Equipment needed to build a vocal studio

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harleywood1

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Hey folks I was needing some help in building a studio for mixing live vocals with split tracks. Can anyone tell me what equipment i would need. I would like a very good quality recording with a capability to do effects on the vocals. the split track would be from a cd. Thanks for your help. I really dont want the most expensive. But i dont want to sacrfice quality for the money.

Harleywood1
 
So, you're only recording vocals to prerecorded split tracks like accompaniment tracks???? No instruments or anything other than vocals?
 
OK. What do you have already? Anything, a computer, anything?
 
You will need a microphone, a preamp, and some multitrack sound editing software. Then you need to look at the sound qualities of the space that you are looking at. You might be able to get away with mixing this kind of thing in quality headphones but you might want to invest in good monitors anyway.
 
any sugestions on brand of mic, preamp, and software?
 
basically you will be told to search for it yourself.
What style of music is it? What does your voice sound like? whats your budget?
 
I see. Well the style of music will be from contemporary christian to southern gospel. Budget will be up to a 1000.00 .
 
Hi fellow Christian.
For $1000 you should have no problem. Look around eBay and search for various items based on your budget, that will give you and idea as to models. You will want a large diaphram condensor mic for the vocals, a pre amp that has phantom power and software. For software you could buy Adobe Audition, or buy Cool Edit Pro. I cought a legit copy of Cool Edit Pro on eBay for under $150. Cakewalk Home Studio is under $200 as well. A small mixer like a Mackie 1202 would do the trick for preamp/monitoring or even better yet get a MAudio preamp that you plug your mic into and them the MAudio plugs into USB or Firewire on your computer. Mics by Behringer, Studio Projects, Marshall (MXL) are all at a good price point for your budget. For monitors, again lots of options. Your best bet is to get powered monitors or high end headphones (again why not check out eBay for used gear - if you're not a person that needs the latest and greatest you can buy at a discount from those who do want the latest and greatest.).

Food for thought,
Scott.
 
for just vocals..
I would get a presonus firebox $300
Then a set of monitor speakers such as KRK Rokit5's $300
then spend about $100-150 on building fibreglass panels to help the acoustics in your room a bit
And then finally audition some microphones with your remaning $250/300.
If u buy these all together you should be able to get all the cables, mic stand , pop filter and headphones for $1000 or less :D
 
OK. Now that I know what you have and the budget, here's my suggestion. It will require you to save up some additional cash simply because good quality costs money.

First, you need an Audiophile 24/96 card for your PC. $150 I think.

Next, you need a Mytek ADC. $900

Then, you need a John Hardy M1. $950

Then, a Soundelux U195. $1000

Then, a set of Mackie monitors. $1200

Then, search online for freeware audio editiing software and plugs for reverbs and stuff. You can search the PC music forums here for "Best Free Plugins" and "best free software" See what you get.

Finally, You'll need gobos. These you can DIY for say $200 total cost. Search the studio building forum for how to make gobos otherwise known as broadband absorbers though not exactly the same.

This $4400 should get you into the right spot for making fine quality vocal recordings to match up to the pre recorded accompaniments.

If this is unacceptable and you must sacrifice quality for budget, go with the following;

Same audiophile 24/96 card.
FMR RNP for $475
Shure SM7b $350
Event TR6's $400
Same freeware app and pilug
Same gobos.

That's $1425. You decide. :D
 
Well guys here is what i have come up with, and i would just like to see what you all think i will get out of this set up. For a mic i have chosen a Shure sm7b $350. Next Cakewalk Sonar Power Studio 660 with Sonar Edition $599.. And insted of Monitors i have chose Headphones Audio Technica ATH-A500$109. The reason i chose headphones was so i could record as well as mix my vocals so i don't disturb the family. The total will put me around my $1000 budget.
 
Harley,
You're skipping stuff that you NEED in order to even record the source (vocals).

You MUST ADD a preamp, and an audio interface to your setup or you're dead in the water.

So, how about the Shure SM7b into a FMR RNP into a Audiophile 24/96 card and monitor with some used Alesis M1's. AND LET ME SAY RIGHT HERE THAT monitoring the playback shouldn't disturbe the family since you won't (shouldn't) crank up the volume too far to mix the tracks. Headphones are not a good choice. Rethink that!!

Don't underestimate freeware like audacity or free plugins. They may be as good if not better than cakewalk. Sonar is overkill for your situation in my opinion. A $30 app from Office Depot or Wal Mart would be fine for you. Spending $600 of your budget on the recording software is ridiculous. DON'T DO IT!!
 
chris-from-ky
The Sonar Power Studio 660 is a firewire audio interface which also has mic preamps. I understand it's equivalant to the Ederal FA-66 $350/500 (sale/list) unit. I'm interested in the free plugins you mentioned. Where do you get em? I'm low on cash and would like a nice low cost rig. I bought the Presonus Firebox a week and a half ago from GC, didn't register anything.


harleywood1
So how did it go? Comes with Sonar "Studio Edition" I believe? They've got a sale on em that comes with free
Musician's Tool Box IV
That free add on for the PS 660 costs $600 at MF! Is Sonar that hard to use? The rating comments at MF say it's a difficult program to use.
 
Sonar is easy to use, but tough to learn.

You need to go......

Mic>Cable>Preamp>Cable>Audio Interface>Software>Monitors
 
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