Getting Started Equipment Questions

[oggyswain]

Hi I am starting to record again after 10 or so years. I am very excited.

I have a few questions. I have to buy a few things. Audio interface $150, Keyboard Controller $200, Cubase 7 $500. Oh and I am on a budget that's why I put the prices beside the Items. I still have some older equipment as well. I'll go over that later in the post.

This is what I have researched, can you let me know what you think.
Audio interface = Steinberg RU22 $150 Comes with Cubase AI (Cool)
Keyboard Controller 61 keys= ? Not sure, should I get a plain jane or should I spend a bit more and get one with pads and faders on it? Any Brand I should stay away from?

I have a Behringer BCF2000 Mixer (USB). I never used this item, will it still work with today's equipment and software? I don't know if I should sell it or if it does work , I will use it as well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edward

 

[Jonesey9]

In order to make a qualitative judgment, we would need to know what your intentions are.

As an example, if you only intend recording yourself, be it vocals, guitar etc, then you will only need an interface with 2 mic pre-amps.
If you want to track full bands, including drums, then you're going to need a bigger interface and an awful lot of mics.

What about monitoring? You haven't mentioned this.
What sort of room will you be recording in? (size.shape etc). Is the room treated in any way? This aspect alone can make/break your efforts.
How about computer specs. Is your current machine up to the job or will it need upgrading/new?

 

[oggyswain]

In answer to your questions.
I am recording in my basement. Large Room concrete floors. Not treated yet.
I will record one instrument at a time using digital or Groove agent type drums. I am a guitar player going direct, no amps, takes too long to get them to sound right.
I will be recording myself ,Vocals, Keys, Guitars, and whatever other sounds I need. My friend has this type of setup as well and we probably will be swapping parts to add to each otheres tunes.
I have Yorkville YSM-1 Monitors. They are older but they sound good. I can't remember what amp for powering the monitors I have . I am not in front of it at the moment.
Microphone is a AKG C4000B. Sounds nice.
My computer is a new laptop. Dell. 8 gigs of Ram. Core I7 3630QM CPU 2.4 Ghtz 64 Bit Windows 8.1

Let me know if there is any other info you need.

 

[TimOBrien]

If you're on a budget, before you plop down $500 on Cubase,
start off with Reaper for $60 and when you get some experience
you can decide what sequencer you prefer....

 

[oggyswain]

If you're on a budget, before you plop down $500 on Cubase,
start off with Reaper for $60 and when you get some experience
you can decide what sequencer you prefer....

Hi Tim,

I have used Cubase before, although it was an earlier version. Cubase SX. I hear and from the research I have done it has gotten much better. SO that's why I decided to go with that program.

thanks

 

[Tiko]

Another vote for Reaper, been using that for years and actually prefer that over Cubase... but if you've made your mind this post is useless

 

[Jonesey9]

I would keep the Behringer.

It's always useful to have the flexibility of having a small mixing desk to hand, just for routing different stuff in/out

For an audio interface, I'd be inclined to go with one of the smaller Focusrite Saffire or Scarlet models.
Their drivers are excellent, and you get quality mic pre-amps

I'm probably not the best person to ask about keyboards, but if it was me, I'd not settle for less than a 49 key model - it soon gets boring doing octave shifts! Check out anything by M-Audio, Alesis, Novation etc

I agree with the other guys, get yourself a cheaper DAW for now and spend the rest of it on treating your room - seriously!!

You can do a lot by way of DIY bass traps, resonators & absorbers. Do NOT skimp on this - your mixes will suffer and won't translate to anywhere else

Good luck!