Home Recording, Warm-Up's, Tone Targeting

[DuskY1991]

I would like to recommend the Oktava condenser mics, the CAD M179 and Cockos REAPER for a DAW.

[veers0r]

Applying 'you get what you pay for' to opensource software doesn't work. ;) That doesn't make audacity good though, it's horrible.

[UltimateNeoHunter]

I've been looking into getting a mixer, and a better DAW, but It's most likely going to be some time before I can get them. Thank you for the suggestions.

Also, there is an XLR version of the Lightsnake cable, but I don't yet use mine enough to make getting it worthwhile.

And one small error, I actually live in the city of California in the state of Maryland. Not the state of California.

-Duncan

[macaroon331]

@UltimateNeoHunter Hi Duncan, from what I can tell, the lighsnake cables don't contain proper preamps. Any microphone needs a preamp as mic signals are actually very weak. Most mixing desks or audio interfaces have mic preamps built in, (tho in pro studios they often use expensive separate mic-pres). Propably the cheapest way to fix your problem would be to buy a small audio interface, (google for M-Audio Fast Track). Then your existing setup of SM57 and Audacity will work much better.

[macaroon331]

@UltimateNeoHunter ... though as Andrew points out, alternative mics and a better DAW might not be a bad idea in the long run. Personally I don't think a mixer is required these days, but that assumes you have enough inputs on your audio interface. Also, SM57s are still used extensively in pro studios for miking guitar cabs, though often in conjunction with other mics.

[Saculus]

SM57 - Will work on bass but a condenser will give you brighter sound. Reaper @ reaper.fm is the best DAW for the money $40 with a free non-limited demo.

[sIash90]

Hi Andrew! Love your blog! always very helpful. Regarding recording softwares, what do you think about Reaper?

[jkshoujk]

Maneli Jamal uses Cubase, he's an amazing acoustic soloist, similar to Andy McKee and Don Ross. He has videos posted if anyone's interested, he's got a beautiful sound.

[humbecker]

another great one from andrew