Ways to Record Sound using a Personal Computer
This is a basic one. Before you can record sound using a personal computer, you need to have :
a. Sound card (decent one at least Soundblaster Audigy)
b. Audio mixer
c. Studio speakers
d. Cables (2)
e. Audio editing software (I am using Adobe audition 1.5)
Read this page for detailed explanation of PC audio recording factors.
Take note there are a lot of ways to record sound. I will show you different configurations and their strength and weaknesses:
Method 1: The most basic configuration
This is very basic, the instruments (could be anything) is plugged into the microphone/line-in input of the soundcard. The audio recording software in the personal computer takes charge in the recording process. And then the soundcard output is connected to the computer speakers for monitoring.
The advantages of this method is that it is very easy to setup. The disadvantages are :
a. Very noisy signal
b. Low amplitude or very weak signal.
c. Poor frequency response.
This is only recommended to record voice signals such as an amateur voice tape recording but this is not recommended for professional recording.
Method 2: Using mixer on the instruments side:
Instruments can be connected first to the studio mixer thus conditioning the signal such as amplification and removing of noise. This is recommended for studio recording because the signals are now strong to be recorded and less noise.
Plus since the audio mixers are employed, it will have an excellent frequency response which is very essential for professional recording.
Although this method is great but it is not efficient enough as the next step.
Method 3: Using mixer to route all signals coming to it and from the computer.
This is the most efficient one, because all controls of the volume is on the mixer. In this setup, the instruments are feed to the mixer, the mixer then conditions the signal by using it’s pre-amp features or some EQ then it is being feed finally to the computer audio recording software.
At the same time the audio recording software feeds out signal to the soundcard which then connects to another input in the mixer to control the volume. The mixer output then connects to the studio monitors/speakers to hear the signals being played. This is a very useful setup during multi-track recording and is the one I am using in my home studio.
Try to experiment other types of setup that fits your budget and your recording needs. But the method 3 is the most recommended method if you are into professional audio CD production.
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March 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Great article. I started recording my music in 1999 with a cheap sound blaster sound card and a radio shack microphone. The great part about making music at home is that your equipment grows and expands as your experience does.
Sometimes by making the most of a basic setup you realize what equipment is really needed
April 1st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Thanks for the comment. I do agree. I do have the same experience as yours. We do really learn a lot in recording if we learn how to get the most in a basic setup.
It is the best way to learn than acquiring so many expensive gears at once yet lacks the mastery and skill earned by experiences working with the basic setup.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Nice site!
I’ve always wanted to have my own personal sound recording system at home, but it was hard for me since i didn’t really know what was needed. But after reading through you article I’ve begun to gain some understanding of what’s required.
however, i have a 2008 computer windows vista. if i want to go with you sound recording set-up method #3, do you think i still need to but a sound card, or does my computer already has one. I’m not really good with computer stuff, so if you could provide some kind of feedbacks that’d be great!
November 25th, 2008 at 3:57 am
One of the best things you can do on any machine is upgrade your sound card (the best you can afford)if you`re getting into recording on the pc.I wont get into the whys and whatnots here, but it is vital if you`re serious about multi-tracking.
May 9th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Hi Pruleo,
It is great you decided to have a personal recording studio. Anyway, try to check your computer if it already includes a quality sound card.
Try to check this post: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000503.htm
And see if you have a decent sound card for recording.It is important you have a PCI installed soundcard (not the motherboard onboard version)because this can withstand frequent uses.
Also a decent soundcard should have either a line-in or microphone input. You cannot record properly if you do not have these wire inputs.
Cheers
May 9th, 2009 at 2:14 am
I agree with lowdon55. Also Pruleo, if you are still in doubt, you can bring your computer to a computer shop and have it checked by a professional computer technician, to see if you have those sound cards installed. Buy a decent one preferably Creative Audigy or even a more expensive such as Audiophile soundcards.