need to record

[johnlennon]

I've never really recorded before but I've been playing guitar for 3 yrs. and I think it is time. I am willing to spend $300 but I need to know what is good and what isn't!!!?

[fingerpickingood]

For around 300, I recommend Tascam Gear. Good prices - Good gear.

3 years with no recording!
I find it imperative to occasionaly record my playing in order to analyze it.

[This message has been edited by fingerpickingood (edited February 03, 2003).]

[Soles Mojo]

I use sonic foundry's acid music/and sound forge xp, and cubase.. i don't know how expensive they are now, but take a look, see what you can find. If you are just recording for the sake of recording then, don't worry too much about the tiny details, because the really good stuff is expensive anyways. Get something you will use, and find easy to use, - you can make a perfectly good cd from any program if you know how to control ambient noise, and if you have a good quality microphone. (and of course, playing is an asset! joke!) If you want more details on the programs i use, just let me know. - happy to advise. I just finished recording a cd that is going to be independently released (pending a distribution deal) in Canada. And i did it all in the basement of my house! It sounds great, it was easy. but i do recommend if you are going to release it, let someone with an outside opinion listen to your music, or even mix it for you.. sometimes doing it all yourself - you lose your perspective on sound effects, and levels of the different tracks. It's a good thing to get criticized. Good luck!

[TomN]

If you don't go the computer direction.
Boss makes the BR-532 which is a great little mulit track. It's has 4 tracks, but the cool thing is it has a built in drum section (probably fairly basic) that is stereo, but doesn't tie up any of the tracks. So after drums you still have 4 tracks for Guitar, Bass and vocals and that's before bouncing. It also has built in guitar effects and amp simulation, reverb delay chorus etc.

It's designed for guitar players.

I was going to get one, but then opted for the Computer direction.

Hey Soles moja,

What kind of external recording gear do you have and how do you connect your instruments and microphones to your PC. I am trying to get a wide range of opinions on the best way to do this. I have Cakewalk and want to know if plugging straight into my soundcard will be acceptable or if I am going to have to get external gear (if so what and what can I expect to spend)

My concern is noise and sound quality.