RECORDING JARGON
digital audio workstation (DAW): the hardware or software system that allows you to digitally record and mix music.
digital interface: a necessary component in a DAW that converts analog signals from mikes and instruments into digital signals.
mix: the resultant sound of two or more instruments playing together.
mixing: the act of adjusting the volume and tone of each instrument to create a pleasant blend.
secure digital (SD) card: a storage card that fits into digital cameras, camcorders, and audio recorders.
signal path: the path that the audio signal follows through a recording setup. It depends on how many components are used and how they are linked together.
stereo: an audio signal that contains a separate left and right channel to create a panoramic effect when played back through headphones or two speakers.
tracks: where individual instruments are recorded on a DAW, so that they can be manipulated independently of other instruments in the mix.
WAV file: a digital audio file format typically used in digital recording.
The ability to record yourself and others opens up exciting new music-making avenues.
by Jason Borisoff
There is a ton of great recording gear on the market to help you immortalize your music. However, not all of it will be right for you. Before embarking on this exciting new venture, it's important to carefully evaluate your needs, become familiar with basic recording concepts, and research different setups to find the best one for you. Read on to get a jump-start into the wonderful world of digital recording and to check out some popular products that can help get you up and running.
Live Stereo Recording
This is the easiest and least expensive type of recording. All you need is a stand-alone stereo recorder that can fit into your back pocket. Stereo recording harks back to the days when whole records were made with a single microphone that went "direct to disk," literally. Microphone and storage technologies have changed considerably; we no longer have to blast our instruments into a horn that cuts grooves in shellac disks. Instead, these little units have extremely sensitive condenser microphones that record directly to removable SD cards. With this set up, you can record hours of surprisingly high quality audio. For many users, this is the only piece of recording equipment they will ever need. Simply set it up near your sound source, adjust the recording level, and hit record. It's as simple as that.
DAW
Stereo recorders are great for recording demos and capturing live performances, but what if you want to do more than that? Enter the digital audio workstation (DAW). The beauty of recording with a DAW is that you can record to tracks, which means that you can create an entire song by yourself and have infinite takes at that tricky vocal harmony, or guitar lick, until it's just right. DAW set-ups come in two basic forms: hardware based and software based. Hardware based DAWs are generally inexpensive, easy to use, and have everything you need to record, mix, and even burn CDs, in a single piece of gear. Software based DAWs use your computer to record music, and require that you purchase several different components—microphones, recording software, and an audio interface to get the sound into your computer. They can be trickier to master, but are much more powerful in terms of editing and mixing. These systems can get extremely complicated and expensive, and not all gear is compatible. If you're thinking about exploring computer recording, begin with a starter kit and advance from there.
Alesis USB Recording Kit
Alesis makes building your own software based DAW easy with their USB Recording Kit, which includes everything you need to get started recording music on your computer. Plug in the stereo pair of AM2 condenser microphones to the iO|2 analog-digital USB interface and lay down tons of tracks with Steinberg's powerful Cubase LE 4 recording software. Then, listen back to your mix with the pair of M1Active 320 studio monitors.
MSRP: $499 (alesis.com)
MXL USB.007
This is the simplest way to record into a computer. The MXL USB.007 is a high quality, gold-sputtered stereo condenser mike that plugs directly into a computer via a USB port. Simply connect it, open up your recording software, and hit record. This setup works much like a stand-alone stereo recorder, but records directly into a PC or Mac.
MSRP: $220 (mxlmics.com)
Roland Edirol R-09HR
Record hours of stereo, high resolution, low noise audio with the R-09HR's onboard, super-sensitive stereo condenser microphones. Adjust recording levels with the flip of a switch without scrolling through menus, and preview recordings with the built-in speaker. When it's time to upload the audio files to a computer, simply connect the R-09HR to a USB, just like you would a digital camera.
MSRP: $450 (edirol.com)
Tascam DP-02
The DP-02 is an effective, easy to use hardware DAW. Record, mix, and make a CD of your song with the built-in burner, or transfer your mixes or individual tracks to your computer via USB. Plug your favorite microphones or electric instruments into the two inputs, adjust your tone, add effects, and hit record. The DP-02's eight tracks and 40GB hard drive will keep you recording for many hours.
MSRP: $800 (tascam.com)
