Aussie Gear Junkies.... Purchase Advice Needed!!

[Markd102]

Hi guys

I've got AUD$700 to spend on some new gear and I'm looking for sugestions.

Here's basically what I have now.
Digi001 on a Athlon 1600 PC (Rock Solid and very quick)
Mann MT31 LD Tube Condenser
MXL V67
2x Beyer Opus83 SD condensers
Numerous SM57 & 58 mics
Active Tannoy Reveal Monitors
Borrowed Soundcraft Spirit Live4 Mixer (can't keep forever)
Borrowed Mindprint Envoice (going very soon )
Other odds & ends


My (basic) wish-list:
- Stereo Mic Pre
- Mic pre chanel strip
- Mixer (Mackie VLZ or Soundcraft "M" series or similar)
- Pair of quality headphones
- Midi synth module
- Quality TRS patch looms (currently running unbalanced)
- Neumann U87 (kidding ... Well... maybe one day)

I mainly record Rock, Ballads, Folk, Jazz, Blues and Funk.

Any suggestions on which way to go next? Something off my wish list or any other suggestions?

Thanks
Mark.

 

[ausrock]

Mark,

As $700 isn't going to get you a console, although you could save the 700 and add to it until you can afford to buy what you want, I would suggest;

1; Look at your recording environment.....see if you can improve the acoustics.
2; Replace the Envoice, seeing as how you wont have that one for long. Music Lab in Melb., have some deals going I think........www.musiclab.net.au

I continually run on a tight budget and deciding priorities like this is a real pain in the arse....lol.

 

[Markd102]

Hi Aus

Yep, I was leaning towards an Envoice of my own.

Situation is that I do some live work for a local dealer/hire company (who is a friend of mine). Anyway, he pays me in equipment. Less messy with "you know what"
So I have to get it through him. I'll see how much he can do an Envoice for. He usually gives me stuff for not much more than cost, but it depends on what his cost price is.

Can you (or anyone) recommend a chanel strip of similar quality that is a bit cheaper?

I'll let you know how I get on.

Mark

 

[MiXit-G]

Yeah musiclab is good.

Sounds like you need somthin to plug your mics into!!

I would get a nice mixer from here seeing your borrowing one as it is, just wait and save.
A mixer is like fiber in your diet... it makes things a lot easier

Hey what are those Beyer opus condensors like?? i pressume you have used them as overheads at sometime?

 

[Markd102]

The Beyers are great. My drum mixes improved dramatically when I got them. (Mind you, before that I was using Sennheiser ME80 shotgun mics borrowed from the local theatre company ) They also sound great on the acoustic guitar. Big sound. Very happy with them.

As I said before, The $700 is what the PA guy owes me. He pays me by purchasing some gear for me so we don't have to worry about the tax/ABN thing. I have to "spend" it very soon and there's no way I can scratch up any more to put with it at the moment so $700 is it.

I'm leaning towards the new Presonus DigiTube (Link Here) which retails for $895 but I can get for $700. Any comments on this unit? It has S/pdif out and also has an insert point so I can patch in a comp.

I've got a few days till the money comes through to make up my mind.

Mark

 

[MiXit-G]

Nice little unit.

Plug straight into your souncard too

Presounus make good gear.