[Johnny Brown]

I know most of you are doing more beats n shit, but me julie wants to record her singing. We have a 4-track, but the quality ow awful. So I'm looking at trying it on the pc.

We don't have even have a mic at the mo, budget is about £50, options seem to be

a) computer mic, plug into soundcard. Any experiences on how bad this is likely to be?

b) decent recording mic, plus a pre-amp, and I expect a new soundcard? I daresay this could cost hundreds, any tips?

[Norton Sharley]

See PM

[Serpico]

a) computer mic, plug into soundcard. Any experiences on how bad this is likely to be?

Very bad, proceed directly to B:

b) decent recording mic, plus a pre-amp, and I expect a new soundcard? I daresay this could cost hundreds, any tips?

Pre amp and soundcard (input only) can be the same thing. I've not heard this: http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/80705 but I'd imagine it would be more than adequate for your needs.
As for mics; you get what you pay for, Behringer have a rep for making cheap stuff that's basically a copy of more expensive gear. This may be OK as a cheap large format electret:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product.asp?id=11352

[Johnny Brown]

Nice one guys, that's useful. That pre-amp looks like a good idea, more than we want to spend at the mo though, will ask the bro-in-law what he reckons..

[Serpico]

Nice one guys, that's useful. That pre-amp looks like a good idea, more than we want to spend at the mo though, will ask the bro-in-law what he reckons..

Mic and pre/USB interface combined: http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm
Listening to the sound samples it sounds like a bargain at £50.

[Johnny Brown]

Genius word, that looks perfect. Unfortunately the shortie has just got back from Maplins with something that looks wack. Will return it if it is, and get on the t-bone train.

[Idol eyes]

Word????

[Caesar Power]

What's the 4-track you've got? If you can get tracks onto computer it might just be fine.
As far as mics are concerned the best value for vocals are the cheaper Rode Mics, should be on ebay at around £70. However these are condensor mics and need phantom power. I'd go for a nice Shure SM58 (about £50) or if you're on more of a budget, a copy like T-bone.

Whatever you do, use a pop shield. Even the best setup can give crap results without one.
Making your own costs next to nothing:
http://www.deansabatino.com/2005/08/21/67/
I've recorded an entire album like this and it sounds sweet.
good luck

[Johnny Brown]

Cheers for the help. The 4-track is an old Tascam portastudio, always got terrible results.

Any tips on not picking up the sound of the computer fans? Audacity has a filter for it but its pretty degrading. Get a proper vocal mike I guess...

Here's a sample of what we've got so far, total outlay £15.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

We've used Samson USB kit into Audacity pretty successfully. If you've 100 notes to spare the G-Track is meant to be the biz, lets you plug in a guitar directly. Mics start from £45

http://www.musiconmypc.co.uk/microphones-c-44.html

http://www.dv247.com/search/0/0/ProductQuantity/Descending/samson+usb/1/

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Here's a sample of what we've got so far, total outlay £15.

Sounds pretty good with what you've got so far! She's got a great voice that Mrs of your's. 

[Johnny Brown]

Yeah, one of her own songs too!

[Falling Down]

To avoid computer noise get a long mic lead and record in the bathroom or toilet.