Basic studio setup- does it look okay?

[maxf]

Hey all,

By no means am I any sort of studio professional, or
even a basement amatuer. (Actually, all I do is play
drums.) I'm looking to get into very basic recording
so that my band can put some stuff together. It is
just a garage band, so we're not too keen on
super-high quality stuff. However, we want a sort of
reasonable sound at a reasonable price.

I have been doing a fair amount of research, and I
have found what I think is the least expensive setup
possible. There are two different packages, both of
which come from Musician's Friend:

Here's the package that includes a 16 track digital
recorder, a pair of microphones, and other basic
things I would need.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fostex-VF160EX-AllInOne-Recording-Package?sku=240284

The other package is a very cheap drum microphone kit:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/CAD-Premium-7Piece-Drum-Mic-Pack?sku=271264


I would love to get any sort of feedback about my
selections. I have two main concerns: By spending
$1300 on an essentially "complete" recording kit, will
I get what I pay for? Should I opt for more expensive
(higher quality) equipment to start with? The second
concern is Musician's Friend. Is that a reliable
company to purchase equipment from?

I have done some searching around, and it appears that
the CAD drum microphone kit is a nice value, and not
such a poor kit after all. I was unable to find
anything on the recording package though. Any
ideas/feedback/criticisms would be greatly appreciated

 

[bennychico11]

well, the first thing that jumps to mind is the Fostex doesn't have enough microphone preamps (*places to plug your microphones in). So trying to track drums isn't going to work. To solve that issues you could get something like this.

As far as quality of any of the gear...I have no clue because I've never tried any of them. But I'm guessing that, yes, you will get what you paid for. Not terrible quality (definitely better than the soundblaster card and your radio shack mic that came with your computer). But an all in one package for $1,100 where the cost of the recorder itself takes up $800, leaving 300 for the two mics and speakers....? Then a mic package that costs even less than the two mics/speakers....

I'm not going to say not get it, because maybe for your needs it'll work just fine. Especially if all you are trying to get out of it is some demos and files for you to show off to people. But definitely address the mic preamp issue if you want to record drums.

 

[maxf]

well, the first thing that jumps to mind is the Fostex doesn't have enough microphone preamps (*places to plug your microphones in). So trying to track drums isn't going to work. To solve that issues you could get something like this.

As far as quality of any of the gear...I have no clue because I've never tried any of them. But I'm guessing that, yes, you will get what you paid for. Not terrible quality (definitely better than the soundblaster card and your radio shack mic that came with your computer). But an all in one package for $1,100 where the cost of the recorder itself takes up $800, leaving 300 for the two mics and speakers....? Then a mic package that costs even less than the two mics/speakers....

I'm not going to say not get it, because maybe for your needs it'll work just fine. Especially if all you are trying to get out of it is some demos and files for you to show off to people. But definitely address the mic preamp issue if you want to record drums.

So that "16 track" mixer then, it says it has 8 virtual tracks. Does that mean that I only have 8 tracks that I can really deal with? If so, then would I be better off buying a kit with an 8 track mixer, then getting a pre-amp such as what you suggested?

 

[dgatwood]

So that "16 track" mixer then, it says it has 8 virtual tracks. Does that mean that I only have 8 tracks that I can really deal with? If so, then would I be better off buying a kit with an 8 track mixer, then getting a pre-amp such as what you suggested?

I believe it means that you can record 8 tracks and can use the other tracks as temporary bounce destinations and stuff. Effectively, it means you can deal with 8 tracks.

Got a computer? If so, you'd probably be much happier with an audio interface and even the cheapest multitrack software than with pretty much any closed box mixer/recorder solution.

Just my $0.02.

 

[rayc]

It's a good starter package. But nothing is very upgradeable so you really would find a good computer with a specialized recording sound card with a breakout box or similar & the mics, or some fire wire device with multiple ins etc a more flexible option & upgradable to boot.
Looka round a bit be fore biting the bullet - if drum recording is a major part of what you do then think very carefully &&&&& consult with drummer recordists on a thread nearby.
Try these links for ideas 1 is to the drum forum the other is to a recording drummer's website pics so you can see what he uses to create some VERY EXCELLENT tub thumping:
http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?f=24
http://www.ramirami.com/index.cfm

 

[Igor The Cat]

if i where you id get a firepod and the drum mics then buy yourself some other mics for the rest of the band , instead of dealing with a standalone workstattion. but thats just me and i prefer computers or analog, none of this stand alone nonsence for me

 

[maxf]

I really don't like the idea of having a computer to go through. Besides the fact that I'm really not wanting to deal with getting a computer into my "studio," I don't want to deal with all the complications and options.

I was just hoping to have a "simplified" and "easy-to-use" setup with the mixer. Is this realistic, or should I really be going with a computer?

 

[danny.guitar]

I'd go the computer route. A standalone isn't really upgradeable, and once you buy one you're stuck with it.

You can do a lot more things with a computer and software than you can with most standalones, and the price you pay for a decent standalone is more than enough to build a good computer.

My friend records his band with a standalone and he gets great results, but there can be a steep learning curve involved, and it can be tedious to do some things that are just a matter of point & click on a computer...