Newbie Guide to Audio

Hey guys,
I am interested in doing some audio recordings, but am not experienced with recording, editing, or any of the equipment. I figure some other newcomers might benefit from something like a list of needed equipment, entry level that will get someone started, but then also has the capability to deliver higher quality if different components were purchased (i.e wind screen, microphone, etc.)

I am looking for an hv30 equivalent in the audio world :-)

First audio gear is this: http://www.soundeffectsbible.com/sfx/ - you'll find answers to all your questions here. Keep this book in your audio bag. Always.
Zygis

Without getting into product brands, I'd say to look into the following:

Decent stereo mic
A recorder with good preamps
A good set of over the ear headphones
An audio editor
Patience and time

Simple, right? :)

To add to what toby said, you MUST get either good pair of audio monitors which are different than speakers, as monitors produce a flat frequency response [aka neutral] whereas speakers are "colored" and add/subtract frequencies, which is similiar to color correcting on an un-calibrated screen. Unfortunately good audio monitors cost a lot (I have the Mackie MR5's and those run a couple hundred dollars for the pair) so in the meantime you might want to invest in a good pair of headphones, such as the Sony MDR-7506's which have given me good headphone monitoring of sound.

Welcome and enjoy capturing sounds, I know I do!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542345-REG/M_Audio_9900_52679_00_Studiophile_BX5a_Deluxe_70W.html , I have something similar to these, they are M-audio, but I don't know the exact model right now (I'm at work).

Can you guys link me to some stereo mics that would do the job, and a good recorder?

I have Cubase LE, and a firebox external soundcard (which has xlr input). I was thinking start doing recordings with the firebox around the house. I have a condenser mic that came with it, but it pics up everything.

Ordered the book, now it is time to read when it arrives :-). Any other recommended web sites to look at for information?

Is something like this total over kill? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542280-REG/Edirol_Roland_R_44_R_44_Solid_State_Four_Channel_Portable.html#features

Scott I found a "loophole" a cheap system for recording extremely high quality audio. It has a noise level of -70db. Someone told me about it many months ago, and it has become a fairly popular setup.

If you get this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=microtrack+ii&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Attach it to a juiced link
http://www.juicedlink.com/index_files/CX_camcorder_XLR_microphone_adapter_audio_mixers.htm

And get an NT1A mic
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=NT1A&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Cardioids are used for indoor audio recording typically, people say you should use shotguns outside, but Ive used it outside and it sounds just fine.
Here's some demonstrations of a similar setup, however he doesnt use the juiced with the microtrack,( which he should..)...so its a little noisey without it.


http://vimeo.com/5453690

I have no idea what is good in the audio world :-). I imagine you'd want a directional mic with a dead cat (throwing around my audio lingo of knowledge)

I use that setup and its great, plus I use soundbooth, AE and FL

The Cardioid is directional sort of, I mean you have to get it close, but if you can boom it overhead. Its pattern in space is in the shape of a heart.

Ive read articles about hollwood directors using cardiods on boom poles. Shotgun mics are considered "amateur" if you use it indoors. However indie people seem to only use shotgun mics.

Personally I put the NT1A right next to someone and use AE to mask it out. Great sound and you can get it close without being in the shot. I can also use it outside with a windscreen although my approach is very undtraditional. I don't use a slate because I can eyeball it and line up the sound without one.....lol. But most people use a slate to match up the sound.