Resources
Below are a few recommendations from Will for musicians venturing into the world of audio.
Interfaces:
I’ve had great luck with my Focusrite intercace, including my dealings with customer service on a warranty claim. I would look into the Scarlett range and find one that suits your needs. Here’s the two-channel version:
Dynamic Microphones:
Don’t overlook a dynamic because of their inherently low sensitivity, rather look at their lower sensitivity as an advantage when working in less than ideal rooms (eg., no sound treatment or extraneous noises such as a refrigerator or furnace). The Shure SM57 is the classic workhorse for a reason. It can record anything:
Condenser Microphones:
A condenser will give you more detail and sensitivity, which sounds alluring but does not mean “better.” Choosing the right mic for the job means considering the source and the room you’re recording in. Sometimes more detail and sensitivity are more trouble than they’re worth, however when a condenser works it can get you closer to that finished sound faster. The Audio Technica 2020 is hard to beat for the money:
USB Microphones:
USB mics are very attractive because of their low price and relatively high quality of sound reproduction, but before you get one be sure you want a condenser and keep in mind that they can’t grow with your setup. If you find yourself considering a USB mic, also consider this type of offering from Shure along with a separate microphone:
DAW’s:
DAW’s come down to personal preference. None are better or worse, but some may be streamlined for certain purposes. If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of audio, I highly recommend Reaper. Despite it’s low admission fee (and an unlimited free trial) it has most of the features you might need:
