Recording for the Cheap
January 5, 2009
I had an interesting idea the other day while we were jamming and recording. We were using GarageBand and the microphone from a MacBook to record the jam. A common problem many musicians who don’t have proper recording equipment face is the inability to record multiple tracks live without some sort of mixer board. Next time you invite some friends over for a jam, tell them to bring their laptops. Place a laptop near every amp and hit record on all the computers. Proceed to jam the night away. After the jam, copy the tacks from each laptop, and compile them onto one computer. You now have multiple tracks recorded live. There may be some slight bleeding from the other instruments but it will be minimal. Give it a try, and see how it works for you.
I have had some recent pressure from an unnamed individual to start a weakly iPhone music app review. I haven’t decided if I will write a weekly review, or just the occasional review, but in any event this is the first iPhone music app review.
I recently downloaded this iPhone (or iPod Touch) application called FourTrack. The app cost $9.99, which is actually relatively expensive as far as iPhone apps go, but as far as recording software is concerned is very inexpensive. The software has four tracks of recording power, which is impressive on a handheld device. I was also very impressed with recording quality and with the ease of file transfer from iPhone (or ipod Touch) to any computer connected through wifi. The playback volume is quite low so headphones are required. This application is highly recommended for those looking at recording demo’s or musical ideas, however if you are looking for studio quality recording, you better get something a little more sophisticated.
-Heavy
That’s a cool concept idea but the headache involved with syncing the tracks once recorded and ready for mixdown, not to mention the bleed since the mics are all omni-directional is worth the cost of a recording interface. Trust me, pick up one of these http://www.americanmusical.com/Item–i-TAS-US122L-LIST and a decent quality stereo condenser microphone and just record the room. If it sounds good to you in the room, it’ll sound good recorded with a stereo mic.
-Rory
Thanks for the comment. You are right about the extra headaches involved with this method. I just though it was a neat, although possibly impractical idea. We generally just use the condenser mic from a macbook and garageband to record our jams or demos. I am still amazed at the quality from that little mic! I am however looking at getting some new gear. Do you have one of those Tascam’s?
Heavy, which number of post is this? There is no way to tell. Did you have to let someone go at A Heavy Jamming Blog in quality control due to the economic downturn? Keep up the, otherwise, good work.
I have an iPod touch, and purchased this but could not use it. Was given a refund by Apple, but if anyone is using it successfully with a Touch would love to know, as it seems a really handy app to have.
AM
Good day sir,
I stumbled upon you fine website b/c I believed it was about recordings for Sheep. As in classic rock tracks with sheep calls layered overtop and then used during the sheep mating season.
sample playlist:
Baaad to the bone – George Thorogood
Baaad day – Daniel Powter
Baaad – U2
Baa – ArmsUp
I guess I will have to find another way to seduce sheep.
-Hoover
Hoover,
I am sorry you are having trouble finding a lamb.
First blog I read after wakeup from sleep today!
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Mind Blowing!