noob recording questions

[jz229]

I am looking into recording an album to give to my family and friends. Nothing too complicated, maybe acoustic guitar, vocals and electric bass.

I was thinking of doing this on a multitrack recorder, instead of messing with programs and sound cards and all the stuff that you need on a pc.

So my question is, what exactly do you need? I already have headphones so could I just buy a multitrack recorder, and a dynamic mic, or do I need a condenser mic and a recorder with phantom power. Are the mics built into the recorder good enough?

Would something like this recorder:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...83091000000000

and a shure dynamic mic be good enough for a decent recording.

And lastly, would I need a mixer?

[chulaivet1966]

I would recommend a cost effective computer program (with adequate computer) and audio interface but I see where you're coming from.

IMO....given my very brief look this unit will likely work for your purposes.
Personally, I'd read reviews of this product first as I'd be concerned with the quality of the pre-amps or other user comments.

Mics?....dynamic mics will work but they will not inherently have the clarity of a condenser mic and you'll have the phantom power covered on this unit.
Many choices for condensers and they have become more purchase friendly over the years.

Mixer?...looks like you might be able to mix in the box with this unit so you may not need one.
My mixer has merely been a glorified patch bay for many years as I mix in the box using Cakewalk Sonar 5.0PE.
The true 'NEED' in your efforts is recording good tracks from the onset.

I'm sure others will chime in.

Hope that helps and good luck on your quest.

[Martin R]

^^^What he said...

That deck will work for what you want. You will need mics, the decks recorders will not be good enough.

Condensers need phantom power. I'd be surprised if the tascam didn't have it.

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by jz229

I am looking into recording an album to give to my family and friends. Nothing too complicated, maybe acoustic guitar, vocals and electric bass.

I was thinking of doing this on a multitrack recorder, instead of messing with programs and sound cards and all the stuff that you need on a pc.

So my question is, what exactly do you need? I already have headphones so could I just buy a multitrack recorder, and a dynamic mic, or do I need a condenser mic and a recorder with phantom power. Are the mics built into the recorder good enough?

Would something like this recorder:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...83091000000000

and a shure dynamic mic be good enough for a decent recording.

And lastly, would I need a mixer?

Since the DP-008 has phantom, a condenser makes sense. The big huge overwhelming difference between dynamic and condenser is the sensitivity - condensers deliver a lot bigger output for a given input. This reduces the demand on the preamp, which is a good thing when dealing with consumer gear. And there are several well respected condenser mics available in the same price range as a Shure SM57. The Audio Technica AT2020 is one common choice.

Fran

[jz229]

Thanks everyone!

I will defiantly look into condenser mics. I do have a few more questions on multitrack recorders.

How is the sound quality on these recorders? Would spending say $400 dollars get me better sound or just more features?

For example here's another recorder I'm eyeing:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...al-portastudio

Would it be worth it or is Tascam DP 008 good enough for making decent amateur recordings.

[6stringelectric]

I have a DP-008 and it will do a fine job for what you want.

I use my Shure SM-57 dynamic mic with it and it gives good results so if you already have a good dynamic mic you really don't need another mic.

If not, and you don't need a dynamic mic for live performance, then the condensor mic might be a better choice.

Compared to having an audio-interface and a computer DAW it has a few advantages for me:

1} It has actual physical knobs which I find easier to work with.
2} It isn't tied down to one place
3} Easier learning curve
4} The built-in mics are surprisingly good so it can be used for minimal set up live recordings.

Also, if you do want to use a DAW on the computer you can transfer all the individual tracks you have recorded into the computer.

If you do get it, I'd highly recommend the AC power supply (which doesn't come with it)

A larger memory card is good to have too.

[chulaivet1966]

Hmmm.....something else I would throw out.

IMO....I'd go with the DP-008 as recommended above vs. the one you're looking at.
Why?
I think it's imprudent to go with the cheapest to just meet your currently perceived goals or needs.
Go with something a bit more expensive (more options, better pres, etc.) that provides you room to grow into because your expertize and desires for options will increase as your knowledge increases.

Also...don't rule out your future desire to go to a PC/Mac based recording option (which is still my ideal recommendation) so being careful with hardware purchases that can become obsolete in a year is something to keep in mind before you decide conclusively.

That's my take on it....good luck on your quest.

[telleutelleme]

MY added input. Download Audacity for free and put your tracks out and into it to play with in case you want to overdub, edit and paste or think of something you might want to import later. It's free, easy to use.

[black_doug]

Whenever I buy I first try to look for an online review by an independent writer/magazine/blog.

[jz229]

**

[jz229]

Thanks everyone!

I think I'll use the DP-008, but first maybe take a look at recording with software.