What are some things to get me started?

I know I need a microphone (recommend me one?) and maybe a drum machine, but what else do I need to have an effective studio?

I have a laptop with a lot of music software on it (FL Studio 7, ACID Pro, Audacity, LAME), my instruments of course (Epiphone Les Paul custom, Taylor acoustic, Yamaha keyboard) and my Fender amp.

Any help would be appreciated.

Depends on what you want type of music you want to create?? and your budget?

There are so many Microphones which vary in price. http://www.soundonsound.com/search?Keyword=condenser&Summary=No

You should be able to programme drums on fruti loops, no need for a drum machine

Do you have a soundcard and a microphone preamp??

Denis

Wow, totally forgot about this thread.

But I'm probably just going to record guitar and bass (I record them at my friend's house now, since I don't have a mic or anything).

So I'll check out some mics. What is the standard price for a good quality mic?

Depends what you want it for, but a really great mic to start off with is the Shure SM57 which musiciansfriend.com has for $99 though im sure if you go looking you can find it for cheaper (though you will also need XLR cables and a way of plugging them in...such as a small mixer, unless you plan to use it at your friensd house). 

My completley budget setup I use here is a standard $25 mic (cant even recall the brand at the minute) that gets the job done, though i'll be buying an SM57 soon probably, feed that into a Behringer Eurorack UB1202 (also up for replacement soon), and then send that into my computer.  Basic setup for under $100. 

See what other members say though.  Also, what's your budger cos that will really help with the suggestions. 

Kobeshi

A good quality mic may be need $60 now...........




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