How do I record my voice onto a cd without making it sound horrible?

Question

My mom is always saying how beautiful my voice is. So I decided I was going to try to make a cd of some songs with me singing them. I don't know the best way to do this. Do I need computer software? Do I need special equipment? Sugestions would be very much apreciated. Even if the only thing you have is ideas.

Answer 1

You need to understand that your voice will sound different to you from a recording than it does when you're speaking.  The voice you hear when you're speaking is traveling through your sinus cavities and the bones in your head and sounds different to you than it does to other people.  Whatever you use to record your voice with, you need to practice both singing and listening to yourself until it no longer sounds strange to you.  This allows you to relax and sing better.  You can record to almost any decent recorder or directly into your computer.  Use a decent mic to get good results.  For a good mic, try a local music supply store.  A hand-held would probably work well for starting.  No point in fixing yourself in front of a stand.  You'll do better if you can move around.  Have fun and good luck.