Help me to set up my "front end" in my studio. Mics, pre's, compressors, effects..ect

[anppilot1]

Help me to set up my "front end" in my studio. Mics, pre's, compressors, effects..ect

I'm having a hard time picking out a few pre's and mics to use.

On another thread I asked what people thought about my studio and they ripped me apart (ouch) because all I'm using now is a Oktava mk19 and a Bellari tube pre or my M-Audio Omni pre's.

Ok, I deserve a little a$$ ripping for using just those products, and nothing else. I want to start a record label, and have 3 acts to be signed.

The recordings I make sound good, I and alot of other people say their good for the radio. There can always be room for improvment, thats with anything in life. However, I worked for a guy in a studio that told me once "its not always based on what you have, but how you use what you have."

I guess were going to be doing R&B, hip hop, house and a little pop. I UNDERSTAND I need more pre's and mics, compressors, ect, ect.

Everyone says you need multiple pres, and mics due to the fact that not everyone sounds the same. I agree. But I dont have 3k to spend on one pre or one compressor.

Lexicon effects are great, I understand that ... but lets gets dont no the nuts and bolts.

1. What is a "must have" compressor
2. What is a "must have" gate/limitor
3. External EQ or Plug-in
4. what is a "must have" Pre-amp that will be good enough for a radio mix

 

[parkbirds]

This is a good post for the mic forum.

"What is a "must have" compressor"

Um, the must have cheap compressor is an FMR RNC. It's only $160 at http://www.jacksmusicfactory.com and they ship free, supercool guys too.

There is no must have pre. Just do some research.

I know you have about 3K to spend, that will get you some pretty good prosumer stuff.

But, may I suggest something?

How about selling all your outdated Roland sound modules and buying some fuckin hot shit like the Electron Machinedrum, Sid Station, Electrix FilterFactory, Nord Lead and all those great things they are making today. Unless you sample extensively, if you’re going to working with hip-hop you should at least stay ahead of the curve with some fresh sounds. I would say you could ditch a lot of that gear you have now, sell it, get more resourceful stuff, and have money left over for mics and pres.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Must have compressors would be an 1176, LA2A or a Distressor. For pres maybe API, Great River, Avalon or an RNP. For mics there are many choices.

 

[Outlaws]

If you are serious about starting a record lable/studio, then don't think you have $3000 to buy all that.

Buy one or two of the things you listed you need and spend ALL of the money on it.

Then when you can come up with some more, get the next item. Besides, it will give you time to learn how to use the piece you buy to the fullest rather than being overwhelmed buy having 4 different items in your familiar chain. You won't know what is doing what.

And you will obviously want to getter equipment down the road...so if you stuff sounds good right now, and you said in you other post that you music has already been on the radio (this one says people think its good enough...slight difference) then you will make a huge improvement instead of 4 minor ones. And it will save you money down the road.