got korg d1200. what's next?

[SANDWASH]

I've been playing in a metal/melody outfit for eight years now (we sound like the Beatles with Metal Zone pedals, i.e. The Wildhearts). We've played numerous gigs, from dingy clubs to packed stadiums and outdoor shows. We've been on radio interviews and even graced the cover of a popular local mag.

Here's the punchline: we have no recorded material!

Reason: we're based in Dubai, UAE. That's in the Middle East. Don't get me wrong, we're not all oil rigs and camels here. The country has impressive infrastructure and ranks among the most modern countries in the world. But the difficult thing is that although there are various 21st century business and media facilities here, the minute number of established businesses here mean ridiculous monopolization.

That and the fact that there aren't many rock musicians looking to record their music here mean unreasonable rates at the local studios. And even if you're willing to pay that much money, the studios here are equipped to record advertising jingles, not bands (there goes the live room).

Because we can't afford to fly out to Europe to record, we've decided to record our music/demo on our own (note: we are not signed!).

I feel really relieved to have found a place like this forum to get counsel from pros of different recording backgrounds. I myself have been recording music for the past five years, but only with the gear I can afford with my measly part-time job pay.

I used to own a Fostex cassette four track w/ bouncing feature to allow 8 tracks. This I coupled with a mini Ahuja (Indian brand) four-channel mixer to record drums (using Shure SM 57's). Guitars and vox were mic-ed using SM 57 and 58. The result is decent - except that the snare always sounded too much like a cardboard box.

Then i moved to computer recording, buying hardware that is available here in the country. I got an Acer Aspire B300, Intel - with CPU 2.40 Ghz; Pentium 4; 248MB RAM; XP Home Edition 2002. My soundcard is a Creative Audigy Platinum. I use Acid pro and Sound Forge to record.

The problem is, I don’t get the feel for it. I really like using a multitracker because it’s more practical and I can take it anywhere with me in case the drum kit has to move to a more tolerant neighborhood.

For this reason, I recently bought the Korg D1200 with CD writer. Just got it two days ago and haven’t had time to properly experiment with it yet. But it appears to have everything I could reasonably ask for. 12 tracks, digital mixer, effects and sound modeling and user-friendly interface.

From my little knowledge of recording, I’m going to get some new gear to help with our demo: 2 overhead mics, 1 condenser mic, I SM 58, a monitor speaker, and a 12-channel self-powered mixer.

Here’s where my question to you guys: for a budget of around $3,000, are the above enough? If so, what brands should I get (should I get something other than Shure for my vocal mic)? I know I must be missing something but I don’t know what it (they) is (are).

Please advise. Also, the D1200 has a USB port. How can I use it to integrate my computer in the recording. Does it mean I can edit the tracks on computer (as opposed to mixing down the completed version)?

Thanks. All advise, criticism, opinions welcome.
Michael

 

[zer0sig]

i would think you might want more than one sm-58, and try it without the popscreen, or get some sm-57's and make windscreens for them.

 

[metalwire808]

Ok.........

I have got the same recorder and it does kick ass,all i am having probs with is that i cant overlay my first guitar,do u know what lights i set everything except what the tracks i am recording on?Cuz i know i set those to RED.
But it soundz like u have it pretty good but u need to get a real good condensor mic,like an MXL...those are awesome!!!
If u know the answer email me.
Thanx
Chris



metalwire808@aol.com

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Sandy:

You might want to look at the RNC...for the money, it does a very good job. Many posts here about using compression.

I use it to get the "large" "clear" vocal sound without clipping.

I use the Yam 2816--a very good package with the CD burner....I read good things about the Korg units.

Seems as if the manufacturing companies for stand alones, or the SIAB [studio in a box] have not put out anything new in 2005, YET.

I look for the next generation of DAWS or SIABs to be MUCH EASIER to navigate.

As for mics, the AKG 4000 is not advertised much and its price has NOT dropped much in three years--good reviews on that mic and you can check them out.

I don't have one of those ,YET<

I do have the AKG 3000 and a SHURE KSM 32. You also might want to get a decent mic PRE--good price on the Grace 101 these days. I use one and it is a good piece of gear.

Well, watch out for crazy camels out there.

Green Hornet

 

[MISTERQCUE]

.......and add in a good pre-amp to your gear!

 

[The Green Hornet]

YO Q & Q:

You don't think the Grace 101 is a good pre-amp? Or did you miss my last line?

How's things in the big Apple?

Green Hornet

 

[davisking]

mics

Michael,

From my experience on the korg for thats what i have.. i would just either get the baby bottle blue mic or the AKG 414 condensor.. both are unreal for vocals, guitars amps and overhead. the blue is about 700 and the akg 414 is about 1000, but you can use that mic for anything, , the akg does have 5 polar paterns which you can use omi directional for backups, figure 8 if you want to pick up the sound boncing off the wall, and a hypercardiol if you want to really isolate the sorce and cardiliuod and supercardiod. i use a sm57 for the snare and a sm81 for the other over head. 57 is under a 100 and 81 is under 400.. my friend uses the sure kick drum mic and really happy with it, i use the synhieser 421 for kick and like it..

My question for you is, can you interface the korg d1200 to programs like cakewalk.. I m trying to do my research so that i know what i need to send it to the computer.. if you hear of anything, please let me know


davis

 

[rossmcm]

Hi Mike,

I have a d1200 and while it's possible to do virtually everything on it and produce a mixed stereo track, what I tend to do is record the individual tracks and export them via USB to the PC where I use Audacity to mess with them and produce the final mix. This is the only way to go if you need to do anything like pop removal, pitch correction, removal of extraneous sounds, etc. If what you have recorded is pretty much OK already on the Korg then just pan the tracks to where you want, add a reverb final effect and burn, otherwise move to the PC.