Simple live recording hardware

Tips
1

I am looking for community recommendations for a simple hardware interface for making live recordings using SM and instrument (banjo for me). I have usb microphone as well as standard dynamic mic. I am currently practicing using Bluetooth from my pc or phone to a Bluetooth capable amp. This works great. But I’d love to find a way to record the SM tracks on one channel and my banjo on another into a recording . I currently have Audacity on a PC. But I am not familiar with IO capabilities beyond using a Bluetooth mic.
I enjoy practicing with SM very much and do not want to get too distracted with recording too much. So I’d like to keep it very simple.
Suggestions from the community are appreciated. Thank you.

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2

Hello Tony,
I played around with different methods of recording to accomplish what you’re asking. I might not be an expert, but here is some thoughts.

Since you are familiar with Audacity:

  • Download the track from SM (desktop version) and import into Audacity.
    • Be cautious with audio clipping here. I found that I can minimize the clipping by adjusting the overall volume around 40 to 50%. This can be found in the audio mix section for the desktop version of SM.
  • In Audacity, create a 2nd track for your Bluetooth mic. This track will be recording any instruments like; guitar, banjo or even vocals.
  • Using a headset to listen to the SM backtrack while playing and recording.
    • The headset will allow you to hear the backtrack but not recorded again. You only want the instrument.
    • If you make a mistake you can easily delete that track and start again. Trust me you will. :slight_smile:
  • You can use audacity to adjust the volume and other sound effects for each track. Once you are happy with the mix then you can export the file. This approach works well, but a bit tedious as you’re only dealing with one input track at a time.

I did this method for awhile before I decided to switch to an audio interface like the Scarlet Focusrite with Ableton live. This approach allows for more advance setup with two mics and input feed from computer.

I wish you the best on your journey. Happy recording!
Jeremy

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Thank you Jeremy. I will try this today. You are absolutely correct about deleting and starting again.
In fact, this is the primary reason that I a making recordings - So that I can better start and lead in a live setting.
Thanks much!
Tony

4

Jeremy,
Thank you so much for your recommendations. They worked exactly as you said. Much appreciated!!!

I wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.
Tony

5

That’s how I do it… like Jeremy. Great explanation.

6

I really recommend not using Bluetooth — way too much latency and sync’ing up everything after can be frustrating.

A USB mic and using wired headphones will give you much more accurate timing. Some USB mics have a headphone jack that allow them to function as an interface. Audacity has the ability to compensate for the small delay—much tighter than Bluetooth.

7

Mike. Excellent point about Bluetooth and recording. Thanks to all for helping me make my decision. :grinning:

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8

using your computer you can record sm directly to audacity. in audio setup select host then wasapi or windows directsound.

9

Thank you, Douglas. This gives me yet another option. I can confirm that this works. Thanks so much for the help. :smiley: