Recording music on a budget

[Killbot]

If i wanted to record some music I was playing on a piano, perhaps some vocals as well, what is the cheapest piece of equipment I could do this with? The quality doesn't have to be good, it just has to be able to record and connect to a computer.

 

[MasterOLightning]

You can get basic recording software for your computer for under $40. Then you'll need a microphone with a 1/8" jack to plug into the computer. $10-20 for that.

 

[Nefilim]

I think there are some free softwarez for recording out there, shareware and the like. Wasn't there a free version of some Pro Tools program? Anyway, here's a free one, haven't tried it but for basic recording it's probably ok: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Get a mic like MasterOLightning says for about 10-20 bucks and you'll be set. Don't expect any quality sounds though...

 

[guitarguru777]

Check out audacity its free shareware. You can get good quality.

As for microphones sure makes cheap reliable mics for under $100. I highly recommend the SM57 for intrument/vocal recording its about $89 on the net.

 

[darcy]

+1 for the Shure SM57, it's a bit pricier than one of those cheaper computer mics but it'll last a lot longer & can more easily take the kind of volume you'd get from a piano. They're tough mics too, they can take a beating.

 

[Vital Remains]

plug a mic into u comuter if ya have a good sound card

 

[Erik]

if you're going to put $90-100 towards a mic to record piano, making it a SM57 is a really dumb choice

look at studio projects B1 and maybe some ADK mics

 

[Killbot]

It seems a decent mic is the most important thing to get sorted. Thanks for the help.

 

[MasterOLightning]

I wouldn't spend a lot on a mic until you are sure you're serious about recording. Otherwise you're better off spending on something like music lessons.

 

[Death Before Beauty]

i recorded on a cell phone, haha
check it out www.myspace.com/metalsausages