Budget home studio?

[Rocks]

Hi everyone,
long story, short version - I played in bands about 25 years ago, loved it but now play at home for my own amusement. I have guitars, a nice bass and a couple acoustics. I also have three nice low wattage tube amps (about 5 watts) some decent speakers and I also have a decent modeling setup along with some pedals. I also have a few computers and misc. stereo equipment.

I'm looking for ideas to put together a decent home studio just to enjoy music with and keep me sane (you don't want me insane again, trust me) I don't have a big room to work with and I'm looking to create my own music. I'd love to get some real drums in here and learn how to play the basic beats for recording, but they would be way too loud in here. I'm considering getting some inexpensive electronic drums if I can find something interesting at the right price, or using something from a software program.

I am interested in rock, blues, hard rock and possibly some metal. What can i add cheap or free to complete a decent setup?

[791979]

OK, there are lots of ways of doing this. I prefer computer based recording, so if going down the computer route the this is what I'd be looking for.

A good external soundcard, at a push you could use the one on your PC, if you're looking to buy one the Emu 1820M is a good used buy. Or maybe an Echo card. (lots more too).

Monitors. You need monitors, otherwise when you are tweaking your recordings you wont really know how the mix will sound. You can use good hifi speakers for this.

Mics, you need a mic or three. you can find lots of recommendations for these, I wont repeat all that stuff here.

Recording software, this is tricky. Some is good, some not so. Some is free, some expensive. I like the Sonar stuff, and cut down versions often come with sound cards. Download some trial versions and see how you get on with them.

Obviously, you can get a mixer, compressors, outboard FX, more mics etc. But I think that the above will get you well on the way.

Oh, nearly forgot. Cables, you will need cables. And a decent soldering iron is a VERY good idea, make your own cables and save some cash.

[beep.click]

+1 on everything 791979 said.

I use the built-in drum features in Sonar constantly. If you want to tap or hit something, see what type of MIDI controllers or drum pads they have at your local music store -- I use a cheap Alesis that has 16 pads, each about 1.25" square. Play it with fingers...

Many people like a recording program called Reaper, available on the internet. I think it's about $50. To just get started and try things out, there's a free program called Audacity, also on the internet.

[KCKC]

This is the thread I've been looking for. I'm trying to do it on a shoestring too.

I call it my "Look what I found" project. The goal is to record a cd (personal enjoyment of course) with mostly found/used equipment.

Found my computer, keboard, mouse, speakers, 20" flat panel all at different times at the dump.

I've downloaded audacity, reaper and a program called Kristal. Haven't seen Kristal mentioned on this site.

I've only done some tracks with audacity. But I know guys on this site have raved about reaper once you get up and running.

I'm a super novice at computers and recording and will probably have a lot more questions for you guys.

thanks for starting this thread rocks and thanks for the input guys.

kc

[eddiewagner]

my two cents: all you need is a line 6 toneport and some subwoofer active speakers. maybe a large diphragm-mike as well. the toneport comes with a pretty nice recording program. so if you are a smart shopper, you will be ready to produce music for 300 dollars.

[Rocks]

I'm on a laptop so I'm limited to the internal sound card. I'll have to check out some of the free software to see how they work.

[beep.click]

Rocks, do yourself a favor and try to get an external "audio interface" for the laptop. Makes a HUGE difference. I've also run into situations where some software just does NOT like the internal laptop sound system.

Lots of good USB audio interfaces available. I'd recommend a USB 2.0 model, if your laptop supports it.

[vjf1968]

I have to also recommend the Line 6 UX2 Tone Port with the "Gold Bundle" which gives all the effects available on the newer POD line but also "Plug Ins" for whatever DAW you are using.

Also I have to recommend a pair of monitors, I am using the Sansom Rubican 5a Active speakers. If your short on space I can't stress the importance of active speakers.

Start off small and work your way from there.

[leonard22]

+1 for line 6 & +1 for 791979's info
i use a mac with logic studio, i spent a boatload to get my stuff going... but my dad got his going rather cheap, and his stuff sounds great... for less than 200 bucks you can get a decent usb audio interface and some software will be bundled! i recommend starting there and you can add things as you find you need them..... BEWARE it is almost as addictive as telecasters!
*** there is no substitute for a good microphone ***
check this out: first one is cheap but decent, and the line six has some nice features!
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ace?sku=245507
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ace?sku=249701
just make sure to check the minimum requirements against the specs of your laptop...