another "getting started" thread

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RobManYou

New member
Someone Help PLEASE!!!

Ok, I'v got an M-Audio Mobilepre on the way, I'm planning on using my computer (obviously) to record some music, I've got a Nady studio condenser mic., and the right cables that I know of so far., the M-Audio comes with Ableton Live Lite 4 software.

Now, my question: Is there anything else that I need ? I'm trying to start up a basic home recording studio (or something of resemblence) and I'm not sure If I'm even acquiring the necessary equipment. Please Help? Thanks
 
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Monitors. And, also, depends on what you're gonna record. If you'll be recording electric guitar, I'd als get a dynamic mic. Oh, and a pop filter for your mic. That's all that I can think of you REALLY need.
 
ok thanks

Ok thanks for the advice... i just got a pop filter but i forgot to mention it my bad... can I use my pc speakers as monitors? Dynamic mic. Ok I can do that... would it help to get a small mixer or anything?
 
In my opinion, you'd be better off (but not by much) monitoring through your hi-fi stereo speakers, rather than through computer speakers or headphones. You just need to run an audio cable to the back of your stereo, using it to power the speakers, more than likely. Sadly, that's what I've been doing lately - works OK...sorta...
 
Honestly? PC speakers won't cut it. Balanced monitors are designed to give you an accurate picture of what it is you're mixing. PC or home-stereo speakers give you a 'hyped sound' - usually the typical happy face/mid scoop - a boosted bass and treble and a cut mid. They don't give you accurate representation. That's why we say Monitors are neccesary...and headphones are just as bad...

Jacob
 
You only really need a mixer if you are simultaneously recording with more mics than your interface has inputs for. For example, if you're recording two guitars and vocals at the same time, and your interface only has two mic inputs.

As for the monitors, I'd advise you not to use your comp monitors. But, if you're recording electric guitar, and you only have enough money for a dynamic mic or monitors, I'd say go with the mic. You can buy monitors later on.
 
jkokura said:
Balanced monitors are designed to give you an accurate picture of what it is you're mixing.
Click to expand...

That said, which monitors would be good to start off with if one is on a fairly tight budget?

Currently, I'm using an Aiwa stereo + plus speakers as my "monitoring system," but the sound is far from perfect (a little bass-heavy, actually). Therefore, I'd really like to move to a set of decent monitors at some point.

On a separate topic, is there an ideal placement location? I'm finding that speakers sitting on a desk really tweak with the sound (negatively, or at least give a misleading sound)...

Thanks!

:D
 
In my opinion, I would get some better software as soon as you can aford to.
The Ableton live lite stuff is ok just so you can get a taste of what the program can do. But I would recomend something like Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio.
Its inexpensive enough but offers some realy nice features for $100-150....

Just a thought.

-Blaze
 
My obligatory standard reply that I keep in Wordpad:

Immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)

Good Newbie guide that also explains all the basics:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

Also: http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

Other recording books:
http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html


Plenty of software around to record for free to start out on:

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Kristal: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Other freebies and shareware: www.hitsquad.com
 
recombinant said:
That said, which monitors would be good to start off with if one is on a fairly tight budget?
Click to expand...

I think this is an area you shouldn't skimp in personally. Like pres, you'll get some great bang for you buck items that are cheaper (in pres think DMP3) - I don't know where to point you for monitors though. I use Even TR6's and I love em. It took me a while to learn them for mixing, but I think they do a great job for my humble needs. I paid 600 Canadian almost 2 years ago now. I recommend Event in any case.

I know you can probably get Beri and M Audio monitors relatively cheap... But the key here is "balanced" or "reference" monitors - not home or stage type speakers...have a look around.

recombinant said:
On a separate topic, is there an ideal placement location? I'm finding that speakers sitting on a desk really tweak with the sound (negatively, or at least give a misleading sound)...:D
Click to expand...

Check out John Sayers Site: http://johnlsayers.com/
and DEFINATELY have a look around here: http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/

P.s...Tim - I love what you got, but I think you should add that SAE site to your obligatory word pad file...
 
thank you all so much!

Thank you all for helping me out so much! I really do appreciate it. You all have been great!
 
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