what do I need...

[bmorris]

Here is the deal...
I currently have these pieces of gear:
1. MPC2000XL Drum sampler-sequencer
2. Korg Trinity Workstation
3. Emu Proteus 2500 Module
4. AKAI DPS16 digital multitracker/mixer
5. AKG C1000S Mic
6. Fostex (non powered) monitors w/ subwoofer (hate it...)

And I am trying to gain info about the true expectations I should have with this gear. If anyone can offer advice for gear upgrades, additions or just a general setup to maximize the gear that I have I am all ears. Have made decent sounding music but want to take my career pursuit to the next level...

Additionally, are there any peeps here that have any helpful advice about any of the products that I am using (other than GET NEW ONES :?)...

If it is of any assistance, I am producing mostly R&B and Neo Souls stlye music...

-Humble-

[Wide Awake]

If you are recording vocals then a good vocal microphone, compressor, and possibly a gobo or simple isolation booth would be good investments.

A compressor for mix down, a good CD burner, outboard effects processors, high quality cables, selection of mics. Those are some things that can take your music to another level.

I often like to run many synth and drum samples through an inexpensive tube preamp. It adds subtle distortion, it can tame overly bright sources, and it makes some sounds appear "fatter/fuller". I use an ART Tube MP for that, they cost about $80.

[muttley]

Whats ment by PEEPS?

Wide awake what part of SO CAL??


da MUTT

[bmorris]

simply refers to people...

[Wide Awake]

Originally posted by muttley
: Wide awake what part of SO CAL??
da MUTT

San Diego, but I'm a Topeka native (I see that you're in Emporia)

[Dermot Walsh]

Thanks for your reply on "song-central.com" Don't Give Me A Lie".
I think people can get too hung up on gear. Your Korg Trinity & emu 2500 are extremely powerful and contemporary pieces of equipment(thats not dishing the rest). The expandable nature of the Proteus coupled with its extensive controller capabilities, make it a very useful piece of equipment. What I'm saying is, you've got the gear (maybe a better mic. Rhode NT2,inexpensive & effective)learn it inside out. A lot of music is about current trends(filtering and so on,your 2500 does this),rather than the gear. If you want to be hip you've got to emulate these or go your own way.Production trends are the things to watch. If you got ears for it ,well& good,if not seek professional help

[bmorris]

I have toyed with the filtering for months and it just isn't quite getting me any worthy results. Would you possibly have any remedial advice about how I can start with this particular function and expand my sound capabilities from there?

Any and all suggestions are welcome...

-Humble-

[Richard Monroe]

Yo Humble! I see this all the time. You seem to have the cart before the horse. You have some really excellent processing and editing capabilities, but the beginning of your signal chain is pretty weak. You have one mic, which I consider to be an excellent fishing sinker, without an outboard preamp in sight.
I would suggest that you should save up your pesos and buy a couple of really good mics and at least one really good 2 channel mic preamp. I would suggest one multipattern large diaphagm condenser, 2 good matched small diaphragm condensers, and a kickass dynamic. Yep, it takes money, and it's worth it. Something like this- mics- main large diaphragm- B.L.U.E. Kiwi, Neumann U87, AKG C414TL-II. small diaphragms-Neumann KM184, Earthworks Sr-77. Dynamic- Sennheiser MD424, Shure SM7B. Pres- Pendulum, Great River, Avalon, Grace Design, John Hardy.
I think you've got great signal processing. What you need now is a signal that's worthy of it.-Richie

[trickless]

Originally posted by muttley
Whats ment by PEEPS?

mmmm.... peeps... (drools a la homer)

Actually looks like ya got a cool setup... but you really need some mics! The new BLUE ball microphone might be cool for ya.

I'd say don't worry about replacing anything right now. You've got a badass sampler, synth and tracker. Your speakers are probably good enough for now. I have MAudio SP-5B speakers and they're great for $200 bucks, but probably not much better than what you've got.

Just concentrate on the input side of things, and you won't have to mess with eq and filtering as much.

Rock on!
Pat