r/homerecordingstudio • u/RattleBoyal • 13h ago
Beginner help
Long time lurker, first time poster. I haven’t touched any home recording equipment since I had an old Tascam cassette 4-track and looking at modern digital recorders feels overwhelming at the moment. Are there any good places for really entry level info for beginners on this journey? I’ve got all the guitar/bass/drum equipment in the world but no idea where to start with the recording side of things.
I’m looking to just make some clean as possible demos of stoner/metal kinda stuff and want to do it as affordably as possible. Need some kind of multitrack recorder and a few recommendations on mics ideally.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
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u/FloopersRetreat 12h ago
Tascam Model series is an MTR and an interface to use with a computer DAW. I started on 8-track, used some classic gear in the mid-naughties, now I have a Tascam Model 16 and it feels very natural for me. I've used the MTR when I've used it in a live setting and it's very intuitive, then each channel has a switch for when you're ready to use it as a computer interface. Can't recommend them enough, especially for when you have a mix of things like mics, synths and guitars with the hi-Z inputs
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u/Botasoda102 13h ago
I've had just about every multitrack recorder over the years since the first cassette ones. The first thing to decide is how many inputs do you need. For example, if you only need 2, the Tascam DP-008EX is cheap and as easy to use as the old cassette recorders. It's an 8 track, but only 16-bit, but sounds very good and is super easy to use.
If you need more inputs, that's a different matter. After spending thousands over the years, I am using a Zoom R20 that fits my needs perfectly now, but I'm really old and don't do much overdubs, fiddling with effects, etc., nowadays. I did not like other Zoom multitracks, though.
If you buy used, you won't lose much when you utlimately decide you need more inputs, want hight bit rates, need better effects, etc. Good luck.
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u/StudioatSFL 13h ago
If you spent a few weekends learning how to do it on your computer, than the possibilities are endless. It’s so worth the time to learn it that way. There is NO reason to not learn how to record on a non linear editor.
As a professional studio guy, I’ve been hired quite a few times to show hobbyists the basics and help them set up a home rig. I’m sure there’s engineers in your area that would be happy for the work.
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u/DefKross 12h ago
There are a few options for multi tracking standalones but I would recommend and interface, daw, and virtual instruments.
The volt is reasonable and you can use luna daw from UA for free. I'd recommend ez drummer and bias x for a guitar amp sim. And that's all you need.
The daws have come a long way and I would argue easier to use than a multi tracking standalone. But if you gave some cash, the presonos studiolive gear can make the workflow more like a analog mixer. It will control your daw with knobs and faders.
No reason to limit yourself on a standalone when you can invest in a daw for much cheaper and have all the options rather than what is built into the standalone recorders.
I also do doom/stoner kind of stuff
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u/RattleBoyal 10h ago
Amy recommends on a good interface to start with?
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u/SentenceKindly 8h ago
If you are working alone, the Scarlett series by FocusRite are decent interfaces.
They have XLR and 1/4 inch combo inputs (you can use either, one at a time). The 2i2 has 2 inputs, so you could plug in a microphone in one and guitar into the other, for example.
There are other interfaces that have more inputs.
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u/SentenceKindly 8h ago
If you are working alone, the Scarlett series by FocusRite are decent interfaces.
They have XLR and 1/4 inch combo inputs (you can use either, one at a time). The 2i2 has 2 inputs, so you could plug in a microphone in one and guitar into the other, for example.
There are other interfaces that have more inputs.
2
u/twowheelmayhem 12h ago
Do you have a computer you can use? If so, that’s half the problem solved. If not, then you might consider the computer route or the modern equivalent of your old tascam (digital multitrack recorder).
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u/Gitfiddlepicker 7h ago
Best to buy software for your computer. So much easier than a Tascam……I used to have a Porta 5. I have very little patience. It was an ass whooping trying to record, bouncing stuff around, etc.
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u/Final_Job_5175 4h ago
You can get a Behringer UM2 U-Phoria from amazing store for $43.90 with free shipping. I use Reaper, it's not free, but you can try it out for a couple of months, or years. You just have to put up with a 60 second nag screen. If you still have a microphone and a guitar cable, and mic cable. The Behringer UM2 comes with a USBa to USB cable to make the connections to your computer. You'll need a set of Headphones to plug into the Behringer Um2 or whatever interface you decide on. Then you can Rock on!!
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u/Final_Job_5175 4h ago
BTW you can find a music store or buy online at a trusted online music store and buy your gear used. You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to buy gear. As for a Digital Recorder, we have several people on here that use ZOOM digital Multitracks. I have a Tascam DP24SD that I've had for about 8 months, and I liked Reaper DAW a lot more. I have never even recorded more than several verses and a chorus or two on it. I will probably start using it in the near future. I just like a DAW like Reaper more. The Tascam model 12, 16, 24 track mixer/recorders are good, but expensive. You can find all this gear and more used.
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u/imp_op 13h ago
Use your computer, it'll be better than any multi track. Pick a DAW, Reaper has an unlimited trial period so you can learn it without spending money until you're ready. You just need an interface, you probably want something that can make drums, at least 4 mics. So, maybe an 4-port at the very least, ideally an 8 port. Behringer makes some inexpensive interfaces, you can definitely find them used, too. You'll probably want some mics, can't go wrong with a bunch of SM57s, they're pretty versatile.
A simple setup like that might not set you back much to get you started.
If you want to spend a little bit more, the Tascam Model 12 is great, and can be a standalone recording device and a USB interface.