How to record 'MY' sound.

[KingConn]

I have been wanting to record myself as to hear how I sound and
if the mic picks up what I'm hearing when I play. I used a friends
silent brass to record myself. Well, it does not sound so good. To
much reverb, I guess. The sound seems to be bouncing off of
everything. If that's what I sound like, then I should quit now.
I need to know, what equipment I can buy {not too expensive$500
max}, and what I need to do to the walls{like egg foam}, and
what size room works well. On the equipment side, I might
just need a good mic and I don't know what else. Let me know what
you do at home to record yourself, and if you sound on tape as
you hear when you play. Thanks so much.

[Merlin]

For $500, it's just gonna sound like crap. That won't even pay for a really good mic, let alone a recorder and preamp and decent room to record in.

Why not practice up against a hard surface (like a wall) to hear yourself?

[KingConn]

Hi Merlin. I'm not familiar with the prices of good recording gear.
I sometimes play against a mirror. To hear my sound and to develop
a tight technique on the keys. I have a room I can modify. I can
also afford to spend more on some good equipment. I want to
see if I sound as I hear it when playing in the open, or against
a mirror. The mirror method works great. I love what I hear
coming from within.

[Keith Ridenhour]

It's low tech but it works just to map progress and annoy friends with Mp3s of the latest mouthpiece/horn. I use a Shure 4.1 condenser mik (about 160 bucks but it's been a few years), run directly into my computer and then use Goldwave shareware program (20 bucks) to record and edit. I lose warmth and depth of sound when I convert from wav file to an Mp3 but I have to if I want to send it otherwise it's too big to download. My room records bright so I play away from the mic, turn down the gain on the mik, and bounce the sound off a wall with towels tacked up. Like I said it's low tech but I can gauge progress and have a baseline sound. I've got a Shure Beta 57A that records the horn brighter and "tinnyer". I used to have an old 58 that sounded good but I couldn't hear myself so I went for the volume. Anyway , good luck. K

[Media Lint]

I do with Merlin here. You can make excellent recordings on budget equipment with talent and diligence and a million dollar studio won't help if you have neither.

[Media Lint]

? maybe I should use preview!

I do with Merlin here. = I don't agree with Merlin.

[Big Jim]

The Mirror thing works pretty good. Years ago a Teacher had me play standing in the corner. (sounds like I was bad) (maybe so) :wink: But, it lets you hear pretty good. Also if you play in the Bathroom and in the corner it's better. I think Boots Randolph played in the Kitchen or maybe Bathrrom. Anyway, give this a try. Really lets you hear your sound. BTW-the Bathroom gives you a reverb effect. Good Luck, Big Jim

[Troy]

Unless you really want to get into recording (which it doesn't sound like you do) you might be better served by just renting a small studio for a couple hours.

Around here, you can find decent small studios that charge about $25 - $50 bucks an hour. Saves you moving into a place with an extra room, too. :)