Recording the Ukulele - Need Help!

mingus

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Hello! I would like to start some recording. I have never attempted it and I do not have any gear. I am starting from scratch and need suggestions.

Here is my plan:

Will be using iPad Mini with Garage Band, so please recommend...

1. Microphones?

What do you think about - Shure SM57, Audio Technica AT2020, and MXL 440

2. Audio Interfaces?

What do you think about - Focusrite iTrack Solo, Focusrite iTrack Dock, and Tascam iXZ

Any other suggestions would be welcomed! Thanks so much.
 
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I use a Dynamic mic (equivalent to shure sm57 but they Shure are da biz..no seriously SM57 s are industry standard and are top notch) for vocals ...a condenser Mic (Yoga ...they make them for Sony and Behringer and then S and B mark up the ticket for putting their names on the Yoga ... sheesh) for the instrument into a Yamaha audiogram 3... into PC using Cubase AI5.....


You definitely need a Dynamic mic for vox and a condenser for the instrument.....interface definitely for PC ....I am tablet/android/iPhone /Black Toast Intolerant
(I might mean Black Berry or similar devices) so cannot answer for those ......
 
Also depends on for what purpose are you recording?
An expensive mic and interface sure gives you great results, but it could be overkill if you're just doing casual recordings.

A simple, cheaper way is a USB condenser microphone, such as a Samson CO1U
 
The FocusRite stuff is great. I'm less than impressed these days with the SM-57 for recording acoustic instruments. A 58 for vocals is OK. The MXLs are pretty amazing mics for the price.

My "druthers"? Schoeps CMC6 stereo pair or the Peluso knock-offs for the instrument. Big diaphragm condenser for vox.
 
Also depends on for what purpose are you recording?
An expensive mic and interface sure gives you great results, but it could be overkill if you're just doing casual recordings.

A simple, cheaper way is a USB condenser microphone, such as a Samson CO1U

I second the Samson C01U. I've got the standard C01 (XLR input) and it's been an awesome inexpensive mic.
 
I can vouch for the Focusrite iTrack Solo. I understand the iTrack dock is newer and has more features but also costs more. You might also investigate mics that plug directly into the device. They are generally of "okay" quality but depending on your needs, might be all you need - no separate interface required. Just make sure the connector matches your device or comes with a suitable adapter.
 
Just play a uke with a pickup through an amplifier and record audio and video directly through your iPad.
 
Thanks for the comments. I do appreciate them all.

I am planning to record a few songs with my family for Christmas, burn the CDs, and hand them out to the grandparents/aunts/uncles.

I am not trying to get crazy hi-tech, but I would like the sound to be decent!
 
The FocusRite stuff is great. I'm less than impressed these days with the SM-57 for recording acoustic instruments. A 58 for vocals is OK. The MXLs are pretty amazing mics for the price.

My "druthers"? Schoeps CMC6 stereo pair or the Peluso knock-offs for the instrument. Big diaphragm condenser for vox.

Strange ...I am totally impressed with the Shure 57...for vocals ...not so hot as an instrument pickup.....granted......the last line somewhat baffles me ...is it English?;)...please help an 'umble codger out 'ere mate...Ta
 
Thanks for the comments. I do appreciate them all.

I am planning to record a few songs with my family for Christmas, burn the CDs, and hand them out to the grandparents/aunts/uncles.

I am not trying to get crazy hi-tech, but I would like the sound to be decent!


I'm an amateur, but here are some recordings I did with the inexpensive Samson C01U USB condenser mic (no interface) on my laptop using Audacity free recording program:

Let it Go instrumental
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/let-it-go-frozen-ocarina-instrumental

When you're by my side (original song, with my crappy vocals)
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/when-youre-by-my-side

Since you're focusing on Christmas, here's Jingle Bells (instrumental):
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/jingle-bells


To re-iterate, an interface would technically have greater results since you get what you pay for.
However, as a Youtube amateur for several years, the humble USB microphone has sufficed as a simple recording setup.
I keep telling myself I'll spend the few hundred dollars on an interface and fancy mics, but I haven't taken that plunge yet..
 
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I'm an amateur, but here are some recordings I did with the inexpensive Samson C01U USB condenser mic (no interface) on my laptop using Audacity free recording program:

Let it Go instrumental
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/let-it-go-frozen-ocarina-instrumental

When you're by my side (original song, with my crappy vocals)
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/when-youre-by-my-side

Since you're focusing on Christmas, here's Jingle Bells (instrumental):
https://soundcloud.com/samuel-lee-68/jingle-bells


To re-iterate, an interface would technically have greater results since you get what you pay for.
However, as a Youtube amateur for several years, the humble USB microphone has sufficed as a simple recording setup.
I keep telling myself I'll spend the few hundred dollars on an interface and fancy mics, but I haven't taken that plunge yet..

You do NOT have to spend hundereds of squids ...or greenbacks.......look at this link....

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-production/interfaces/audiogram/audiogram3/?mode=model

That little beggar and the software it comes with will act as a mini recording studio with a guitar lead if you can hook up directly or a reasonable condenser mic...the software is very good...or you could use audacity ...which as shareware is amazing for the ...er...price....it is fantastic....


The MSRP is at $149 ..it is a fairly old piece of kit ( I predict though that will this be around for a while...it is as safe as houses and easy as peasy to use) I bet if you shop around you will get a much lower sticker price than that.......

I have the software loaded onto two PCs ...one in the house ...one in the shed....If I need to I can just unplug the audiogram(I have a 3) and go to the other pC and plug it in ...some times you may just have to re set the "Audio Device" in Cubase ....depending on the mood of the PC !!


You don't have to have an interface, as previous posters have stated...but if you did want one, you would not have to pop round to Fort Knox wearing a balaclava to get the funds........

Cheers

Jarvo

In fact I am so impressed with this gadget that I just wrote a review whilst editting this ...Cool
 
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