Buy now or wait !!!!!!

[Mastermindzz]

Should I get the Studio Project B 1 and the audio buddy for about $140 and start recording now or should I save another $250 and get a mic like the Studio Projects C 1, AT 3035, and a pre amp like the Studio Projects VTB-1 or DMP3. Is there a big vocal difference between the $140 mic/preamp combo and the $390 mic preamp combo ?


The vocals are for male and female R&B and Hip Hop

 

[Dick Flansen]

I'm inclined to say "go for it." There IS a difference between the gear, but... Considering what I started off recording with, which was a crummy radio shack mic and a cassette four track - the B1 & audio buddy combo would've been the greatest thing in the world, just a few years ago! They're good sounding pieces of gear, and I'd say to stop worrying about the tech specs and start making some music! Don't worry, there's ALWAYS time to upgrade later, and of course, you will! I don't think you'll be disappointed, nor do I think that you'll find all THAT much difference in your mixes even with the slightly pricier gear. If you want to make a REAL leap in quality, then you should jump over all of this and buy Neumanns, Avalons, etc...

So, yeah, I'd say go for it, spend $140, and make some music.

 

[jugalo180]

hmmm

where is this sale going on at? post number or link please. thanks

 

[Mastermindzz]

These are everyday prices

B-1 is 69.99
Audio Buddy is 79.99

 

[Bowisc]

I would wait... and get a C1/VTB-1 combo. As your skills unfold, you will find it still hard to out-grow this combo. OR... instead of a C1, maybe get a B3 for more flexibility.

Bowisc

 

[chessrock]

if you're going to wait, then why not wait for something worth the wait? The RNP is shipping, and you could probably get a hold of those in a matter of 2-3 weeks after placing the order. The difference between an audio buddy and a dmp3 or vtb1 will be negligable if any at all.

When you start getting in to the Grace Design / RNP territory, then you will likely start hearing a difference.

The step up from a B1 to a C1 is fairly small as well.

If you're stepping up, why not go all the way, and not mess with Mr. In-between?

 

[battleminnow]

Where is the B1 $69? $79 is the lowest I have seen. Inquiring minds want to know...

Pete

 

[Son of Mixerman]

Get the B-1 and AB now. Keep saving for a C1 - vtb-1 combo, after that keep saving for the next level up...and keep it going until you get U67 and Vipre, then start over again.

SoMm

 

[harley96]

Save for what you really want,if not you'll pay more in the end... In the mean time borrow from your friends

 

[Gidge]

record now...even if you get better mics and pres later on, that gear will still be of use....in other words, it isnt crap.......

 

[chessparov]

Mastermindzz, my vote is for you to get the VTB-1 first,
assuming you already have something like a Shure SM58 or
SM57 already. You can get fine results (especially with the '57)
to get started. Then when it's in the budget, get a B or C series
microphone. At www.bpmmusic.com they had a deal where you'd
get free 2 day air shipping included at the $180 price.

I'd spent some more time recently messing around with a
DMP3 at a local dealer, and it doesn't even shine the VTB-1's
shoes! All kidding aside, the VTB-1 is several notches above
the DMP3 in sound quality IMHO. Brought some of my own
microphones just to be a bit more sure this time.

If you don't already have a good dynamic microphone,
you could get a used Audio Buddy off e-bay, and get the
B1 to get started.

Chris

 

[SS454]

I'd say wait. $250 isn't that much more, and I think you'd be happier in the long run.

 

[chessparov]

And one more thing...

The C series was developed with a "vintage" tone in mind.
The B series was developed to be relatively more "neutral".
So on some songs/voices one can sound better than the other.
It just happened that in order to get a vintage tone on the C
series more costly assembly were needed, thus upping the price.
(note not "better assembly" just different assembly)
Yeah I learned this from Alan!

Chris

 

[tdukex]

How long will it take you to save the additional $250? That should be the determining factor. If less than six months I say wait, save, and get the VTB-1/C1 combo. If longer than a year I say buy the Buddy/B1 combo NOW and start recording. If between 6 months and a year the decision becomes more difficult.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I think people are having trouble with your question because both signal chains are valid at a given price point. Only you know how hard it is or how long it will take to get the money. Should I marry the beautiful blonde with the perfect tits, or the homely broad with money who's good in bed? How the hell should I know?-Richie

 

[screws]

The sooner you start recording and experimenting with mic placement and different techniques and angles and room locations and the really IMPORTANT aspects of engineering, the better.

Buy the B1 and the Audio Buddy and get started right away. What you gain in learning time and experience will 1) teach you how to maximize what you have to use, and, 2) help you make a truly INFORMED decision of what you need to buy next. Maybe you'll find that the B1 is good enough for a while and what you need to do is buy an RNC compressor next. Or an Eq. Or a better preamp. But the point is you'll have a better handle on what you're lacking after you've put some miles on your technique.

 

[jugalo180]

for screws

very well put my friend

 

[darrin_h2000]

tHE c1 AND THE vtb1 is worth the wait, trust me I bought the AudioBuddy for $25 used and would only replace it if needed at that price. My vtb1 is alot better than the M-Audio Tampa, dmp3, and audiobuddy, Take it from me I have access to all of these now.

B1 is just about the same as the V67 which can be had at the same pricepoint, if I needed it I would get the B1 but not over the C1. Anyone who says they are the same hasnt used both mics.

 

[chessrock]

My vtb1 is alot better than the M-Audio Tampa, dmp3, and audiobuddy, Take it from me I have access to all of these now.

I suppose you have some samples to post then, comparing the three. I'd be interested to hear. The only real examples I heard were posted in the rack forum not too long ago, and if I recall, most couldn't even tell the difference between the ab and the vtb1 . . . except for the exaggerated bass response I noticed from the vtb1. Also, I've been noticing Fletcher doesn't seem to have much good to say about it.

I'm keeping a very open mind, here. If you and Chessparov have got some real world experience with the vtb1 with some direct comparisons, then I'm anxious to how much better it is for myself. In fact, email me about it. I have an offer for you . . . I'll give you $100 if you can provide soundbites pitting the vtb1 against the dmp3 and Tampa, allowing forum members to listen to them and judge which sounds better. If the sp wins in an objective slugfest, I'll buy two of them from Alan, and I'll give you $100. If it doesn't win, then you don't pay me a dime.

Otherwise, quit recommending that piece of junk.

 

[Speeddemon]

amen chessrock! I want nobody to be dissing my cute DMP-3, ya hear?!

Besides, the VTB-1 doesn't have VU-meters, so it must suck!