Building my first home studio.

[vivaultra]

Hello... I play in a band that currently tours the US. During my six years of playing in the band I have come to love the months that I have spent in the studio. Now I want to start my own. In my house, of course. I'm trying to spend around $3,000 usd on gear, and additional in proofing the room. So far I have sort of put together a list of what I'm looking at getting, but I wanted to get some advice. I only know what I've picked up while recording with the band, so I need some help. I will mostly be recording Indie Rock/Folk/Country


Computer:
Macbook Pro Alluminum body.

Software:
Logic 9.0
Reason 8.0


So here's what I have been looking at ordering...

Audio Interface:
Lexicon I-ONIX U82S USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Lexicon-I-ONIX-U82S-USB-2-0-Audio-MIDI-Interface-501576-i1435630.gc

Mixer:
Allen & Heath ZED-12FX USB Mixer with Effects
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Allen---Heath-ZED-12FX-USB-Mixer-with-Effects-580319-i1435489.gc

Sonic Maximizer/Compressor:
BBE MaxCom Dual-Channel Compressor
http://www.guitarcenter.com/BBE-MaxCom-Dual-Channel-Compressor-180936-i1125111.gc

Condensor (Vocals/Acoustic/Piano/Possible Overhead):
Blue Bluebird Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Blue-Bluebird-Large-Diaphragm-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone-102918877-i1127341.gc

Drum Mics:
Shure Drum Mic Package (3 SM57s 1 BETA 52)
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-Drum-Mic-Package-101161255-i1126540.gc
Audix Fusion F15 x2
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Audix-Fusion-F15-Cymbal-Condenser-Microphone-270282-i1126546.gc

Electric Mics:
Ill use the 57's from the drum package (I have a 609 I could borrow also.)

Monitors:
Alesis M1 Active 520 75W Active Near-Field Reference Monitor Pair
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Alesis-M1-Active-520-75W-Active-Near-Field-Reference-Monitor-Pair-603226-i1153179.gc

Headphones:
AKG MiniAMP / K99 Headphone Two Pack
http://www.guitarcenter.com/AKG-MiniAMP---K99-Headphone-Two-Pack-500888-i1425061.gc

Midi Controller:
M-Audio Keystation 61es USB MIDI Controller
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Keystation-61es-USB-MIDI-Controller-102791126-i1155202.gc

Tracking Bass:
Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Tech-21-SansAmp-Para-Driver-DI-Instrument-Preamp-Pedal-151799-i1124579.gc




All of that is around 3,000 minus the cables, stands, and soundproofing. I already have a nice power conditioner.
Any help and suggestion would be great. I'm new to this, but I hope that I'm on the right track...

 

[darrin_h2000]

Instead of the lexicon...this might be a better option. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Line-6-TonePort-UX8-Recording-Interface-104624846-i1368481.gc

Dont get the BBE unit its a waste of money.

The Bluebird isnt very good...spend a little more and get a mic like Shure KSM44...AT4050 or an AKG C414...you might want a multipattern for your only LDC.

The Audix fusion isnt a good choice...you dont want to skimp here either...get the best pair you can get...use some of the money you will save from not buying the BBE unit.

Check craigslist for a nicer Midi controller...I spent less than that for an 88 key hammer action barely used one.

 

[vivaultra]

Instead of the lexicon...this might be a better option. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Line-6-TonePort-UX8-Recording-Interface-104624846-i1368481.gc

Dont get the BBE unit its a waste of money.

The Bluebird isnt very good...spend a little more and get a mic like Shure KSM44...AT4050 or an AKG C414...you might want a multipattern for your only LDC.

The Audix fusion isnt a good choice...you dont want to skimp here either...get the best pair you can get...use some of the money you will save from not buying the BBE unit.

Check craigslist for a nicer Midi controller...I spent less than that for an 88 key hammer action barely used one.

Thanks man... I've never been a fan of Line6 products, but that does seem like a nicer choice. Think I'll go with the AT4050 just because of cash. What about the Mixer is that one I posted the best choice?

 

[darrin_h2000]

If you record using the computer it is optional...more of a luxury...you might get it last after you decide if you want to go with it or not...the better mics and pres are more important...buying used is a great option while gearing up and this economy is full of people who got into this ten years ago who are desperate to make next months house payment...Ive cashed in big time.

 

[Bguzaldo]

Damn man that's exciting I remember when I went on my first home studio shopping spree. I wish I was a member of this forum then.

My thoughts,
-Like many have suggested already, skip the drum mic package, I was tricked into buying that audix package and I use those mics on everything but drums. For now I would say get a snare and a kick mic that you like(maybe a 57 and a d112) and save the other cheddar for some nice overheads (arguably most important in drum recording)

-For HPs the K 44s are perfectly acceptable tracking phones for only like 40 bucks I think

-I don't know anything on alesis monitors but you can't skimp here, this is what is gonna tell you how your final mix is gonna sound and you don't want them to lie to you!

-Sansamp is a solid bass DI!

All of that is around 3,000 minus the cables, stands, and soundproofing.

-My Final thought, cables and room treatment are no "extra" I've spent thousands of dollars on cabling alone. Some people say the room is the most important aspect of the recording and if the room doesn't sound good then anything you put in it won't sound good.

Hope this helps, Godspeed,
-Barrett

 

[vivaultra]

what overheads and cables would you recommend?

 

[darrin_h2000]

I use a mix of mogami and Monster cables...but selfmade cables with good ends should be good enough if you dont want to spend the money.

I use a pair of AT3035s as overheads...they are suprisingly affordable used and sound better than any SDC pair Ive ever heard...but there are lots of things you can try here.

Monitors are a good point...Alesis is OK...but for the same money there might be something on your local craigslist that are miles better than them...look at what brands studios use...not the ones that only seem to only be in home studios.