer, yes.

[sloop_john_b]

This is pretty cool: http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail ... oductId=60

I use a PreSonus interface and have been more than happy with it. You can get good drum sounds from two mics - kick and carefully-placed overhead. That mic looks like a good one to start with; then perhaps you can grab an SM57 to record kick and guitar and a multitude of other things. 57's work great on vocals too, so long as you have a pop filter to stick in front of it.

Have a really dedicated computer helps too. If your computer is cluttered up, you're gonna run into lots of headaches and frustration.

[sloop_john_b]

And I would agree with the guys who posted above about the Line 6 Pod. I have pretty decent mics and preamps and all (and a space where I can make noise pretty late), but my OLD Pod is still my go-to for recording guitars.