getting started on a demo this week, originals first (for a contest) then some covers to get some gigs. working with a pretty limited set-up so any suggestions would be appreciated.
here's what we've got: Mixer- Mackie VLZ 1604PRO (our nicest piece of gear)
Recorder-yamaha MT4X cassette recorder( yeah, w/ that mixer it's kinda like dropping a 454 in as chevette)
Mikes-an assortment of SM58s and 57s
Outboard gear-bunch of eqs, compressors, bbes, alesis midiverb, all stuff from our live rack (that rarely gets used).
anyways, my thinking is to record the bass and drums (triggered, with a couple of mikes for the brass) direct to one track, stick a mike on my amp in another room on another track, then go back and make another pass on guitar, then lay down the vocals. sound like i'm on the right track?
next step i've got a few options, but lets assume i go the DIY route, mix down to cassette, adding effects as needed. then i take it to a friend with a (better than my)computer and burn a cd.
so, assuming i have no money for new gear or studio time, and that's the rig i'm dealing with, can anyone suggest where i might be misstepping or offer alternative routes? (bear in mind, this isn't for release, but we still want it to sound professional).