Simpl(est) setup for home recording practice sessions.

Passacaglia · May 2020

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 · May 2020

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 · May 2020

+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 · May 2020

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 · May 2020

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 · May 2020

Most often I just use my smartphone to record.

Scoredog · May 2020

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 · May 2020

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 · May 2020

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

Passacaglia · May 2020

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.