Help me build my studio, please.

[sax_fan]

Hi. I posted a similar message in a different forum and didn't get much response, so I thought I would ask the good people here for your thoughts, as well.

I'm a relative recording newbie, but learning more all the time. My current setup is very modest and I am looking for some thoughts as to what purchases I should consider next and how quickly I should proceed with these purchases so as not to become overwhelmed with the learning curve for everything.

I only need the ability to record one track at a time because it's just me.
My primary instrument is sax/woodwinds. I also play a little keyboard. I plan to record mostly pop and jazz, but creativity could take me in a different direction on occasion.

I would consider myself a fairly serious hobbyist and I am planning to build (over time) a nicee, but relatively modest home studio. I am also much more a musician than an engineer. Although I am not establishing a final budget (as these things tend to take on a life of their own over time), I would say the my current budget for equipment and software from now until year end is between between $2k to $4k, leaving myself a good bit of flexibility, but figuring (and hoping) I would actually come in toward the middle or lower end of that range.

This is what I currently have:

-- 3.0 GHZ P4 with 1 Gig of Ram and a 250 GB hard drive -- Audigy 2 soundcard (FYI, in whatever set up, I think I would like the ability to use sound fonts if I want)

--Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro Mixer

--1 AKG C1000 Mic

--Roland PC300 USB Midi controller

--Yamaha V50 Synthesizer (not currently in use)

--Alesis Nanoverb (not currently in use)

--Atlantic Technology satellite speakers and sub currently being used as
monitor system

I also just purchased Sonar 4 Producer (got a great upgrade price from an old version of Home Studio) and Garritan Personal Orchestra.

So, have at it. Please give me your recommendations (and reasons if you can). Feel free to suggest adding or replacing anything.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Richard Monroe]

My advice, first of all, is to go to 2 channels. Even if it's just you, many sources will profit from being recorded in stereo. Also, many keyboards are built with stereo output. If I were in your position, I would be saving for a good 2 channel preamp and 3 mics, a matched pair of small diaphragm condensers, and one multipurpose large diaphragm condenser. For the pre, consider Toft ATC-2. That gives you 2 matched clean channels with sweepable EQ and compression. With both mics and pres, budget is a major issue- First the SD's-
Cheap- Marshall MXL603
better-Studio Projects C-4
better- Josephson C-42, Neumann KM184
To die for- Schoeps CM6

LD's-

Cheap-Studio Projects B-1
better- Shure KSM27, Audio-Technica AT4040, B.L.U.E. Baby Bottle
better- AKG C414 B-ULS or C414 B-XLS, Shure KSM44
To die for- Soundelux ifet7, Brauner Phantom-C.

That's my .02 worth. Start building 2 channels, the best you can possibly afford. If you have a great mic and a good pre, recording simply gets easier. -Richie

 

[sax_fan]

Thanks, Richard. I appreciate your input.

Anybody else have thoughts to add? All opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[dwillis45]

I would upgrade the soundcard/interface unless you plan on relying on MIDI USB equipment. Quality analog to digital converters are a fundamental building block for any computer recording setup. I would also look for a better set of monitors and take a look at the room you're using to see if it can be improved. A good room and decent monitors will really help when you go to mix your final product.