Building a small studio, need help

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ginner

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I am a guitarist, but I can play bass and own one too, and I am looking to build a small studio. I do not have an amp for the bass, so I think I am gonna need a direct box. So far this is the gear list for things that I think I need. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me if I am making any mistakes, or if i need more, or if I dont need some of the stuff. I am kinda on a budget of like 1400 $ CAD. Heres what I have so far.

Mixer: Behringer ub 1832 FX PRO
http://www.behringer.com/UB1832FX/index.cfm?lang=ENG


Monitors : Unsure, I was hoping someone could help me on this


Microphone: Shure sm 57
http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm57.asp


Direct box: Behringer ultra DI
http://www.behringer.com/DI100/index.cfm?lang=ENG


Sound card: M-audio audiophile 24/96
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496-main.html


And I am also going to do a little soundproofing with some studio foam or something similar, maybe acoustical panels.






Thanks
 
This is a lot to do all at once, you are best to take it a step at a time and loearn as you go or you'll end up wasting money.

In reverse order

Check out the studio building forum for stuff on acoustic treatment.

For the same price, the E-MU 0404 is a much more up to date soundcard than the AP 2496, and sounds better, provided your multitracking software is ASIO compatible (they mostly are, but not all). Which package are you thinking of for the software? If you're unsure, take some time on the Cakewalk, Cubase and n-Track forums here.

DI box - your choice will do the job of matching impedance between your bass and the mixer, but little else. An active box like the Sansamp Bass Driver DI (there are plenty of others) will deliver a much fuller, stronger signal to your mix.

Mic - the standard for micing guitar amps, amongst other things. Always a useful mic to have. The SM58 is the same mic with a ball and foam shield inside, for vocals - suits some voices and is even used on some commercial recordings. Good buy to start with but after a while you'll be reading the microphone forum here!

Monitors - just do a search on the Other Equipment forum, get some background and check some out in a store (or better still on approval). The debates here about monitor selection alone would fill a rather large book.

Mixer - in this price range, avoid a mixer with inbuilt effects. Once you have recorded them you are stuck with them, and you can get better quality by applying them post recording on your computer. Also in this price range, the Yamaha MG series is much better bang for your buck than the Behringers.

OK, that's about 0.000001% of your questions answered. Take it a step at a time, never believe a music store salesman or an advert, and soak up the huge amount of knowledge on this bbs.
 
Wow thank you very much. I will do as you suggest, and read all I can in the forums. Ill look at all these other soundcards and mixers, thanks.
 
Check out any of Blue Bear's posts - he has links at the end of them to a suggested reading list. Sounds dull but it REALLY IS VERY WORTHWHILE to get hold of a basic recording book before you let your credit card anywhere near anything.

Also, if you tell us more about what you want to do and how you want to do it (vocals, electric or acoustic, one track at a time or your mates round playing together, what about drums, etc etc) we can be more helpful. For example you might not need a mixer at all, and be better off buying a good preamp.
 
Just a thought

First--work style.

Clearly you are thinking of working IN THE BOX--all hard drive based. So, maybe you could obtain a MOTU 828 on Ebay for about $350. This gives you a mixer plus firewire to your computer(and the capability of recording 16 tracks simultaneously!).. An SM57 is a good choice for an all around mike..plus you could get an SM58 for vocals. Your choice of DI is fine.You can bring this in for a lot less than $1400.

For acoustic treatment--well, you can always use mike stands and blankets, comforters, etc. Plus, there are interesting products by Auralex that are direct to mike and relatively cheap. But if you are recording by yourself, room ambience may be an asset, not a hindrance.
 
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