Beginner looking to get started..

  • Thread starter Thread starter Valen
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Valen

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Hi folks, sorry for throwing yet another equipment query question into the pool..

I'm a male vocalist that at this point doesn't play any instruments (slowly working on it). I've been into recording tracks for a few years now but have never dared actually investing in equipment (the microphone I used was a Blue Yeti USB mic, it was good for the ditties I came up with, and it was all-in-one, so I wasn't afraid of having to piece together multiple parts).

I'm looking to upgrade from the Blue Yeti and into a pretty cheap but functional recording setup. I'm not one of those who expects the quality to be absolutely amazing, but I was hoping for a little more workability than the Blue Yeti could offer me. As i'm a beginner, i'd like to start out low but build up if i'm able to progress. I have a budget of around £500.

I've been using Thomann to gauge a potential setup but wanted to ask the opinions of those who are far more technologically superior than I:
(I tried to post Thomann links to the below products but i've been hit by the 10 post limit, I apologize)

Microphone: Rode NT2-A (comes in a bundle with a micstand also)
Interface: Steinberg CI-1

The room I use isn't treated and is of a decent size, so i've been told that a portable booth might be a good idea. I've read good things about this:

PB: SE Electronics Reflexion Filter X

The total for all of the above comes to £420.

I've seen other bundles for microphones, such as a bundle for the AT2050. I've tried looking online for comparisons and opinions between the NT2-A, AT2050 and others but haven't had much luck, so thought it may be an idea to come directly to the experts.

Is there anything that you would be able to recommend for a beginner looking to get his feet wet, or does that setup look half decent? As long as it's good for workable recording to backing tracks and YT videos, i'm perfectly happy, but don't want to jump in with both feet and make a big mistake.

Thank you for your time.
 
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Treating your room is your best option. Not too expensive. The reflection filter things are "cool" but will not address the real problems. (room nodes and reflections) save your $ or pounds to treat the room. BTW keep coming back to this forum there is lots of good information and friendly folks. Good luck.
 
Point taken. I'll certainly look into that instead. Thank you :)
 
oops

Double post, I forgot to answer one of the Op's questions. Not exp with the NT2a but I have used the At series of mics and have had good results. The 4050 is really good but way over your budget. check out the Mic forum Harvey Gerst has some great suggestions, his sticky is required reading for newbs and old hands alike. Cudos to him for taking the time to put that thread up (it has been around for years.). Be well.
 
As you've done recording before, assume you have closed-back headphones for tracking. What about monitors?
There are many interface options as well, I'd say a mic like the Rode and that inexpensive interface may be a mis-match.
What DAW have you been using?
 
I would go for the new Steinberg UR22 interface. Gets good reviews and is much more "pukkha" looking than the CI. Also has MIDI which you might need in the future.

Rode mics are also very well thought of.

Dave.
 
Thanks mjbphotos & ecc83,

To answer your questions, i've been using Adobe Audition, Reaper and Audacity. I have small amounts of experience with Cubase and ProTools, but they may be a little out of my experience range for now, but would like to work up to at least one of them.

As for monitors, I may be able to grab some KRK monitors for cheap, which would make life easier. I'll get the specifics on them for you. I do also have a pair of closed-back headphones but they're basic and quite old, so i'll probably be grabbing a new pair to go with this new equipment. May as well get all-new stuff.. well, barring the monitors. They'll do for now. If for some reason I don't end up grabbing them, i'll use the appropriate forum to request advice on which ones to grab, and increase my budget accordingly, unless there's any you'd know of that would work with this combo without destroying the bank?

ecc83, i'll look up that suggestion. Thank you.
 
My KRK 5s have done me well in my home studio and I've got a few pairs of Audio Technica headphones (ATH-M30 & M40) that do well by my ears too.

When I was learning I got by with an AT-3035 (which I still have, but don't use much anymore) until I knew a bit more about what I needed/wanted, etc.

Room treatment is something I've only come to appreciate recently and am very much looking forward to when I have the space and can get it right.

Good luck!
 
Hi folks,

Sorry for the late reply, had some internet problems at home. Gave me time to look over a few things though.

I decided to fore-go those portable booths and work on room treatment in a small room in the back of my house. That's a work-in-progress.

I can get a great deal on a Rode NT2-A bundle, and I can't see anything else in it's price range that can really do a lot better, so I may stick with that. After looking up the UR22 interface and reading some reviews, that looks like it'd be great for purpose too.

Can I just ask your opinions on this final piece of equipment, the monitors?

Narrowed it down to the KRK Rokit RP5 G2 monitors vs the M-Audio BX5 D2 monitors. The M-Audio is the cheaper (about £50). I would link them up but post limit currently disallows it.

Thank you for your time.
 
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