Help! Got a 4-track: Need mic, preamp and fx... by Saturday!

[Suntag]

I've got a Tascam 414. I'll be buying a VS-1680 in two to three months, but I need to get a decent demo out by Saturday or I'll lose a huge gig. I want to dump the money I have into components that will optimize the 4-track and still be valid once I get the 1680 with all its cards and integrated fx. Here's the list, does it make sense for a guy who'll be recording vox and acoustic guitar (for starters) and maybe piano (not as important)?

- AKG C1000s (I was told it does well for vox and acoustic guitar - true? Anything better for around the same price? Should I just dive for a Rode NT-1?)

- Art Tube Channel (I was told the Art Dual MP has some "noise problems" - although I know it's popular here... what does the tube do extra for me?)

- Lexicon MPX100 (I know the VS-1680 has reverb fx, but I'm worried my mic-preamp-4-track setup will sound too dry unless I get something... will this be junk once I upgrade to the Roland?)

Thx for any advice you can give. -Tag

 

[The Green Hornet]

Hey Suntag:

You might be able to RENT what you need temporarily; you said you were going to upgrade to a Roland box in 2/3 months; thus, why not rent some stuff for 90 days; many big distributors will rent but I don't know if what they charge is reasonable or not; I've never rented but it is a good way to go to figure out gear or see if it suits your needs.

I use an AKG 3000 and it is good for vocals. Most other stuff from my synth I boost through an ART non-tube dual channel preamp and it goes direct into the MD-8 recorder. No problemas.

Make sure you get a couple of decent cables for you mic and other wired gear.

Green Hornet

[This message has been edited by The Green Hornet (edited 01-14-2000).]

 

[Suntag]

Muchas Gracias.
I think I will rent. One gig went by, but another just popped up... Lemme tell youz - I can't wait to have a setup which lets me record decent stuff. Thx for the advice.

 

[Buck62]

I see that you plan on purchasing the Roland VS-1680 in the near future.

I was at my local electronics service center on Thursday. They are authorized to repair Roland, Korg, Fostex, Crate, Marshall, etc. etc.
There was a Roland VS-880 laying out there for repair. So, I asked him if he sees a lot of the Roland machines, as compared to Fostex, Korg, and Tascam.
His response was that he's fixed about 25 Roland machines, 3 or 4 Fostex, 2 or 3 Tascams, and just 1 Korg.
If Roland outsold the competition by a ten to one ratio, that might seem about right. But it sure seemed like a lot when you compare it to the other brands.
He mentioned that as electronics companies grow, sometimes thier quality begins to lack. Especially when production demands increase. But, the facilities are not updated to meet the higher demand. Therefore, connections are not soldered as well as they should be and other minor defects can occur. This is true especially for the lesser expensive Crate amps, according to the technician. And he's not the first technician I've heard to say this about the Crates.
But, I was surprised to hear this about Roland. You might want to check out the reliability ratings of the various machines before you buy. It will only help you in the long run.
I'd be losing my mind if I had to give up my machine for more than a day or two... and DON'T EVEN tell me you gotta send it across the country for repair! That's another way of saying "kiss it goodbye for about 3 months".

 

[Suntag]

Hmm.
I'm at the point where I'm thinking the perfect situation just doesn't exist - at some point we just have to choose something. And since my Pro-Tools/24promix studio isn't around the corner, I'm just going to have to make due with something.
But thanks for the advice. If more of the same pops up, I might reconsider.