Recording Newbie Needs Direction

[docsmith]

Hi all,

I've been playing guitar since 1984, but I am a newbie with recording and I need direction. Based on a recommendation, I downloaded & purchased Reaper software.

My immediate goals are to create backing tracks & jam tracks - and then build from there, using the software as a sketch pad to create & develop ideas.

After creating the backing/jam tracks, I'd like to record guitar tracks. I do have a nice preamp (AxeFxII), and it's suited for direct recording.

Only thing is, I'm really kind of lost here. Can anybody take me under their wing and guide me? If you'd prefer to e-mail me directly, my e-mail address is ksmithdc@gmail.com.


Thanks,



Kevin

[Scott Whigham]

If you hurry, you can get EZDrummer for $30 (look at the other thread in this subforum for details). That will be your drummer. Now that you have Reaper, you need two things (at least):

1) A microphone that you will use to record your amp

2) An interface that will convert what the microphone captures into bits that the computer can understand (sure, it's more technical than that but I think that works well enough for the time being!)

A Shure SM57 is a great first mic so budget $60-$120 for one (used - new prices). Interfaces run the gamut from little $100 junk units to $1000 all-in-one pieces. It's hard to suggest an interface without knowing a few things, like these:

* Mac or PC?
* What's your budget (after you've bought the mic)?
* How many simultaneous channels do you need to record at once?

And don't forget that, once you have it recorded, you'll need some way to monitor/hear what you recorded!

Congrats on getting back into it - I hope the folks here can help!