<--Beginner Here...Help Me Choose Equipment!

[RicoBrown]

Hello Everyone,

I am new at this, so help me choose the right stuff! I have not purchased anything yet. However, here is a list of what I'm thinking about purchasing.

*** Computer - 800+ Processing speed, RAM (512 MB's), 2 Hard Drives (both 40 gigs), SoundBlaster Live Soundcard, video card, DVD player, and CD Burner

*** Computer Platform - Steinburg's Cubase VST32, Cakewalk Sonar, Acid Pro 2.0 & Acid Pro 3.0, and Cool Edit Pro (I have all of these. Which is better?)

*** Mixer - Yamaha 02RV2 Digital Mixing Console B-Stock*

*** Audio Interface - Mark of the Unicorn Soundcard (MOTU 2408)

*** Behringer B2031 Truth Active Studio Speakers

*** Microphone - AKG C2000B/H100 Studio Condenser Mic

*** Samson RH600 Studio Stereo Headphones

Am I on the right track with my selections? What else do I need? What is a compressor? Do I need a Compressor for vocals? I will be producing mostly Hip Hop and R&B.

Thank you for the imput/advice?

Sincerely,
Reek

 

[Beathoven]

*** What about changing the SoundBlaster Live for a M-Audio Audiophile 2496?

*** I can't tell ya, I didn't use all those softwares... I have used CoolEdit Pro and it works pretty darn well

*** Can't help you with the mixer (Will leave that to Gidge )

*** Can't help you again (Gidge?)

*** Take a look at the Yorkville YSM-1p (Or the YSM-1 if you already own an amplifier)

*** Did you take a look at the C1 from StudioProjects?

*** Can't help you again (GIGDE!!! )

Peace,
Beathoven

 

[Folkcafe]

To me it would seem to be duplicating functions (O2R/computer). If you need a front end for the Motu there are lots of other options that would be better. I also don't like the idea of buying a digital product at the end of it's life cycle. Perhaps I'm missing something.

Given that you've chosen to use the computer as your recorder I'm not sure why you would need the O2R. We have a few here at work that are left over from before Protools. We used DA88's to record and mixed on the O2R's using it's automation. Now that all our mixing is done in the computer the O2R's don't get used except to audition source material occasionally.

I would put the money elsewhere, unless you have a specific need use for it. At home I have a O1V that I use in my mobile/live rig. I've used it for tracking once in the studio with a real hardcore rock band and wanted a bit more compression than I had in the rack. As a front end, it works but is overkill.

As far as mic choice. I have a couple of C2000's. I like them for some things but it wouldn't be my only mic. Lot's of people dislike this mic. I have found a few applications where it works well. Like acoustic guitar on a busy rock mix. It cuts through real well with little EQ. Your list balances to one side. Lots on mixer and software end but only one mic on the list.

I'd balance out the choices. Maybe get better monitors. Anyways, select based on established need. If your not sure, find out before spending the money.

Good luck

Don Goguen