RECORDING GAF: looking for a gift for a novice

cryptoadam

cryptoadam

Banned
So looking to buy a xmas gift for a girly.

She likes to sing and hinted she wants a mixer.

She is not a pro just likes to mess around. Its really just for her to have fun.

Thing is I dont know a thing about this stuff. So was hoping GAF could help me out here.

What could i order of Amazon so she can sing some songs and record with her PC (or phone if the tech exists)? And keep in mind newbies here with not much knowledge.

So i dont need the latest and greatest more like something to mess around thats pretty easy to use?

Budget 150$ or less. I am seeing a bunch of em on Amazon going from 30$ all the way up.
 
Ktotheroc said:
Does she have a program and microphone ready for recording music already?
Click to expand...
This seems like a good start - finding out what she has already.

1) Microphone
2) PC
3) Recording software
4) Cables
5) Mixer?

If she is very casual, then there may be a cheaper way to do it.
 
Ktotheroc said:
Does she have a program and microphone ready for recording music already?
Click to expand...

She has a mic.

Some of the mixers i saw on amazon come with software.

I think she has a laptop and a samsung phone and I have a PC.

Here are 2 that i found on amazon

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio
www.amazon.ca

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else
www.amazon.ca
 
Punished Miku said:
This seems like a good start - finding out what she has already.

1) Microphone
2) PC
3) Recording software
4) Cables
5) Mixer?

If she is very casual, then there may be a cheaper way to do it.
Click to expand...

So far mic and pc.

It would be super casual just for fun. TBH probably something I would buy she would mess arounf and use it a few times a year. She also likes to sing on this singing app.

I replied just above with some I found on Amazon that come with some software.
 
cryptoadam said:
She has a mic.

Some of the mixers i saw on amazon come with software.

I think she has a laptop and a samsung phone and I have a PC.

Here are 2 that i found on amazon

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio
www.amazon.ca

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else
www.amazon.ca
Click to expand...
Are you and her going to make duets?

 
If you can pickup a TC Helicon Voicelive product in any variation within your budget then go for that option. The tech is great and she will thank you long time.
 
cryptoadam said:
She has a mic.

Some of the mixers i saw on amazon come with software.

I think she has a laptop and a samsung phone and I have a PC.

Here are 2 that i found on amazon

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

Muslady TU04 BT Sound Mixing Console Record 48V Phantom Power Monitor AUX Paths Plus Effects 4 Channels Audio Mixer with USB : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio
www.amazon.ca

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else

M-Audio AIR 192|4 - 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface with Recording Software from ProTools & Ableton Live, Plus Studio-Grade FX & Virtual Instruments : Amazon.ca: Everything Else
www.amazon.ca
Click to expand...

I'd say the M Audio would be good, but you'd need to grab a cable for her microphone to put it in the mixer. It is used by pros and comes with editing/recording software (two different kinds, so she isn't stuck with one) for a value that's in line with the budget given and would be way higher if purchased separately. It's basically a bundle. USB connectable, so it's easy to hook up, and it isn't too bulky. You just might have to go a little above budget to get it & possible accessories. I assume she has headphones to listen already.

Also, I'm just going off of personal experiences with recording when I give advice, so fair warning OP. I've never dabbled with setting up the mixers/etc. outside of class, but I've definitely been involved with using them in sessions for recording. Anybody who runs a studio or does recordings at home with mixers can definitely give more, and better, insight than me.
 
cryptoadam said:
So far mic and pc.

It would be super casual just for fun. TBH probably something I would buy she would mess arounf and use it a few times a year. She also likes to sing on this singing app.

I replied just above with some I found on Amazon that come with some software.
Click to expand...
Well don't take my word on it. I have no experience with this at all. But it honestly sounds like she may not even really need a mixer, if she isn't recording multiple inputs at once. It may be more of a barrier than help. I've never used pro tools software, but I was under the impression it may be at least a little complicated with some learning curve. I could be way off on that.

This might be more up her alley, but don't buy anything like that without getting input from someone who knows what they're talking about (not me).

Amazon.com: Presonus AudioBox 96 Audio Interface Studio Bundle with Studio One Artist Software Pack, Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone, Shockmount, XLR Cable, Foam Wind Screen for Professional Recording : Musical Instruments

Buy Presonus AudioBox 96 Audio Interface Studio Bundle with Studio One Artist Software Pack, Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone, Shockmount, XLR Cable, Foam Wind Screen for Professional Recording: Audio Interfaces - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
 
This is exactly at your price range...

rane-seventy-pre_1800x.jpg


www.turntablelab.com

Rane: Seventy Battle DJ Mixer For Serato DJ

Buy Rane: Seventy Battle DJ Mixer For Serato DJ at TurntableLab.com, a Better Music Store Experience since 1999.
www.turntablelab.com www.turntablelab.com
 
She doesn't need a mixer, she needs an interface. If she has no plans to delve into the wonderful world of audio engineering and production and just wants to record vocals then keep it as simple as possible. At that price point read reviews about stability/ease of use as quality is going to be roughly the same across the board.

Do you know what software she uses/plans to use? Many interfaces have lite versions of various DAWs to get you started...

Feel free to ask questions, I have a *little* experience with home recording setups 😉
 
deafmedal said:
She doesn't need a mixer, she needs an interface. If she has no plans to delve into the wonderful world of audio engineering and production and just wants to record vocals then keep it as simple as possible. At that price point read reviews about stability/ease of use as quality is going to be roughly the same across the board.

Do you know what software she uses/plans to use? Many interfaces have lite versions of various DAWs to get you started...

Feel free to ask questions, I have a *little* experience with home recording setups 😉
Click to expand...

Tell me more.

Ya it would be for simple basic vocal recording. Nothing complicated. Can hook up a mic to it and hook it up to a pc.

As far as software it would probably be helpful if it came with it. If not i guess i could find pro tools on the high seas somewhere i dont know.

But it would be more about fucking around with then seriouse make an album.

But looks like i hit a snag because she doesnt have her laptop anymore.
 
deafmedal said:
She doesn't need a mixer, she needs an interface.
Click to expand...

Look for an audio interface with good pre-amps and XLR microphone inputs (which would be pretty much most of them honestly). The Apollo series are generally good if you want to go Gucci (but expensive and honestly we've had some quality control issues with the ones we bought), but even something like a Scarlett or Presonus with 2 XLR inputs would be sufficient it sounds like.

Inevitably whatever you buy will come with a free copy of Ableton Live Lite which is more than enough to get started with dropping some lyrics over a backing track and putting some EQ/Reverb on them.

tbh, pretty much nobody needs a "mixer" for home recording anymore. That's mostly done in software now unless you're doing something very specific, like recording a live show with no computer around.

Edit:
Won't help much without a computer though hah.
 
Last edited:
Yeah forget a mixer - too many redundant functions for your needs.

That Canadian brand I mentioned, TC Helicon, are the leaders in vocal processing. Look at the Perform, Touch and Voicelive series of hardware options. Many of them can be purposed as audio interfaces too which by the sounds of it you do need. If you just get an interface then you will have to apply dynamics, fx and eq yourself which can be overwhelming when trying to get things right. The TC stuff does that for you. Additionaly you might want to get a studio condenser microphone - especially if you go the audio interface only route.
 
One last thing - if you're on ios and/or Mac you already have Garageband which is more than enough for your recording needs.
 
Last edited:
cryptoadam said:
Tell me more.

Ya it would be for simple basic vocal recording. Nothing complicated. Can hook up a mic to it and hook it up to a pc.

As far as software it would probably be helpful if it came with it. If not i guess i could find pro tools on the high seas somewhere i dont know.

But it would be more about fucking around with then seriouse make an album.

But looks like i hit a snag because she doesnt have her laptop anymore.
Click to expand...
😂 Yeah, a computer is kinda needed for a DAW setup. There are standalone mixer style DAWs but they are not nearly as versatile or easy to learn IMO, pretty much relegated to recording only and can be expensive. Not to say it can't be done but she would have to figure out how to get music onto one if she's not recording said music- a PC DAW would allow her to drag her accompanying backing tracks easily.

As someone said, most interfaces come with Live Lite which is more than enough to get started learning. Reaper is a free option as well although I hear the learning curve can be steep. Most DAW software has lower cost, lower feature versions- if it seems complicated that's because it is but at the end of the day they all record audio and allow you to mix, try a few and see what fits best then stick with it and learn it as much as possible. I absolutely love Live and always recommend for more electronic minded production but it handles recording tasks fine as well. Any M-Audio interfaces should come with a LE version of ProTools, decent enough to get your feet wet.

Mikado said:
The Apollo series are generally good
Click to expand...
Damn, I quite like UA stuff, sucks that you have issues with the Apollo platform. I have an OG silver face with a TB card and a black Twin running with an Octo, no major issues to speak of. My Apogee Duet has more issues oddly enough!
Rock And Roll said:
I'd look into a Focusrite.
Click to expand...
Always hear good things about these for the price.
The Shift said:
Garageband
Click to expand...
Fuck Garageband, convoluted nonsense 😂 (it is free and a good starting point but geez is it a pain getting around in an effort to make easier)
 
deafmedal said:
Fuck Garageband, convoluted nonsense 😂 (it is free and a good starting point but geez is it a pain getting around in an effort to make easier)
Click to expand...

Oh I agree but I think these guys just want to goof about and maybe lay down some ideas here and there. I'm a Cubase lifer that's too entrenched in that product to change now 🤷‍♂️
 
Maybe she wants a karaoke machine or a game that lets you sing.

IF ONLY SAID GAMES EXISTED???
 
Thanks for the replies but finding out she doesn't have a laptop anymore really killed it.

Now I gotta think of another gift.

Dick in a box ???
 
Get a cheap bundle

www.gear4music.com

SubZero BASE-2 Vocalist Home Recording Bundle at Gear4music

SubZero BASE-2 Vocalist Home Recording Bundle at Gear4music
www.gear4music.com www.gear4music.com

Then really you need a DAW (digital audio interface), there's many options

FL studio (got great deals on atm)
Ableton live (most used nowadays, loads of youtube tutorials)
Reaper (cheap)
Cubase (expensive, decent tho)

Probably a decent free one somewhere
 
deafmedal said:
Damn, I quite like UA stuff, sucks that you have issues with the Apollo platform. I have an OG silver face with a TB card and a black Twin running with an Octo, no major issues to speak of. My Apogee Duet has more issues oddly enough!
a good starting point but geez is it a pain getting around in an effort to make easier)
Click to expand...

We've gone through a lot of interfaces here over the years - some died, some we got rid of due to changing connection standards or platform changes: MOTU, MAudio, TC Electronic, Presonus, Focusrite/Scarlett and now the UAD. Despite my comments, the Apollo has actually been the best of the bunch. Just got unlucky - maybe blew a cap or something. My wife's Apollo started heating up to almost untouchable levels while working until one day it just started outputting static and distortion. After a lot of irritating back and forth, we got it repaired out of warrantee for a couple hundred bucks and it's been rock solid ever since.
 
cryptoadam said:
So far mic and pc.

It would be super casual just for fun. TBH probably something I would buy she would mess arounf and use it a few times a year. She also likes to sing on this singing app.

I replied just above with some I found on Amazon that come with some software.
Click to expand...

M-Audio is a legit, reputable audio company. Not sure how many channels you need, but the one you linked is 2 input and is aimed at hi-res audio. It is probably overkill for her.

Why not ask her which mixers she's considering or wanting?
 
Update:

Didn't get the rerocrding stuff since she doesn't have a PC.

Still got laid. and she also cooked for me so I have been eating some great fried chicken and steak tacos.
 
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