Help me get started recording an EP

[AlternRocker16]

I've finally decided to start getting semi-serious with my music and record an EP, and play a few coffee houses or whatever. Just something I've wanted to do for awhile and want to start pursuing. Can someone help me get started with what recording equipment/software i'll need? I'll just be recording acoustic/vocals, but may do some full band tracks if I feel like it. I need tons of help and any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[shermanology]

Get an MBox and a good condensor mic, or even just a USB condensor, then get really good at EQing

[JJJ]

Yea, I would go with an Mbox too, it comes with ProTools and it's the best way to hook up mics/instruments to your comp

[patrickhowell]

What's your budget ?

[AlternRocker16]

What's your budget ?
Pretty low right now. I was thinking more of finding something decent to start out with, and then saving up for it.

[sinktylersink]

As cool as starting with an Mbox and Pro Tools is, the Mbox really doesn't give you a lot of room to grow (aside from giving you Pro Tools). I would look at an M-Audio interface, either a cheaper two channel one to start out with or one of the Firewire ones (410 or 1814, you can find them for a decent price on eBay usually). This way you can run Pro Tools M-Powered (although it comes seperate, which is a downside) and not spend a bunch of money on an interface that you can't really expand (with the FireWire 410 or especially the 1814 there is plenty of room to grow and add more channels through extra inputs and ADAT ports). Just my two cents.

As far as mics go, definetely start with a condenser microphone (especially if you're recording acoustic guitar and vocals). Check out the Studio Projects line, I think the Studio Projects B1 is around $100 and I've heard pretty good things about it. If you could spend a bit more look at a Rode NT1-A.

[OveriseFan]

Anyone have any advice on getting a computer (either mac or PC) capable of running an MBox/Protools on the cheap?

I've been looking. I don't necessarily have a set budget, but $300 or less for the computer would be great. Probably impossible though.

[bassdrummer2333]

Best Buy is running good deal for like 400 for laptops with dual core and 2GB of ram which should be plenty.

[OveriseFan]

Best Buy is running good deal for like 400 for laptops with dual core and 2GB of ram which should be plenty.

I'll have to look into this.

I just don't really have the money. :-(