Deciding what to buy

  • Thread starter Thread starter kai thompson
  • Start date Start date
K

kai thompson

New member
I am very interested in setting up a home recording studio after my recent experiences with recording a band.

My question is exactly what equipment do I need? I have a good computer and software, I am in need of a good soundcard and mixer of some sort.

I would be using a maximum of 6-8 Mics at a time (all with XLR cables) and I would need phantom power as well (I can just get a power unit if needed.) So can you make any reccomendations and include price or a site where I can find out anymore info about the products? Thanks a lot.
 
my 2 cents...

Sound Cards: M-Audio Delta 1010 / ST-Audio C-Port ($400-$600)

Mixer: Mackie / Soundcraft / Yamaha ...at least 8 channels, has phantom power, must have direct outs ($200 - $800)

Sounds like you already have mics. A LD condenser is very nice for vox. Oktava MK-319 is a good choice on a budget.

With the stuff above, you'll have enough to get started, but I'd highly recommend a pair of true, accurate monitors. Mixing is a nightmare with cheapies. They come in 2 flavors - active (powered) or passive, which needs an amp to drive them. (look for Hafler, M-Audio, KRK, Tannoy, Event - $200 - $3,000)

Site recommendations: This one. The search button at the top is one of the most valuable resources there is.

Welcome to the board!

Sean
 
I was planning on using my dads $2500 Numen Speakers, I assume those would be accurate enough? Also I have a Nakamichi Rack Amp that I would use for play back.

My current Sound Card is a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz DSP, that is what I have been using up until now and it seems quite good.

And I have some mics, but I was planning on purchasing this kit for mic'ing the drums: http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=7001&Category=Microphones

Also what speed hard drive is reccomended? I currently have a 7200 RPM ata 100 drive, should I look at 10,000 rpm???

Thanks a lot,
 
In my opinion, 10,000 RPM drives aren't necessary for recording - the bottleneck is usually with CPU (when using realtime plugins as we do). Besides, I believe 10k RPM drives are SCSI only, which can bring problems of their own (I have a bunch of IBM 10,000 RPM SCSI drives at work - they fly, but they were a bitch to set-up).

As far as the monitors go, I wasn't even aware that Neumann made monitors, but if they're designed for studio use, I'd imagine they're better than anything I've ever worked with. As well, Nakamichi makes about the best consumer audio products available, but I'm not familiar with their studio products.

If your dad has Neumann speakers you can use, does he have Neumann mikes as well?
 
Ok. I thought it was a typo :)

You could certainly get started with those speakers and the amp, but I'd recommend buying studio monitors down the road. I'm sure they're awesome speakers, but "flat" monitors are what you really need for accurate mixing. Bose makes great speakers too, but you wouldn't want to mix with them. You won't have to spend $2500 bucks, but you'll probably spend at least $350 unless you buy used. When the time comes, do some searches in the Mixing/Mastering forum, and you'll get a better understanding of what you need any why you need it.

If you decide to make the plunge, there's a lot of research and trial & error ahead of you - you don't have to have all premium studio gear to get started. Years ago, I got started with nothing but a basic 166mhz PC (using onboard sound) and a $39 software package. Time passes, and you replace the weakest links as you can. Sorry, I'm rambling...

If I were you, I'd hold off on the monitors, buy your card, mixer, and software, and get started with what you have. ...and don't forget to have fun with it :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top