$1200 what should I buy?

[snapcasezx3]

I have a home project studio that I have $1200 to upgrade and buy some active monitors and a compressor. I have a Studio ProjectsB1 mic running to a m-audio firewire 410. Reading some of the other posts I think that maybe I should buy an Audio Technica 4040 and a DBX 166XL. What are your thoughts?

 

[Raw-Tracks]

Save up a little more money and get the Vintech x73i. That's what I'm saving up for. I think they are well worth the money. No compressor, but its a killer mic pre with some great EQ.

 

[Rodger Hartlett]

i think the DBX is a bad idea.
have a good look at the RNC . the audio path is a major improvement over the DBX. the DBX may do you more harm than good.

 

[photoresistor]

active monitors and a compressor for $1200?

Dynaudio Bm5a monitors (you can find them for ~$900)

& the FMR really nice compressor (~$200).

Save the extra $100 or so for a good microphone (i say this because you mentioned getting a microphone though initially its not stated). or better yet, use the money to buy a few rigid fiberglass panels and make yourself some accoustic absorber panels. treating your recording space should be a huge priority (make sure you read up on this if you havent already.... i dont mean 'egg crates and sheets' when i say treatment)!

You won't find a better compressor for the price of a RNC and dynaudios are arguably some of the best active studio monitors for around $1000. You won't regret spending the bulk of your upgrade money on monitors!

Buying a couple of quality pieces of gear is a lot better idea than buying a whole bunch of cheapies you'll soon want to upgrade again. Do it right the first time!

good luck!

 

[Chris.]

What are you recording?

 

[jkokura]

another RNC vote...and I have an AT4040 and I love it. You won't be disapointed with either. but i didn't see a pre on your equipment list...just curious what you're using. I like Event monitors personally...check out the 20/20 BAS's.

I also fully agree that you should do some roomtreatment. It is often overlooked and should be high on the list of to-do's.

Jacob

 

[MISTERQCUE]

Why not send me the money and I'll invest it for you!

Within 10 years, i'll have your money doubled so you can buy more gear!

 

[Tim Brown]

I have a home project studio that I have $1200 to upgrade and buy some active monitors and a compressor. I have a Studio ProjectsB1 mic running to a m-audio firewire 410. Reading some of the other posts I think that maybe I should buy an Audio Technica 4040 and a DBX 166XL. What are your thoughts?

You should buy 12 Behringer Compressors!


Tim

 

[snapcasezx3]

I am using a m-audio firewire 410 for my A/D. No preamp other than.

thanks

 

[pohaku]

One more vote for the RNC. A very nice and usable compressor for an affordable price. In addition to being affordable, it has legs -- you are likely to keep using it even if/when you acquire better gear. I have better compressors, but I still use my RNCs.

 

[teainthesahara]

I have a home project studio that I have $1200 to upgrade and buy some active monitors and a compressor. I have a Studio ProjectsB1 mic running to a m-audio firewire 410. Reading some of the other posts I think that maybe I should buy an Audio Technica 4040 and a DBX 166XL. What are your thoughts?

Spend the most on the monitors and mic, forget the compressor.
The monitors and AT mic will make you go "wow".
The RNC compressor is transparent (good), but will probably not change your sound all that much....
I would be tempted to spend most of that on a kick ass mic...

 

[fraserhutch]

80 lava lamps...


http://www.epartyunlimited.com/accentmotion.html

 

[AudioVault]

get a pair of yamaha ns-10's and a DBX 160x, u could fins that used for 1200

 

[Big Kenny]

A book called "Making Decisions"

 

[B_rad]

A book called "Making Decisions"

thats a good one. LOL

 

[Twitch]

I have these comps in my setup and I think you can't go wrong,TC Electronic Triple C's and Drawmer DL251 and Aphex 661 Tube Expressor, and the Avalon AD2044. For monitors I have in my first studio I have JBL Lsr4326P Pack I mainly use this for hip-hop and demo producing, and for my soundtracks/film multi-media studio I use Genelecs 1032A and 8040As for the low end and mids..

 

[epic]

+ yet another vote for the RNC....although I would say its worth your consideration to pick up a RNP too, especially if you dont have a preamp. The quality of vocals and instruments elevated greatly after adding that combo (rnp+rnc)

AT mics are great for the $ - I have a 4050 and love it.

I picked up a pair of KRK v6 monitors for $500. They are a little bright, and you have to keep ear fatigue in mind when you are mixing/recording for awhile - but for the money, they are great monitors. I would suggest you check those out and see if you like them. Its right on the border of mid and higher end stuff - and you can always add a sub later for greater bass response.

 

[riffy]

I would be tempted to spend most of that on a kick ass mic...

Same here. Nice mic, decent stand & pop filter.

 

[Crash ©]

80 lava lamps...


http://www.epartyunlimited.com/accentmotion.html

No no no... 40 Lava Lamps and a $600 one legged hooker...

 

[snapcasezx3]

why don't I save money on the hooker and just use your mom?