O.K.....I'll admit it. I am not a computer head, nor do I understand anything about electronics.

So, help me understand.

I just want to be able to record some MP3's and send them as e-mail attachments.

I don't want to have to go out and spend a fortune on stuff.

What would I need to have to do this?

And, could you tell me what software programs that I may have on my computer that might assist me?

Pardon the ignnorance. You never learn unless you ask, however.

Be gentle.

Lefty,

It depends on your version of what a fortune is. Do you have a reasonably good mike? If so, then I suggest a really easy interface to record and create MP3's called Guitar Tracks. It is about $50.00 and gives you a full featured digital sound desk and will let you create any format. It has some on board effects (reverbs and chorus) to help edit your mix and is really user friendly.

The mike plugs into your sound card. You will need an adapter; the type will depend on the mic's connector. Take the mike and cable to Radio Shack and they will hook you up.

HTH

Joe

"There are 10 types of people in the world, those that understand binary and those that don't."

[This message was edited by Joe on October 21, 2003 at 08:14 PM.]

I looked on Elderely's website, and they have 2 different versions: (description was cut and pasted)

1. CAKEWALK GUITAR TRACKS PRO - The ultimate "plug n' play!" Get the best of both worlds - a familiar multitrack "portable studio" interface, with all the benefits of PC-based, digital recording and editing. With a 32-track digital recorder, guitar amp simulator, high-quality effects, a software-based drum loop generator, chromatic-tuner, and a complete drum loop library. Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio. MP3 ready. For Windows. (98/98 SE/ME/2000/XP - 300MHz processor. 64 MB RAM, 100 MB free hard disk space. NOT compatible with 95/NT)
526-CDR21.....list $139.00.....our price $94.00

2. CAKEWALK GUITAR TRACKS, VERSION 2 : The eight-track digital mixer and recorder for guitar players on the PC. Works with any guitar or microphone. Record, edit and mix eight tracks of digital audio - archive up to 256 tracks. Includes real-time EQ, chorus, reverb, echo/delay, flange, and vintage amp simulation; built-in chromatic tuner, Drag-and-Drop Drummer to create drum tracks quickly. Mix down to stereo wave files for CDs, tapes, and the internet. MP3 ready. Includes SlowBlast to learn guitar parts from any audio CD: loop and slow down music without changing pitch. Includes cable adapter for plugging electric guitar into sound card. Acoustic guitar requres mic or pick-up. For Windows. (95 OSR2/98. Pentium 200 MHz, 32 MB RAM)
526-CDR9.....list $69.00.....our price $47.00

I have Windows 2000 Professional. Does that mean I can't use the Version 2?

What what a mic for my purposes run, and what would you recommend?

Your tips are very helpful.

Thanks.

Based on the descriptions you can't use the cheaper version on Win2K. You sure don't want to be running 95 or 98 anyway, so you might have to pop for the higher priced package. When you consider that a good mic and preamp cost as much as a guitar, this is not too much money. Make sure you have as decent sound card with audio inputs.

Hi Lefty,

To the best of my recollection either will work in Win2K, but check with Cakewalk. Call their pre-sales support and ask, they are really helpful. No need to spend the money on the higher package if you are just starting. I think they have an upgrade path if you decide later that 8 tracks aren't enough, or that you want some of the other advanced features.

I would suggest a Shure SM 57 if you are recording just guitar. You can also "go direct" if your guitar has a pickup, but it won't be the best sound without a lot of tweaking. You are better of with a mic for a decent entry level system. If you want to do vocals as well then you might consider an SM 58, which is a stronger vocal mic, but not quite as good an instrument mic. Depends on your needs. Many many people record using a 57 for both instruments and vocals. The 57 is the most widely used mic in the world. It will run you somewhere between $80 and $100. You need a cable and a stand as well - another $30 or so if you shop carefully. A boom stand is a must.

The sound card is important, but most have either line or mic level inputs now. If you want to invest a little bit of money, something like a Creative Labs Audigy 2 will be a major benefit. You can probably find one for well under $100.00 at this point, they have been out for a while. You get a lot of other benefits from this sound card upgrade - enhanced playback being an obvious one. This sound card has a 1/4 inch jack ("guitar plug") that can accept a mic cable (be sure you specify a 1/4" mic cable, and not a balanced XLR cable, which would be standard.)


This can quickly become a money pit, so feel free to ask as many questions as possible. It can easily be done for short money though. A used mic is just as good as a new one - check EBay or the local classifieds. Same for the sound card.

It is fun to help - I have received a pile of great advice from other guys on this board, so I don't mind paying a little back at all.

Good luck! Hope you enjoy it. Once you get over the hump of figuring it all out it really is a great resource.

Joe

"There are 10 types of people in the world, those that understand binary and those that don't."

Wow, this is really good advice.

I don't want to spend allot on this since it will be new to me, and I might not like all the hassle that goes with it. If I lay a chunk down for all the greatestest and latest, it could get used once or twice, or it could be to advanced and kill the fun. So, I think I will call Cakewalk and just ask them if I can use the cheaper version. I also noticed allot of these on eBay.

I think I will just try and use my Fishman Rare Earth Blend (soundhole pick up plus mic) and see how that works.

So, let me get this straight. Once I buy the Cakewalk, I can buy the proper soundcard at Radio Shack?

I'll keep you posted.

Most sound cards these days have an audio input. If you have a soundblaster type card, you probaby already have what you need.

And Radio Shack wouldn't be my first choice for a sound card - try CompUSA or equivalent. Radio Shack is good for connectors etc. Rockerbob is right though - your sound card likely already has what you need and you just need an adapter. A sound card will have a stereo mini phone input jack. You need to go from the output of your pickup with I assume a standard guitar cable into an adapter and then into the sound card. The adaper is common and Radio Shack is your best bet there.

I think you will find that an acoustic guitar direct into any recording device will sound muffled. Fishman makes outstanding pickups but it is very difficult to reproduce the tone of any acoustic instrument. I think you may find yourself getting a mic pretty quickly, but I would absolutely proceed the way you are because it costs you nothing and you may be pleasantly surprised. Let us know how you make out!

"There are 10 types of people in the world, those that understand binary and those that don't."

Lefty, do you still have my phone number? Call me and we can talk about your options. I'm not a good enough writer to cover it on-line. If not, send me email.

Rockerbob........no, I lost it.

e-mail me off line with it.

I have a new e-mail address:

jwickes@tconl.com

Lefty, Rockerbob, I want to do some home recording just like Lefty but with zero experience on this area as well.. please keep me posted after your discussion!!

I ordered Cakewalk Guitar Pro today.

Will keep you posted.