Help a frustrated noob

[captaninsayno]

Ok hi all, my first post of what im hoping to be very many. Heres my current situation. Ive been recording using a tascam dp-01 fx and 2 sm58s and radioshack mics only when i have to. I need to know what to do as far as preamps or other mics (condenser?) because i cant find tutorials that deal with portastudio recording. Basically any advice you could give me would be good and thanks alot. My budget is 400 dollars. Im recording an entire band with organs pianos vocals guitars drums and bass, i need things that are versatile

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Probably best off concentrating on one source at a time, your question is a little broad which is probably why people haven't responded. So try some research on micing piano, make some notes of techniques and some mics that are recommended for that application and then do the same for all the things you need to mic up. The search function on this site is pretty good.

You'll probably see a few mics (or at least types of mic) which are mentioned for more than one source and you should then be able to put a list of mics together that will cover all of your bases.

I'll give you a starter for 10; a pair of small diaphragm condensor mics would be great for acoustic guitars, the piano and drum overheads. I really like the MXL 603s which can be had for around $200 a pair in the US. If money's that tight you could always just get one and leave stereo micing for later.

Good luck with it.

 

[Dani Pace]

Read everything you can find about "mic placement" this is one of the most important things you can do to get a good sound. Even the best mic, if used incorrectly will not sound as good as it should. It sounds (from your post) like you plan to record several instruments at the same time, if so you need a good room to record in. Check the Studio Building and Display forum for ideas and tips on things you can do to improve your recording environment. A good stereo mixer with as many chanels as you can stand should be high on your list of things to get. Check out http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm for some good product overviews (mics, mixers etc...) and tips on how to use them. Recording can be frusterating at times so don't hesitate to come back and ask whenever you have a problem, the more specific the question, the better your chances of getting the answer you need.

 

[captaninsayno]

Im sorry i guess i asked the question in the wrong way, im not recording in a live situation, im recording each track individually... And i guess to simplify my question even more. should i get a preamp, mixer, or better mics first? thanks

 

[puffin]

I'd probably leave the mixer for now and get the best mic and/or pre you can afford. A versatile mic with a switchable dB pad and a bass roll off pad might be a good idea. You can use this on a variety of different intruments. Use the search function using some of the terms from these posts.

For drums it's gonna be a stretch at $400. Although, I guess it depends on what quality of sound you are looking for. You can still get good results if your skills are up to it.

Good luck!

 

[captaninsayno]

yea i mean the sounds im looking for arent very hi fi... im kinda into the sketchyness of 60s recordings and ive become quite good at the 1 mic recording of a drum set. Are there any basics i should know when purchasing a mic pre? Thanks alot