What’s the best way to make audio recordings of myself practicing or sketching out songs? 
Should I buy a Mac for this? 
What software will I need? I’ll only need to edit the beginning and end of the file. Nothing too complicated
Thanks,
D
D,
There’s no reason to buy a Macbook , unless you were already planning on it! You can download free PC programs that will work, and you can buy an audio interface.

For what you are describing, a mobile recorder like the Zoom H2, the Zoom H4, or the Zoom H4n would be good. The H4 is more expensive, but also sounds a little better and comes with free software (Cubase LE) to record with. They are made of plastic, however, so you can’t throw them around. If you are gentle, it will last a long time. The H2 really isn’t bad either, so if you’re tight on cash, don’t feel like you should steer clear of it. It even comes with a built-in guitar tuner. I would recommend either of these.

Best of all would be the Zoom H4a. It is has a more rugged build (which is important), more onboard effects, can record 4 channels at once (from the stereo onboard mics and from two external mics), has better sounding preamps, a bigger LCD screen, and can be outfitted with a remote control (for about 40 bucks extra).

Another important feature is that not only can you can use all three Zoom models as standalone handheld recorders, but  you can also connect them to your computer and record to the audio program you’ll be editing with. If you don’t record directly into your computer, you would record the the Zoom’s included 512 MB memory card, and then load that to your computer. You can purchase larger memory cards.

Another option is the Edirol R09HR. There is actually a “B stock” one at Zzounds for around $300.. These do essentially the same thing as the Zoom with a few differences. The Edirol cannot be used to record directly to your computer. You’d have to record to the device, and then load the audio files into a program like Audacity (a free audio editor). Unlike the Zooms, the Edirol comes with a remote control. So, you can sit down at your instrument and press “record” on the remote. Will you ever use this feature? I don’t know! I’d probably lose the remote.

Personally, I’d like a device that I could record straight into a computer with, as well as record with when I’m out. It depends on your situation.

Hope that helped!  Let me know if you need a recording class, or a class on Audacity, Cubase, Pro Tools, or anything else!

Thanks,

Daniel Rowland
lessons@theonlineaudioschool.com