Home Recording Equipment Around $500?

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I need some recording gear...I need everything basically.. . I'm somewhat familiar with Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro. Problem with that software is the inability to change tempo mid song(also can't change tempo without changin pitch as well,..is there free software out there that can accomplish this?)...I was thinking about M-Audio or a Toneport, what do you think?.... Anyways, All I have at the moment is a SM57....Can anyone share thoughts on a recording setup close to $500? Thanks

[EdgeOfDarkness]

I just put this on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230159048289&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013

I upgraded my Pro Tools rig, So I no longer need it.

[Bopper]

I'm somewhat familiar with Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro. Problem with that software is the inability to change tempo mid song(also can't change tempo without changin pitch as well,..is there free software out there that can accomplish this?).

 

 

This sounds weird to me. I'm mostly familiar with SONAR, but I can't imagine you can't change a tempo mid song. And Smart/Acidized Loops should help you change tempo without changing the pitch of the loops.

 

Exactly what are you trying to do? Are you using loops for your backing? Sounds to me like you might be able to save some money or spend your $500 on something other than software.

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I just put this on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230159048289&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013 I upgraded my Pro Tools rig, So I no longer need it.

Hmm..I'll have to check the system requirements, Do ya know by chance? I'd like to use an alternate PC using Windows 2000, but I also have a laptop with XP.....How much you lookin to get for it?

[EdgeOfDarkness]

Hmm..I'll have to check the system requirements, Do ya know by chance? I'd like to use an alternate PC using Windows 2000, but I also have a laptop with XP. ....How much you lookin to get for it?

I have no idea what it will go for.
I imagine under $300 though.
box says
System requirements
USB port (Hubs are not supported)
CD-Rom to install the software
to use with windows:
XP based computer with service pack 1 or 2
Minimum of 384 MB of ram.

from the digidesign site.
http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=100&navid=54&itemid=23006

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?langid=100&navid=134&itemid=2620

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This sounds weird to me. I'm mostly familiar with SONAR, but I can't imagine you can't change a tempo mid song. And Smart/Acidized Loops should help you change tempo without changing the pitch of the loops. Exactly what are you trying to do? Are you using loops for your backing? Sounds to me like you might be able to save some money or spend your $500 on something other than software.

Yeah I thought so too...I use smart loops drum loops,idk, it's an older version of Guitar Tracks...I can't figure out how to do it without; Creating a new track with different tempo, then import it to the other track and then the splices are off. The changing of tempo also affects the pitch....

I need more than software,...also need a mobile type interface.

[upinflames]

What are you trying to do? Just record guitar? I would try to find a used Digidesign mBox 2 ($225) and you'll get great software with useful plug ins and decent preamps. If you are just recording guitar tracks a SM57 is all you need. If you want to use some vocals try the Studio Projects C1. It's a large diaphragm condensor that runs around $140 used and come with a nice carrying case and shockmount. Sounds good on acoustic guitar and you can use it with your SM57 like 1-3 feet back from your amp and blend it on electric guitar.

[EdgeOfDarkness]

+1, but get the "Factory" bundle ,comes with more plug-ins..etc
some of those plug-ins cost around $350 by themselves if you do not get the factory bundle.

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What are you trying to do? Just record guitar? I would try to find a used Digidesign mBox 2 ($225) and you'll get great software with useful plug ins and decent preamps. If you are just recording guitar tracks a SM57 is all you need. If you want to use some vocals try the Studio Projects C1. It's a large diaphragm condensor that runs around $140 used and come with a nice carrying case and shockmount. Sounds good on acoustic guitar and you can use it with your SM57 like 1-3 feet back from your amp and blend it on electric guitar.

All instruments, but guitar, bass, keys , and vocals mainly...Thanks for the mic advice too.

[upinflames]

All instruments, but guitar, bass, keys , and vocals mainly...Thanks for the mic advice too.

Hmm, with only $500 to spend that's tough. I would get the Presonus Firepod. It's a firewire interface, but for $399 you get 8!!! microphone preamps. There really isn't anything else that is going to give you that much versatility for the price. Here's a link to some recording that were done exclusively on the FirePod without any outboard preamps.

http://www.datawaslost.net/disco/043/

If you are looking for some microphones, here is what I would recommend:

Vocals: Studio Projects C1 or Shure SM7B/EV RE20: I think the C1 is probably these best budget condenser out there. Sometimes I like to use a SM7B or RE20 on loud vocals (screaming) because they can handle the volume, but those mics will run around $275-$300 used. The C1 is only $125-$150.

Drum overheads: Pair of MXL 991. No joke, these things sound way better than their price tag. A pair will run you $100, and it will sound as good if not better than microphones 5x that amount. Don't buy the kit with the 990 unless you need a fancy paper weight.

Snare drum: SM57. You have, so that takes care of that.

Kick drum: Shure Beta52/AKG D112/AKG ATM25: These are all pretty similar, so I'd say whichever you can get cheapest is your best bet. These also work on bass cabinets.

For a little over $200 you'll every a microphone collection that

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Hmm, with only $500 to spend that's tough. I would get the Presonus Firepod. It's a firewire interface, but for $399 you get 8!!! microphone preamps. There really isn't anything else that is going to give you that much versatility for the price. Here's a link to some recording that were done exclusively on the FirePod without any outboard preamps. http://www.datawaslost.net/disco/043/ If you are looking for some microphones, here is what I would recommend: Vocals: Studio Projects C1 or Shure SM7B/EV RE20: I think the C1 is probably these best budget condenser out there. Sometimes I like to use a SM7B or RE20 on loud vocals (screaming) because they can handle the volume, but those mics will run around $275-$300 used. The C1 is only $125-$150. Drum overheads: Pair of MXL 991. No joke, these things sound way better than their price tag. A pair will run you $100, and it will sound as good if not better than microphones 5x that amount. Don't buy the kit with the 990 unless you need a fancy paper weight. Snare drum: SM57. You have, so that takes care of that. Kick drum: Shure Beta52/AKG D112/AKG ATM25: These are all pretty similar, so I'd say whichever you can get cheapest is your best bet. These also work on bass cabinets. For a little over $200 you'll every a microphone collection that

Thanks man ...Very helpful info.

[Polaris20]

Tracktion 3 studio pak - $99

 

http://www.audiomidi.com/Tracktion-3---Project-Pack-P9005.aspx

 

Line 6 UX2 -- $199

 

http://www.audiomidi.com/Toneport-UX2-P7078.aspx

 

Studio Projects B1 -- $119

 

http://www.audiomidi.com/B1-Cardioid-Microphone-P8749.aspx

 

Shure SM57 -- $99

 

http://www.audiomidi.com/SM57-LC-P5145.aspx

 

Total $516. Pretty much what I use (though I haven't upgraded to T3 yet, still on T2). Very, very easy to use program with great results.

[mparsons]

Do you have Firewire? If so, I recommend the Presonus Firepod. I got mine for $350 new/shipped. It comes with Cubase LE.

 

Reaper is a good free recording software too.

 

That leaves you with $150...

 

The SM57 is really versatile, you can use it on just about anything. I've used it on vocals, guitars, bass drum, snare drum, toms, drum overheads... pretty much everything.

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Tracktion 3 studio pak - $99 http://www.audiomidi.com/Tracktion-3---Project-Pack-P9005.aspx Line 6 UX2 -- $199 http://www.audiomidi.com/Toneport-UX2-P7078.aspx Studio Projects B1 -- $119 http://www.audiomidi.com/B1-Cardioid-Microphone-P8749.aspx Total $416. Pretty much what I use (though I haven't upgraded to T3 yet, still on T2). Very, very easy to use program with great results.

Whoa...That definitely has the features i'm lookin for, i like some Line 6 stuff for recording as well....Damn so many options.

[The Cerastine Order]

 

Do you have Firewire? If so, I recommend the Presonus Firepod. I got mine for $350 new/shipped. It comes with Cubase LE. Reaper is a good free recording software too. That leaves you with $150... The SM57 is really versatile, you can use it on just about anything. I've used it on vocals, guitars, bass drum, snare drum, toms, drum overheads... pretty much everything.

 

 

I don't recommend the Firepod if you're looking just to write some tunes on your own. I own one, and I am going to upgrade soon, not that its a bad unit but my work only requires two channels at most so having 8 is a bit redundant. I would go with the bundles that give you a DAW and lotsa useful plugs, be it a protools setup or native. Just a more efficient use of $$$.