How do you record a demo?

Question

I'm in a band,and we want to hopefully record a demo within the next few months, can you do it from a home computer? Or do you need to go to a recording studio to make one?

Answer 1

You CAN record from your computer, but a studio will give you a much better recording. Where are you from? If your in or around the phoenix area i can give you some pointers on who to go to.

Answer 2

Of course, a studio will give you the best results, but you know, it is expensive! I've had pretty good luck using a program called "ACID". It allows some editing, multi-tracks and is relatively inexpensive.
When you do the recording, find yourself a place that is as free from outside noise as you can make it. Egg cartons and egg carton foam provide excellent insulation. If you decide to go the trouble of putting up another wall around the area you are going to record in, make sure you put some air space between the old wall and the new. Sound dies out more when it has that air space to bounce back and forth. This can be done a little cheaper than you might think. It doesn't have to be a fortress, just another sound wall to further block any noise that still is getting through. Especially if you plan on doing a lot of recording in the future. It will be a lot cheaper than a studio.
Also get a good mics and don't forget mic stands. One other thing, have somebody not performing, operate the controls.
good luck

Answer 3

There's a lot of questions to ask you before there's a definitive answer - what instruments, what type of music, anyone had experience of recording before, what do you intend doing with the demo etc. Generally, it's easily possible on a computer but if your a guitar, bass and drums band I'd opt for a recording studio - you'll have someone who can mix it correctly, who can give direction if needed, it's good experience, it'll sound better (for A&R people) and you can learn a lot that can help you get more from your sound and the band. I don't think it's very expensive and a studio has the equipment you haven't got. For me, the mixing is the key and it can make the difference between poor recording sounding great or a great recording sounding awful. That's worth the money in studio time.

Answer 4

My husband is in a band, they did thier own recording through a computer and a mixer. Look online for home recording tutorials and info. You can also go to a studio, but if you have the equipment, and know how to use it, you can save yourself alot of money. Do a search for recording studios around your area, you may be able to find small studios that don't charge an arm and a leg.

Answer 5

Don't blow loads of cash on studio time. Just bang out loads and loads of stuff on your PC or whatever. Theres loads of software available for cheap. Home recording has come a long way these days and it won't sound half bad. If you've got anything going for you it'll show through despite the dodgy quality. Send CDs everywhere you can think of. Hardly any of them will get listened to but some will. Then send some more, and more. Try and send varied stuff and make sure the first song on your CD is a cracker or it'll go straight in the bin before they play the rest. Don't be cocky in your cover letter and don't stick a spliff in with it.

Answer 6

You can make your own studio all you need is a program to record on and mic and speakers, my sister does good quality rap (even Keyd wants to feat wiv her) and she has a studio in her room, I've asked her what program she uses but she wont tell me So good luck!!

You can go to a studio if you like, I think argos were doing a taster session for £75 or £99

Answer 7

once ya've recorded a track, pop it in an envelope and mail to to you by recorded delivery. Sounds stupid but it proves that the track is yours to a court of law, just don't open it