Recording software for the complete idiot

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 9:59 am

An alternate solution? The Zoom H4 is about the same price as the Presonus Firebox. Its not a firewire connection, but considering all the things it does, would the H4 be a better way to go?

"It's Also an Audio Interface Recording directly to your computer has never been easier than with the Zoom H4. The H4 is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as your USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. And if you don't already have a DAW that's okay, because every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE. The perfect 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac. Together, these features make the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder the most versatile portable recording device ever offered. "

firstbassman · Post by **firstbassman** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:56 am

Hi Kent.
By "Thanks Mark... VERY helpful," I assume you meant me.

(Despite my pleas to the government, other parents have insisted on naming some of their sons 'Mark' also.)

As you've no doubt figured out by now, you need to get some "box-like" thing to plug your guitar or mic into. And that box will plug into the USB port of your PC.

Don't worry about how many "ports" the device has. You're going to record one thing at a time any way into separate tracks.

Here is the most basic input device M-Audio makes:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUSB-main.html

Whether Sessions or Music Studio is easier, sorry I can't say. I only tried to use Sessions for 20 or 30 minutes and got frustrated.

Music Studio was a lot more logical (for me). Having said that, I will also mention that as easy as it is, some aspects of Studio are still pretty oblique. Just the nature of all software I guess. And the technical support is terrible. Just keep that also in mind.

- Mark H (FirstBassman)

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:52 am

yea, the more I look into it, Music Studio (version 12 for ~$80) seems like its worth a shot. BTW, Amazon is now selling version 10 for $19.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:06 am

I guess you're right that the Fast Track USB interface would be ok for home use, but I might get a bigger one to allow for 2 mics at once.

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 8:23 pm

I was at GC Monday for their labor day and they had mega clearance going on with their interfaces (specifically the fast track, etc).

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:47 am

Has anyone used one of these Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB-Audio Interfaces? I'm looking for something cheap but servicable to transfer analog audio into digital files, not for straight-ahead recording. I would do the old RCA to Miniplug adaptor trick, but I don't WANT to. Anyone like/dislike these?

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:48 am

I just use an old analog Fostex 4 track recorder.
Six inputs, tape deck, EQ & balance controls, output to the soundcard, I don't need anything else.
And if I want to convert taped stuff into digital, it's perfectly simple.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:18 pm

The miniplug input to my soundcard is kaput...I plan to use something like the above to go through the USB port.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:38 am

Kevin... a regular old mixer will work?

lyle_from_minneapolis · Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:15 am

I ended up getting this LightSnake. It did the trick of transferring some analog recordings to digital. Eventually I intend to upgrade to the Firebox.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 11:10 am

Yep, RCA outputs to a single 1/8" stereo plug, into the input of the soundcard is what I use.

Works fine, it may not be up to other's fidelity standards, but it's good enough for me.

As far as I can see, any mixer, from a Radio Shack DJ mixer to a nice Mackie board, would work as well, as long as the mixer output goes into a 1/8" stereo jack (and your soundcard input works).

You do need some program to record from this input, but even free programs like Audacity work well enough for rough recordings.

I don't know, but I imagine a USB input must be converted to digital signal before it's usable.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:38 pm

so..... to play real time into a multi-tracked program would need a box to convert the signal to digital, not just a mixer ....?

(oh, I'm so confused... but dont worry, I'll get it together pretty soon)

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 5:03 am

No, to record real time, the program (Audacity, Cubase, etc.) does the conversion for you.

No physical difference from just using the tape deck as far as I can see.

Set up the track you want to record, hit record (in the program) & play.

No need to over complicate things.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:57 am

I see... so you're using the mixer as just that, a mixer, and sending the mixer ouput directly into the computer. ie: using the mixer in place of the Firebox. Makes sense I guess.

I just moved into the new place 2 days ago so I'll be soon giving it a try. (ps: if anyone is in need of used cardboard boxes and crumpled packing paper, I'm the guy to see)

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:21 am

Exactly!
The mixer is just the input device, with some level control, limited EQ, balance, etc. thrown in for extras.
Probably not as clean as specifically designed units, but it works, and I already own it!