Getting Started - What do I need?

  • Thread starter Thread starter komouri
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komouri

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Hi!! I would really like to invest in some nice recording equipment for my home.
Everything I do is purely vocal and it ranges from singing to (potentially) voice acting!
I've already chosen the microphone I'd like to purchase, which is the Neumann TLM 103. I've heard samples on it and I like how it complements the female voice.
Although, my voice is extremely airy and high pitched so if you have another recommendation I wouldn't mind hearing it. :) But I think the TLM 103 will fit mostly what I'd like to do.
I am only a hobbyist and a poor college student so while I'm looking for quality, I don't need to have the best equipment money can buy. Just you know, above average.
Up until this point I've been using only USB condenser mics (Blue Yeti and Samson Meteor) which in themselves have provided almost completely satisfactory results for what I like to do. But I'm ready to upgrade!
However, I have absolutely no idea what I'll need in order to get the TLM 103 running and recording on my Macbook Pro. Interface? Preamp? I don't really understand it at all... so I was hoping you guys could give me a list of things I'll need and possible models or brands you'd recommend! Recording programs included. (I'm sure there's something better out there than Audacity and Garageband) And if there is anything you think I should read, please feel free to share. :) Thank you so much in advance!
 
What's your total budget? That's a pretty high end mic to be 'starting' with. What DAW are you using? Do you have monitors, headphones (for tracking), sound-treated mixing space?
 
mjbphotos said:
What's your total budget? That's a pretty high end mic to be 'starting' with. What DAW are you using? Do you have monitors, headphones (for tracking), sound-treated mixing space?
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These materials I don't need immediately, which is why I am trying to invest in nice quality because I have time to save up. :) Though I think just a few thousand is reasonable. Since I don't know what the equipment really runs for, I can't exactly say what my budget is. I'm a hobbyist so like I said it doesnt need to be the best of the best, but I'd like to have some nice stuff.
Not sure what I'd need monitors for. I have my laptop and want to get a new iMac soon. Headphones I have a pair on my save-up for list as well. The recording space will be my office. I typically used Adobe Audition but I also have Logic Pro. Just haven't played with that one much.
 
Logic pro is definitely a better option to record with than GarageBand or Audacity. You're going to need an audio interface for sure. You're only going to have 1 mic in at a time so something like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will work fine. It's up to you whether or not to get an external preamp. I would recommend getting the 2i2 and the mic and if you're not happy with the Focusrite's preamp, you can invest in an external. You might be surprised tho, for such a cheap interface, they have really good conversion and pretty good preamps. You'll also need headphones. I'd recommend the Shure SRH440's. They're $100 for tracking headphones but if you're going to mix on them, I'd suggest a headphone that can double as tracking/mixing headphones. Try the KRK KNS8400. Also on the mic, for your voice, I'd suggest the TLM49 over the 103 just because the bass response is better and it'll tame your highs, but that all depends on your budget because they're a bit pricier.
 
If you don't know why you need monitors and acoustic treatment, you should do some heavy reading (here and elsewhere) before investing in a $1000+ microphone.
The best mic in the world will sound no better than a $100 one in a room with bad acoustics and when you mix in that room with headphones and/or cheap monitors.
 
A $1000 mic MJP moreover that is NOT supplied with a shock mount! HOW is the noob expected to fix it to the stand? Dangle it by the XLR lead? (geeez!)

Ok, quite, it is not a noob's mic. I doubt the mic would sound that much better than my Sontronics STC-2 (which IS supplied with cat's cradle and comes in a nice ally flight case!) since the STC is a very neutral mic and does not flatter or detract much.

So long as you are staying with capacitor (aka condenser) mics the pre amp is of little importance. Cap' mics have a high output as a rule and so pre amp noise or gain levels are usually more than adequate. Another good interface is the Steinberg UR22.

But the OP mentioned voice "acting"? Does that imply moving about? If so what is needed is a stereo pair . Investigate "Co-Incident stereo" . More reading!

And my standard plea to the total noob: Learn some basic electricals and decibels.

Dave.
 
I have a nice time span before the setup is really needed, since I'll be experimenting with my cheaper stuff until then. I want to write some software that utilizes voice samples, which is the main reason I wish to invest in nice equipment. To get nice top-notch quality.

My original headphone of choice was the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 which I've tested before and enjoyed, but I'll be sure to read into the suggestions as well. Thanks!

I'll be sure to do tons of research and reading before I make my investments. No worries there! Just wanted the input of those of you who really know your audio. :)
 
Hi, Audio Technica does make IMO some really nice "above average" gear. I had an AT-4040 mic that I think soundsed great for vocals and spoken word. They are not very expensive. The AT 4047 may well be an option. I've heard nothing but good things about Blue's Blueberry which is suited for what you want to do and is the next mic I plan on purchasing. Being that higher end mics are usually phantom powered, you will need some sort of phantom power source, whether it be a pre amp such as the presonus Eureka or buying an interface that has a mic pre built in, which you are going to need anyway. So I'd suggest getting an interface that has a mic pre built in. Something like the FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 18i6 may suite you well ($160. ish?) or their Saffire pro 14 series. I think they can be had for around $200. If you wanted something a bit more "pro" you could look into the MOTU 4 pre or RME Fireface 400, but then you are looking into the $1000.+ range, but well worth it IMO (I use a Multiface 2, and love it, no mic pre on that unit however). So what you need is an audio interface, preferably w/built in mic pre, which all of the ones I suggested do have, your computer, a mic, a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) which the interface usually comes with a lite version of some DAW like Cubase, or Ableton to record on to your computer with and a decent xlr (Mogami) cable.
Macbook
Interface w/Cubase LE/Ableton (DAW)
Microphone of Choice which usually comes w/shockmount, you may need to purchase a pop filter if mic does not come with it
Microphone stand
Mic XLR cable
Hope this gives you some perspective. Tweakheadz is also a very good resource for research...
 
mjbphotos said:
If you don't know why you need monitors and acoustic treatment, you should do some heavy reading (here and elsewhere) before investing in a $1000+ microphone.
The best mic in the world will sound no better than a $100 one in a room with bad acoustics and when you mix in that room with headphones and/or cheap monitors.
Click to expand...

This spread rep thing is annoying.

+1 to this comment.


Spend much time reading and learning what is needed to get quality recordings. It is up to you in the end, to decide what you need. You are best off taking the time to find out what that is. Forums like this have a wealth of information. Save yourself a bunch of cash by listening to members here. Then eventually move on to what you decide is better.
 
komouri said:
I have a nice time span before the setup is really needed, since I'll be experimenting with my cheaper stuff until then. I want to write some software that utilizes voice samples, which is the main reason I wish to invest in nice equipment. To get nice top-notch quality.

My original headphone of choice was the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 which I've tested before and enjoyed, but I'll be sure to read into the suggestions as well. Thanks!

I'll be sure to do tons of research and reading before I make my investments. No worries there! Just wanted the input of those of you who really know your audio. :)
Click to expand...

Great to hear you are researching your investment. :)
 
Follow this link and learn what an audio interface is. What mics you need....what a preamp is...etc:

Tweakheadz is the #1 site for learning about home and project music studios.

Don't waste your money on that 103 if your strapped for cash.

You can get REALLY good results....but you have to LEARN how to mix, edit, track vocals...etc.

One cannot simply ACE a calculus test with zero prior experience with calculus. An expensive calculator will be superb if you know how to use it....but it is garbage if you do not....(Neumann TLM 103)

You have to get your hands dirty to achieve audio greatness.....aka....learn the fundamentals via the website above. Then...record a few hundred tracks....MESS them up....learn from your mistakes....by reading from the website above....and eventually get better.
 
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