My $1000 budget studio(input wanted/needed)

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AddisonXI

AddisonXI

Argumentative...
Hello to all willing to help. You guys have helped thus far and this is the rough draft I have concocted for my budget studio. I have a month or two before I can purchase so there's plenty of time to double and triple check that these are the right choices for a beginner as myself. I thought of sacrificing my SE 2200a for a lesser mic but my wife convinced me to go for what I set out for. Unless there is a good reason why I could substitute that mic for another. Also, the Fast Track Pro is definitely my choice for Audio Interface. So, any input you guys have would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to improve this list in any way possible. I want to keep it under $1000(which was the deal made with my lovely lady). So you guys have a look and sorry if it's cluttered. I hope you can look at everything appropriately. If there's anything I could exchange for better quality and less money don't be shy.....^_^
Thanks again for all the help you guys have provided in helping me begin to understand the world of recording.

[EDIT::: Switched out Alesis monitors for the KRK RP6G2 monitors(free stands and Auralex mopads), Got cheaper headphones same brand but got the $34.00 ones instead.)
Still no sound treatment yet :(

I'm basically just using these prices at ZZounds as a reference. I will be shopping for each piece of equipment individually to find the lowest price, unless it's a really good deal like with the Speakers. ^_^:::EDIT^_^]


KRK RP6G2 Rokit G2 Powered 2-Way Active Monitor (x2 with free stand and Auralex Mopads)
Your Price: $399.00
KRK RP6G2 at zZounds

RaXXess Stoppit Pop Filter with Goose Neck (New)
Your Price: $24.95
RaXXess Stoppit Pop Filter at zZounds

Audio-Technica ATH-M20 Closed-Back Stereo Monitor Headphones (New)
Your Price: $34.95
Audio-Technica ATH-M20

Whirlwind EGC Guitar Instrument Cable (New, 20 Foot)
Your Price: $9.95
Whirlwind EGC20 Guitar Instrument Cable at zZounds

Hosa CSS400 Series Dual Heavy-Duty TRS Cable (New, 15 Foot, CSS415AU)
Your Price: $14.95
Hosa CSS400 Dual Heavy-Duty TRS Cable at zZounds

Whirlwind MC20 XLR Microphone Cable (20 ft.)
Your Price: $9.95
Whirlwind MC20 Connect Series XLR Microphone Cable at zZounds

M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB Audio Interface (New)
Your Price: $199.99
M-Audio Fast Track Pro at zZounds

SE Electronics SE2200A Cardioid Condenser Microphone (New)
Your Price: $299.00
SE Electronics SE2200A Cardioid Condenser Microphone at zZounds

Total Price: $1022.69
 
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Do you already own a mic stand? If not, that's an obvious omission...
 
Strings should never be considered as a 'studio set up' expense.

You're getting a 3-pack of mic cables, but just one mic? You have 2 guitar cables (are you recording 2 guitars at once?) One TRS cable - I'm assuming you need TRS cables for the monitors - you'll need 2.

Assume you already have a decent computer and a DAW.
 
Questions! The TRS cables I'm buying come with two connection. Not completely sure if they're close together or separate quite a bit for different placement of monitors...so I should probably check that out. I personally don't own a mic stand...the place I live does have mic stands...but they're downstairs and required for service. I think it would be a hassle to have to retrieve and return every time I wanted to record.. But I'll dwell on that. I could possibly save money and just deal with it at first. I was buying two because I thought on some recordings I need one into the amp from the guitar and one from the amp to the interface..or is that a different cable(trs) that goes from the amp to the interface? Thanks for the input guys! Keep it coming.
 
AddisonXI said:
Hello to all willing to help. You guys have helped thus far and this is the rough draft I have concocted for my budget studio. I have a month or two before I can purchase so there's plenty of time to double and triple check that these are the right choices for a beginner as myself. I thought of sacrificing my SE 2200a for a lesser mic but my wife convinced me to go for what I set out for. Unless there is a good reason why I could substitute that mic for another. Also, the Fast Track Pro is definitely my choice for Audio Interface. So, any input you guys have would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to improve this list in any way possible. I want to keep it under $1000(which was the deal made with my lovely lady). So you guys have a look and sorry if it's cluttered. I hope you can look at everything appropriately. If there's anything I could exchange for better quality and less money don't be shy.....^_^
Thanks again for all the help you guys have provided in helping me begin to understand the world of recording.


Alesis M1 Active mk2 Biamp Monitors (New, Pair)
Your Price: $239.95
Alesis M1 Active mk2 Biamp Monitors at zZounds

RaXXess Stoppit Pop Filter with Goose Neck (New)
Your Price: $24.95
RaXXess Stoppit Pop Filter at zZounds

Audio Technica ATHM40fs Precision Extended-Response Monitor Headphones (New)
Your Price: $79.00
Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs Precision Closed-Back Headphones

Whirlwind EGC Guitar Instrument Cable (New, 20 Foot, 2-Pack)
Your Price: $17.95
Whirlwind EGC20 Guitar Instrument Cable at zZounds

Hosa CSS400 Series Dual Heavy-Duty TRS Cable (New, 15 Foot, CSS415AU)
Your Price: $14.95
Hosa CSS400 Dual Heavy-Duty TRS Cable at zZounds

Whirlwind MC20 XLR Microphone Cable (20 ft.) (New, 3-Pack)
Your Price: $24.95
Whirlwind MC20 Connect Series XLR Microphone Cable at zZounds

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 2221 Electric Guitar Strings (10-46) (New, 3-Pack)
Your Price: $12.50
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Strings at zZounds

Martin SP 80/20 Bronze Studio Performance Acoustic Guitar Strings (New, 13-56, MSP3200, Medium)
Your Price: $4.95
Martin SP 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings at zZounds

M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB Audio Interface (New)
Your Price: $199.99
M-Audio Fast Track Pro at zZounds

SE Electronics SE2200A Cardioid Condenser Microphone (New)
Your Price: $299.00
SE Electronics SE2200A Cardioid Condenser Microphone at zZounds

Total Price: $948.14
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This all looks great! I personally might buy some less expensive headphones and put the extra money into some KRK Rokit 5s instead of the M1s. I also might either try to get the Fast Track Pro at a cheaper price (I'm pretty sure you can get it for $150 new) or get a Focusrite Saffire 6 or Scarlett 8i6 instead of the Fast Track Pro. Focusrite is well known for their pres and I'm positive the Saffire/Scarlett will sound better than the Fast Track Pro. Other than those suggestions, I think this is a nice setup!
 
The KRK Rokit 5s were my original choice. Glad to have a second opinion on them. Wish I could get the 8s but I'll be happy with the 5s for now with learning. I'd like a second opinion on the Saffire 6 or Scarlett 8i6. :) I haven't heard the focusrite name much around here. I know that doesn't mean they're sucky or anything. I'm just always glad to hear more opinions no matter which way I shift. I'm an indecisive person lol. The more help and discussion I get the better. If I'm at a store comparing products I will literally stand there and compare for like 8 minutes.. Off to work my friends. Thanks again for the input. ^_^
 
TRS cable for amp to interface - depends on the amp's connectors (you didn't mention the amp you have) - does it have a TRS DI/headphone output? You don't need a TRS for the guitar to amp connection, just a standard TS cable.
 
Not completely sure if they're close together or separate quite a bit for different placement of monitors...so I should probably check that out
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I own the same thing, it will work fine.

But yeah, +1 for the krk rp5's. I own a pair and they are great for beginning! I got mine off ebay for $200 bucks, so shop around (ebay is your bff)! But forget the idea of micing the amp and using the line out, I have tried it, and I absolutely hate the tone (you may like it though, who knows).

Drew
 
I recommend copy and pasting what you need into the google shopping bar.

I tried it with M-Audio Fast Track Pro and found one for 160 instead of 200.
the more money you save the better.
 
Another tip: american musical supply includes free monitor stands and auralex monitor iso pads for free. They normally have their krks on sale too.
the rokit 6's were 150 new a short while ago.
 
Thanks guys. Yea the more I'm looking around on google the more I think I can cut a huge chunk of this money out and actually get something else or slightly upgrade equipment. About the guitar amp. I will have to get back to you on that. It hasn't been played in about 2 years. I mostly have been playing acoustic or just electric without an amp. I do know my electric is Ibanez..and it's perrrty :-D

Audio Interface -
Aah, I'm really hoping for USB. But I wouldn't rule out firewire. I've got a little time to think it through.
 
I've said this before and I'll say it again. I don't know why people like the sound of KRK 5's. They sound muddy, not even sure how to describe what's going on with the low end, and generally just plain bad. Go out and test monitors, as many as you can. Try to get a 6 inch one, 8 if possible. If you absolutely must get a 5 inch one, test the Tannoy Reveals. From what I remember, they were not too bad. You absolutely have to test monitors before deciding what to get.
 
saads said:
I've said this before and I'll say it again. I don't know why people like the sound of KRK 5's. They sound muddy, not even sure how to describe what's going on with the low end, and generally just plain bad. Go out and test monitors, as many as you can. Try to get a 6 inch one, 8 if possible. If you absolutely must get a 5 inch one, test the Tannoy Reveals. From what I remember, they were not too bad. You absolutely have to test monitors before deciding what to get.
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The problem is I don't know what sounds like a bad, decent, or great set of monitors. I am starting from 0 percent knowledge on the technical side. But I will see if I can find a cheaper set of 6's or 8's on ebay. Thanks for the input ^_^
 
AddisonXI said:
The problem is I don't know what sounds like a bad, decent, or great set of monitors. I am starting from 0 percent knowledge on the technical side. But I will see if I can find a cheaper set of 6's or 8's on ebay. Thanks for the input ^_^
Click to expand...

I'm sure you have a bunch of favorite songs. Songs that you've listened to loads of times. You know how they sound on different speakers, you know how much bass is good, how much bass is too much, how much is too low in a system when you put those songs on. Burn a bunch of em on a CD, and test them out on different monitors. You'll definitely note the difference, even if you're a total noob.
 
Yea I was seeing both the 8i6 and the Saffire 6 were USB. Which opens my options up a little. Since I have no knowledge I rely on reviews and what not. If I don't get the Fast Track Pro I would be looking at the 8i6. I know it has a few more inputs that I wouldn't use initially but it would give me the option. I'm looking around at prices and see what would give me the best equipment for under 1000. So I have a few choices on everything. But I REALLY do want the SE 2200a. It's beautiful!
 
Yes, but how does one "go test monitors"? Does guitar center or other musical stores allow this??
 
Rather than the AT-M40 cans, you might want to consider the Sennheiser HD280Pro for the same price (or a little less) @ Overstock.com. I can't post a link, as I haven't posted enough (apparently).
 
AddisonXI said:
Yes, but how does one "go test monitors"? Does guitar center or other musical stores allow this??
Click to expand...

Plenty of GC and SamAsh stores have a bunch of monitors up and ready for testing. They have a lot of songs on their iTunes, but I'm pretty sure they'll play you your CD/ let you play songs off your iPod if you asked.
 
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