[carol m]

I want to fix my computer so I can record. I've been reading threads for a couple of hours and would like some guidelines before I take the plunge.

I have already tried using the soundcard that came with the computer with a headset + mic in a USB port, and a relatively cheap mic into the 'mic in' port, but both methods result in 'gale force wind' effects so you can hardly hear the guitar, and nomatter how I try I cannot get the recorder to record for more than 60secs (I'm not taking it personally).

I don't have a pre-mixer or pre-amp but would buy one if I needed it.

I downloaded Audacity version1:2:4 about a year ago and haven't used it yet. When I go to Audacity site there is a version 1:2:6 available.

I can see it's going to take a good deal of effort to learn about a software program, so I should decide before I start if I should go with Audacity or Kristal. I see there's a sticky for Audacity (Hi Kenny), and a lesson on Kristal (Hi Tekker) and now would be the time to make a good choice rather than later. It needs to be as simple as possible as I know zero about levels, clipping, mixing etc. Also I found a Yamaha keyboard in the attic that was used about twice by the kids a few years ago so it would be good if I could tie that in later too.

I have my CD player and speakers linked to my computer already (for listening). I also have an audio tape deck (remember them?) hooked up to the CD player and computer so they are all linked.

My questions are,
1.should I go with Audacity or Kristal?
2.which is 'easier' for a beginner?
3.and if I go with Audacity should I ditch the older version and download the latest version before I start?

Any info and opinion would be appreciated

[skinnybloke]

I want to fix my computer so I can record. I've been reading threads for a couple of hours and would like some guidelines before I take the plunge.
Jump in, at a basic level it's not that hard.

I have already tried using the soundcard that came with the computer with a headset + mic in a USB port, and a relatively cheap mic into the 'mic in' port, but both methods result in 'gale force wind' effects so you can hardly hear the guitar, and nomatter how I try I cannot get the recorder to record for more than 60secs (I'm not taking it personally).
It sounds like your using "Windows Recorder", it defaults to 60 second recordings.

I don't have a pre-mixer or pre-amp but would buy one if I needed it.
Not necessary to begin with.

I downloaded Audacity version1:2:4 about a year ago and haven't used it yet. When I go to Audacity site there is a version 1:2:6 available.
Download the new version if you want to. If you can't be bothered...give it a miss.

I can see it's going to take a good deal of effort to learn about a software program, so I should decide before I start if I should go with Audacity or Kristal. I see there's a sticky for Audacity (Hi Kenny), and a lesson on Kristal (Hi Tekker) and now would be the time to make a good choice rather than later. It needs to be as simple as possible as I know zero about levels, clipping, mixing etc.
Both are free, easy and have heaps of support from forum members....toss a coin
Also I found a Yamaha keyboard in the attic that was used about twice by the kids a few years ago so it would be good if I could tie that in later too.
You will need a MIDI adapter (plug) to go from the keyboard to the sound card.

I have my CD player and speakers linked to my computer already (for listening). I also have an audio tape deck (remember them?) hooked up to the CD player and computer so they are all linked.

My questions are,
1.should I go with Audacity or Kristal?
2.which is 'easier' for a beginner?
3.and if I go with Audacity should I ditch the older version and download the latest version before I start?
See above.
Any info and opinion would be appreciated

Have fun Carol

[carol m]

Thanks Skinny, taking the plunge is my next move...you have been warned

[mattz196]

Carol for whats its worth having had no prior experience with recording software , I installed both and not that I can quantify why I found Audacity to be the easier of the two .The recordings created where not great but I did manage to make them and create a mp3 fairly easily.
Good luck , look forward to hearing you.
Matt

[knight46]

Carol,
Not to throw a fly into the ointment, but after using Audacity and Krystal I have found that Reaper is twice as good as either one. Tekker also has a lesson on Reaper, you might want to check it out.

[namiguShin]

I'm using Audacity for recording... I find it easier, and with it's Normalization and Noise Removal effects my recordings sound ok... As far as they can sound ok, because I'm using a cheap (2 euros or so) PC mic, so the quality cannot be good anyway... I use it just to "inspect" my playing, you can judge much better when you're just listening, a bit harder while you're playing because you concentrate on how to play something, and not to hear if it's played well... I use Kristal if I want to lay a backing track and record something over it... Because Kristal is a sequencer, not just a recording program like Audacity...

Anyway, my suggestion, I think they're both easy to learn, or at least to start with... But I think you can safely start with Audacity if you just want to record yourself and hear how that sounds... On the other hand, if you want to overdub something you can use Kristal... And I just don't think that this is win or lose situation... You won't make a mistake if you start with either of them, and you'll be able to fairly easy switch to the other one...

[Stratrat]

I find Audacity much easier (if not as capable or advanced). I've had latency issues with Kristal, and it also doesn't seem to like using my USB mixer for input. I tried Reaper and couldn't even get it to recognize my mixer or the USB Audio Codec.

[wjp01908]

I`ve been working my way through Reaper for a month or two now - have found it to be excellent. I imagine it would be a steep learning curve for a complete beginner, but if you can get your head around the basics, it seems to be powerful enough to keep you going for a good few years.

Will

[dejankuki]

It is no mather wich program you use it's a important to learn how is working then you will choose other big gamers in audio (if you advance in recordings). I hear pretty good songs made with Kristal, no menton other "bad" programs.

Midi adapter is you need only if Yamaha have MIDI in/out, otherwise you can't plug this synth in comp. (if your yamaha have MIDI in/out and you have game port on your computer, then you will be needed only MIDI-to-gameport cable)

[LeeB]

I downloaded Kristal because Tekker recommended it and has a tutorial somewhere on this site. I have only used it a couple of times because it made me sweat and cos it made me realize how much work I needed to do. I should go back and record something because that was prolly a year ago and I think I have improved since then..at least a little bit I hope

[eddiez152]

Carol,
Its great that you a gonna give it a go. Although I have numerous programs for this venture I have been using Garage Band.
As everyone said, Audacity is a good start, seems easy to use.

[starsailor]

Yes it's great to see you having a go Carol, I've still got a few things to sort out but I'm getting better, I'm using Reaper at the moment I'm learning just by trying everything out, I have a funny feeling recording is addictive, it's good fun though. and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Cheers

Chris

[Lcjones]

I've been using audacity for quite some time. I've checked out the others, Reaper, Kyrstal. I even have store bought packages. I keep returning to Audacity.

The interface is easy use and easy on the eyes. It comes stock with "some" tools like reverb (GVerb), compression, normalization and a number of others. There are a ton of plugins and VST's to add to it as well.

But regardless which audio editor you choose "all" of them require a learning curve. Some more than others.

It's not the software, it's the ear that hears the sound the software is making.

**
LC

[X4StringDrive]

Hi Carol, glad to hear your taking the plunge. Its always nice to hear the style and knowledge of the different players in here.

First off, I'm no authority on any of this, but my line of thinking leans towards choosing "anything" is a great first step. Which program {to me} really doesn't make a difference when starting out, they all have learning curves. There is the "basic" curve for anything new, then theres the curve for "that" particular program, and finally the curve of overall recording in general. I'm sure most who have a reasonable amount of time in the recording world, will admit that they have tried more than one program.

The main thing I believe, is to stick with whatever you choose to start with, until you have the first two "curves" down pat. By then you will have acquired a good general understanding of what goes into creating a good recording. Then it will be time to decide if you want to start over with something more in the way of a professional set-up. Some people make great recordings with the very basic free apps available, and are content. Others want to reach the next level and thats where the fun of experimenting with other programs come in. Just like guitars and music, everyone has their favorite.

For what its worth, my yamaha keyboard originally went from headphone jack out to line in on my PC, worked fine enough until I bought my powered mixer/pa system. I have only used audacity of the three mentioned in this thread, I'm now using adobe auditions which I love, but again the learning curve can be steep. I had no problems getting decent recordings from audacity and I'm sure the same would go for the others...just take your time, play with the one you choose and don't give up too early on it, lots of knowledge in here on just about any program you can think of. Best of luck to you in this new adventure...your gonna luv it.

[carol m]

Thanks for all your replies everyone. Here's the plan.........
I'll start with Audacity and persevere until I can get at least a guitar track recorded, then conquer the adding of vocals and then think about where to go next (OK, helpful suggestions on that subject not neccessary at this stage - before you start taking pot-shots, wait until you have some ammunition ) I can see that nomatter what speedbumps I might hit there is plenty of help available from everyone.

For what its worth (for other beginners thinking of starting), without trying any yet, from the impressions I get from the info I've checked out so far:

Audacity will probably be easier but there might be limits to the tweaking ability/effects later on;

Kristal looks more suitable for plugging the guitar into a separate soundcard/device or via 'line in' and not an acoustic with mic, is probably more for effects & multitracking, and Tekker's lesson on Kristal starts right off talking about things I haven't got a clue about (my ignorance, not Tekkers lesson).

Reaper might be better but I'll start out learning the basics on Audacity and move on later if necessary once I know more about what I want/need.

The biggest hurdle is finding enough time to actually do it - some days there isn't time left over to even play the guitar.....at all although I usually manage to check out what's happening here on site most days.

Thanks again for all your suggestions, I'll let you know how I go.