Need better sound (preamps, compressors, eq's?)

[Voxbeatz]

I want to make good quality recordings, I work with samplers and synths. I currently have an akai dps12, and a delta 1010 to do my multi tracking(these may get repalced with a mackie 24x8).


What kind of gear (preamps, compressors, eq's, etc..) should I look into for a more professional sound? Currently I have about 2 grand(most likely buy used on ebay).

Thanks

[regebro]

It's easy; Buy the things you need. Learn the equipment you have and try to get the best sound possible out of it. When something doesn't sounds as you want it too, figure out why, and fix it. Sometimes it's your equipment that needs improving, and then you fix that by getting new equipment.

When you buy equipment make sure it's a little "better" than the other equipment you have, so you don't have to replace it quickly again.

When it comes to what you have now, your statement that you may replace your Akai DPS12 and M-Audio Delta 1010 with a Mackie 24x8 indicated that you have no idea of what any of the equipment you mention actually does, since you simply can't replace any of these two with a Mackie 24x8.

[Voxbeatz]

"When it comes to what you have now, your statement that you may replace your Akai DPS12 and M-Audio Delta 1010 with a Mackie 24x8 indicated that you have no idea of what any of the equipment you mention actually does, since you simply can't replace any of these two with a Mackie 24x8. "

Your so helpful....?

I got the delta 1010 in hopes of recording to my computer, but my computer sucks. After getting the delta I realized I hate the comp/mouse setup.

I got the akai for really cheap, so the idea is to sell it for profit..

What I do like is my Yamaha mt4x (4track), but Ive outgrown it(not enough inputs/tracks). You can only ping pong your tracks so many times!

I asked about outboard gear to improve sound, a mackie is what I'm looking to get for mixing.

So I will ask again:
What kind of gear (preamps, compressors, eq's, etc..) should I look into for a more professional sound? Currently I have about 2 grand(most likely buy used on ebay).

[Cave Dweller]

well it looks like you need to sit down and really think out what you are going to do here. 2 grand is a good amount to get started with. you have a couple of options at this point:
Computer:
you said your computer sucks. how's about upgrading it? your delta is a fairly good card. like you, i personally dont really like mixing on a computer, but i am a live sound tech, so i like my mixers and outboard gear. for someone getting into recording though, using a computer is a really cost effective and powerful way to go. it's also alot more compact and portable (if you want to do any location recording) all your effects and processing can come right from the computer.
Workstation:
more or less like a computer, you can do some editing and effects and the like, except this is a dedicated recording machine. it is designed to be self contained. not too flexible in my opinion, and doesnt allow for alot of interfacing with other gear.
Outboard:
expensive. you need a mixer, a recording machine, effects units, compressors......if you want an effect you need a box to do it. also very flexible, but it is complicated for someone who doesnt know what they are doing.


so......what am i saying, you ask? you need to consider which direction you are taking, and make some decisions for yourself. do you want to get a system that will be easy to use, and you can just plug in and record? get a workstation. do you want ease of use, but also some expandability? computer. do you want total flexability, be able to patch any signal into justabout any other peice of gear and back again? an outboard setup might be for you. tell us what you think, then we will be able to help you out more.

matt.
ps this is just what i think, and there are lost of other opions on these boards. look around and think for yourself!

[deadleafecho]

My humble opinion would be to 1st decide what medium you will use. Reel to reel? ADAT?hard disk? computer? Determine what medium, how many tracks than find the best machine for the money. Then with whats left over, buy a good pre, compressor, eq, or whatever else. Fact is theres no ONE pro/comp/eq for every situation, so you're going to want several of each. You DONT need several flavors of end medium though really....

[regebro]

Originally posted by Voxbeatz
Your so helpful....?

Yeah, I am, really, but it may take a while to understand that.

I got the delta 1010 in hopes of recording to my computer, but my computer sucks. After getting the delta I realized I hate the comp/mouse setup.

I totally agree with you there, although it's a matter of taste.

I got the akai for really cheap, so the idea is to sell it for profit..

Well, then you need to get something else to replace it. Since you don't want to use a computer to record on, sell the Delta. The Akai is OK, if you like how it works and sounds, keep it, get a good microphone or two and start from there. An SM57 and a nice condenser (ask in the Mic forum for recommendations) will get you far.

Keep the rest of your money in your mattress until you feel a definite need to get something else.

I asked about outboard gear to improve sound, a mackie is what I'm looking to get for mixing.

The DSP12 has a built-in mixer, you don't need a Mackie.

What kind of gear (preamps, compressors, eq's, etc..) should I look into for a more professional sound?

And the answer is the same as before. Learn the equipment you have and try to get the best sound possible out of it. When you can't get the sound you want out of the equipment you have, buy the equipment you need to get the sound that you want.
Which equipment this is depends on what equipment you have, what sound you want and what budget you have.

All you need to get started is the Akai and some mics.

[DJL]

Voxbeatz,
The FMR Audio RNC1773 compressors are great, and IMO the Symetrix 302, and Studio Projects VTB-1 are both afforable preamps that are a few notches up above the Mackie preamps (I have a Mackie 32x8 bus).

[deadleafecho]

My bad i didnt realize the Akai was a multitrack recorder, assumed it was a sampler for some reason.
Found some on info on it...http://www.seriously-productions.fre...f_features.htm
Wouldnt it be prudent to go to 24bit/96k if going this route? this thing looks to be 16/48

Anyway, for a pre and comp, the RNP(475) pre and RNC(175) compressor seem to be staples for HR....

[Voxbeatz]

I know my equipment good enough!

I mainly use:

Akai MPC2000xl (Drum pads, and sequencing)
Akai S2000 (sampling)
Ensoniq ASR-10 (Keys, sampling, and efx)
Novation Bassstation (basslines, etc..)
Lexicon reflex (efx)
CAD Equitek E-100 (mic)
Yamaha msp5 (monitors)
Yamaha mt4x 4 track recorded (love it, but I have out grown it)

I know my equipment better than most, so now Im just trying to take it to the next level (speed, comfort, and a higher quality of sound).

[chessrock]

http://www.mercenary.com/fmrrnmp.html

http://www.mercenary.com/realniccom.html

http://www.mercenary.com/speckmodelasc1.html

[regebro]

Originally posted by Voxbeatz
I know my equipment good enough!

I mainly use:

Akai MPC2000xl (Drum pads, and sequencing)
Akai S2000 (sampling)
Ensoniq ASR-10 (Keys, sampling, and efx)
Novation Bassstation (basslines, etc..)
Lexicon reflex (efx)
CAD Equitek E-100 (mic)
Yamaha msp5 (monitors)
Yamaha mt4x 4 track recorded (love it, but I have out grown it)

I know my equipment better than most, so now Im just trying to take it to the next level (speed, comfort, and a higher quality of sound).

It's a nice setup.

You say you know your equipment well, and that you have outgrown your mt4x. Then the reasonable thing to do next is to replace it (see my advice above on replacing the thing you feel needs replacing the most). You need to decide if you want to use a computer or if you want to use hardware. It's a matter of taste.

And then you need to decide if you want to go digital or analog. Digital is usually more bang/buck.

The previously mentioned Akai is probably a good way to go. You will not need any more preamps, compressors or EQ to go to the next level. What your next step after replacing the MT4x is is impossible to answer until you have replaced the MT4x.