best and simplest way to record myself?

[glocke]

I want to start recording myself playing bass..both solo and I also want to make recordings where I am playing basslines over tunes coming from my iPhone/ipod.


Whats the simplest most cost effective way to do this ?  Small mixer going into my laptop  (older MBP)?  I see all kinds of audio interfaces that cost hundreds of dollars and having owned something similar in the past that did not work so well (Apogee something or other), Im not interested in spending tons of money, but I also don't want something that is super cheap and crappy either.

[keith_h]

I use one of these as my input device:

https://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-AudioBox-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B00154KSA2
It includes version of Studio One. I've not used the newer versions but like the one I have. I have also used Audacity which is a free open source editor and recorder and works well to

[pauldo]

+1 on Audacity.

I had it a few years back on a pc and found it very easy to use.  I would use my Zoom H4 as an interface to the computer.

[elwoodblue]

I use a Focusrite Scarlett for my portable set-up; usb powered, solid metal case...and
there are options for around $100.
My DAW is Reaper(free until you decide it's worth paying for).
 

[David Houck]

I too use a Focusrite Scarlett and Reaper.  I also have Audacity, which is free and easy to use.  Reaper is $60 and a much steeper learning curve.

My Scarlett is the 6i6 as I wanted the S/PDIF capability.  If I recall correctly, the least expensive Scarlett did not have stereo headphone out; so compare specs when researching.

[glocke]

hmmm...the guy at Sam Ash was steering me towards the scarlett as well...

Does it have the ability to accept input from an audio source such as an ipod/iphone?  Like I said part of my goal is to record my bass overlaid on existing audio tracks...I know I can probably use the audio software to import an audio track and than record over that, but for a few different reasons Im trying to avoid doing that.

[David Houck]

The models that are less expensive than the 6i6 only have two inputs; so if you wanted to input a stereo track plus your instrument, that's three inputs.

Here are some comparisons of some Scarlett models at Sweetwater.

[lbpesq]

I use one of these.  Just put it in the same room and turn it on.  Surprising quality and it couldn't be easier!  O.K., call me a luddite!


Bill, tgo

[gtrguy]

Garage Band is good. It's even on my IPhone. Sonar Platinum is now bought out and being offered for free (PC), but takes time to learn (super deal considering I now have over $700 into buying it). M-Audio 610, Presonus Firestudio, etc are good and inexpensive used. I find bass can really benefit from a good preamp though, like an Alembic F2B, before going into a computer. I also have a Zoom and love it, but I import it into my DAW and tweak on it.

[hieronymous]

I've got a Zoom H2n & a Zoom H6 - I think you could benefit from the H4n, you don't need the 6 inputs of the H6. I enjoyed experimenting with recording my bass with one channel through a DI and another with a Shure Beta52 mic on my GK cab.

I think a lot depends on what you want to do with the recordings. Is it just to listen back? Or do you actually want to add bass to an already existing recording of your band for example? If it's just to listen back, then probably something like the Zoom H4n would be sufficient. It can even do multi-track, though not sure how you would get the music to the recorder, you might have to import files rather than record the song direct in - 2 of the tracks are the built in microphones, not sure if you can do line in AND the 2 XLR ins at the same time. If you got the H6 then you definitely could use 2 tracks for the music, then 1 or 2 tracks for your bass (and ignore the 2 "built-in" mic channels). I love the H6, I've recorded music with it and also my podcast (though I then dump stuff into ProTools to edit)

[cozmik_cowboy]

Hey, Wolf:  Bill's using his Zoom to establish his bona fides as a follower of General Nedd; c'mon, show us your Studer......... 


Peter

[lbpesq]

Yamaha Pocketrak PR7.  Amazing little device.

Bill, tgo

[glocke]

I use one of these.  Just put it in the same room and turn it on.  Surprising quality and it couldn't be easier!  O.K., call me a luddite!


Bill, tgo

I'm not a luddite...Im just lazy/lacking in free time and do not want to spend time dealing with a bunch of cables, figuring out software, etc..etc...

I took a look at the Zoom H4n...Looks like it is close to what I am looking for.

1/8th inch line in that will accept audio from my iPhone...that line in would record to one track on the zoom?

The only thing I don't like about that setup is that I'd have to transfer the files to a computer for playback I guess (like I said I tend to be lazy).

As for the focusrite products...I guess if i wanted to get the music on my iPhone into that unit I could just use a 1/8th inch to 1/4" adapter coming from the lightning port of my phone to one of the inputs of the scarlett?

[lbpesq]

I don't know about the Zoom H4, but on my Pocketrak I can play what I recorded through its own tiny speaker.  Not the greatest quality, but I can hear what's going on.  In the car, (where I do a lot of listening to rehearsals), I use the headphone jack to plug in one of those fake cassettes with a wire, and run the sound through the cassette player.  (I said I was a Luddite!)  I also use this system to listen to podcasts I download onto the Pocketrak (Car Talk, and Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me).   In my studio, I plug the headphone out directly into the PA for playback.   And, of course, I can download everything onto my computer.   Quite versatile and as simple as it gets.

Bill, tgo

[hieronymous]

I'm not a luddite...Im just lazy/lacking in free time and do not want to spend time dealing with a bunch of cables, figuring out software, etc..etc...

I took a look at the Zoom H4n...Looks like it is close to what I am looking for.

1/8th inch line in that will accept audio from my iPhone...that line in would record to one track on the zoom?

The only thing I don't like about that setup is that I'd have to transfer the files to a computer for playback I guess (like I said I tend to be lazy).

As for the focusrite products...I guess if i wanted to get the music on my iPhone into that unit I could just use a 1/8th inch to 1/4" adapter coming from the lightning port of my phone to one of the inputs of the scarlett?

I'm sorry I didn't get back to this sooner - you might want to check if you can actually use the line in simultaneously with the XLR inputs. In fact, looking at the manual, I don't think there is a line-in, though I thought I saw one - I think it might only be the headphone/line-out jack.

You could, though, record a song into it (in real time) and then afterwards go back and play over it. If this is what you were planning on doing, then I think that is doable - you'll just need an adaptor to go from your mini-headphone jack (1/8"?) on the iPhone/CD player/etc. to two quarter inch plugs. I've recorded like that into mine and there shouldn't be a problem.

But if you wanted to play along as everything was recording, then unless you use the built-in mics to record your amp, then I don't think you can do it.


Also remember that recording the songs into the unit in real time is relatively time-consuming. You'll have to keep an eye on the unit so that you stop it at the end of the song so you don't have a huge file with empty space at the end.

Re: listening back: it does have a mono speaker that you can listen on, or you can listen on headphones (or plug it into a speaker system). You can just leave the files on the H4n and play them from there - I do that with stuff I record at rehearsal - listen to the tracks and only import what I want to into my computer.

I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me if you want to talk about it, or ask here is fine too. By the way, the manual is here:

https://www.zoom-na.com/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/Zoom_H4nPro_English.pdf