Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Could some advise on a simple somewhat cheap computer recording interface? I just need to plug in my guitar and a microphone and record. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have a Fostex 8-track digital recorder listed here that is still available: viewtopic.php?f=69&t=382177 Read the last updated post. It will interface with your computer via a USB cable or you can just transfer via the Compact Flash card.

Why not get a simple multi-track computer program? It will allow you to do what you want and a whole lot more.
.... or am I not understanding the question?

I recently purchased a Lexicon Lambda USB interface and like many of these things it comes with Cubase LE 4. It's a midi inferface as well. The reviews were good.

RRP in the US is around $150 but there are plenty of others..... Edirol, Alesis, PreSonus, M-Audio Fast Track, Line 6..... some cheaper (fewer inputs and features), some around the same and others way up there!!

Haven't had a chance to road test mine yet.... perhaps this weekend.

I didn't buy any special hardware to get started with GarageBand on my mac. I think that all you need is an audio input (mic) jack on your computer and some basic software. Worst case may be that you could need a simple 1/8' mini-jack - to - USB interface, if anything. For vocals I think it's more important to use a decent mixer and as good mics as you can afford. Good guitar sounds can be very easy to get with a standard 1/4' - to - 1/8' mini-jack adapter cable. You can run straight into the computer or through your amp's line out jack, or even your favorite pedals. Sometimes I record the guitar very clean and compare software effects later to add when the mix develops. Pay close attention to input and recording levels because digital distortion or clipping is not a prettty thing

One piece of gear that's always in my hookup is an AC hum destroyer.

But I'm a minimalist, tech-wise. I know there are tons of products out there to enhance your style, but you really don't need a lot to get started. A good song is always a plus, too

Talking about freebees:

Try Audacity if you want something simple and FREE:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/features

It gives lots of options, is open-source and available for all platforms. I've used it to record and edit music, and it's fine as a good, basic free program.

I've recorded stuff using a looping station, downloading my files into Audacity, and working with them from there on the computer. This allows me to avoid stuff like having to purchase a dedicated USB mike or special interface software, but it's only me making use of my available hardware...YMMV

Good suggestion, Paul. I've used Audacity quite a bit myself but mostly for things like changing pitch and tempo on mp3s.

Yes, Audacity is a great program.

We use Audacity at the station for recording news and weather items for our radio station trades. If the talent here can use it, it must be simple and work good.

What is cheap?

There are inexpensive interfaces out there but then the question is what/how are you going to edit/mix your recordings with? I think the most bang-for-your-buck interface is the M-Box because it comes with ProTools. When I started I went a different route because of my Mac and GarageBand (which is a fantastic free recording program). Bought a M-Audio Firewire 410 and that got me going for a long time.

I would recommend the Presonus Inspire- I have had one for a couple of years now and it is great. No nonsense, 2x 1/4-inch high impedance jack sockets, 2xXLRs, phantom power, phono inputs/outputs and connects via firewire. The only downside is it doesn't have midi, oh and the volume controls are on a software panel. Very reliable though and no bigger than a small pile of cd cases!
I don't know how much they are in the US but I'm sure they must be under $100.
Software-wise, try Reaper. Supposed to be pro-quality and only costs (I think) $40. You can get a trial download, which I have had a look at, but didn't have a chance to use.

The first step is to download Audacity and buy a good USB sound device. When you'll have enough experience you shall move to something more professional, but don't hurry, with Audacity you can do fine recordings!