Imagine you have $2k and some gear, what to buy next??

[alvilla]

Hey everyone, I ran into some cash and really want to build something to start recording.

This is what I have right now:
- a couple of decent PC's for hard drive recording
- ntrack studio for multitrack recording (WAV)
- nice electric guitar
- decent electronic drums (simmons, not great but ok)
- electric bass
- a bunch of acoustic guitars

Now, this is what I'd like to have:
- a way to record my instruments
- a way to record vocals
- a way to mix and do all that processing
- probably a keyboard/synth if it's within budget (I do play keyboards so I could actually use it)

So the question is if you were in my place and had between 2 and 3k to spend, what would you get?

I've read advice on getting the shure mics and some USB-based recording devices but I could use advice from actual users if possible.

Any help is appreciated!

A.

 

[clivus]

First I would go for a decent mic. Lots of choices. I really like the AKG 414 --good used ones go for for about $500

Then an interface. I have the Lexicon Omega, and it works fine. It comes with Cubase LE so you would have recording/mixing software as well.--$200

A channel strip is handy. I have a dbx which has compression, gate, deessing and hi and low freq. enhancers-- they are under $200. You could also get a higher end one with the amount of cash you have available.

Accurate monitors--lots of choices--I use 3-way home stereo speakers that I have learned to mix on, but also play test mixes on good headphones, boomboxes, car stereos, etc. to see if they translate well.

Hope this helps!

DJ

 

[clivus]

I forgot a keyboard! I got a great used Yamaha 88 key w/hammer action for $400.

 

[wheelema]

Hey everyone, I ran into some cash and really want to build something to start recording.

This is what I have right now:
- a couple of decent PC's for hard drive recording
- ntrack studio for multitrack recording (WAV)
- nice electric guitar
- decent electronic drums (simmons, not great but ok)
- electric bass
- a bunch of acoustic guitars

Now, this is what I'd like to have:
- a way to record my instruments
- a way to record vocals
- a way to mix and do all that processing
- probably a keyboard/synth if it's within budget (I do play keyboards so I could actually use it)

So the question is if you were in my place and had between 2 and 3k to spend, what would you get?

I've read advice on getting the shure mics and some USB-based recording devices but I could use advice from actual users if possible.

Any help is appreciated!

A.

A ShinyBox ribbon mic, either a M-Audio Luna II or a Studio Projects C1 large condenser, a couple of Naiant X-W small condensers, a M-Audio DMP-3 preamp, and the best damn monitors I could find with what was left over.

You didn't mention your I/O so I assume you're good to go there. If not consider the M-Audio 1010LT.