MM3 STUDIOS

I want to record a home album to give to my friends, and send in for demos. I play an old upright piano, I sing baritone (tenor 2), and my music involves piano, vocals(of course), orchestra, drums, and guitar stuff. What microphones, recording software, and such should I buy to get the best quality for my recordings?

Depends on how much you are willing to spend. Going all out for a multitrack recording, of the highest quality, here’s what I’d do:
For the piano, I recommend a condenser mic, something like a AKG C-414. For the orchestra, I’d recommend only recommend micing it all at one time instead of one at a time. I’d use 2 RØDE M3 or AKG C-1000 style microphones, crossed in an X style. Vocals, I’d use a Shure SM50. Drums, I’d use a condenser for the toms and cymbals, a dynamic for the snare, and a condenser for the bass drum. Depending on what guitar you’re recording:
Acoustic – C – 1000 or RØDE M3 style condenser placed at the 12th fret
Electric – SM58 or the like micing the amplifier or a direct box, going straight into a recording interface or mixer.
Then you’ll want to get said mixer and/or interface. I recommend a Fireface interface, and if you’re recording more than one thing at one time, I’d get a mixer with several channels. If you use a Mac, I recommend Digital Performer or ProTools.
If you use a PC, it’d have to be ProTools.

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