Bash my setup

[tjohnston]

Ok let it rip! Dont be nice! The following is a hypothetical setup that will be used to record acoustic guitars, bass, light percussion
and vocals. Most tracks will be recorded in a well built vocal booth. The quality Im after is the type that will fool the average listener into thinking that this is a pro recording.

Adat xt 20
Mackie 1604 (not vls)
Tc m-one
Rnc
Rnp
Yahmaha NS-1 (2)
Shure sm81 (2)
Shure Ksm27 (vocal)
Beyer ribbon mic
Cd recorder(undecided)

All right let the fur fly. I want to know everything bad about this setup.

[ambi]

Yamaha ns-1?
are you meaning the ns10 monitor speakers or is this another product?
Just saying if it is the monitors i would suggest getting something else that won't make you barf out of your ears.

[cavedog101]

should sound just fine...but then i've heard a $200,000 studio sound like ass...its all in how you go about it....oh yeah....cd player/burner=sony cdr-w33....they're real sturdy and sound great plus they have a digital limiter,eq and bit mapping

[tyler657recpro]

Replace the mackie 1604 with an allen and health mixwizard 16

[Richard Monroe]

The 81's are fine for overheads and acoustic, but if "light percussion" includes a drum kit, you need a good kick mic and some dynamics. I doubt a KSM27 is going to fool anyone into believing this is pro stuff. I say to you the same thing I say to everyone who wants to make high quality recordings. Start with top notch mics and pres, and worry about everything else later.
Vocal mics- Neumann U87, U47. B.L.U.E. Kiwi, Cactus, Dragonfly. Rode Classic. Check Lawson and Soundelux, AKG C12. You need a main vocal mic, and a KSM27 isn't even close. Preamps-Avalon, Great River, Earthworks, John Hardy, Pendulum, DW Fearn, Davisound. What the hell, you've got equity in your house, right? No problem- Richie

[tjohnston]

damn, I thought more people would reply.

[still4given]

Well, I've got a few questions.

What are you planning on using the Mackie for. Play back mixing? fine. You listed an RNP. Is this the pre you will be using or are you using the Mackie too? If so, for what job?

I like some of your stuff and not some of it. The ns-10's have been used with great success by some really good producers, but in the hands of a novice I would put them way down on the list of good monitors. If you already have them and are used to their shortcommings then I guess use them, but they would not be my choice of what to buy today.

I don't like the KSM 27, but I do like the KSM32 and The KSM44. For what a KSM27 costs you could get a Rode NT1000, a Studio Projects C1, two Studio Projects B1's or B3's, or maybe even a C3.

Just some thoughts.

[chessparov]

If I were set on getting an MDM recorder, would pick a Tascam DA-38
or DA-88 over an ADAT as it's more reliable and the tapes are easier to
archive as they're smaller. Plus Tascam is stable as a company which
is important when you go need maintenance or repairs.

On the mixer, at least a Soundcraft M series (better EQ), or go up to an
Allen and Heath. The VLZ Pro EQ's sound harsh in comparison.
Would upgrade to at least TC M-One XL, or buy a used M-2000.
If you can wait a bit, Malcom Toft's designed channel strips are coming
out through www.pmiaudio.com which should destroy the RNP
and anything else in that price range, IMHO of course!
The HHB "Burn it" standalone CD recorders are supposed to be good.

Make sure to get enough good small and large diaphram dynamic
microphones too, like the Shure SM57 and EV RE20, to name just a
couple of the many. They can also be used on vocals, in addition to
the condenser microphone, and are handy for instruments/amps too.
Out of my limited experience with condensers, like the Studio Projects
stuff the best so far, certainly have seemed the best sound value per $$.

Chris

[subtractor]

Bash my setup

Yer shit sucks dude!

[tjohnston]

ok the mackie will be used for playback mixing. The rnp could be used for times when I dont want to use the mackie pres. I have 2000 in the budget for vocal mic and pre. Some people say,To hell with cheap gear. You need real stuff in order to reproduce that professional sonic quality. The other side of the forum is yelling, " You dont need a 1000 dollar pre amp just do a good job recording and mixing." Life is funny sometimes. It is easier to choose a wife, career, home and car than it is choosing a microphone.

[chessparov]

TJ, how true!

Your life may be a lot easier by just starting a "tracking" studio,
and bringing them to a good local professional studio for mixing and
mastering. There's a good chance in the long run you'll save money
too, since you're looking for a "professional" sound quality,
and it will save you from spending too much on gear.

By focusing on getting the multi-track recorder, some good
microphones, and pre's that would go a long way right there.
Unless you're recording more than two musical sources at a time,
the choice of mixer wouldn't be so critical anymore, and that would be
true of the effects unit also.

The person in front of the microphone, and the person recording it,
are a much bigger factor than gear, once we've gone beyond the
Radio Shack level anyway.

Chris

[chessrock]

I don't think there's anything wrong at all with any of the stuff you listed. I've heard great stuff done, at one time or another, with each and every piece you mention.

If used properly, tastefully, creatively, etc. that setup should be able to get you just about as far as your knowlege and skill will allow for the time-being.

[cominginsecond]

Originally posted by tyler657recpro
Replace the mackie 1604 with an allen and health mixwizard 16

Good advice.

[cominginsecond]

I second the SM57 suggestion. In addition, I would consider getting a Rode NTK for vocals, if it's in your budget. If you look around (hint, www.musiciansadvocate.com) they can be had for $450 or so.