Got some new gear...need some help with it

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Xcaliber

Xcaliber

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Hello all. I've been away from the forums (and recording) for a few months due to being busy with other things, but I've recently started another project and I've been re-energized.

A co-worker of mine has a friend moving out of state who was looking to sell some gear that he used in a DJ rig so I bought some of it for a steal (or at least I think it was a steal). Now I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate it into my home studio. I could use some help figuring out how to do that and I'd like opinions on whether it's even worth it.

Here's a list of the gear I got:
Behringer ultrapatch pro px3000 patchbay
Behringer ultra link rack mixer
Alesis QuadraVerb digital effects processor (I'm a guitar player)
DBX 266XL Dual channel gate/compressor

I normally record by plugging my guitar directly into my audio interface (a TASCAM US-1800) and using Amplitube. I "program" drums using EZ Drummer or using a loop. I record bass guitar the same way I do the guitar so some of this gear seems unnecessary at this point, but it was a good deal ($210 for all 4 pieces) and I'm still new to this and I'm in the "moar gear!" phase of my hobby.

I'm thinking of using the compressor/gate for mixing purposes and possibly for recording vocals, but I'm not sure how to get it into the signal chain for both of those purposes. I would like to use the patchbay so I can quickly switch how it's used, but I've read a bit about setting up the patchbay and I'm confused. I understand that there are multiple ways to configure the patch (normal, half-normal and thru are the ones I read about), but I'm not sure which one to use for this application.

I'd like to be able to use the ultraverb with my guitar amp, but also maybe with vocals and other instruments so I'd like to set it up through the patchbay as well.

I'm guessing the only real application for the mixer at this point is to have it go through the patchbay to be able to use it as needed. I can't figure out what I would use it for otherwise.

I appreciate thoughts/opinions on the gear itself and it's use as well as info on how to hook it up. I've done the research on the Internet but I must be too dense to understand it at this point.

Thanks in advance.
 
I have the ultralink and use it as a splitting mixer. Input from the US-1800 channel 1 and 2 out and then run the channels with the lights off (split mode) and balance the volumes to my near- and mid-field monitors. Gives you the option of running up to three sets of speakers (I only have the two) and you can silently switch them on and off, balance between sets, etc. The other handy piece is not having to shut the speakers down separately. That harsh thump from turning the 1800 on and off is done away by turning off the ultralink first and on last.
 
Great idea, thanks! I am thinking about picking up another set of monitors (8" to compliment my Rokit 5's) so this would work great for that.
 
I have the ultralink, the 1800 and the KRK 5's you mention. If you decide to get the M-Audio M3-8's (highly recommended) we'll be Mac/Win twins....:)
 
Cheaper than Focal or Genelec, or ATC...Really, $700 a pair is not amazing. They DO sound amazing. Problem I had with them is 220W per...they are LOUD if you let them.
 
Thanks mjb. I took a look at them and they are nice. I need to build/buy a new desk and find a more permanent place for it before I spend the money on bigger/better monitors, but I will be in the market at some point.
 
Well, I think I wasted my money on this gear. I should have done some research before buying it (as usual).
 
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