Von-Funkenstein
(Staffordshire UK)
Tuesday 28 Feb 2017, 6:03pm
If you're completely new to this then you're best off keeping things simple initially... KeyTarman mentions a stand alone recorder which is a good idea if you're not too confident with a computer.
If you're reasonably computer savvy then it's either a mac or pc.... i personally use Cubase 8.5 pro on a very high spec desktop pc.
As mentioned you will need some kind of 'audio interface', onboard soundcards are just not up to the job so don't even contemplate it, as are interfaces by firms such as 'creative'.... they're gaming interfaces and aren't really that suitable for music production. I use an 'internal PCIe interface made by a company called RME... they're not cheap but they're pro level kit used by many studios, radio stations and bands etc... as mentioned before though you could pick up one of the Steinberg interfaces for under £200 or some of the focusrite and audient interfaces are worth looking at too, they all have EXCELLENT sound quality and the correct types of connectors you will need.
Very often when you buy an interface you will also get as part of the package a cut down 'LE' version of Cubase, or Ableton Live or similar, this will save you having to buy the software for a little while as you are learning, this can be upgraded later on as you progress.... Reaper has been mentioned but for the noob it's WAAAAAAY over specced and more likely to scare you off....
You will also need a separate hard drive to record your audio to and play it back from, the bigger and faster the better. if you try and use your system hard/solid state drive you will run the chance of screwing your system... learned from vicarious experience and this is one of the first issues/recommendations that crop up on more studio orientated sites than this one.
You're also going to need a mic, forget the crap you get from maplins, it's fine for playstation karaoke but very little else, get yourself a Shure SM 57 or 58, they're EXACTLY the same mic, just with a different basket.... highly robust and won't break the bank!
You'll need some kind of headphones for monitoring vocals, closed back are the best type as open back ones will let too much sound out which will spill into your mic.... you'll also most likely need some kind of monitor speakers/amp too, although a reasonable hifi separates system will get you started until you can afford better.
Visit PLENTY of pro audio recording forums like tapeop.com the UAD forum, the steinberg forum is good but you have to be a customer to access certain areas... some great videos on youtube... 'the recording revolution.com' is a great resource to subscribe to for the new user too.
Be realistic in your expectations too! you're not going to learn it all in a day or two, or a week or two or even a decade or two!
I've been doing it over 25 years now and still feel like i'm scratching the surface some days but it's just so much fun and can be incredibly rewarding too