Equipment for recording onto CD

[tca]

I am now wanting to record a few songs onto CD. What's best to buy, reasonable price, simple to use and gives quality sound? - Rgds - Clive

[graeme]

Basically, it's not that difficult to do, but it would help if we knew what you already had and how computer literate you are?

[olemuso]

I`m assuming you are using PC? If so . . .
First, whatever I`m going to put on CD I NEVER convert to MP3. Never mind the blurb, you DO lose some quality. Save your stuff as .wav at the default (44.1KHz, 16Bit Stereo) and you can`t go wrong. There`s no point saving to a higher resolution as 44.1/16b is the CDDR default and that`s what you`ll end up with on CD.
So you`ve got your .wav files ready. All you need to do now is use a piece of software to record them onto CD-r. I use Nero or CDRWin, but there are literally hundreds of programs out there that will do the job just as well. Check out (Google for) Audiotoolers.com and you`ll find everything you ever wished to know and loads of free and/or shareware programs.
Now all you gotta do is tell your software to burn the files... You`ll select something like "Create Audio CD" and then (most important) tell your software what speed you want to burn the disc at. If you`re using a 48 or 52 speed Drive don`t let it burn at full speed, you`ll end up regretting it - skipping tracks, tracks won`t play in the car or on so-n-so`s Hi-Fi etc.
I use Plextor drives, which are considered the best, and never burn above 8 speed.
There`s not much else I can say. Unless, of course, you`re NOT using a PC, in which case you`ll need a dedicated Audio CD Recorder. The best domestic ones are probably Phillips or Teac / Tascam, but Google for more up-to-date info as I`m not up to speed on them.
Good luck.

[tca]

Hi Guys,
Graeme, I don't have any recording gear at all - my kit is Mex Strat - Vox Valvetronic - Magicstomp (EFTP). Any advice would be great.

Olemuso, Yes, I'm using a laptop. Last night someone lent me a program called 'Music Studio De Luxe' - so will try it tonight, if I can understand it - have you heard of this - is it any good?

Rgds to you both - Clive

[olemuso]

No Clive, I`ve not heard of it, but that doesn`t mean a thing as I don`t search for new software when the stuff I use does the job well enough. There could be hundreds of programs out there much better than mine but I won`t find out about them unless I trip over them.
The problem with laptops is you can`t fit dedicated recording gear, e.g. multitrack sound cards.
In your case you`d be best trying a USB audio interface and the software that comes with it.
I think M-Audio do one (at least), and I have great respect for M-Audio products.
Good luck Clive.

[tca]

Olemuso, Tried the program last night and to be absolutely honest it was 'really awful'. Got to be a computer buff to understand it! Pal of mine lent me a Zoom 16 track recorder - brilliant!!! Thinking about buying a similar job but 4/8 track. Thanks for your advice mate. Rgds - Clive

[graeme]

Aug 27, 2009 7:25:49 GMT @tca said:

Pal of mine lent me a Zoom 16 track recorder - brilliant!!! Thinking about buying a similar job but 4/8 track.

Quite honestly, if you are happy to go this route and can afford the price asked, then I would say it's the best one - particularly for someone who isn't overly computer literate. I *am* reasonably computer literate and before retiring I made my living in the recording business. Apart from stuff I do for myself, I still do the odd location recording for local musicians.

About 18 months ago, I purchased a Korg D3200 (a unit similar to the Zoom) - since when I have not used the computer for track laying or mixing at all. After spending hours sorting out the various problems that multitrack recording on a computer can throw up, this thing is a dream. I just plug it in and go.

[tca]

Thanks for that Graeme - I'll have look at the Korg on line - I think the zoom has some effects that I will never use.
Rgds - Clive

[olemuso]

Yes, dedicated hardware is the way to go if you`re not up to speed with computers and their idiosyncrasies

[tca]

Olemuso - Thanks. What do you suggest - something without the 'bells and whistles' that I'll never use (drum pads etc.). Rgds - Clive

[Deleted]

You wont go wrong with a Boss Br 600. Its great quality, easy to use, punch in punch out facilties +, just record your backing track onto the stereo track and then record the guitar via a sure SM57 or use the on board effects. Add some effects like reverb, delay, EQ etc and after, bounce to a stereo track and then Master it like the pro's do to polish it. Then all you do is export your track via USB to your laptop.
Have look at them for sale on the well known auction site, boss have sold thousands they are award winning machines dedicated for the job. I've had some great recordings out of mine. I did this one about a month ago from Dave Robinsons Lead 4 ( No Retreat) using Charies 'No Resistance' patch on a G7 diectly straight into the br 600. I also have Cakewalk Sonar 5 recording software on my computer but never use it as I find this little boss far more convenient.
Tony
www.4shared.com/file/123159892/ff383131/No_Retreat.html

[tca]

Tony - that's great - I'll certainly have a look at it. Thanks for your help mate - Rgds - Clive

[olemuso]

Aug 28, 2009 7:17:22 GMT @tca said:

Olemuso - Thanks. What do you suggest - something without the 'bells and whistles' that I'll never use (drum pads etc.). Rgds - Clive

I`m afraid I can`t advise on the hardware route. The last time I used hardware multitrack was around 1988 - 1990 when used a Yamaha MT100 4-track cassette. Not to be knocked as I was able to produce stuff that was played on BBC local radio.

After that I started using the Amiga computer with Musix-X and another I can`t remember the name of. Then in 1996 I went to PC.

I know of people who used or have used Boss, Korg or Yamaha - and probably a few others and have been entirely satisfied.
Set your budget and buy accordingly but don`t discount your "bells and whistles" because once you get used to the product you`ll begin to experiment and might find that the B&Ws are not that useless after all

[tca]

Thanks Ian. I've taken your advice on board. Rgds - Clive

[tca]

Tony, meant to ask you what amp you was using on your recording. I'm thinking about changing my Valvetronix VT30 as getting distortion that I can't get rid off! Rgds - Clive

[tca]

Hi Tony my friend, On you're recommendation I've now purchased a Boss Br 600 from the well known auction site and just need the Shure SM57 - have now put a bid in for one. I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks for your advice. What amp was you using on your sample 'No Retreat'?
Rgds - Clive

[tca]

Hi Tony,
Now got Boss BR600 (£142 - the well known auction site) and Shure SM57 (£52 - the well known auction site). Now I have to figure out how to use it! Rgds - Clive

[tca]

Hi Tony,
Advice please - I'm recording a backing track onto the BR600 ok - but how do I record the guitar whilst listening to the b/track at the same time?
Also, how is the lead guitar removed from a tune/song to obtain just the b/track?
Would appreciate your help. Rgds - Clive

[graeme]

Oct 22, 2009 8:07:51 GMT @tca said:

Advice please - I'm recording a backing track onto the BR600 ok - but how do I record the guitar whilst listening to the b/track at the same time?

Not ever having had one of these, I don't know the answer, but I'm sure it must tell you in the handbook. If didn't get a manual with it, you can download one her - www.roland.com/products/en/_support/om.cfm?PRODUCT=BR-600

Oct 22, 2009 8:07:51 GMT @tca said:

Also, how is the lead guitar removed from a tune/song to obtain just the b/track?

Hmmm... you can't really do this. It's like trying to extract the eggs flour and water from a cake after it has been baked.

Quite honestly, there are tons of back tracks already available for all sorts of material, from free to expensive. You will be much better served by a selection of these, rather than trying to remove instruments from existing recordings.

[Deleted]

Hi Clive,
I see you have posed a few questions to me and I apologise for not seeing them recently but in the meantime I have had to have a new computer and its gone from xp to Vista which means that some of my programs have not worked properly and have been pre-occupied with this and so have not visited the site for a while.
I'm truly sorry for not replying to you earlier its been quite some time you must be frustrated and I am beside myself for not checking earlier.
Regards your Q re what amp. On "no Retreat" I just used a Zoom G7 on Charlies 'My Resistance is Low' straight into the BR 600 and tweaking a bit, but an amp is better. But I can explain if you can email me at [e-mail] with your tel number.
I can ring you nearly anytime Sat or Sunday as I have free weekends and evening calls but am baby sitting to mo night. Its very easy but there are just some basic principles to grasp.
Just as a starter;
Once you have got your BT on one of the two stereo tracks (5/6) or (7/8) lift the volume of the track and the Master volume so you can monitor thru the Headphones.
The next process is to get the guitar in on Track 1 by using;
1) A microphone from your amp or
2) Straight out of the output of your magicstomp or other echo box into the recorder.
However
The first scenario is probably your best bet and I can explain it better by phone but there is a learning curve if you've never dealt with multitrack machines before. All recording software and multitrackers work very much in the same way.

Removing the guitar from a track is hardly possible unless its panned into the middle of the track and then its not efficient as it also removes some frequencies of the track and leaves unwanted residue. The 600 will not do this as its just a recording media like the others. I hope you hav'nt been confused with the facility of tracks 5/6 where it will slow down the lead guitar of a recorded song making it easier to pick out the faster passages.
I hope you see this post and have not abandoned it as I would like to help.
Regards Tony

[tca]

Hi Tony, my turn to apologise for not responding sooner - I've been away for couple of days. Thanks for your advice and offer to help me on telephone. I'm off away again now for hols and will not be back until 12 November. So if ok with you, I'll email you when I get back and take advantage of your kind offer. Thanks again. Rgds - Clive

[Deleted]

OK Clive,
Cheers Tony

[Deleted]

ive got a yamaha aw16g 16 track workstation with h/drive & cd burner its great regards phil

[tca]

Thanks Shadphil. Rgds - Clive

[tca]

Hi Tony, have emailed you direct a couple of times with no response - all ok? Rgds Clive.

[Deleted]

Hi Clive,
I've not had anything, try this again
tonyparnhamATbtinternet.com (replace AT with @)

Tony

[joeboy]

Hi Tony

I don't know if you are aware but it's not a good idea to post your email address in a public forum, you will most likely be flooded with spam mail

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Tony,
I have edited your message so that your email address is less likely to be subject to spam. Hope you don't mind.
Regards,
Charlie

[Deleted]

Hi Charlie,
Thanks, no problem, Nice one.
Tony

[tca]

Hi Tony - Just sent you an email. Address same as I used before - please let me know if you received it ok. Rgds - Clive