Hardware setup for vocalist

  • Thread starter Thread starter acgt
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acgt

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I am using my setup both for vocal practice (using backing tracks in imported into Sonar) and to record my own demo.

I will only ever use my setup to record vocals or maybe one other instrument (but never simultaneously). I am also starting to compose originals with loops and midi and do not intend to use external hardware eg keyboard to do this.
I have a crap soundcard at the moment but will soon purchase a midrange card (eg Hoontech 24/96 or M-audio 24/96).

My main question is in terms of external hardware, what should I go for,
1. Mic preamp (or are these on the abovementioned cards)?
2. Mixer (although I'm not sure that this is appropriate for me, are the volume sliders etc on a mixer able to be used for controlling the volume of tracks generated through Sonar's ie loops and softsynths? If not then would I have any use for all the other controls on a mixer?)
3. Breakout box. These seem convenient, already I've stufffed my mic plugs because they plug in at the back of the computer, and get twisted and broken). However are they likely to provide everything a one man vocalist/composer would need? Also the abovementioned cards don't come with them, can you get them aftermarket (same or other manufacturer?), or should I pay extra to get a soundcard with a box?

I want a quality setup but dont want stuff i won't use, any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Did my q make sense? Basically, I have low output from my mic, and need to up it to line level. Considering what I wrote above, should I do this via method 1, 2, or 3?
 
Youll do fine with an Art Tube MP preamp and Delta Audiophile2496 soundcard.....

you wont need a mixer because youll be using the software mixer ( I assume)....

you wont need a breakout box because the Art will fucntion somewhat as a breakout box....it can stay plugged into the soundcard and just change mics into the Art.....
 
Thankyou. I thought that might be the case but wasn't totally sure. Could you tell me though, are those mixer/rack things (often sold by sequencer company eg emagic and steinberg) that are designed to duplicate the software controls, worthwhile for a one man show, or are they better for an high throughput, sound engineer setup. ie. is it just an efficiency thing?
 
I've just been looking at the ART Tube MP, and I raises a question. I have been recording my voice using headphones (to avoid bleed), as I have read to do. I like this method too, but the tube only has 1 input 1 output, do I still need to rig the headphone into the rear of the soundcard? (or into the back of my subwoofer as i do at the moment). It's not very convenient I have to unplug the phones every time i want decent volume through my speakers.

What is the best way around this? Breakout box, different preamp? Other switches? or is it sufficient to use the headphone jack on the delta without losing volume through speakers?
 
Seem to be replying to myself here, but anyone got any thoughts on the ARX e-pre (preamp). In terms of practicality, to me it seems to be perfect (it allows direct xlr input, has headphone jack, rca jacks to a soundcard, a fits in a 5 1/4 inch bay. Found it coz I'm in Australia, and it is made here. But could someone tell me if they have used it, or could someone scan the specs, and let me know if it is comparable to the ART MP tube preamp?

Many Thanks.
 
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