How do I start?

Recon

What do I need to start recording my own stuff? It would just be a couple of guitars and add drums using a drums program.

What multitrack recording program is good and easy to use for a beginner? What plug-ins are work getting? And what do I use to record my guitar onto my pc? Do I connect just put a mic in front of my amp?

Thanks for any help,
Alan.

cornbb

Hi, let us know what your budget is, if you have a computer, and if so what the basic specs are so we can make recommendations. You will likely need a new soundcard/audio interface and some microphones. You can spend a lot of money on software but there are a few free/inexpensive options available, and many audio interfaces come bundled with a "Lite" version of industry standard applications such as Pro Tools or Cubase.

Recon

My budget is basically as low as possible. I'd just like to see if I'd be able to record a few guitar pieces and stick them together and mess around with it. And see how it goes. If I enjoy it I'll spend a few quid on some software/hardware but starting out I'd like to do it as cheaply as I can.

My computer specs are, 2.8 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, my soundcard is a SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio (that's what came with my dell), I got a logitech headset with mic for Skype (I doubt it would be good enough to record music) and that's about it I think.

eoin5

If you want really cheap get:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/maudio_jamlab.htm

You just plug your guitar in and away you go. Its very limited in what it can do though.

If you want something with decent capabilities:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/maudio_fast_track_pro.htm

For software: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php

Recon

Thanks for all that eoin5, I'll see about getting one of those things for the guitar and that software is exactly what I was looking for.

Recon

Anyone know if this would be alright?

cornbb

If you just want to lay down some basic guitar stuff with reasonable quality then it'll probably be grand. But if you ever want to start recording other stuff, eg anything that requires a mic, you'll have to start from scratch again with a new soundcard, mics etc. Zoom aren't renowned for making the best quality stuff in the world, but for your purposes, and on a budget, this unit would probably do the job alright.

eoin5

I brought one of these home from work once and had some fun with it. The distortion sounds arent great but the reverb/delay/modulation stuff is good and it records fine through USB. I comes with Cubase LE which would be a lot better than Kristal too.

Personally though I think if youre going to spend that much a small external soundcard like the one I mentioned will get you better results and more options in the future, and wont cost you much more.

Recon

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to get the zoom pedal, because I think it'll be enough for what I want and I'll also be able to use it as an fx pedal by itself.