CryogenicHusk

I really want to start recording myself, even if just for my own educational purposes (I want to learn to mix, produce, etc). I already have a DAW, some drum machine software (which I still suck at using. I can't quite get the beats/rhythms to sound EXACTLY the way I want them to, but I hope practice will do), and received a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (an USB recording interface, in case it's not as well-known as I think it is) from my brother as an Xmas present.

Question is: am I good to go, or do I need something else, in terms of hardware (like a mixer or something) considering I'm interested in recording instrumentals only right now (although I do have a USB microphone which I could use for vocals)? Thanks!

Hail

monitors or at the very least studio headphones will be essential in the mixing process

but right now just work at it. it's a craft to learn, and you can fill in the pieces and upgrade later. i wouldn't release anything from such a simple set-up without the skills to bolster it, but just write and record and have fun with it.

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Artemis Entreri

I agree that at the very least you need monitors or (and, honestly) quality headphones.

I guess you'll be using amp sims to make your instrumental music?

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CryogenicHusk

Yeah I still have no idea of what I'm doing, for the record.



It won't be up for release. Just educational, MAYBE to show people I want to jam with, or something. I guess I can get the headphones already since I have been thinking about getting a pair of those anyway. I mainly just want to experiment with arranging, recording and mixing. Doesn't need to sound great. I'm used to the DIY punk aesthetics in recordings, and that's what I'd be going for with such minimal equipment.



Yeah. I have an amp, but I think I'd rather use an amp sim. If you can name a good one, I'll go ahead and get it already. However, I'll have to recheck cause I think I may have read in the manual that the Scarlett comes with some amp modeling software download. But because I'm so ADD I'm not sure if I really read it and don't really remember...

Thank you both.

Artemis Entreri

If you want to learn ANYTHING about mixing you at least need a pair of speakers. Like, if you can't spring for monitors you need at least a set of okay speakers. Even lofi and DIY people use speakers so they can get a "good" bad sound.

as for amp sims...I detest them. I'm not the one to ask. I'd rather record a Marshall MG with a chinese sm57 than use an amp sim.

__________________
Winner of the 2011 Virginia Guitar Festival

Taylor 712
Cordoba C10
American Fender Strat with 59/62s
PRS CE 22
Seagull Entourage Rustic (I won it!)

Fender 65 DRRI
1978 Fender Champ

Fulltone OCD

GaryBillington

TS - check out the recordings forum. Some of the guys over there really know their stuff, so that would be a good place to go for advice. The regulars in the chat thread are always pretty helpful to people like you who are just starting out recording.

Also @Artemis: Wouldn't say I detest sims (they work for some people ), but at least I'm not the only one who'd rather record a real amp!

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Artemis Entreri

Glad we're two of a kind! Detest is a little bit of a strong word. At 2 in the morning when I want to lay down a track and my roommates are sleeping I'll use an amp sim. Give me an amp any other time

__________________
Winner of the 2011 Virginia Guitar Festival

Taylor 712
Cordoba C10
American Fender Strat with 59/62s
PRS CE 22
Seagull Entourage Rustic (I won it!)

Fender 65 DRRI
1978 Fender Champ

Fulltone OCD

CryogenicHusk

I have pretty good speakers I use to listen to music. I don't have a good amp is the thing (my practice amp is not very good and my home is a bit cramped at the moment so my gigging amp doesn't fit), so amp sims are probably a better idea for now. Maybe when I'm looking to get serious about it and get a good professional sound, I'll upgrade everything.



Will do. Thanks!

20Tigers

Yeah you have an audio interface, a DAW, a guitar and lead, a USB mic. You may begin recording.

Don't wait any longer to start. Do it now and do it often. You will always be able to add more equipment and get more stuff. You have years to build up your home studio but you definitely have enough to get started so do not wait any longer - get stuck in.

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Explaining Modes part 1
Explaining Modes part 2 (continued)