Basic multi-track recording of a medium-size group on my computer?
December 25, 2009 6:30 PM   Subscribe

I've got a large collection of (mostly electric/electronic) instruments, and even some people to play them. The one hole in my musical setup is recording. I'm a wind instrumentalist originally, so I know little of the ways of preamps and what have you. Help me get started recording on my computer! Instrumentation details inside.

I've reviewed the previous MeFi literature, and I think my real stumbling block is the metric buttload (defined as "number above four") of instruments I'd like to record at once. I know the first step is a proper audio interface; I'm fine with USB or firewire, and understand firewire is preferable. I'll note than I'm running Windows. However, figuring out what will take the right number and types of inputs, or what other hardware I need, is kind of intimidating. Hive mind, get me started with recording at home!

First, two microphones. That's easy. I need two XLR inputs, and they'll need preamps. Fine. I follow that part, and there are plenty of recommendations on which microphones to use elsewhere.

Next, digital instruments. I have an electronic drum kit and piano, both coming in at line level (stereo for the drums, mono for the piano). I suppose I could scoop up either or both via MIDI and work with it afterward, but I'm especially pleased with the sound on the piano, and would like to just use it if possible.

Finally, the fun part. Add in two guitars and a bass, all electric. Something that accepts inputs at instrument level would be fantastic. However, if push comes to shove, I've two guitar amps that have line-level (headphone) out that I could use, no such feature on the bass. I understand that this may be a bit noisy, and that would be bad, but I'd need a lot of instrument-level preamps otherwise. I hear that it's more common to mike guitar output, but let's say that's financially out right now.

What hardware do I want? Something entry-level is all I need for the foreseeable future, but I don't see many things that take the right number of inputs. Am I asking for something that doesn't exist at that level? About how much is this going to run?
posted by DoubleMark to Media & Arts (7 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
Audacity is the name of an open-source recording program. I'm not sure of it's current capacities (# of simultaneous tracks, e.g.), but the price is right. I got a lot of good use out of it about a year ago.
posted by bleeb at 6:52 PM on December 25, 2009


Best answer: If I were setting up my home studio now I would be inclined towards something from the Mackie Onyx series. Everything you need in a very convenient package.
posted by Jode at 7:56 PM on December 25, 2009


The onyx seems like a good bet. I was about to say "you need a mixing board". I love my 1202, but I just use it for live sound. For recording.... yeah, the onyx.
posted by flaterik at 12:46 AM on December 26, 2009


Best answer: As far as software: I'd recommend Reaper. I haven't used it myself, but there's a lot of buzz about it right now about it being very powerful and user-friendly at the same time. The best part about Reaper is that the trial version allows you to do everything the full version does - the only drawback is a simple nag screen every time you start it. So Reaper will allow you to try production-quality recording for free - always a nice price.

(Audacity is neat, but it is intended as a simple, flexible, and user-friendly sound recording program, not an audio production recording program, so it has drawbacks that you'll run into quickly. Specifically, Audacity doesn't do multi-track recording; although you can mix multiple tracks, you can only record one at a time. The developers have made it clear that that's intentional, because it's not supposed to be a full-functioned audio workstation.)

Firewire isn't necessarily preferable, by the way, now that the USB 2.0 standard is ubiquitous. You should find that USB and Firewire devices function at the same latency, so if you can save money by going the USB route, go for it.

Sorry I don't have more to tell you on the important part, which is the hardware - sounds like the cheaper Onyx mixers are pretty good, though, and near the range you'd expect to pay for an entry-level device that can run multiple tracks: about $500-$700.
posted by koeselitz at 4:07 AM on December 26, 2009


Next, digital instruments. I have an electronic drum kit and piano, both coming in at line level (stereo for the drums, mono for the piano). I suppose I could scoop up either or both via MIDI and work with it afterward, but I'm especially pleased with the sound on the piano, and would like to just use it if possible.

The interface you buy should have a "line-in" for each input (the Onyx does). Just plug your drum kit and piano into these inputs if you want to use their sound.

Finally, the fun part. Add in two guitars and a bass, all electric. Something that accepts inputs at instrument level would be fantastic.

The "traditional" way of recording an electric guitar is to use use a microphone on the amp, because the amplifier is integral to what we generally think of as "the sound of an electric guitar". So you may want to do that. But you could also record the "dry" guitar and then use an amp simulator on it, or even run it through an amp at a more convenient time (record relatively quietly at night, "re-amp" at full blast during the day).

Some interfaces will have an "instrument" or "hi-Z" option on some or all of their inputs; you may also use a DI box to connect an instrument directly to a mic input on your interface.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 10:38 PM on December 27, 2009


Best answer: Oh, and if you haven't looked at Music Talk yet, now would be a good time.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 10:48 AM on December 28, 2009


Response by poster: Many points for recommendation of the Mackie and Reaper. They're treating me quite fantastically. Thanks!
posted by DoubleMark at 12:24 PM on January 3, 2010


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