Recording equipment?

[TheFranMan]

So I'm thinking about finally investing in some stuff to record myself and overlay, etc.

First thing I'm interested in is a looper pedal, so I can lay down tracks and just replay them to work on solos over passages/ harmonization ideas. I don't know exactly how much time/space I'd want in it, but suggestions are definitely welcome. I know of Pandora's box, the Loopstation, JamMan, and others but don't know the ups and downs etc. So input would be great.

Also, for actual recording, I don't know the first things about mics, recording equipment, or software. So any help would be great- recording samples of your own, prices, options, anything would help.

Thanks!

[stabwound]

For recording:

First you need an audio interface, here's a bunch of different ones: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/computer-hardware-recording-cards-audio-interfaces?N=100001+304891

Which one you get will depend on what you'll be recording. If you're recording drums or a full band I would recommend one with 4+ mic preamps, but if it's just for guitar/vocals 1-2 should be plenty.

For software you need a DAW (like pro tools/logic/cubase/garage band), sometimes it will be included with the hardware (or you can get some for free). I use pro tools personally, but I'm not saying one is better than another.

For mics it depends on what you'll be recording, if you're just recording guitar you may want to record direct in with something like the V-Amp, or mic the amp with one or two mics. I would always recommend getting a shure sm57, they're cheap and great for miking amps, snare, toms and vocals.

[TheFranMan]

As far as my amp goes, I've got an ENGL SE, with all the features I'd ever need including direct out. But I kind of remember someone talking about how direct out sometimes sounds shitty compared to a mic'ed sound. I could be totally wrong though lol.

As far as I know, I'll just be recording guitar, bass, and keyboard. I don't have any intention of recording drums, and if I do need them I'll just end up using a drum machine probably.

[stabwound]

Miking the amp usually is the way to go, I don't have a nice amp though, so it sounds better using an amp modeler. I would say get an interface with 2 mic preamps, like this: (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FIREBOX-24bit96kHz-FireWire-Recording-System?sku=184133), and an sm57 to start.

[egdeltar]

guitar>v-amp pro>sound card>Adobe Audition=works for me perfectly.

[ChAAPY]

Miking the amp usually is the way to go, I don't have a nice amp though, so it sounds better using an amp modeler. I would say get an interface with 2 mic preamps, like this: (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FIREBOX-24bit96kHz-FireWire-Recording-System?sku=184133), and an sm57 to start.

can you plug in 2 instruments at once on that thing? I thinking no right? just wondering cause I have something similar.

[stabwound]

can you plug in 2 instruments at once on that thing? I thinking no right? just wondering cause I have something similar.

Yeah, you can. You can record with either the 2 xlr inputs, or 2 TRS line inputs simultaneously.

[GrindYourMind]

JamMan is better than the Boss. They are basically the same exact thing but the JamMan has a card you can pop out and stick into your computer. Makes shit easier.

[InertialGrind]

Friend just got a jam man. It`s so fun.

[GrindYourMind]

My looper got plugged into itself and it fried. Alot of the solo songs I've written used it extensively so it's loss was mourned greatly. RIP.