Recording music live...

I need to know the best way to get recordings into my computer in order to create a cd. What equipment do I use? I don't mine spending some money on something like this, but I need a good quality recorder that can hook up to my computer. That way I can make cds.

I need any suggestions. It has to be a somewhat good recorder that can record a whole concert band as well as the piano.

Thanks! :P

Use one or more microphones, then burn it onto a cd.

I've found that minidiscs work really well for live concert recording, if it's not for professional release. I don't know how easy it is to get minidisc files onto a computer - I've only ever transferred directly to a CD. However, I would like to know how one can get minidisc files to a computer - a Mac, in this case, but I'm sure PC owners would like to know too, if anyone can tell us.

Use one or more microphones, then burn it onto a cd.

Please be more specific. I need to know where I can get this type of hardware, what company, etc...

I've found that minidiscs work really well for live concert recording, if it's not for professional release. I don't know how easy it is to get minidisc files onto a computer - I've only ever transferred directly to a CD. However, I would like to know how one can get minidisc files to a computer - a Mac, in this case, but I'm sure PC owners would like to know too, if anyone can tell us.

That would be interesting to know...I've never heard of a minidisc before.

I'd also be interested in knowing a good way to make good recordings, able to be easily uploaded to a computer to be burnt to a CD or distributed over the internet.

I am looking to record for wind instruments and voice though, not piano. In exact, Soprano and Alto saxes and French Horn, and voice of course.

If anyone knows a good way to make good quality recordings with little background noise that wouldn't cost TOO much (this is something I am hoping to invest in though), please share. :-D

You can find microphones ANYWHERE, people. There are always feedbacks and reviews on company sites, and you can go to sound recording forums to get the most information, as well. Go in to your local music shop and ask around there.

Me? I just bought a crappy Logitech computer mic and it works splendid. It was only like 30 bucks or something. I record things all the time, and there is no noise or bumps or anything. If you want professional sound quality, you will need professional microphones, and more than one.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=professional+microphone

There! That should solve most of your problems. ;)

So can you take that recorder away from your computer? Or does it have to be plugged up to your computer to record?

Where did you buy your recorder at?

Minidisc recorders are little machines, like Walkman's (I don't think Walkmen is the correct term). They play and record on minidiscs, which are high-density media that look like tiny CDs in plastic cases. Sony is the only company that currently sells them. PC users, check out the MZ-RH10. Mac users should look into the MZ-M100 or MZ-M10, because they are the only ones that are Mac compatible. Mac compatible minidiscs are only available through retail - I got mine from www.minidisco.com. Many of these come with a stereo microphone for recording, earbuds for listening, and a USB cable to connect to the computer.

The recorders come with software for transferring sound files from the disc to the computer in WAV form. Word of advice - PC sound can be recorded in any of the three available modes, while only LinearPCM can be used when tranferring to Mac.

When I made my first recording with the minidisc, I was well pleased with the sound quality - granted, it picks up background noise, and as such is much more of a "live concert" experience, but it doesn't pick up noise that isn't there. There's very little ambient noise.

Minidisc packs run just over $400 for the whole deal, including a high capacity (1 gb) minidisc, earbuds, charging cable, USB cable, microphone, and of course, the recorder itself.

There is no way I can afford $400 worth the equipment right now. I will have to wait until I am older. What can I get until then?

I use an Aiptek DV 4500. Its a digital camcorder that can record MP3s. You can find them from around $100 at Walmart, or for around the same price at http://www.aiptek.com.

The DV4500 has a MPEG-4 recording capability, which I personally think has the nicest sound recording capability . You can also use WAV mode, but it records more background noise.

I believe you can edit the sound out later. I haven't tried yet to convert my MPEGs, but the sound on them is much better than the WAVs. Its a very nice, small, inexpensive recorder.

Cool. I'll check that out. Thank you.