Simpl(est) setup for home recording practice sessions.

Passacaglia

Hello all,

I've never been an audio- or technophile, and even when I was using stuff about 7-8 years ago, I'm sure everything has changed in terms of specific models, etc.

Interested in a simple setup for recording practice sessions. I had a Presonus something-or-other years ago, I think, and at one point a number of microphones, incl. AT clip on, etc. Nothing now. Would prefer not to buy a microphone, even, if the small mics on something like the Zooms do a good job.

Recommendations? Just me, practice sessions, to hear clearly how I'm doing?

BillDaCostaWilliams

I've been using my Zoom H2 recorder as a USB mike for recording practice sessions direct to my laptop. Simple to set up and sound quality is fine for me. I believe the H1 recorder works similarly.

I use Audacity to edit the mp3 files if needed.

Azazzell

• +1 for free Audacity. Used it for a couple of months recording straight the laptop mic. Worked well.
• I then upgraded to Reaper + cheap NW-700 USB microphone. Reaper works better for slowing down audio, and also can deal with video.

geese_com

I second using something like a Zoom Q2HD. They are good enough for doing an informal recording of a practice session or a jam session. I use a Zoom Q2HD to record the weekly jams and then I listen back and critique my playing and figure out what I need to work on.

pmg

I bought a used Zoom H5 and it works great. For practice, I will play lead over backing tracks or practice rhythm over a click track and then listen back on the Zoom. Learning curve is quick and the results sound fine.

I have also used the Zoom when playing gigs and just leave it recording for the entire set. There is a setting that stops the recording function if the sound is not loud enough that I have not been able to master - and, if I figure it out, it should save time when picking out and saving individual tunes using programs like Audacity or Reaper (which I prefer).

Buco

Most often I just use my smartphone to record.

Scoredog

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/101119#Comment_101119

as a person who puts out pro quality recordings for my living I most often use a smart phone because quite simply it is easiest and you get a vid. If I am doing a real project then I flip on Logic and do the deal but most of the time the phone is great for quick and easy feedback.

Passacaglia

Thanks all. Buco and Scoredog, I'm stuck in the 19th century. I've never owned a smartphone. That said, I have my son's hand me down when he traded up. With something like 3200+ tunes, all my Rosenberg vids wouldn't fit....so....lol.

I ended up with a Zoom. It wasn't until you guys posted that I remembered I used a Zoom and it was great. Just went with the simple H2N, can't imagine I'd need anymore. (Famous last words).

Appreciate it everyone. Now I just have to have the guts to record myself after so many years.....

Scoredog

Wow, no cell phone, I'm actually impressed.

Passacaglia

Hahaha - yeah, don't be. I'm just lazy, I think. The virtues of not being gotten ahold of.

By the way, just noticed your location. Native Venturan. As a kid used to hangglide in hills behind, La Conchita, maybe? Memory is hazy, but good times. Swam against Santa Barbara teams quite a bit. Used to go to Joe's as a kid as well. Cool town. Hope you guys are OK. Fires, now this. Hang in there.

Lango-Django

Hey, Paul, long time no see! Good to have you back. You should do a posting to tell us all about what you’ve been up to for the past few years...

Will