Basic Outline For Home Recording [MAC]

[theHoss]

Howdy,

I have a MAC powerbook (for work), and a kick ass guitar. So, the next endevour of mine will be to do some home recording. What are the basic things (hardware, software) I need to get started. A low - medium budget outline would be greatly appreciated.

Currently Have:

Rack Compressor
Tons of stomp boxes
Reissue 1958 LP
Heritage Liberty
MAC G4 Powerbook w/GarageBand

Thanks!!!!

 

[loudboy]

An SM-57 and some kind of interface for your Mac, and you'll be set to go, man.

But observe caution, recording is a slippery slope, GAS-wise. <vbg>

Loudboy

 

[theHoss]

Thanks for the response. No additional software? Also, what is a good interface? Thanks again man!

 

[PacoCasanovas]

the mik is just useful if you have an guitar-amp......you have one didn't you?

You may need software for your mac, some interfaces comes with software you can start with...

a great deal is digidesign's M-Box, a USB device (2in / 2out) with direct monitoring, two mikpreamps/instrument-/line-Inputs from Focusrite.....and you get the Protools LE software included in the package.....

other great product is Mackie's Spike, also an USB device (2in/2out) a bit better AD/ DA converters (i'm still believing 44k /24bit is enough!) two mikpreamps/instrument-/line-Inputs from Mackie...and a built in SHARC cpu for the virtual EQ, Compressor (for each channel).....and it comes with Mackie's Traktion Software (very easy and practical to use!)

other great products comes from M-Audio, Motu, Metric Halo, Apogee (the mini-me)

just some toughts

 

[Chevelle]

I've got both Cubase LE and Garageband on my powerbook, and end up using Garageband a bit more. I use a Tascam 1804 that GC was blowing out for the price of cheaper boxes. It's a good sounding box, good pres, etc.

 

[TAVD]

Don't forget those great garageband loops.

The mac + garageband (or other daw) is only one part of the equation. Expect to spend $1000 min. just to get started. The m-box only works with protools le, so garageband or any other software is out. Plus, it's reaching the end of it's cycle. The Focusrite Saffire looks to be a great piece in the m-box price range. It'll work with garageband, logic or whatever daw you end up using. But this is just one interface suggestion, do a search and you'll find plenty more.

Now that the interface is out of the way, you'll need microphones, monitors & headphones, cables (often overlooked) and a place to set it all up. That includes the desk, a comfortable chair (again overlooked) and possibly some sound treatment. If you want to record bass lines, a DI will be good to have. Other odds and ends like mic stands and a pop filter, second hard drive dedicated to audio files. See how quickly it gets out of hand.

 

[mike@switchback]

Originally posted by Denyle_Guitars
Don't forget those great garageband loops.

The mac + garageband (or other daw) is only one part of the equation. Expect to spend $1000 min. just to get started. The m-box only works with protools le, so garageband or any other software is out. Plus, it's reaching the end of it's cycle. The Focusrite Saffire looks to be a great piece in the m-box price range. It'll work with garageband, logic or whatever daw you end up using. But this is just one interface suggestion, do a search and you'll find plenty more.

Now that the interface is out of the way, you'll need microphones, monitors & headphones, cables (often overlooked) and a place to set it all up. That includes the desk, a comfortable chair (again overlooked) and possibly some sound treatment. If you want to record bass lines, a DI will be good to have. Other odds and ends like mic stands and a pop filter, second hard drive dedicated to audio files. See how quickly it gets out of hand.

Actually, the mbox works fine with Garageband. Any interface with CoreAudio drivers does.

A real good value is used MOTU firewire gear. I got a used MOTU 828 (original version) for $250. Great bang-for-buck.

 

[Pointbreakd]

I agree that the Mbox is at the end of it's cycle. Something else is surely about to come out. However you can grab an Mbox with protools for like $250 on ebay, which is a great price. Once you get used to pro-tools you can upgrade.

I'm using a PB g4 with an M-box. I like it so far. I love Pro Tools, if you have the cash get an 002R. They can be had for 800 used.


And yes SM57 is key

 

[Scumback Speakers]

I went with the Mackie Spike, and GarageBand 2 to my Mac G4 1.25ghz tower. I added on a 7200 RPM 160gb second drive just for audio, and partitioned it into two 80gb sections. One acts as a backup for the other, and I have an original first drive of 80gb for OS X, and all applications.

I've done some recording of clips, but I'm picking up a JoeMeek condenser mic today, and plan on recording new clips this week with both an SM 57 close mic'd to the speaker, and the condenser mic for the ambient "room tone".

I'll let you know how it all works out, but I think the two mic scenario might provide a more balanced and richer tone than just the SM 57 by itself.

Haven't even tried the Traction software yet, and I'm due for an upgrade already! LOL

We'll see how it all turns out!!