Recording equipment help.

Hey guys, I am looking at buying some recording equipment in the next few months. I don't really know what I need..... I want to record electric guitar, and acoustic guitar. And maybe vocals, and bass down the road. I also want the ability to mic my amp, or just run my guitar strait into my computer, and get good quality sound both ways. My budget for the time being is $200-500 (depending on a few things), but I will be able to put more into it later. I want equipment I won't need to replace any time soon. I want to record stuff I write, and if it comes down to it, record well enough to send it in, in hopes of getting it published. So I basically want demo quality sound.

I have been planning on buying a usb or firewire audio interface, a mic, and a studio headset. Is this the best option? What more do I need?


My current relevant gear are several electric guitars, an acoustic guitar, a 4x12 cab with a solid state 100 watt head, and a mac with garageband.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I use a multitrack recorder that has most of the qualities you mentioned. It's called the Zoom HD16. I found it used online for 400 dollars a while back. Cool thing is that it comes with a built in drum machine. The problem is that it's not really professional sounding. It's nice for giving a basic idea but nothing that will impress. Heres a link to a couple recent songs I recorded with it https://thecmr.forumotion.com/t905-two-original-instrumental-songs

If you want to record with a multitrack recorder, that is great. But, you could also buy Reaper for $60 for your computer and get an interface to control the program pretty inexpensively from Musician's Friend.

Here is a small studio bundle for the beginner using Cubase for only $136.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/tascam-trackpack-x2-bundle-with-us-122mki/584554007000005?condition=used#used

If you want something that's gonna be great and last a long time, it's gonna cost ya.

Get Logic or ProTools for your Mac, as a recording interface. Get a good microphone (can't suggest any).

This device should be useful for a lot (alldatndensum, if I remember correctly, has one of these): http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastTrkUSB2/

As well, get yourself headphones with a long wire; I hear Sony makes really good ones.

I was planing on getting this.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/732785/Focusrite_SAFFIRE_PRO_14_Saffire_PRO_14.html

And either a sure SM57, or a cheap condenser mic. And a good pair of headphones. I will get a M-audio keyboard soon.

If you want to run your guitar straight into the computer, you need a direct box (passive direct boxes are inexpensive and work great). Peavey's ReValver program is phenomenal when it comes to guitar tones. You can find sound comparisons on YouTube. Plus I used some of it in the Syringe recordings (see link below)