Can I make a Home Studio with a pro sound on a small budget (or am i dreaming)

[dvsbruchko]

Right now I basically have a live performance set up. I have a mackie 808s power mixer, a set of c300i mackie speakers, 2 monster stereo cables, an access virus kc keyboard, and 2 live wire premium instrument cables to run them into the mixer. What I want to eventually have is a means of recording guitars/my keyboard/drums/vocals/ and bass onto my computer and have it sound really pro. As posted on the equipment thread, I'm debating between MOTU and Pro tools hardware/software to use with my computer (a fairly slow 750 MHz, 512 MB Ram, 30 gig harddrive pc pentium 2). I was planning on possibly buying some sort of rack unit to create more headroom, like a sonic maximizer, and then also getting some type of vocal processor. I dont really know what else I'd need though aside from that to make a professional sounding mix. I was thinking I could equalize everything through the mixer and maximizer and then send it into the hardware onto my computer. But..I'm probably missing a lot of what I need since I know nothing yet about recording. Please help me out and let me know what you all recommend. Thanks very much.

 

[drenghdndvtm]

I am also fairly new to the computer recording scene, but I've done a bit of research. You can get away with the computer setup you've got right now. Also, you'd need to tell us what kind of budget you are working with. It's sounds like you've got alot of what you'd need. You'll probably need the following as well:

Pro sound card - the Aardvark Q10 looks pretty good. 8 XLR inputs, check it out.
Software - Anything by Cakewalk is good, or Cubase, etc

You could get alot of the EQ and such that you need within software. So I wouldn't spend a arm and leg on outboard gear yet. You also might want to think about getting some studio monitors. They let you listen to the music as it really sounds, so when you get it right on those, it'll sound killer on almost any other source.

There are people here more knowledgeable than I, but that's a start!

 

[MichaelM]

What exactly do you consider "really pro"? It is a much more complicated process than simply plugging in and hitting the red button, you've just opened Pandora's box.....

You want to record drums. That can be done as simply as having a single mic pointing at the kit to micing every single drum as well as overheads. The more mics you have the more inputs on your mixer and (probably) the more inputs on your soundcard. See what I mean?

Forget about outboard gear for now, and just get the basics down. You're going to need microphones, and I'm not going to tell you what ones to get here. You want to go down the computer road so you will need a decent sound card, and some multitracking software. There are free products available, such as Audacity, ProTools FREE (doesn't work with Windows XP), and Ardour (Linux). While we're talking about computers, 750MHz CPU is pretty ancient nowadays - you'll have a frustratingly slow time once your mixes start to get even a little bit complicated.

If I were you (I was not that long ago) I would spend a lot more time researching before you spend any money on anything. Start simple, you might be able to pick up a cheap cassette 4 track off ebay. Those things are great for practicing recording techniques. Extend your setup as your skills progress.

Some things you will need for a basic setup:
Sound card
Software
better computer
microphones
monitors

You can buy the exact same gear as the 'pros' use but you won't get a 'real pro' sound. Well, not next week anyway.

 

[VooDu Valve]

The problem with the free software is that some times many of the features are disabled or you can't save a project..... Now I wouldn't want to spend hours recording and tweaking just to turn my computer off and have to start over in the AM. Buy an inexpensive program http://www.cakewalk.com/forum/tt.asp?forumid=16 Cakewalk as mentioned above is a great place to start... Cakewalk does offer a free sonar 3 version( no save function)

Also as pointed out your computer could use some of that budget money to beef it up a bit....

All in all the best advice has already been put out.... look into it a bit... go to these forums and ask questions..... then try to string it together and make an educated purchase. Good luck

 

[tappmusic]

I've been recording for approximately 6 months now and here's my advice:
- Buy "Home Recording For Musicians For Dummies" by Jeff Strong
- Buy "Digital Home Recording" by Carolyn Keating and Craig Anderton
- Invest in a new PC tower with a 7200 rpm 2.8 GHz processor and at least 80-Gig Hard Drive with 512 MB RAM (Reason: I started on a 750 MHz processor and it could barely handle audio processing. I upgraded to a PC with these specs and it's like night and day) JUST GET A NEW TOWER and keep using your existing computer components to help keep the cost down.
- Buy a high quality sound card (I use a gamer card for now, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS, but I'll eventually get one suited more specifically for audio recording; however, I'm very pleased with the quality of recordings I'm getting out of it . . . and I'm very picky when it comes to sound).
- I use Cakewalk Music Creator 2002 for now (will upgrade in the near future), but it's really great for beginners like myself. I'm producing some of my mother's demos and my recordings sound every bit as good as what she's having done at a professional studio back home. Just purchase what you can afford for now and then let your creativity and ear guide you to a successful life of music. The equipment will eventually come with time and knowledge.

 

[Farview]

You can save money (and save everyone around you a headache) by not buying the sonic maximizer. Please, I emplore everyone to stop with these things!

 

[Imaduck]

Eh, sonic maximizers have their uses (ie making a crappy rig sound slightly better on occasion), but usually they're just superflous and have no place in a pro system. Instead, work more on technique. Really, expecting a "pro sound" in any time less than a year, if not much much more, is pushing it. I've only been doing it for about 6 months or so, and the biggest thing I've learned is that it's all about technique. Practice makes perfect, and if you don't have the time, patience, or willpower to work at it and work through long hours of crummy recordings, then you'll never make it. With dedication however, you can go far.

You're current setup doesn't sound too bad. Like others mentioned, I'd work on fixing up your computer a bit, and if you're looking to spend money, get lots of nice microphones. Without good drum mics and instrament mics, you'll always be lacking in quality. Most of all, keep checking these forums, keep learning the craft, and good luck!

 

[DigitalSmigital]

Golly, I guess analog is out of the question...

Unless you're over 40.

Spend hundreds on software SOFTWARE! instead of on equipment. I don't get it! You supply the computer, the disc space, the RAM, and they get your money for some software. Computer crashes? Lose your work.

If you have $500 you could buy a sweet analog set up, learn to use it, and sell it for an upgrade in a few years. With digital, you buy upgrades! You can't sell your old one.

My two cents.

 

[tappmusic]

Just like any operation your conducting on a computer, there's always the possibility of something going wrong and losing your work; however, there are also preventive measures to take so that the loss is minimal. Maybe I'm just lucky, but out of 11 years of using computers, I've never had one crash on me. I think an analog setup would be just fine if that met your musical and creative objectives, but personally, I'm amazed at the capability of my small digital studio. There's not too much that can't be perfected through the editing process. I'm not implying that everything should be quantifiably perfect, because you never want to lose that "human feel and quality" of the performance, but things that are definitely unwanted in the mix can easily be modified or omitted.

Like I said, either is fine, but the quality of the sound and precision I can produce digitally is much more valuable than whatever I would have made by reselling an analog system years later when they're likely to be in less demand. Besides, I like the fact that the sky is the limit to increasing my studio's capability through upgrades. And through my experience, it's been extremely cost effective. Oh, well . . . that's just my perspective. And basically, it really just boils down to your enginuity, creativity, and a discerning ear. Pick your tools to use and give it all your heart. You're stuff will sound good.

 

[Massive Master]

An experienced engineer and experienced talent with great sounding instruments are the first requirement for "pro" sounding recordings.

Put the greatest gear and inexperienced talent in the hands of someone without "the ear" and you'll get garbage.

On the other hand, put great sounding musician's in a room with a bunch of Behringer gear and an experienced engineer in it and they'll make an acceptable "pro" sounding recording easily.

 

[venuesound]

home recording

I would suggest not worrying about outboard gear for the moment. Recording 'dry' (without effects, etc.) is the way to go to start. Get a good signal level into the PC then work on effects and balancing the mix. With all of the plugins available today you can work the sound after the fact. Recording through effects makes backing them out after the fact impossible. Spend your hard earned cash on good mic's. They don't have to be expensive, look into the Audix line such as the OM-2 for vocals, Shure SM-57 for guitar, snare, racks and floor drums. If you want that nice thump you are going to have to put out some cash for a good kick drum mic. The Shure Beta 52 and AKG D112 are the standards for live and studio. They will put you back 200 or so for either. Keys and bass come in through a direct box or Di and voila!... you have good signal to tweek.
best of luck

 

[bat63]

Take a look at this:

http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=D1200MKII&category_id=3

It will solve a lot of questions as far as FX,outboard gear,interface etc.
It is a very handy machine because you can import your files to your computer,use a basic editing app. and then blast it back to the D1200 mkII.

For what this unit can help you achieve,it is well worth the $$

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/D1200mkII/

 

[cracked lid]

I'm surprised to see all the "get a better computer" posts. I'm using a 4 yr old 750mHz and it works fine for me. I just have to wait a little longer when I save or destructively edit. I've had no problems with it keeping up during playback. My mixes tend to involve only a handful of tracks and minimal effects so this might be why I'm getting away with it. Now if I was mixing 20 tracks with tons of effects it might be a different story. Of course there's always mixing down some of the tracks before the entire song is mixed. When I think small budget for home studio I'm thinking limited funds and I don't think that dropping a grand or two on a computer will make as large a difference in final quality as spending that money on better mics, preamps, monitors, etc.

 

[Imaduck]

Yeah, I guess the computer probably isn't too big of an issue, I'm just kind of biased because I hate dropouts/latency and I have no patience for slow computers. If your computer is slow, it can be very very frusterating starting out, plus it seems like most people are willing to dish out more money for computers since it'll last 'em a good while and they can be used for much more than just recording. If however your overall budget is slim and you don't really have much other use for a fast computer, than yes, good mics and monitors are probably a better route.

 

[Ronan]

Hey DVSBRUCHKO,

Welcome to the recording world. I hope this comes off in the the spirit it is intedended (helpful), but I think you a tiny bit in over your head. Not to discourage you but to advise you to keep doing research for a while and not run out and buy a bunch of gear right now. There are some great set ups that you can get into with out that much money, but you need to learn a little more about what you need (or want), but I would suggest you not wanting the Sonic Maximizer!!

Three good mics, a tiny mixer and a decent recorder is all you need to make great sounding records. Well actually I would add a great compressor to that set up. There are a lot of options, but you do not need a lot of fancy stuff. Simple good quality tools!!!!

 

[Elektrik_Sixx]

Three good mics, a tiny mixer and a decent recorder is all you need to make great sounding records.

Hey Ronan, why THREE mics? Wouldn't two be enough (assuming I'm not going to record live drums)?
A large and a small diaphragm condenser mic? I'm thinking about the MXL recording pack.
Why a mixer and not an audio/midi interface or both?

To illustrate: I have Powerbook g4 and I am a total newbie to recording.
I'd like to start building a very simple recording setup.

I'm thinking about the Tascam US122 or 224 for an interface (both come with a stripped version of either Cubase SE or VST) or get an M-Box with Protools LE.
I've heard Logic has too steep a learning curve for beginners. But i'm not sure if there's any other reasonable software for Mac that's not too difficult to learn and which is available as a demo on the net.

I'm mainly going to record ac. guitar and vocals over MIDI stuff and/or loop-based stuff

 

[mshilarious]

I'm mainly going to record ac. guitar and vocals over MIDI stuff and/or loop-based stuff

For that you could probably manage with one good mic.

 

[Wide Awake]

I dont really know what else I'd need though aside from that to make a professional sounding mix.

I don't think you will get a good accurate mix with Mackie c300i PA speakers, you need a pair of reference monitors. I have a PA in my studio and the sound is very colored, inaccurate, and warm, but keyboards and bass guitar sound fantastic through it so that's why I have it. However, no way I could ever mix with it.

For example, I would look at something like the KRK RP8 active monitors. $500. Monitors are possibly the most important piece of the recording chain. Next to your ears, that is Your studio's acoustics are important too. If you start home recording and decide that you like it, then spend some time learning how to improve the acoustics.

 

[ecktronic]

I recorded this song at home on my BR1180 digital porta studio. I think it sounds quite good considering, i mean it could go onto a CD in shops, but it aint near to pro standards.

BR1180
VERY cheap microphone with a TRS jack connector!
Acoustic guitar
Bass guitar

I beleive that you can make good recordings and mixes with limited or not great equipment. It is more the user than the tools, but great user and great tools = Pro sound usually.

So Distant
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamM3U.m3u?ID=1272996&q=Hi

Any comments are welcome. remember its an MP3 though and has lost quality along the way.

 

[Ronan]

Hey Ronan, why THREE mics? Wouldn't two be enough (assuming I'm not going to record live drums)?
A large and a small diaphragm condenser mic? I'm thinking about the MXL recording pack.
Why a mixer and not an audio/midi interface or both?

Well with three mics and a good compressor you can record almost any record. Recording vox and acoustic guitar over loops like you are doing you need only one good mic. A Shure KSM44 would be a great mic to consider.

MXL are not really good mics. People can chime in that they think they are fine and I am not saying that people should not own them, but they are not in the same league as mics made by shure or audio technica. Buy one good mic instead of a bunch of cheap mics!

I am a huge fan of real analog mixers, even cheapo ones like a mackie. You can get into computer recording for a modest amount of money, which will open up many opportunities for you and also take some away. If you are doing loop based stuff you probably should head down the computer based recording path.