Audio Interfaces and more!?
AndrewGhostLCL Asked: Audio Interfaces and more!?
Hey guys,
So I'm looking at making a home recording studio, and was hoping you could debunk some of my concerns with some of the products I'm getting that seem a little "too good to be true".
first of all is my Audio Interface. currently my main question with this guy is "can I use it as a sound card also?" First and foremost, a lot of people talk about you needing a sound card that can be a bridge between your mics and your computer. so does Audio Interface = Sound card, because currently the model I'm looking at has a USB out that can get to my computer, and wondering if this will work and I have all the bases covered.
Currently I'm looking at the TASCAM US-1800 USB 2.0 Audio/Midi Interface.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/TASCAM-US-18
but my worry is the price. a 8 channel mic and 2 line jacks, MIDI and Digital In and outs for $300? it seems a little iffy. if this one doesn't fly, can you tell me why, and what things I need to look at for when researching and choosing an interface?
As far as mics, for drums I am looking at the CAD Premium 7-Piece Drum Mic Pack
http://www.guitarcenter.com/CAD-Premium-
and for vocals, the Blue Bluebird Condenser Mic.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Blue-Bluebir
I will choose Monitors, Headphones, and Software later, but what are your guy's favorites? give me some Ideas and I'll go take a look.
finally, Is home recording really for me? I'm a big music guy, and It seems like I'd be cool to engineer and create cool tracks, but what is it really like?
Thanks guys, you all are so great! Let me know!
–Drew
Answers:
As for the interfaced, we used the earlier version in my recording classes, and it works fine. It feels a little cheesy, but they've had it for a couple years in a school environment, unracked, and nothing is broken. the things about it that I might find problematic are lack of ADAT I/O and the USB connection. More outputs and line-ins would also be nice. you could also search used, I managed to find a Presonus Firestudio 26×26 for $320 on craigslist, but if you re set on new equipment, and are on a tight budget, it should be, at the very least, functional.
I haven't tried the CAD mic kit, but I usually only end up using about 4 microphones for my drums. though the CAD ones may be helpful at the beginning in letting you experiment with different setups, I think you'll probably be looking for some higher-quality microphones before too long (though it's not necessarily a bad thing to start out with something cheaper until you really know what you are doing, then moving up)
I have never used the bluebird, but it seems like a nice microphone.
at home, I use Mackie MR8's for monitors, and mostly Pro Tools for software. I'd try Reaper, for software, at least while you are starting because it's free and will get you used to working with DAWs
Recording can be for anyone. I'd definitely give it a try. It may be surprising how much it takes to actually make things sound like what you are imagining in your head, but it's a nice challenge
I've just invested in a new interface recently, and it's astonishing how much value you get for your money these days compared to just a couple of years ago. For what you're looking at, $300 sounds about right.
I've not used any Tascam products for many years but I don't suppose they build a reliable reputation for selling garbage. You can plug that one straight into your computer via USB and it will be a de facto sound card / interface. You don't need to worry about getting a sound card and a mixer – this one seems to do the job of both.
The only concern is that it's designed to be rack mounted. If you have plenty of space, no problem. But just be aware that it will be bulkier than your traditional interface.
Microphones – It's something I'm just learning about myself. No practical knowledge or realistic advice to give. One thing I do know is that this side of recording music shouldn't be underestimated. If you need info on monitors, headphones and software, feel free to ask.
Is home recording for you? People generally go in one of two ways.
They either give up after a fortnight because they don't have the time, they can't see the value in it or it becomes too much like hard work. Or they become completely hooked. You might dream about the type of music you want to produce. It's beautiful, satisfying and frustrating in equal measures. There's only one way to find out.