Have Studio, What Now?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Inspired
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Inspired

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OK, here's what I have to work with:

1) Guitar and amp, of course
2) Shure SM-57 mic
3) ART MP/OPL tube mic preamp
4) Audiophile 2496 soundcard in computer with Windows XP
5) CakeWalk Sonar XL
6) Lite-On 52x CD burner

Is this really all I need for a versatile home computer studio, or am I lacking something? I guess it depends on the individual preferences, but I'm just looking for opinions.

Also, I'm having a little trouble getting good sounds into the computer. I'm using a single 1/4" to single RCA cable to plug into one of the two inputs on the sound card from the mic preamp. This is considered mono, right? Is this an alright method for getting my sound to the computer? I know that before I start recording, this only allows me to hear my guitar out of one speaker. Is there a way that I can get around this?

Lots of questions, I know. But any help is appreciated.
 
Inspired said:
OK, here's what I have to work with:

1) Guitar and amp, of course
2) Shure SM-57 mic
3) ART MP/OPL tube mic preamp
4) Audiophile 2496 soundcard in computer with Windows XP
5) CakeWalk Sonar XL
6) Lite-On 52x CD burner

Is this really all I need for a versatile home computer studio, or am I lacking something?
Click to expand...

Well, veratile is a relative word, and you didn't mention monitoring gear, but it's a good start. I think I can speak for everyone when I say you will always be lacking something, no matter how your gear list grows. It's an addiction, the more stuff you get, the more you need.

Inspired said:

Also, I'm having a little trouble getting good sounds into the computer. I'm using a single 1/4" to single RCA cable to plug into one of the two inputs on the sound card from the mic preamp. This is considered mono, right? Is this an alright method for getting my sound to the computer? I know that before I start recording, this only allows me to hear my guitar out of one speaker. Is there a way that I can get around this?
Click to expand...

No, you don't have to hear it in one side only. Read up on the Delta mixer app and learn about it's routing and monitor mix capabilities. You should be able to send the mono signal off to Sonar from HW in 1/2, but pan it center in the Delta mixer and hear it from both sides of the monitor mixer, which should be routed to the HW 1/2 outs and off to your monitor amp. Also, route your Wave in 1/2 channel to the Monitor out, panned left and right. Now you should be able to hear what you are recording and what you've already recorded, and adjust their relative levels. This is called hardware monitoring, and avoids nasty latency issues.
I hope that made sense. Welcome to the club and happy recording!
RD
 
Inspired said:
....Also, I'm having a little trouble getting good sounds into the computer.....
Click to expand...

Take a look at some different AD/DA converters.
 
I notice you don't reference having a Condensor mic.

You will want one for vocals and acoustic sources.

Let the fun begin!
 
I wouldn't call that a studio, I would call that a homestudio.

Difference being a studio needs rooms. Different ones, and all good sounding. A studio would need lots of headphones, headphone amps, a lot more mics, mic stands, cables etc etc etc.

But if you're looking for something to beef up your homestudio startkit, look at a quality condenser, good monitorering and some acoustic treatment.

These three shouldn't be overlooked. In fact, they should be at the very top of your list.
 
Come on you guys! Apogee converters? Multiple treated rooms? Give this guy a break! It doesn't take much reading between the lines to see what kind of budget he's working with, so give him some advice he can use, not some display of how far your collective heads are up your collective arses. And he DID say "home computer studio". Jeez, go pick on someone using a soundblaster card! Good advice on getting a condenser mic though ;-)

Now go ahead and blast me for being the answer police. Just don't rain on someones parade with the user name "inspired" Inspiration has sold a hell of a lot more records than Apogee converters.
With apologies for my rant,
RD
 
He He! I don't even know what those Apogee converters do! <b>Are they basically a kind of preamp, or what?</b>

Hey, I love learning all I can about home recording. But there is a hell of a lot to it. It's not just something I've been able to jump into and start recording with.

By the way, I do have monitors. Just some Roland MA-8s, nothing major. A condensor mic would be a great addition. I've heard they are what you should record an acoustic with for optimum results.

The main things I've had trouble with is setting the Audio Options within Sonar, and the options within the Audiophile's mixer. I'm not totally savvy on getting them the way I want.

Feel free to throw out examples of how you guys have your (home) studios set up. I need ideas. Thanks...
 
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