oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 22 2008 10:20 PM
One thing I've really liked about SG101 is the access and suggestions to so much (surf based) music on the web that I didn't know existed before. I've also found suggestions in this 'recording corner' thread helpful too. But I'm not satisfied - I want more!
Before I go on, I do prefer 'live' playing - but - due to various reasons my rock-god-guitar-career is now confined to a very small "performing" space within my house of 2ft by 2ft (near the ironing board, of course). So, as a consequence, I get my kicks out of guitar and computer recording. I'm therefore interested in what <u>software and sites </u> (ie not drum machines, etc) anyone has found helpful in their home recording. I know it's geeky but it's better than sitting in front of the TV.
Here's a a brief of what I've used in the past few years:
Please note:These are PC based (ie Mr Gates) but any suggestions for Mac,Linux, other are very welcome.
Brambos TU2 - sequencer
It's a bit hard to get around at first but if you're OK with a bit of experimentation and putting guitar sounds
where drums should be, it becomes a bit more interesting. Freeware version works fine for basics (i used this on some of my 'myspace' songs):
http://www.brambos.com/tu2.html
Basic drums - made for dance but you can program 'surf'
Hammerhead: http://www.threechords.com/hammerhead/
Mellotron wav files (as used in strawberry fields by Beatles, Genesis and other bands - oh and in Changes by Black Sabbath - you'll recognise the sound when you hear it)
(doge through the yukky ads but it'll be worth the fight)
http://tinpan.fortunecity.com/aphex/113/
(a few)Free drum loops:
http://www.dooleydrums.com/free_drum_loops.php
Orchestra Samples:
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/sound_samples/sample_libraries/orchestra_sounds/download_philharmonia_orchestra_samples.html
Audacity - recording
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Share the love, or at least, share your favorite recording resources I thank you in great anticipation 
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
|
Posted on Aug 22 2008 11:13 PM
I'm constantly amazed that a program as great as Garageband comes free with the computer (Mac) - it's a really fine bit of software. I used to use Sonar on the PC for years, and although that is very good and has some more 'Pro' features, I've never used it in the three years I've had a Mac because Garageband is so damn good.
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 04:15 AM
estreet
I'm constantly amazed that a program as great as Garageband comes free with the computer (Mac) - it's a really fine bit of software. I used to use Sonar on the PC for years, and although that is very good and has some more 'Pro' features, I've never used it in the three years I've had a Mac because Garageband is so damn good.
Estreet, are you aware if there is an equivalent to Garageband for PC?
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 04:54 AM
http://stevesspringysurfdrums.com/default.aspx
The guy with the surf drum loops claims that there is a PC garage Band type program called MixCraft by Acoustica http://stevesspringysurfdrums.com/how_to.aspx.
As far as recording resources, you must subscribe to TapeOp. It is free and a read very much worth the time, IMO. They have a BBS/forum site also if you want to go headfirst into the woolly world of the recording übergeek.
— SSIV
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 06:05 AM
LHR
Thanks for the links stevesspringysurfdrums.com looks professional (I've seen it briefly before also) and I had a look at TapeOP - they don't do free descriptions in Australia but I'll keep an eye on the site and forums. This is heading in the right direction. Thanks for this!
-Tim
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
Mel
Joined: Feb 25, 2008
Posts: 321
Canada's Wet Coast
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 09:26 AM
I can only speak for the Mac side since that's all we have in the studio, but GarageBand works quite well.
Audacity (both for Mac and PC) also is very capable recorder/editor (free) and has a lot of plugins if you need them.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
For drums, I've used ToonTracks E-Z Drummer and added some loops from Groove Monkee
http://www.toontrack.com/ezdrummer.asp
http://www.groovemonkee.com/home/
Software will only go so far though. You need some decent hardware to that sound to the software. Audio Interfaces aren't cheap, but you usually get what you pay for. I started off with a Behringer FCA202 and it was acceptable, but not great. I tried several other interfaces before I ended up with an Echo AudioFire 8 because we record the whole band and need more inputs.
You'll probably need to get some good monitors since you'll be mixing and mastering your own recordings. I tried some Yorks and KRK and ended up with some Behringer Truths 2031A (powered monitors). We have been very pleased with these for near field use.
For cans, I use AKG271's. Not exactly cheap but they are comfortable for extended periods, sound canceling so you can even use them for vocals without getting feedback.
The mixer I ended up keeping after trying several was a UB2442FX-Pro. Considering the low cost of the mixer, it's worked out very well in the studio.
I do very little processing in the recording software other than some real minor EQ. For limiting, compressors or major EQ, I use all external rack gear.
We prefer recording in the studio to playing gigs now and we don't to make a living from this so it's just a fun day for us. None of us miss the clubs or bar scene that's for sure...
— Mel
|
estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 01:43 PM
Tim - I downloaded and had a look at that Mixcraft program on my dusty old PC. It looks as close to Garageband as you could get without getting dumped on from a great height by the legal weight of Apple.
If you are resolute about staying with a PC then I would definitely give it a go. However, it's worth considering that you can get some very powerful Macs for peanuts these days. Since Apple changed to Intel processors a couple of years ago, a lot of Pro users in publishing and music are upgrading. Consequestly there are a lot of secondhand Dual-processor Powermacs on e-bay at extremely good prices. I bought a 1ghz Dual -proc G4 for a friend for only 173 GBP - and this for a pro-grade computer that can easily handle anything that the non-intel versions of Garageband and for that matter Photoshop can throw at it.
This is the sort of thing:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-1-25GHz-G4-Duel-Power-PC-Tower-Mirrored-Door_W0QQitemZ130248040408QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130248040408&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
|
edbiscuit
Joined: Jun 20, 2007
Posts: 50
Alexandria, VA
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 03:10 PM
I've also heard good things about Reaper http://www.cockos.com/reaper/ though I haven't tried it out.
I've been trying out a demo of Ableton Live 7 and have had some fantastic results. Though it's seen primarily as a performance looping tool, it works perfect in a small home studio. Its ability to handle loops makes it easy to put together song ideas. The LE version goes for $150 I believe, which goes over your budget but worth a look. They offer a 14 day unrestricted demo, so you can try it out for free.
I nearly forgot about Steves loops until I read this post. I picked up the "Babe Magnet" set and have been very impressed with the quality.... and with what I was able to do. Ableton automatically "beat-sliced" the audio loops and I was able to adjust the tempo up and down some.
I put a small segment of something I put together within an hour of purchasing Steves drum loops, which shows just how easy it is to put something together with Ableton (certainly not an indication of my talent)
This was a single loop with no reverb, I added reverb so it would match the guitar. The guitar is my Gretsch Tenn Rose, DI'd into a MOTU 828MkII and played through IK Multimedia Amplitube. The most important thing to note is, I am only getting started in surf music (I have little idea what I'm doing just yet) and this was a trial run.
http://www.edbradshaw.com/mp3s/surf_sample.mp3
I've messed around with a number of home studio setups. I would have to say that a good audio interface is the most important tool you can have, even more so than good DAW software. You don't need to go as high end as the MOTU or an Audigy, M-Audio and Edirol have some quality interfaces that will suit you well.
|
SecretAsianMan
Joined: Jul 07, 2008
Posts: 19
Los Angeles, CA
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 06:22 PM
estreet
I'm constantly amazed that a program as great as Garageband comes free with the computer (Mac) - it's a really fine bit of software. I used to use Sonar on the PC for years, and although that is very good and has some more 'Pro' features, I've never used it in the three years I've had a Mac because Garageband is so damn good.
I've never used GarageBand before but I hear good things. I don't own a mac so that might have something to do with that. I'm still using Sonar actually, I have Cakewalk Sonar 7 Producer Edition (which I erm... "borrowed" online...) and couldn't be happier with it. But seeing as how the only other programs I've used were REASON and Ableton I don't have much to compare it against. I just got my hands on a copy of protools but I have yet to install it.
When you say free, almost anything can be "free" if you know where to look kekekeke ;)
— Ignorance in Music is Ignorance in the Soul
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 23 2008 10:57 PM
Thanks for this input - my education in this area is starting to improve!
There's so much around and so it's really good to hear of software (and other resources) that people have found helpful (including the Mac)
I'm particularly interested in, well, uh-hem, _free _downloads (preferably without key generators!) for home recording. Trial software is fine too because it can give an idea of what to save up for. This can include pages with wav files of instruments as well.
Keep them coming - this is good...
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 25 2008 07:46 AM
edbiscuit
I've also heard good things about Reaper http://www.cockos.com/reaper/ though I haven't tried it out.
I put a small segment of something I put together within an hour of purchasing Steves drum loops, which shows just how easy it is to put something together with Ableton (certainly not an indication of my talent)
http://www.edbradshaw.com/mp3s/surf_sample.mp3
Edbiscuit - Thanks for the "reaper' tip - it looks interesting.
I listened to your sample - and the guitar sound REALLY reminded me of U2's "Boy" album!
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
Steve_Chapman
Joined: Jul 14, 2008
Posts: 11
|
Posted on Aug 26 2008 06:25 AM
I'll add my 2 cents, but most anything I could say has already been covered here.
Certainly not free, but a Mac+Garageband is the way to go! Super easy, super flexible, and great for both loop-based and linear recording.
Another idea is SonomaWireworks "Riffworks", a super easy and fun loop-based recording software for PC and MAC ... very cool interface. I use it with Line 6's GuitarPort and Gearbox, where I can access tons of virtual amps, like Fender tweeds with spring reverb!
And ed ... glad you like the loops! Cool song, and keep em coming!
Steve Chapman
www.stevesspringysurfdrums.com
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 26 2008 07:14 AM
Steve_Chapman
I'll add my 2 cents, but most anything I could say has already been covered here.
Certainly not free, but a Mac+Garageband is the way to go! Super easy, super flexible, and great for both loop-based and linear recording.
Another idea is SonomaWireworks "Riffworks", a super easy and fun loop-based recording software for PC and MAC ... very cool interface. I use it with Line 6's GuitarPort and Gearbox, where I can access tons of virtual amps, like Fender tweeds with spring reverb!
And ed ... glad you like the loops! Cool song, and keep em coming!
Steve Chapman
www.stevesspringysurfdrums.com
Steve
Thanks for your 2 cents worth!
The Mac & Garageband suggestion is getting a good workout -which I've filed in my 'must look into this' file.
And "Riffworks" was actually mentioned to me by spskins, but I couldn't remember the name (duh!), so thanks for that.
I also use Line 6's GuitarPort and Gearbox which I've found great.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions (thus far) - much appreciated!
Tim
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
MichelleW
Joined: Aug 26, 2008
Posts: 1
|
Posted on Aug 26 2008 10:19 AM
Steve_Chapman
Another idea is SonomaWireworks "Riffworks", a super easy and fun loop-based recording software for PC and MAC ... very cool interface. I use it with Line 6's GuitarPort and Gearbox, where I can access tons of virtual amps, like Fender tweeds with spring reverb!
Thanks for mentioning RiffWorks! There's a new free download called RiffWorks T4 guitar recording, online collaboration, and song posting software for Mac and PC: http://www.riffworks.com/T4
Hope to hear your music on the RiffWorks community site: http://www.RiffWorld.com
Have fun,
Michelle
Sonoma Wire Works
|
edbiscuit
Joined: Jun 20, 2007
Posts: 50
Alexandria, VA
|
Posted on Aug 26 2008 10:07 PM
oestmann
The Mac & Garageband suggestion is getting a good workout -which I've filed in my 'must look into this' file.
Tim
As a recent Mac convert, "switching over" has turned out to be a fantastic decision, not only for the Garage Band possibilities but the whole iLife suite. My wife and I took our dogs to a dog beach in Annapolis and I took video's of the "kids" playing. It took less than an hour to go from first connecting the camera to having a nicely edited video up on YouTube. It's yet another feature you can consider as you decide what do do.
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 27 2008 07:35 AM
MichelleW
Steve_Chapman
Another idea is SonomaWireworks "Riffworks", a super easy and fun loop-based recording software for PC and MAC ... very cool interface. I use it with Line 6's GuitarPort and Gearbox, where I can access tons of virtual amps, like Fender tweeds with spring reverb!
Thanks for mentioning RiffWorks! There's a new free download called RiffWorks T4 guitar recording, online collaboration, and song posting software for Mac and PC: http://www.riffworks.com/T4
Hope to hear your music on the RiffWorks community site: http://www.RiffWorld.com
Have fun,
Michelle
Sonoma Wire Works
Welcome Michelle!
You must have followed my IP Address back to here after I downloaded Riffworks!
Those cookies get me everytime  
Thanks for dropping in!
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
oestmann
Joined: Mar 06, 2008
Posts: 584
Adelaide
|
Posted on Aug 27 2008 07:40 AM
edbiscuit
oestmann
The Mac & Garageband suggestion is getting a good workout -which I've filed in my 'must look into this' file.
Tim
As a recent Mac convert, "switching over" has turned out to be a fantastic decision, not only for the Garage Band possibilities but the whole iLife suite. My wife and I took our dogs to a dog beach in Annapolis and I took video's of the "kids" playing. It took less than an hour to go from first connecting the camera to having a nicely edited video up on YouTube. It's yet another feature you can consider as you decide what do do.
My apologies for double-posting but I want to respond...
It's worth hearing about the video as well - eventually when songs are put on the web, some cry out for videos - so thanks. I'm a pc man usually but I'm getting backed in a corner here! 
— Tim O
oestmann guitar
tunes
clips
|
surfaca
Joined: Sep 01, 2008
Posts: 113
Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina
|
Posted on Sep 15 2008 01:18 AM
I like to make demos recording with my guitar DIRECTLY into the line-in of my computer. I really recommend the guitar-amp simulator IK Multimedia's AmpliTube, it has a decent spring reverb simulator and a simple delay (i like to add a very small amount of delay to get closer to the Reverb Tank sound).
you can hear a demo of my recording here
— Guitar Player in Nahuelaizers
http://nahuelaizers.bandcamp.com
|
bodr1
Joined: Mar 10, 2008
Posts: 12
|
Posted on Sep 15 2008 03:16 AM
Ive been using Mixcraft. Its a cool program, its easy to use. Its not free but for $69 It might as well be. I am aware there are resources for a "free" version floating around if you aint got the $. I converted from Cakewalk over to Mixcraft and I have to say I like the interfaces better and mixcraft does not seem to use as much memory. I also was told it was the closest thing to garageband that there was for PC... Best recording software Ive used so far..
This is just my humble opinion...
|
estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
|
Posted on Sep 15 2008 03:49 AM
bodr1
Ive been using Mixcraft. Its a cool program, its easy to use. Its not free but for $69 It might as well be. I am aware there are resources for a "free" version floating around if you aint got the $. I converted from Cakewalk over to Mixcraft and I have to say I like the interfaces better and mixcraft does not seem to use as much memory. I also was told it was the closest thing to garageband that there was for PC... Best recording software Ive used so far..
This is just my humble opinion...
I downloaded a demo of Mixcraft to check it out for one of my guitar pupils. It does operate in a very similar way to Garageband and even the layout is much the same. However, it doesn't have the same loops and soft-synths as GB (which are of exceptional quality) nor can it have the same integration with the OS that makes Garageband so seamless to use. Nonetheless - it's well worth looking at I agree.
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
|
January Birthdays 
