A whole whack of questions...(6 actually)

[mikgag]

Any and all input is appreciated. Keep in mind when reading these questions we are on a VERY VERY limited budget....I've also posted this on some other forums, so sorry for the repeat views.


1) Is there a less expensive soundcard that is the equivalent of the Audiophile 2496??

2) Is the "best" mic for micing a guitar cab the SM57, and if so, are there any copies/clones that are remotely close for decent $

3) Should you always use condenser mics for drum overheads, or are there decent dynamics out there you can use that are relatively inexpensive?

4) When routing a compressor (DBX163x) into one of the inserts on a mixing board, where would you deem it to be essential? Lead vocals? some part of the drums?

5) If you had a gun to your head and had to choose between a Yamaha MG16/4 or a Peavey Unity 2002 12RQ, which would it be?

6) When we mic the cab on the guitar, would the pre's in either of these boards be good enough, or should we get a ART Tube MP or Behringer Ultragain and then send the signal into a line jack instead??

thanks

 

[Track Rat]

5) If you had a gun to your head and had to choose between a Yamaha MG16/4 or a Peavey Unity 2002 12RQ, which would it be?

I'd stop right there and just pull the trigger.

 

[mikgag]

I'd stop right there and just pull the trigger.

you're not helping....

Actually, if we can swing it, I'd like to try to get the Soundcraft E12 instead, but I'm still looking at something decent (used) to record us live into the PC...not everybody can afford a A&H.....

 

[scrubs]

1) Is there a less expensive soundcard that is the equivalent of the Audiophile 2496??

no.

2) Is the "best" mic for micing a guitar cab the SM57, and if so, are there any copies/clones that are remotely close for decent $

sometimes. there is no such thing as "best." the 57 is a reliable, predictable, affordable choice. some folks like the gls es-57 clones, which are about 1/3 the price of a real 57.

3) Should you always use condenser mics for drum overheads, or are there decent dynamics out there you can use that are relatively inexpensive?

ribbon mics can be great for overheads, but on a tight budget, check out the Behringer ECM8000 reference mics. They work well as overheads and are only about $50 each.

4) When routing a compressor (DBX163x) into one of the inserts on a mixing board, where would you deem it to be essential? Lead vocals? some part of the drums?

wherever you need it most. actually, you don't have to use outboard compression if you are tracking to computer. just track at a low enough volume that you're not clipping and use software compression. Kick drum, snare, lead/background vocals, all may benefit from some gentle compression tracking if you know what you're doing.

5) If you had a gun to your head and had to choose between a Yamaha MG16/4 or a Peavey Unity 2002 12RQ, which would it be?

I've not used either, but the Yamaha boards are reputed to be a decent low-budget choice. Now, put down the gun before I break your windpipe.

6) When we mic the cab on the guitar, would the pre's in either of these boards be good enough, or should we get a ART Tube MP or Behringer Ultragain and then send the signal into a line jack instead??

you will get little improvement with cheap ART or Behringer preamps. They are noisy and just sound bad, imo (although the Tube MP might add something to a distorted guitar track). Your mixer pres will probably be ok until you can afford something significantly better.

 

[jkokura]

scrubs answered it well...good advice...

Jacob

 

[cpl_crud]

I'll second the yamaha for the console.
The pres on that are adequate.

You should really get yourself an SM57. As you grow with your recording, you'll find that the 57 is one of the bits of kit that stays with you the longest.

For overheads, maybe check out the ShinyBox ribbons: www.shinybox.com . Even though they're cheap, I still find that I pull mine out more often than not. Or you can find matched pairs of new-model Oktava MK-012s for about AUD500. Or the NT-5s for about the same.

And, in relation to #5, why did everyone automatically that he was holding the gun to his head? He could be holding it to our heads...
Is it just that the music industry makes everyone depressed and suicidal, no matter where you fit in the food chain?

Mmmm. philosophical...

 

[andycerrone]

yes











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