Recording Gear

ticohans · Unread post by **ticohans** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 12:07 pm

Ok, folks, so I'm tired of my crappy computer mic, and don't want to go through the hassle of trying to fight my way into a studio in order to put down a demo. I'm looking at getting some recording gear, and would like a little advice from those of you who already own the stuff. Fire, I know you've got a sweet setup... what is it that you use? Any ideas on where I could get a good deal for it?

Here's a package that I'm looking at:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid ... id/240260/

That's basically the type of thing that I'm going to need. I want a digital recorder with at least four tracks, probably no more than eight. Sure. more tracks, more fun, but I'm on a budget here. Also I need mics, and that deal seems to have at least one nice one. The portability issue is HUGE for me, because I'd really like to lay down piano tracks, and unfortunately, I don't have one in my room. Also, I'd like to be able to move this thing around with me, so that as I travel and come up with song ideas, I can put down my thoughts. One of the wonderful things about this digital recording unit is that it can be battery powered. I'm going to need something about this size and battery capability is a big plus, though not an essential.

The monitors and the headphones in that deal I don't need...
The usb capability of that unit is huge, because I want to be able to import the sound files to my computer where I can edit them. I don't need/want a system that has a hard disk or a burner included, as I already have those with my computer and don't want to spend the extra dough.

In terms of the mics, I'd like to be about at picky as my budget affords. Really, as far as I can see, the mics are the critical link in this whole process. That big condenser seems to be top notch quality, which is important. The other mic included, while not great, is probably not a piece of crap either. I don't want just a junky old sm-57 for my guitar if I can help it...

Also, another question about mics, I need whatever digital unit I have to be able to run them properly. I don't know what all is neccessary for a mic to work right, but I know that in some systems, things like pre-amps, amps, and phantom power are important. I really don't know much about any of that stuff. Basically, I need whatever digital recorder I get to be able to do whatever the mics need, as I don't want to have a bunch of separate pre-amps and the like. Again, portability is an issue, as well as cost. I'd love to splurge on a nice unit, but I don't have the cash.

I really don't want to spend more than $500 if at all possible, but I don't want crap either. I'm of the philosophy that it doesn't make sense to buy crap when you're going to need something better in the future. I'm not completely sure about the quality of the package that I've posted the link to, but it seems that it should be good enough. If any of you have any experience/opinions, please feel free to share.

Thanks in advance, guys, this is really important to me.

gregplaysguitar · Unread post by **gregplaysguitar** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 12:56 pm

Tico,

Something else to consider is the Boss BR 532. It is completly portable, has 4 basic tracks, but then each track has 8 recordable tracks, so a possibility of 32 recordable tracks. Complete effects proccessor that actually has some good sounds......there are guitar effects, vocal effects, and line level effects.....lots of good sounds. It has a guitar input, a line level input (rca) an XLR input for microphone, and a 1/4" input for mic. Then it has loop effects like reverb and all that good stuff. The best part is, it's completly portable. I know you've heard my recordings of "guitar/marimba" instrumentals, those were all done at my school with my 532. For the price your looking at spending, you could spend the same and get the 532 and a good condenser mic, which I believe is all you said you really need anyway. Look into it, I've been extremely happy with mine.....and today the Jazz Band wants me to record them, so I"m packing it up and going to school with it.

I use a BR 532 with a Shure PG-81 condenser mic and my Taylor 310. Makes for some decent studio quality recording. The only down side it that it records onto Smart Media Disks, like they use in Digital Cameras....so the most you can record is 128 megs, if you get a card that big. The unit comes with a 32 meg card. 128 meg cards will hold a three or four songs with mulitiple tracks. But typically you work on one till it's done then move on. If you have any more questions let me know and I'll respond back.

You can check it out here:

http://tinyurl.com/9tl3

late.

gregplaysguitar · Unread post by **gregplaysguitar** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 12:57 pm

Oh yeah, when you want to put them on the computer you just take out the smart media card and put it into a smart media card reader which sells for about 10 bucks at best buy. Then you use a Boss/Roland software that you can download at their site to convert to wav.

firedancer86 · Unread post by **firedancer86** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 1:24 pm

sorry...double post :wink:

firedancer86 · Unread post by **firedancer86** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 1:31 pm

Well for someone of your level of musicianship Tico, I wouldn't hold back on putting some out for a nicer setup; when I bought the system that i use (about 5 years back), it was near $700. I believe that it was money well spent in that I have recorded studio-like quality of any song i choose. Here is a rundown of what the "Boss BR-8" can do:

Virtual (by stacking) 64 track...Midi output...Guitar/Bass (or whatever you want to put in it - i.e. keyboards etc.) & Mic inputs...L&R out...L&R in...Rhythm Guide (metrognome, -limited- drum sampler > play along to any time progression you want < )...Phase Trainer (record most any song and remove - or tone down - certain tracks and slow them down > good for practicing leads/solos < )...Head Phone jack...Exp. Pedal...AC Adapter...Digital out...Track Mute...

and (I saved the best for last) also a built-in COSM Effects unit >>> It is very hard to explain just how incredible this feature is:
Picture this (ok?)...every conceivable preamp effect know to man at your finger tips (that goes for Keys, Mic. etc.)...UNLIMITED editing on an easy to comprehend LCD screen...with this, you can make a Taylor sound like a Flying V...a Les Paul sound like a Martin and so much more!!! If you want me to, I can make like a 5 minute clip of just changing sounds back and forth to give you a better idea of all that it can do...Phaser, Wah, Flange, Pitch Shifter, Tremelo, EQ, Delay, Reverb, Echo, Noise Suppresor, Compressor, Speaker Emulator, Foot Volume, Slow Attack, Chorus...all which can be edited beyond belief and combined and stacked in anyway you deam fit! An extrodinary device worth what the whole machine costs!

All of this runs by itself...but when you want to record, you need only a 100mg Zip Disk (the have a new drive out that you can install for it to take 250mg now I think)...the only draw back is that you can basically only rec. about 8 tracks full for 8 minutes or so before the disk is full, but that is all almost anyone needsfrom the Zip, you need a Zip only to install a Zip Disk drive in your computer...from here, you can change it to Wav. file or other file types etc. and do any further editing...

You would be best off checking these links and reading some technical asspects of this amazing machine..

http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/en/BR-8/
http://www.playmusicfree.com/amps_elect ... ss_br8.htm
http://www.olywa.net/blame/mwn/br8.htm

And no, I don't work for them...have fun Tico...

firedancer86 · Unread post by **firedancer86** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 2:01 pm

Sorry, one more link...try out any of these songs to see the capabilities...

http://www.bossus.com/sitelets/br8winne ... nners.html
P>S> CHECK OUT THE ZION NOIZ DEAL>>>THAT STUFF IS COOL!

gregplaysguitar · Unread post by **gregplaysguitar** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 3:22 pm

Tico,

just to let you know.....the BR 532 is actually the newer model to the BR 8. The eight has more tracks but the capabilities of both units are exactly the same. Drum machine, metrenome, tuner (on the 532, not sure if its on the 8 ) and effects. Zip disks are cheaper than Smart media cards, but the smart media card will hold more if you get a 128 meg disk, compared to the zip disk 100.

ticohans · Unread post by **ticohans** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 7:18 pm

Ok, that would explain why I can't find the BR-8 offered at musician's friend. Thanks, Greg.

Great info guys. I'll take a good look at these units.

Anyone else with suggestions?...

ticohans · Unread post by **ticohans** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 7:33 pm

I've decided that the 525 suits my needs much better as it has dedicated XLR channels, which is one of the gripes about the 8. I hope to pick up one of these things on ebay soon enough

. Assuming nothing better comes along.

It's going to be SWEET to be able to record some piano tracks. That's something I've really wanted to be able to do.

ticohans · Unread post by **ticohans** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:09 pm

Does anyone know of any sites that have mic reviews???...

Pickles · Unread post by **Pickles** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:09 pm

ticohans i dont know of any but i can help you look...

edit: crap ill have to do that tomorrow... leaving now.

Lennox · Unread post by **Lennox** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 8:37 pm

I'm interested in this subject as well. Ticohans, I can't find the 525 you are refering to. Could you help me out on this one?

I'm thinking around the $300 to $400 preferably having the ability to use zip disks or even just direct connect to my computer.

Trippin Hillbilly · Unread post by **Trippin Hillbilly** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 9:17 pm

I know i'm a bit late on this one but hey....just thought i'd add.
I don't think you can go wrong with a BR532.
I have it too, it's awesome.
The only thing that bothered me at first was the smart media card, then I got a 128mb card. This helped alot, I dont use that Boss/Roland software that Greg refered to, all I do is run it straight into my sound card and record the track while it's playing. You could use any wavestudio or recorder I guess.
Anyway, point is...good choice.

lata

ticohans · Unread post by **ticohans** » Fri Apr 18, 2003 10:53 pm

Lennox, here's a link to the Boss BR525 digital recorder. It uses smart media cards as opposed to zip disks. The older Boss BR8 uses the zip disks, but they don't have XLR inputs, and I don't want to have to bother with stupid converter thingies...

http://tinyurl.com/9tl3

Brock · Unread post by **Brock** » Sat Apr 19, 2003 12:00 am

ticohans wrote:Lennox, here's a link to the Boss BR525 digital recorder. It uses smart media cards as opposed to zip disks. The older Boss BR8 uses the zip disks, but they don't have XLR inputs, and I don't want to have to bother with stupid converter thingies...

http://tinyurl.com/9tl3

That's a 532.

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