I need help with recording a Dazzle.

How do I build a home recording studio? I have some items already, what else do I need? Please help?

• First let me list what I have already: Condenser mic, USB Phantom Power, regular Phantom Power supply, and a condenser mic that comes with it's own power supply (Is not powered by your normal 48v Phantom Power supply). Now first let me ask how or what I need to use my power supplies? I can use my USB one right into my computer, but how do I use the others? What do I get to plug into it or what do I get to get the audio I record on my mic into my computer? Next, what is a good program to record with? One that is EASY to use. I have tried Audacity, it's easy and I like it for various reasons, but recording is not one of them. I could not figure out how to hear my voice in my headphones when I spoke into the mic. Then when I did figure that out, there was a 1-2 second delay. And that is a serious issue, I need to be able to hear myself AS I am speaking. So what is a good and easy program for recording? And last, what additional items do I need for recording? Can I just get something for my power supply and a program and I am set to go? Please don't list me things that aren't exactly necessary. PLEASE keep in mind, that I want it to be as basic as it comes. I am not good with this kind of stuff, so I want stuff that is easy to use. *Also note* I am under a budget here, so I can't afford to buy a bunch of things I don't need or things that are expensive. That goes for equipment as well as a recording program. Any help that you can offer is appreciated. If you'd like to link me to good items I can purchase online feel free to do so. Thanks. And if you can help me out, please check back periodically throughout or at the end of the day as I might have added details.

• Answer:

  The whole problem is your sound card. You are most likely using the onboard sound card of your motherboard. Such sound cards are not intended for music production, recording, et cetera, as they all have too much latency, as you have noticed now. You will need to purchase a proper sound interface, for example by Roland/Edirol, Tascam, EMU, M-Audio, et cetera. Choose a sound interface which connects via USB or FireWire 800 if you have it. If you can choose between USB 2.0 or FireWire 400, go for USB 2.0 as it has more bandwidth than FireWire 400. Between USB 2.0 and FireWire 800, the last one would be the better choice, but only if you have FireWire 800 on your computer. My personal preference is USB, as I can use my sound interface with all my computer and notebooks this way, as they all support USB, whereas FireWire 800 is only supported on one of my computers. These proper sound interfaces have low latency and proper drivers. They also have proper connectors for microphones. As for recording software, you can use Audacity, but this is simply a WAVE editor. For studio work have a look at Steinberg Cubase, Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Studio, et cetera. These applications are aimed at music production and recording.