Brand New to Home Recording: What to buy to get started for $2,000 or less?

[dmdjesq]

Long time guitarist and singer...became sick of the band so did the acoustic thing...became sick of myself so now building a home studio. What gear is a must to get started? (naming brands is helpful).

Thanks Doug

P.S. the room is under construction so if any of you have horror stories about what to avoid while building or alternatively, what to be sure to do plese let me know.

 

[dmdjesq]

Hello? Can someone help me? I guess it would help to know I am envisioning a small studio for recording one to two instruments (acoustic guitars/and or keys) and one to two vocals. Thanks Doug

 

[moresound]

2000. is for the bare minimum. What do you have now for equipment?

 

[dmdjesq]

Mostly live sound gear

Most of what I have is live sound gear, plx 2402 power amp, beta 87A, Ashly dual 31 eq.

 

[moresound]

You have a computer? You'll need an interface with mic pres. Down load Reaper as your recording software. And at the very least headphones or better Nearfield monitors, And a few more mics depending what your to record.

 

[buzzard bass]

I'm guessing you've got a computer too, since you're posting here. An interface is a place to start, the Tascam US1641 is a nice device offering 10 inputs, 8 XLR and 2 1/4", the XLR's are in 2 banks of 4 with regard to phantom power on or off, so you can run a combo of condensers and dynamics, including ribbons, together. Prolly more inputs than you need, but you'll want at least 4, and a 4 input interface is going to be close price wise so this way you have options for the future if you ever want to expand.

 

[moresound]

I'm guessing you've got a computer too, since you're posting here. An interface is a place to start, the Tascam US1641 is a nice device offering 10 inputs, 8 XLR and 2 1/4", the XLR's are in 2 banks of 4 with regard to phantom power on or off, so you can run a combo of condensers and dynamics, including ribbons, together. Prolly more inputs than you need, but you'll want at least 4, and a 4 input interface is going to be close price wise so this way you have options for the future if you ever want to expand.

True that for the Tascam you can't go wrong there!

 

[moresound]

Take a look at Yamaha HS50 for monitors.

 

[dmdjesq]

Hey guys thanks for your input!!! I do have a laptop it is a Sony VAIO PCG 3F3L

 

[buzzard bass]

That should do the trick. I got a computer for recording, it's a laptop, love the way it's so compact. Everything in one place.

 

[dmdjesq]

I'm really a live pro audio guy and this stuff is very mysterious to me. I have looked at everything from ADAT to Pro Tools. I just don't to over or under spend, just need to purchase what I need for my application. This is daunting! You guys have been helpful. Thanks Doug

 

[moresound]

Hey Doug where are you located in the world? Live sound support is my main gig.

 

[buzzard bass]

Sounds like we're all from the same kinda background. I played live for years, but got involved in the production end of things. Never did sound, but into the gear and setup. 1 guy can't unload and set up a Martin system on their own, so I'd go up early with the sound guy to help set up. Learned a whole lot. Great time. A few years ago I got to hang out with Sarah Brightman's sound man for an hour or so before the Harem concert, learned a ton there too. I also had a great online discussion with Frank Peterson regarding the Harem PA system, got real detailed.

I'd love to get into live sound again, but the new stuff is killer expensive, these array systems are unreal. 20G seems to be the starting price, for the cabs.

 

[moresound]

Production is where it's at! Been doing it for 25+ years and have seen it go from Shure 4-10" columns to what we have today. What a long strange trip it's been!
And Like you said Buzzard The people you meet. I've gotten to work for some of the greats and then again not so great.

 

[dmdjesq]

I'm in Syracuse, New York

 

[moresound]

You should put that in your profile.
Syracuse .... Is that where the EGG is? I've gone in there plenty of times to do shows while on the road.

 

[dmdjesq]

I really want to get into home recording but it is exclusively for my own satisfaction. Not looking to record others nor to deal with the unrealistic demands of folks who have yet to evaluate their true talent (or lack thereof). I spent so much unnecessary money building my live PA and really just want to avoid doing the same with recording.

 

[dmdjesq]

Just joined today and havent had time to edit my profile

 

[dmdjesq]

I have an old pair of JBL J2050 monitors that I really like. Will they work for monitors?

 

[moresound]

Yes and no ..... some people use old stereo speakers, others use good headphones.
You can down load Reaper for free to save yourself some money on that recording software and it's not CPU hungry at all and if you decide that it's what you want you pay $40. not a bad deal at all.