recording?

[cellio]

Dear LazyWeb,

What is the conventional wisdom these days for casual, computer-assisted accoustic recording? If I want to record myself singing against some computer-generated (or at least -rendered) tracks (MIDI, maybe), and I'm looking for basic demo quality, not studio quality, what should I be using (software and hardware)? I have a PC (XP) and an iBook (X.4) available; both have unremarkable sound cards. I have no mic or headphones; I assume I need the latter to avoid feedback from speakers. I assume the headphones don't much matter if they get sound to my ears and the mic matters somewhat. What should I be buying (hardware) and. ideally, downloading (software)?

Comments

Recording Software and Hardware

[rob-of-unspace.livejournal.com]

1. I prefer Sonar, but it's an expensive program and really requires a very good computer to run the current edition. Cakewalk has a simpler program with a similar interface that you can get at Best Buy for about $70. The different effects for guitar and other instruments are amazing. I've got a plug-in for Sonar that makes the MIDI flute sound human.

2. You're right, you need headphones. You can play a track, listening with the headphones, while you play or sing with it.

3. A small 2 to 3 octave keyboard is best for entering MIDI music. You'll still have to edit, but the options (like "make everything eighth notes") helps.

4. You probably don't want to use a computer mic. At the Guitar Center they will sell you something that connects to the computer by USB and takes either quarter inch or RCA plugs from a decent microphone. I could loan you one of my mics if you wanted.

5. Cathasaigh is a friend of mine who has made 2.5 albums using home recording technology. She is in the process of getting a baby bottle mic for recording. Her web site is www.cathasaigh.com . You might be able to ask her -- she knows far more than I do.
Rob