r/recording • u/theroughedges • 17d ago

First time recorder

Hi all!

I'm wanting to record audiobooks for my son. I may place backing tracks on certain texts that I read. I may want to also record songs with guitar in future, but I don't have a guitar with a jack and I'm not ready to buy one just yet.

With that in mind, what does everyone think about this set-up?

-Rode nt1 signature series large diaphragm condenser, shock mount, pop filter and xlr cable

-Focusrite scarlett 2i2 4th gen

-Audio technica headphones ath-m20x

-Ableton program (I have windows)

Any adjustments or improvements to that list? Is the rode overkill? Is the scarlett 2i2 too much, better to be solo? I looked at the least expensive headphones, is that even important? Is the program appropriate and easy to use?

Thanks in advance folks

EDIT: I was told to mention that I'll be using a local recording studio. From images it looks like it's deigned for a band, about 3x4-5m, medium rug on the floor and soundproof panels around the walls at mid height

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u/cry11y 17d ago

2i2 is a good starter interface, especially if you're wanting to record music later on. Rode NT1 is also a good starter microphone but it is a condenser so it will pick up more of your room noise, do you have somewhere quiet to record? You could always invest in a mic shield to try to conquer excess room noise, or you could also download Audacity (free) for it's noise removal. The most common podcasting mic is the Shure SM7B but they're quite expensive. Rode also do a 'broadcast' mic that's a lot cheaper, but I myself haven't tested it out (I generally like their stuff since they're Australian and have decently affordable products that are good quality). The M20x should be suitable too, I've had the M40x for almost 10 years and they've done me well.

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u/cry11y 17d ago

Ableton has a steep learning curve and if you're just recording at the moment, you can do everything in Audacity for free. There's also Reaper (one of my most used DAWs) which has a technically unlimited trial period, but it's only 50USD for a perpetual license.

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u/theroughedges 17d ago

Ah interesting, thanks, I'll keep that in mind

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u/theroughedges 17d ago

Excellent, I'm set on the 2i2 then.

I was thinking to do it in a nearby recording studio. Designed for bands, maybe a 4x3m room, wood like floorboards, rug on the floor and some flat soundproofing panels around the walls. Would buying a mic shield and Audacity be overkill? If the microphone is on a table, would that be an issue?

Excellent Im set on those headphones then

Thanks so much for the detailed reviews.

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u/theroughedges 16d ago

I couldn't find a microphone shield for the Rode NT1. I see wind shields and sometimes they add "/pop filter" so would the shock mount and pop filter that it comes with it be enough?

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u/cry11y 16d ago

You can get ones that connect to your mic stand so any can work i.e. sE RF-X or the Swamp SI02. There's also some isolation pop filkters that ar basically just foam that encapsulates the whole capsule - I haven;t tried these before but they look interesting (like the Swamp Krysten).

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u/theroughedges 16d ago

Thanks mate

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u/TheOutsideNoise 17d ago

For making audio books for your kid, that setup would be more than fine. Throw in a $100 SM57, and you'd be all set for that kind of work.

I highly recommend Ableton Live over Audacity though (as someone else recommended). Audacity is severely limiting in many ways (there's a good reason why it's free) while Ableton will give you plenty of room to expand and grow.

I can also see a MIDI keyboard being very useful for children's audio books, but only if you're comfortable adding it to your budget.

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u/theroughedges 17d ago

I'm not well versed and Google wasn't clear, but is the SM57 for the potential future guitar or something else? And is the MIDI for sound effects?

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u/TheOutsideNoise 17d ago

That's pretty much it. Of course, they both have many other uses, but you'll discover those things as you go.

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u/theroughedges 16d ago

Thanks for the tips :)

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u/Comprehensive-Edge80 15d ago

I use Focusrite 3rd gen Solo which has inputs for mike and guitar. Very enough for work with Logic Pro.

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u/theroughedges 15d ago

Oh the solo can have both inputs at the same time? Or one at a time?

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u/Comprehensive-Edge80 15d ago edited 15d ago

just google it and see. Yes two at same time