I've read the recording threads, but....

[IronMike778]

Ok..not new to the guitar by any stretch, but new to the idea of recording myself. I've read the other threads about recording, but I'm a bit confused. Exactly what would I need to record myself onto my computer and into mp3 format. Here's what I'm guessing from what I've read....bear with me:

1. Software with some kind of interface that looks like a mixing board;
2. A microphone (obviously);
3. Plug the microphone into the mic jack on the back of my computer;
4. Once I've recorded myself I can then convert it to mp3.

Is this correct? If so, it seems people are mentioning the Cool Edit Pro software and I can download this for free from the web. Am I forgetting anything?

Sorry for the somewhat repetitive thread, but I just want to make sure I've got it right. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Mike

[Brock]

All right, let me take a stab at summarizing all of this for ya...

Things you will need for a beginner's setup:
1) A relatively inexpensive microphone along with a cable or an adapter with a 1/8" plug so it will go into the mic jack of your sound card.
2) Recording software such as Cool Edit Pro, as you have mentioned, ProTools FREE (http://www.digidesign.com/), and others. This does not necessarily have to look like a "mixing board" - in fact they will display the waveforms (kinda squiggly lines that get bigger with volume) of your recording. Most of these packages deal with files in .wav format. Therefore, you will need #3...
3) WAV --> MP3 converter - I use dBpowerAMP Music Converter (http://www.dbpoweramp.com/).

Keep in mind, this is for a "beginner's" setup - quality won't be too hot, but it'll work. If you want something more advanced (albeit more expensive) than this, just ask.

[IronMike778]

Thanks Trippin' for the response......that doesn't seem like such a big deal. When you say inexpensive microphone, what do you mean? I'm certainly willing to spend $75-$100 on a good microphone if it will make a noticeable difference.
Other than that, what else are some of you on these boards doing differently....plugging into a mixer rather than your computer?

[ticohans]

iron, if you're willing to get a 75-100 mic, you're in very good shape for just screwing around. really, that should be all that you need.

[IronMike778]

iron, if you're willing to get a 75-100 mic, you're in very good shape for just screwing around. really, that should be all that you need.

Thanks Tico........I assume Guitar Center must have some good options, I'll check them out.

[gravedigger]

iron, if you're willing to get a 75-100 mic, you're in very good shape for just screwing around. really, that should be all that you need.

Thanks Tico........I assume Guitar Center must have some good options, I'll check them out.

I've been using a an $11 mic to record my songs on here. The Cool Edit Pro must be a fuckin' great program because the sound quality isn't too bad. but sometime in the future I'll invest in some better equipment - mics and such.

[Brock]

Other than that, what else are some of you on these boards doing differently....plugging into a mixer rather than your computer?

Oh, there's so much more you can do with enough money
Examples: mbox, stereo microphoning your guitar with $600 microphones ...

I've been using a an $11 mic to record my songs on here. The Cool Edit Pro must be a fuckin' great program because the sound quality isn't too bad. but sometime in the future I'll invest in some better equipment - mics and such.

It's probably a strange combination of that mic being pretty good for the money, having a relatively good sound card, and having a computer that can keep up with the signal transfer.

The old chain adage applies here - it's only as strong (good) as your weakest link (piece of equipment)... Cool Edit really can't do anything if the signal it's getting is crap.

[gravedigger]

It's probably a strange combination of that mic being pretty good for the money, having a relatively good sound card, and having a computer that can keep up with the signal transfer.

The old chain adage applies here - it's only as strong (good) as your weakest link (piece of equipment)... Cool Edit really can't do anything if the signal it's getting is crap.

aha, good points. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to electronic equipment and such, as you'll probably noticed I avoid posting in the equipment related threads.