Live Home Recording

[Red Dragon]

My daughter has posted a couple of cover versions on youtube which I think are brilliant, but it is clear to me that she needs some help getting her recording to sound as good as it could. She is using her laptop to record her vocals and keyboard playing in a live setting at home.

Can anyone please suggest a good software programme or download that would make this process easier and clearer. She may also benefit from a better microphone, so without breaking the bank, can anyone suggest one that may be more suited to this purpose?

I'm sure there are a few budding home recording artists on here, so any constructive suggestions would be very helpful...thanks

 

[DandyCobalt]

GarageBand via Apple. Very easy.

How to make it sound as good as possible?

Experience and experimentation...and what you're starting with in terms of talent and instruments.

Talent is the most important.

For microphone - depends on budget and how she wants to sound - different artists use different mics for a reason (and male/female vocals can be very sensitive to the microphone type)- not always budget related. Shure SM58 is a good place to start for vocals.

 

[Anonymous]

It could be usefull visiting your nearest pro-Audio shops to try out some mikes, GarageBand as above is the place to start if on a Mac.
Nick

 

[Red Dragon]

Thanks Guys, but what are the options for Windows ? We aren't a Mac family !! lol. I think you're right too that a visit to a local music shop may be in order, just not sure what's available in Inverness ??!!

 

[Anonymous]

Getting different software wont really help the sound. To get better sound the best thing to do would be to get a usb audio interface . This will bypass the laptops (usually terrible and noisy) soundcard. Something along the lines of m-audio fastrack pro or Alesis io2. The maudio comes with pro tools software and the alesis with cubase. They are lite versions but will do the job nicely and wont break the bank I use the Alesis butmy mate got the m audio which is only 60 quid and it is brilliant.

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/52932-avid-recording-studio-m-audio-interface-and-protools-essentials.html

Try the same mic shes been using and see how you go.

For cheap mics I would look into audio technica. I have used the cheap XM1 which will have been replaced by now. It was only £35. A shure sm58 is a good step up from here.

If youve got a mic stand it is well worth getting a pop shield to reduce sibilance. This gives a far clearer recording. ou can make them from a wire coathangher and a pair of tights and that does the job fine.

If you have any other questions Id be happy to help.

 

[Red Dragon]

Getting different software wont really help the sound. To get better sound the best thing to do would be to get a usb audio interface . This will bypass the laptops (usually terrible and noisy) soundcard. Something along the lines of m-audio fastrack pro or Alesis io2. The maudio comes with pro tools software and the alesis with cubase. They are lite versions but will do the job nicely and wont break the bank I use the Alesis butmy mate got the m audio which is only 60 quid and it is brilliant.

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/52932-avid-recording-studio-m-audio-interface-and-protools-essentials.html

Try the same mic shes been using and see how you go.

For cheap mics I would look into audio technica. I have used the cheap XM1 which will have been replaced by now. It was only £35. A shure sm58 is a good step up from here.

If youve got a mic stand it is well worth getting a pop shield to reduce sibilance. This gives a far clearer recording. ou can make them from a wire coathangher and a pair of tights and that does the job fine.

If you have any other questions Id be happy to help.

Thanks a million for that, it's a great help and I will forward all this to her (she lives with her Mum in Scotland) and very much appreciate this being your first post to help me out...and welcome !!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Your welcome. I should also have said that you can use any of thos audio interface with any software you like. They just happen to come with free stuff. The Maudio one also came with lots of free loops you can use. Evrything from drums , bass , piano to slide guitars. Great for when your starting out.