Intended Audience

This is a guide to assist people who:

1. want to record a song inexpensively
   
2. already have a instrument, ie. acoustic guitar.
   
3. already have a computer.
4. geared towards an solo artist though can be applied to a full band.
   

Hardware Required

1. have a computer that has at least an 800Mhz Processor and 512 MB of Ram
2. a condender mic with at least a 1 inch diaphram
ie. Nova - Affordable Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone (Condenser Mic)
http://learnhub.com/redirect?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.m-audio.com%2Fproducts%2Fen_us%2FNova-main.html

3. a soundcard with a capable recording input of 16bits at 44.100 kHz
ie. USB Mobile PRE
http://learnhub.com/redirect?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.m-audio.com%2Fproducts%2Fen_us%2FMobilePreUSB-main.html
4. an XLR Microphone cable
5. headphones
6. a microphone stand.
7. pop filter

Software Required

1. A sound editor that allows you to multitrack.

FREE - http://learnhub.com/redirect?u=http%3A%2F%2Faudacity.sourceforge.net%2F%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B MAC OS X, Windows XP, Linux

Learning Through Questions

Question: What program do I need to record more than one track of music.

Answer: You need a sound editor that allows for multitracking.
FREE Multitracking program for Windows or Mac is Audacity
Recommended PAID program for Windows is Cubase.
Recommended PAID program for MAC is Pro Tools.
Though remember there are many programs out there to choose from, and like everything, research for your specific application is the best way to choose.

Question: Why can't I use the soundcard already in my computer?

Answer: In most cases your soundcard isn't equipped to record a cd quality song. The requirements to record at CD quality is to have a soundcard that records at 16bits at 44.100 kHz. Also, it is recommended that you have a 1/4 inch input whereas most computer soundcards have 1/8 input. A 3-pin XLR3 input is beneficial as well.

Question: Should I use a conderser mic or a dynamic mic?

Answer: There is no 'right' mic to use, though different mics have different applications. All mics capture a different range of frequencies therefore depending on what type of sound you want will depend on your mic choice. However, on a low budget the one mic that will work in all applications is a Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone (Condenser Mic). In reality there are so many mics to choose from, so start with something cheap, get to know it's limitations. Then research, and try something more expensive. You can never have enough mics.

Question: I have a conderser mic but it doesn't seem to work, what am I doing wrong?

Answer: Do you have a preamp? Condenser Mics require power, Dynamic mics do not. A preamp is a device that supplies power to your microphone. The Mobile PRE sound card from M-Audio has a built in preamp with a flick of a switch, and therefore on a low budget is your best option because it kills two birds with one stone. Also, it is portable and therefore you can use it on multiple machines or record a live gig with a notebook.

Question: When I sing into my microphone, it sounds like I am in a different room. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: Are you singing into the back of the microphone? This one seems like a no brainer, but I will be honest and say when started recording with a minimal setup about 6 years ago I was not using the mic properly. Most mics have a symbol for the front and a symbol for the back. Usually the back looks like a triangle and the front a circle. Though CHECK WITH THE PERSON/STORE YOU BOUGHT IT FROM. All mics are different and this is a simple mistake to getting off on the wrong foot.

Question: When Im singing the mic distorts when I say words starting with 'p' or 's'.

Answer: You need a pop filter. A pop filter is just a piece of nylon stretched making a barrier that will catch the air from when singing. These can be purchased in stores though a bent clothes hanger and stretched panty hose give the same effect.

Question: Where should I place the mic on a acoustic guitar?

Answer: Place your mic centered around your 12th fret with the front of the mic parallel to it. This is the optimal place for capturing sound. However don't be afraid to experiment. Every guitar is different as is everyones desired sound. Beware, if you want to mic your sound hole expect a very bassy sound.

Question: How far away should I be standing from the mic while singing?

Answer: Depending on your voice will depend on where you should stand. Though a good starting point is place your pop filter about a foot away from the front of the mic and then stand about 1 1/2 feet away from that. Also, make sure you are standing while you are singing to get the best projection of your sound.

Question: How do I make my composition sound fuller?

Answer: Layering and panning.
Layering is recording multiple tracks of the same part. ie. guitar
Panning is the placing of tracks within your stereo spectrum.
The easiest thing to do is record 2 of the same tracks. Then position one in your left speaker and one in your right. You immediately will have thickened your sound. You can duplicate the same track instead of recording the track twice, however you will get a more authentic sound by actually playing the track twice.
This also works for harmonies. However for your lead vocal track, I would recommend having just the one centered in your stereo spectrum. But again this is to personal preference.

What to remember

Trial and error is the only way to trial and success.
and.
You can never have too much gear, though this is an affordable starting point.