Recording with a mic

Blue(s) Skies · #1 09-07-2010, 09:28 AM

Hi there!

At the moment I'm working on my " home studio and its equipment". About two years ago I bought the Zoom G2.1u, which included Cubase Le 4. I was able to record my guitar with it, connecting it with the computer (includes USB). About half a year ago I had to give my Zoom G2.1u away and therefore I couldn't record anymore. After some time I realized that I have to get something new and threw in a thread about USB Interfaces on this forum.
http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/recor...interface.html

Drobniuch was right; I like the sound of my amp and I decided to buy a microphone. Looked up several pages on the internet and I came up with the question: how do I record with a microphone? Sounds easy probably to you, but not to me. So before I buy a mic, I'd first of all like to know how I should record with it.

Hope you guys can help me!

KB_Blues · #2 09-07-2010, 11:53 AM

Hi

I note from the other thread regarding audio interfaces that you are on a bit if a budget and you didn't want to buy an interface if it could be avoided?

Btw, I know what you mean about recording guitar direct - just not the same, much better to mic an amp.

Anyway, the answer might be to buy a USB microphone. I've never used one, but, as far as know, they just plug straight into a USB port.

Also, you will need a DAW (software) to use to record, edit and mix (ie apply effects etc). There is an excellent one available online called Reaper. It's cheap to buy and can be demo'd for ages.

One caveat about recording with mics using a computer - mics can be very sensitive and if your computer makes alot of noise with its hard drive or fan then the mic will pick this up and spoil the recording! I use a laptop and I have had to resort to putting it outside the room when I record!

(Sorry if you know all this already!)

Hope this helps

Oops - forgot to say - When I first got into recording about 3 years ago I found the fllowing website which has a really good basic guide to recording:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

Blue(s) Skies · #3 09-08-2010, 06:58 AM

Thank you KB Blues, for answering.

You're right I was a bit of a budget when I wrote that thread, You have to know that I'm still going to school and therefore don't have all to much money. But now birthday's waiting for me and therfore things don't look all too bad for a microphone anymore. Can you tell me if I can use Cubase Le 4 instead of Reaper?

fep · #4 09-08-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue(s) Skies

Drobniuch was right; I like the sound of my amp and I decided to buy a microphone. Looked up several pages on the internet and I came up with the question: how do I record with a microphone? Sounds easy probably to you, but not to me. So before I buy a mic, I'd first of all like to know how I should record with it.

Hope you guys can help me!

I have a different viewpoint. I don't think recording with a mic is the best method for a home recordist unless you're lucky enough to have a great room (probably needs to be very large with a high ceiling and a bunch of low frequency sound absorption).

I record in a converted bedroom that's about 9' by 11' with an 8' ceiling, definately way to small to be a good recording room. I've tried an A-B test with a vintage, great sounding Fender Princeton vs.
going direct through my digitech GNX3000 (which can be had for less than most mics).

To my ears the Digitech won hands down. Plus it is much more flexible, easier to set up, and you can record silently (with headphones).

I posted a sound sample on this thread:

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guita...o-amp-all.html

KB_Blues · #5 09-08-2010, 12:30 PM

Hi

Cubase should be fine.

Fep makes an excellent point. As soon as you start recording with mics you run into the problem of your recording environment. Without spending some money and time on getting your room suitable for recording (by buying or making sound absorbers and reflectors, and possibly moving house) it is likely that your recordings will not sound too good.

It may well be that Fep's recommendation is a sensible route to follow. I listened to the sound clip he posted on the other thread and, I have to say, it does sound pretty darn good. Certainly better than I have achieved by DIing into my interface. Using a DI also sidesteps the problem of your mics picking up background computer noise.