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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/199650
Vapor - Posted - 02/14/2011: 22:12:33
Now that this forum is up and running, I just thought I would give a few suggestions for those who want to record on the cheap.
Many computers have all you need already on board to do a simple recording and some minor editing. Check out your CD/DVD writing software, there is usually an audio editor there, and many only work in an uncompressed .wav file. You can record a computer attached mic here, edit and then save. Use Media Player to convert to an MP3 and you are set to post.
A computers sound card may also include audio editing software. It will often work like the above.
Another option people often overlook, is upgrading to a high end sound card. These also come with a software bundle, such as Creatives Wave Studio. You get a high end card and the editing software/file converters etc.
For those who do not want to get in way over their head, or at least not right away, try these options and see if they take care of your needs. I think you will find these editors are far more powerful than people realize, and you already own them.
Good luck and have fun
MrNatch3L - Posted - 02/14/2011: 23:14:47
Good advice here. I agree especially with the sound card advice. I can't think how many hours I wasted and how much frustration I experienced using a computer with an inferior sound card. I didn't understand that it was at the root of the "simply not up to snuff" sound. I assumed it was inadequate mics, instruments, etc. Then I changed computers (MacBook Pro) and discovered what a difference a machine with a decent sound card made. I've taken recordings made on the Mac and tried them on the old machine and they're the same shallow, and kind of dull.
The machine I had was primarily a business-oriented notebook computer (I don't have room for a desktop machine). A notebook PC that is not configured especially as a multimedia machine will often have a bare-bones sound card, and an upgraded sound card might well be your best starting investment. I remember looking at one card that would have fitted one of the slots in the machine and thinking, $139, nah, too much. So I spent the money on a large condenser mic which didn't help much. Talk about frustration. My experience had been that your investment in instruments and mics are largely wasted if you have a so-so sound card.
Vapor - Posted - 02/15/2011: 01:32:33
Yes, a sound card, and good speakers do go a long ways to output good sound. There are aftermarket USB sound cards, that really do the job for a laptop. I am fortunate to have a system with a high end sound card, but I have considered the USB Creative card for my laptop when I travel, coupled with a good set of headphones, it would do nicely.
Thanks for the followup MrNatch, this is what will make this forum work.
xixiant - Posted - 02/15/2011: 08:57:26
I've been experimenting a bit with recordings and haven't been all that happy with the sound. It looks like the audio recordings on BHO are almost always better quality than the videos on youtube. Is that because of the way it's recorded, do you think, or could it be related to the performers' hardware?
Klondike Waldo - Posted - 02/15/2011: 09:01:34
quote:
Originally posted by xixiant
I've been experimenting a bit with recordings and haven't been all that happy with the sound. It looks like the audio recordings on BHO are almost always better quality than the videos on youtube. Is that because of the way it's recorded, do you think, or could it be related to the performers' hardware?
Trewq36 - Posted - 02/15/2011: 10:08:12
I too was far from please when I first used a computer for recording.. Besides just poor levels I could hear these little clicks and beeps in the background, that must have been coming from the computer...Even with an above average Sound Blaster. I found my old analog equipment to be much much better.
Then I got a real sound card (M-Audio Delta 1010LT)... My My My what a difference in quality, like night and day. And the Appleton Live it came with was a nice add on too.
Yes hardware will make a difference...
Vapor - Posted - 02/15/2011: 12:43:25
When you compare You Tube to BHO, you have to also consider the amount of compression being applied to the video. You Tube allows you to select the quality level of playback, all the way to HD, so people with a slower connection will use a smaller file setting/more compression, thus lower quality.
Audio by itself is one thing. There is an enormous amount of freeware and paid version packages. Video is different, in that you need more robust software, and the ability to work on the audio track and then export the completed package.
It would help to know if you are talking audio alone, or a video with audio.
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