Starting to Upgrade

[Motioneso]

For our next album we are demoing each song before hitting the real studio with the label. I've been reading these forums for a while now, and I've started to build a modest home studio area where we have been recording the demos. They have turned out rather well, but unfortunately I've got a fever for more gear. So first I'll list my current set up, and then what I would like to upgrade to. I'll explain the choices as well, but I would love some feedback.

Current Build
Custom Built PC w/ Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 and 4 GB of RAM
Presonus Firebox
KRK V4
Shure SM57
Shure SM58
2 x Sennheiser e903
M-Audio Oxygen 8
M-Audio Trigger Finger
Cubase sx3

Desired Upgrade
Same PC
Presonus FP10
Presonus HP60
2 x AKG C1000
AKG D112
Presonus Eureka
AT4040

For now we have been able to borrow mics to record. In the demo's we had a Shure 52 on the kick, my SM57 on the snare, and a matched pair of some nueman pencil mic that has slipped my mind. Through my university we were able to record the guitars using a 421 on the amps, but we also did some recording at home with the 57 which sounded fine. Now first, I'm choosing a lot of Presonus gear for two reasons: 1) I love my Firebox and have been extremely pleased with it. 2) I've got a friend who can get me some deals through Presonus.

Basically, what would you upgrade first (after the FP10 that is) Should I start with Drum Mics, or go for a LDC? Any feedback would be great.

Ben

[SonicAlbert]

I don't know that the FP10 is going to be an upgrade as far as sound, probably just more of the same of what the Firebox has. I also had a FireBox for a while and liked it very much.

The mics will be an improvement though. Certainly it's good to have more variety of mics. The AT4040 is a great mic for the money.

[Motioneso]

I think the main reason for getting the Firepod is so I can have more inputs. The idea of being able to record 8 tracks at a time (vs the 4 from the firebox) is very appealing to me. I'm glad the 4040 is a good choice, from all that I have read it seems like a very good mic.

[SonicAlbert]

Originally Posted by Motioneso

I think the main reason for getting the Firepod is so I can have more inputs. The idea of being able to record 8 tracks at a time (vs the 4 from the firebox) is very appealing to me. I'm glad the 4040 is a good choice, from all that I have read it seems like a very good mic.

That makes sense, you need the inputs on the FP10. I have to say that I'm impressed with the cost to quality ratio of Presonus gear. I really did like my Firebox a lot, and I love my Central Station.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo "Motion-in-Locomotion"

Give the AKG 4000 mic a look--not advertised much but is good for vocals if you need it.

Green Hornet

[Motioneso]

We actually borrowed that mic for the demos. I definitely loved the way it sounded, but I was curious as to whether it was worth the couple hundred dollars more for the 4000. Any words?

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by Motioneso

2 x AKG C1000
AKG D112

I've had an AKG C1000s for almost 20 years now and had to rely on it for vocals, acoustic guitars and even drum overhead duties before I had reliable phantom power because, as you probably know, it can be powered from an internal 9 volt battery. But in the last decade with the explosion of cheap high quality microphones it doesn't get much use anymore. I would advise you to explore other microphone options and before settling on the three AKG's. 15 years ago those two microphones were among very few choices at the lower end of the market that had good bang for the buck. But with Rode, Oktava, Studio Projects, Groove Tubes. Blue, Audix, Sennheiser, Samson, CAD, Marshall, Nady and Behringer all making quality mics at good prices there are too many options not to at least listen to before deciding.

I've never had good luck with the D112 --- it always sounds mushy to me, but your mileage may vary. I recommend you give the Sennheiser 421 consideration for kick drum duties.

I agree the the AT 4040 is a good choice, but it can't hurt to look around for alternatives to that one either.

Good luck with your project.

.

[Supercreep]

Get a stereo mic pre that has lots of clean gain. Sytek, FMR, DAV, etc. Doesn't need to be very expensive. You'll be glad you did.

I'd look for other mics before I'd pick up the C1000s.

I reccomend a pair of SPB1s, or if you must have SDCs, get some MXL 603 (or whatever the mxl sdc du jour is). The B1 is a really versatile microphone.

Next I'd add a nice dynamic like an MD421 or an EV RE-20.


Next I'd look for a nice multipattern LDC.

[Motioneso]

I really appreciate all the input, it's great to have different views! We've got some MXL 603's @ the University I'll check out, I think I used them before and was pleased. I've never thought of using a 421 on the kick, I've only used them on toms before.

Thanks again for the help guys.