Help me round out my arsenal!

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rushfan33

rushfan33

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I'm getting ready to convert my garage into my studio. I have tons of gear but I need a few more things. Below is a list of what I have, and below that is a list of what I think would complete the list nicely. There are a couple of things not mentioned such as a sync box, cables, headphones etc.. I'm more concerened with the "bigger stuff".

Here's the list.

Desk-
Mackie 32-8, Tascam M50 (just for fartin' around)

Recorders-
3 ADAT XT's, Tascam ATR 60-8, Tascam 38, Tascam 302 cassette, Tascam DA20mkII,

Comps-
2 RNC's, 2 Alesis 3630's, 2 DBX266xl's, Joe Meek VCQ1

Pres-
Joe Meek VCQ1

Effects-
2 Alesis Quadraverbs, Midiverb 4, Midiverb 3, Digitech 256,

Other Rack stuff-
Pod Pro, Bass Pod Pro, 2 Alesis Quadraverb GT's, Behringer headphone amp, Behringer Patch Bay

Mics-
Neumann TLM103
2 AT4033's
MX2001
MXL V67B
4 Behringer 8000's
2 C3000B's
5 SM 57's
SM 58
4 Senn. MD421's
2 MXL603's
2 Shure B52's
D112

Computer-
Dell, 256megs ram, 40gig hard drive

You'll notice a couple of things missing, like monitors. That's the first thing on my list. My studio is small so I'm thinking I don't need the larger Mackies. So here's what I need

Monitors (Hr624?)
Recording software (Logic Platinum or the one below?)
1 better than average pre (RNP?)
DI box

I already have tons of guitars, drums and other instruments so that's not really on my list at all. What do you all think of the additions to what I already have? It will be for my own private use (maybe a band once in a while), I play anything from hard rock to crybaby ballads. My budget is $2000 or less.

Thanks,
RF
 
Last edited:
Zowie Rush of 33:]

You have lots of gear. Start recording and have fun.

You might consider the Yorkville passive monitors -- not expensive and will do a nice job. I haven't heard a pair of York actives yet but I might go that way soon.

Also, you can read my review about the Grace 101 mic pre. It's only a single channel but is well worth the cash. But, then, you have a bunch of stuff and may not need it.

Have fun because that's what music is all about.

Green Hornet:D :p :cool: :p
 
rushfan33 said:
Monitors (Hr624?)
Recording software (Logic Platinum or the one below?)
1 better than average pre (RNP?)
DI box
Click to expand...
Monitor chain that would do you right would be a pair of the Event 20/20 passive Monitors and the Hafler P3000 amp.
Recording SW: I'd go with Vegas Video 3 or 4.
Better than average Pre: Look at the Mindprint Envoice and the dbx 386. You already have a Meek so what you are lacking is straight up clean pre-amplification. The 386 adds a nice converter!
D.I. BOX: all I can comment on is the Behringer Ultra D.I. and all I can say is that it doesn't suck as bad as some make it out to.
 
You wont be able to run LOGIC on your Dell, so I'd look into Cubase 5 or SX (or nuendo if your more interested in audio than midi).

I think purchasing the 624s are justified in your situation, so dont settle for 20/20s.....you'll be disappointed, I think.

A clean pre is also a great idea, look into the Grace or an RNP is you need two channels.

I'd want a different colored compressor, so start saving up for that Distressor!

Best of Luck,
Chris
 
You wont be able to run LOGIC on your Dell, so I'd look into Cubase 5 or SX (or nuendo if your more interested in audio than midi).
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, why wouldn' the dell run these programs? Is Logic Mac only?

Thanks for all the recommendations,
RF
 
Mac bought out Emagic about a year ago.

I think you can still get logic 5 for pc, but no updates and no support.

I think it'd be a bad investment, :(
 
RF,

> Here's the list. <

No acoustic treatment? All the gear in the world is useless if you can't hear accurately what you're mixing!

> My studio is small so I'm thinking I don't need the larger Mackies. <

I'd pay the extra few bucks and get the HR824s. The 624s need a sub to get down to that lowest octave, and a sub costs a lot more than the difference between a pair of 624s and 824s. With the 824s you'll get down to below 40 Hz, which is low enough.

As for software, since you have a PC I recommend Sonar 3. It's awesome and not expensive. But you'll need more than 256 MB of memory no matter which recording program you choose.

--Ethan
 
Does your budget include your renovation of your garage? I'd highly recommend you consider a good acoustical design which includes some treatments as Ethan mentioned. It is amazing how much easier it is to mix in a designed environment versus just any old room.

As far as equipment goes, I know with my setup which includes a Mackie 32x8 that I am constantly wishing I had an outboard EQ on the final mix bus (I didn't see an EQ on your list). Monitors are also essential, and in my opinion any of the suggestions offered will be suitable. I like my 20/20's, and I love what I've heard on the HD828's and Yorkvilles.

I'd definitely consider some upgrades to your PC also if you intend to run any audio software. At least 512 Mb RAM and a second hard drive for audio data only storage. Also, if you intend to route your audio from your console to the PC you might need to consider a multi-channel audio interface.

Sounds like a lot of fun to be had in the planning.

Darryl.....
 
You could use a better preamp, and I think you could also use a better effects box for reverb. Add those to your monitors and you'll come out around $2,000.

As far as the reverb, I'd suggest the Kurzweil Rumour as being an outstanding box, far better than the Alesis and Digitech stuff you already have. The Rumour would be a major upgrade. Another box to consider would be the TC Electronic M-One XL, but I personally like the Rumour better.
 
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