First Setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter mraka
  • Start date Start date
M

mraka

New member
So, I've been reading these forums for a couple weeks now just to get an idea of what I need to setup a small, cheap recording "studio(?)" aka hook up a decent quality mic. I read the Newbie FAQs but some of the wording (my vocabulary isn't very big) threw me off. What I've got so far is:

- Laptop that can handle audio processing
- M-Audio KeyStudio 49i
- Recording Software

What I'm looking for is a simple mic setup. My friend recommended an Apex 435 because it works for him and is under $70 up here in Canada. I understand I'll need a pre-amp/phantom power for the mic so I was thinking I could buy:

BEHRINGER PS400 Phantom Power Power Supply ($23)

And hook it up, via XLR, to my microphone input to my keyboard.

So my setup would look like:

Apex435--XLR--PS400--XLR--KeyStudio49i--USB--Computer
**This would cost me roughly $130.

*EDIT* I just looked it up and read somewhere I would be better off spending a little more money for the ART Pro Studio TubeMP.

When I asked my friend if this is what I should do he suggested I buy a Tascam US-122 (again, because he's using it and it sounds pretty decent) and hook it up:

Apex435--XLR--US122--USB--Computer
KeyStudio49i--USB--Computer
**This would cost me roughly $260

I'm a student on a budget that doesn't really allow me to be purchasing any of this, but that's beside the point. My question is: which way will give me the best sound and will the second way be worth the extra $130?


Thanks and sorry for the long post!
 
Last edited:
I'd try to help but I can't be arsed trying to work out what all your bits of equipment actually do - sometimes you need to provide more than model numbers...
 
I think you should look at some numbers to compare the preamps and converters in the KeyStudio49i and the US122.
 
I think you should be looking at a dedicated audio interface and some recording software. Reaper is free to try.

It will help us if you can tell us what it is you want to record and how much you care about the fidelity.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top