Help: Audio Recording Tips for my PC

[GenXiLLiPPiNNo]

Hi. I'm currently setting up a recording device for my computer. It's nothing
really major. I just wanted to have a way for me to record vocals into my
computer. It's pretty much so I can record vocals on a rap track, and possibly
connect my guitar also to record some tunes.

Right now, all I really have is a Behringer UB1202 mixer which I plan on
connecting to my PC. I'm also trying to look for a better sound card than what
I have now (which is a built in one w/ my motherboard). I was thinking of
purchasing the Sound Blaster MP3+ External USB card which has an RCA input. I
was told it is better to connect my mixer to my sound card via RCA to RCA. Is
that true? Or would having an RCA to 1/8" line-in connection be the same?

This is really nothing major. I just need a good system to record stuff into my
pc with CD quality sound to it. I'm also in a really tight budget as well. I
saw that the MP3+ USB sound card was only $60, and plus if I get a decent
recording mic (Shure, I believe), then it'll cost about $50?

Any ideas on a recording software also?

Thanks for looking. Hopefully you guys can give me some pointers.

Tim

[Arny Krueger]

"GenXiLLiPPiNNo" > wrote in message


> Hi. I'm currently setting up a recording device for my computer. It's
> nothing really major. I just wanted to have a way for me to record
> vocals into my computer. It's pretty much so I can record vocals on a
> rap track, and possibly connect my guitar also to record some tunes.

> Right now, all I really have is a Behringer UB1202 mixer which I plan
> on connecting to my PC.

What sort of audio interface is in the PC?

>I'm also trying to look for a better sound
> card than what I have now (which is a built in one w/ my
> motherboard). I was thinking of purchasing the Sound Blaster MP3+
> External USB card which has an RCA input. I was told it is better to
> connect my mixer to my sound card via RCA to RCA. Is that true?

> Or would having an RCA to 1/8" line-in connection be the same?

The big difference between RCA and 1/8" is pretty obvious - RCA is a bit
more robust. But not enough to make it worthwhile to buy a new audio
interface. If you don't plug them in and out a lot, either is at least
marginally reliable. Real audio production is based on TRS and XLR
connectors, as you know.

> This is really nothing major. I just need a good system to record
> stuff into my pc with CD quality sound to it.


The SoundBlaster MP3 External USB box is tricky to use. I've tested it. Its
SNR is really pretty miserable unless you hit it with a relatively high
input voltage, such that you are able to turn the line level input volume
ALL the way down. I mean the last notch on the bottom!

>I'm also in a really
> tight budget as well. I saw that the MP3+ USB sound card was only
> $60, and plus if I get a decent recording mic (Shure, I believe),
> then it'll cost about $50?

People have said nice things in my presence about the Shure SM48 LC as a
bottom-end microphone.

> Any ideas on a recording software also?

Audacity is free. Search on it at google, and take the first link you are
offered.