Getting Started!, Advice on what equipment to buy Options

[jekeputz]

I'm getting an Imac, plenty of power. I have logic express. I sing and play guitar and want to record songs.

I know nothing about what else I need to plug mic and guitar into computer.

I know I know, I'm clueless! Can someone tell me very simply what I need to get going

eg microphone, and.....?

Thanks,

[Mac Daddy]

jekeputz,

"Just Getting Started".

{ I'm getting an Imac, plenty of power. I have logic express. I sing and play guitar and want to record songs.

I know nothing about what else I need to plug mic and guitar into computer. I know I know, I'm clueless! Can someone tell me very simply what I need to get going eg microphone, and.....? Thanks}

Congratulations. jekeputz. Logic Express is a very good choice and will easily handle many Tracks of Vocals and Guitar.We know how excited you are to get started, but we don't want you to make mistakes making bad purchases. The next most important part is getting a "good" Interface and Sound Card. Each has his or her favorite, it also depends on you budget. There are many good "Unbiased" Reviews from (soundonsound.com)

Get an External Hard Drive to store your Guitar and Vocals. 250-500 GB.

I am partial to DI (DIRECT IN) as it eliminates the need for a Guitar Amp and Microphone and also 'Hum'. The are some very good Set-Ups for guitar, Native Instrument 'Guitar Rig' and Line 6 has affordable Hardware to handle all your Amp Choices for years to come. If your playing an Acoustic, more adjustments have to be taken into account., Microphone, Pick-Up, Electic Acoustic....

You will also need a Good Vocal Microphone. Vocal Microphones can range from insanely cheap to stupidly expensive. I am going to say a decent 'Entry Level' Microphone that has obtain a good reputation for a "Quaily Sound" is an Rode. See (soundonsound.com/review).

Where are you RECORDING Vocals? Can you control your "Environment"? Will we hear the next door neighbors dog barking on your recordings, airplanes, sirens, washing machine?

Take your time. You have plenty of time. Music will always be here waiting for you, have fun, the learning curve can be eased if you know someone who has Logic Express of take a course/tour/test at your local Mac Retailer. Many have Music Sections now. And it's free, just tell them you are thinking about buying it but "How Does It Work"? There are also some great DVD... I think it's called Mac Pro Video????

First... Good Interface and Sound Card.... Oh, yes, "Learn to play and sing".

Good Luck.