Karaoke Forums

I was wondering if someone can give me a list of items I would need to do home recordings on my computer.

I bought a cdg and my dvd&cd roms will not recognize it. Plays great on my home entertainment system in the den, but not on the computer.

Do I have to download mp3s in order to play them on my computer?

I eventually want to set up a home karaoke system, but for now recording on my computer seems to be less expensive. I am not sure what all I will need, but I am guessing I won't have to buy any expensive speakers for computer recording, right?

Can anyone tell me the minimum I WILL need for a decent recording? for subs on KS?
An Audio-Tehnica mike?
Will I need a player or can I use the puter as the player?
What about a mixer?



Thank you for any help. I have been searching the posts but I am "audio equipment challenged" and can't seem to get a handle on what exactly I need.

check out the cool edit pro that's pinned in the Singer's Forum

What does a Mixer actually do? A mixer allows you to balance, position, effect and equalize its different audio channels into a good sounding sonic image that we call a mix. You can add effects to some channels but not others, position instruments to a location in the stereo field, route channels to outboard gear that produces an interesting effect and "sculpt" the sound of each channel with a dedicated equalizer where you can vary the bass, treble and mid range in such a way that the whole song "gels" into a work of beauty.


Here's the simplest computer-based setup, using a standard stereo soundcard:
Plug the sound sources (microphones, DI for electric guitar or bass, outputs from MIDI synths) into the appropriate inputs on your mixing board.

Plug the mixer's stereo line-level Main Outputs (L-R) into the LINE IN of the computer's sound card/audio interface. Some mixers have a 2-Track output in addition to the Main Outs. Either one can be used, though in most mixers only the Main Outs are controlled by the Main Out output level fader.

Plug the LINE OUT from the computer's sound card into a line-level stereo input (or pair of channel inputs) on your mixing board. Be careful not to set up a feedback loop by routing the output of your soundcard through the mixer back to the soundcard's input!

It helps to use a mixer with an ALT3/4 output, which routes the signal from a mixer channel with the MUTE switch engaged to a separate set of outputs from the mixer. This can be used as a Record Enable switch for whichever channels you want to record. You'll be able to monitor the ALT3/4 outputs by switching them to be heard through the MAIN OUT L/R on the mixer (read your mixer's owner's manual for info).

Another way to wire up a small mixer to a soundcard is to use the AUX SEND's as recording outputs to the soundcard's LINE IN. This gives you level control on each channel to be recorded. Set the AUX SEND's to Post Fader if you want to be able to record your insert effects and/or EQ along with the source.

Plug the mixer's Control Room (or Monitor) outputs into a pair of line-level inputs on your stereo amplifier or powered speakers. (Typical line-level inputs on a home stereo receiver will be labeled "CD," "AUX" or "TUNER").

To record a track to the computer, enable the soundcard's LINE IN as the recording input in your recording software. Assign the outputs from your recording software to the soundcard's LINE OUT.

There are some (more expensive) computer audio interfaces that come with mic inputs and mixing controls built in. If you have one of these, you should contact their tech support for advice on how to set up your studio with their product.


Here's a quick overview of the process of making a multitrack audio production for distribution on Audio CD:

Tracking: Record basic tracks onto hard disk. As you go, you'll make a working mix, often called a "rough mix.". You'll use this rough mix as a "guide track" for the performers to play along with, as additional tracks are added to the production.
Overdubbing: Record additional tracks over (and in synch with) the original tracks, while listening to ("monitoring") the rough mix, as desired.
Editing: Once all the basic tracks are recorded, you can edit those tracks, if desired. This is where pitch-correction is applied to vocals, wrong notes are replaced with "right" ones, "comp" tracks are created out of multiple takes, etc. The editing stage is where the computer-based DAW can really strut its stuff — edits can be performed with 'copy and paste' ease and precision.
Mixdown: Add effects, perform last-minute edits, make tonal adjustments to individual tracks or groups of tracks ("equalization" or "EQ"), adjust levels of tracks, add reverb or delay effects, place tracks in the stereo field ("panning"), etc. Once everything sounds like you want it to, you record the playback from the multiple tracks (with all your edits, levels, effects, panning, etc.) onto a new stereo pair of tracks. This is the "final mix."
Mastering: Once you have a collection of selections mixed down to stereo, you will want to begin the assembly of the final CD (what we used to call an "album"). You'll want to make sure each selection sounds in character with the rest (similar tonal balance, amount and type of compression, reverb levels, etc.) and that the selections are of appropriate relative loudness (the soft tunes aren't so quiet compared to the loud tunes that you need to adjust the volume between selections). At this point, many people will add a few final EQ tweaks and a final pass through a "mastering limiter." Then you'll want to make the CD layout, with appropriate silences between selections, etc. Then you burn the final CD (the CD "master"), and your production is done.

WOW!,

Allstsar I really appreciate you spending the time to write that reply!

This is all very overwhelming to me, but I have changed my mind and decided not to give up thanks to you! I had researched until I couldn't take it anymore and ended up more confused than ever.

OK, The first thing I am going to do is buy a set up to perform karaoke at home. I don't have anything but a computer and some desire at the moment.
After I get this equipment I will attempt what you described. BTW this setup is strictly for me in my basement room. Doesnt need to be anything powerful or portable.
WISH ME LUCK! I WILL NEED IT!

I am looking at:
pair of speakers/monitors just good enough to get me started.

Player(jvc222 or maybe cavs)

Mike(audio technica or SM58)

Mixer(clueless- still trying to decide) Can you recommend one that has this ALT3/4 you speak of?

Other than some software thats it right?

ALSO, when you say "record basic tracks to hard drive" you are talking about thru my player/mixer and into the soundcard right? I don't have a plextor drive to copy my tracks directly from the cdgs. Please don't tell me I have to get this too(plus microstudio, and whatever else), my brain will explode.

I am going to be in BIG trouble when I get thru spending this money. But I want to "SUB"!!! You guys/gals seem to be having TOO much fun!

Tidalwave, here are some more links that will confuse you
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3993
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3997
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3996
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3996
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3994
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3992
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3991
http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1767

Now your other questions.
Yeah yeah, blame it on me


I prefer the Mackie HR824 monitors and the JBL EON15 G2 Powered Speakers (that way you don't need a power amp and avoid the problem of matching speakers and amp)



JVC does the trick for me.


Big argument coming up , but Shure is good (I use Nady wireless UHF)


Another big argument, I have the Behringer UB1204FX-Pro


Yep!
MP3+G Toolz
Cool Edit
Hosting software


Output of player into mixer, mic into mixer and away you go!


It will cost you, but sure is fun

What you have just read is purely MY opinion