Setup for recording saxophone

[jcochrane007]

Hi all,

I'm a saxophone player and a new forum member. I'd like to figure out a way to record myself playing along with some backing tracks. Is there software available that would allow me to plug a microphone into my pc and accomplish this? Also, any recommendations for a good microphone for this purpose?

Thanks!

Jeff

[JazzCat]

Yes there is, but you really need an audio interface to plug a decent mic into. You don't want to use the lousy mic input on a computer sound card to accomplish what you want to do as it wasn't designed for high quality recording.

Any of the MIDI/audio programs, such as Cakewalk/Sonar, Cubase, Pro Tools, Power Tracks Pro, Voyetra Record Producer, Audacity ( the only free one) etc, will do what you want to do.

As for mics, you can use a dynamic mic such as a Shure SM58, but for recording purposes I really recommend a condenser mic. Dynamic mics are more for live stage use, condensers and ribbon mics are more for recording.

When it comes to choosing a mic, everyone will have a different opinion as to which make and model number is 'best'.

[Rocky]

Inspire 1394 is a good external firewire sound card that comes with an on board mixer and cubase sequencing software.

I just recently added it to my studio and am very happy with the results. I use a Roalnd VS2400 for the bigger mixes and multi tracks and horns.

I have been playing tenor sax for about fourty years and also just like to practice my licks and phrasing with my backing tracks.

Works fine for me. A Shure beta 58 is a goog platform for a recording mike and you can also ues it on the gig. Very feed back resitant and noise free. You can eliminate hum and noise in you basic set up by investing in some good wire. Make sure that you use the high end Monster cabels for 1/4 and your mic XLR cabel to your sound card.

Anouther plus for the inspire sound card is the firewire connection deletes the need for a ac power adapter. The firewire connects directly to your PC and the interface.
Price is about $190.00 us. They highend retail for about $225.00 but any supplier like Music 123 or Musicians Friend will only cost you about $175.00 and free shipping.

Regards,,Rocky

Jazz, Blues and Dianonds

Check out our website www.jassbluesanddiamonds.info

[jcochrane007]

JazzCat and Rocky,

Thanks for the responses. I'm still researching and trying to decide what to do. I'm considering a Zoom H2 or H4 to get me started, with the added benefit of not being tied to the computer (my wife's been hogging my laptop recently!). As far as microphones go, I'll probably start with a condenser for recording, and then if I achieve my goal of getting good enough to play in public, I'll get a dynamic sometime down the road.

Thanks again for your help!

Jeff