Music recording

[Nehru]

Comrades,

Let's say you play something on the piano - how do you record it on the computer. Is that possible without a microphone?

Thanks,
G

[Sam_b]

No. How else would you pick up the sound?

[Rooster]

Actually, you can. If you have an electric keyboard, you can jack the output of the keyboard into your mic input. If you're talking about a real piano then no. You need a mic. Alternatively, there are programs out there that simulate pianos on a computer.

[mykittyhasaboner]

i would say you need at least 2 or 3 microphones to get the full sound of the piano. Good acoustics are important as well.

As for getting the sound on to a computer, you need a good sound card, since the one in your computer likely isn't designed for audio recording. Besides, you can't plug a microphone directly into the computer.

This site has helped me record in the past. Check it out.

http://www.wikirecording.org/Guide_to_Recording_Pianos

[Nehru]

Actually, you can. If you have an electric keyboard, you can jack the output of the keyboard into your mic input. If you're talking about a real piano then no. You need a mic. Alternatively, there are programs out there that simulate pianos on a computer.

It's not a piano but a casio keyboard. I don't have a mic. Is it possible to play and while playing, record it on the computer? Do I need software? EDIT: The casio has a hole saying output (phones). This is the info., using it can you tell me how to record?

[Rooster]

It's not a piano but a casio keyboard. I don't have a mic. Is it possible to play and while playing, record it on the computer? Do I need software? EDIT: The casio has a hole saying output (phones). This is the info., using it can you tell me how to record?

It should be easy enough. You need to get a cable for the output and then usually a jack converter so that it can fit into the mic input on your computer (which is usually a smaller plug size). You'll also need some recording software and there's another thread on revleft about that, but I recommend something called Audacity. You might have to mess around with the levels until you get a half way decent sound but you should be able to play and record at the same time whilst listening to it. There might be a delay (sometimes there is when I'm using it), but Audacity has a large community that should be able to help you out. Sorry for this rushed message. I'm a busy guy. :glare:

EDIT: here's the program http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

[RED DAVE]

It's not a piano but a casio keyboard. I don't have a mic. Is it possible to play and while playing, record it on the computer? Do I need software? EDIT: The casio has a hole saying output (phones). This is the info., using it can you tell me how to record?Yes it is possible to play and record at the same time. Even Garage Band for the Mac will do this.

This is a large and wonderful world: computers and music. Get acquainted with some basic books. Do not invest in a lot of expensive software until you know it's what you want and need. Hint, Macs are usually used for this, not Windows-based machines. You can pick up good used Macs on craigslist.

RED DAVE

[mykittyhasaboner]

It's not a piano but a casio keyboard. I don't have a mic. Is it possible to play and while playing, record it on the computer? Do I need software?

Yes. Audacity isn't bad, and its free so thats a plus. Remember though, whats important is the hardware, or how you physically get the sound from your keyboard onto the computer. You need to get some kind of audio converter or interface (there are affordable ones, and lots of them come with software). If you plug the keyboard directly into the computer through the normal audio input you won't get a quality recording, unless your computer already has a very good soundcard in it, which doesn't come standard with normal PCs. A converter would allow you to get the full sound by digitally processing the sound from your keyboard into something the computer can read, and would get the audio onto your computer via USB or Firewire cable.


EDIT: The casio has a hole saying output (phones). This is the info., using it can you tell me how to record?Is it a regular headphone output, the same kind of jack used to plug headphones into an mp3 player for example--or is it an instrument cable output?


Do not invest in a lot of expensive software until you know it's what you want and need.

Great advice. It's easy to get carried away because there is a huge market for audio equipment and its mostly for people who work in the field. In other words, for people who have money. Theres also so many options when it comes to music production and recording, making it very important that you know exactly what you need to work with.


Hint, Macs are usually used for this, not Windows-based machines. You can pick up good used Macs on craigslist.
Choosing recording/mastering software is just personal preference. It makes no difference when it comes to the actual recording. Whats important is how the sound from an instrument reaches the computer. People should choose software for the system they already own. Macs are just considered superior by some because of their software (like Logic) not because their computers are better for music production or mastering.

http://tweakheadz.com/Mac_vs_Pc_DAWS.htm