Help with comp setup

[Blnd2Spll]

I'm currently using a Sound Blaster Live 5.1 Platinum card and a Gemini eqx30 equilizer to record guitar, vocals, etc. I'm looking at upgrading to the Echo Mia soundcard, a rather inexpensive compressor mic, and a Behringer mx602 mixer/preamp (I just need a mixer with no more than 2 inputs, and with phantom power since I'm looking at the compressor mic). I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the Mia soundcard as opposed to any other multitrack recording cards, as well as using the Behringer 602 as a mixer. My price range is about $450, so keep thaty in mind for any suggestions. Also, for guitar and vocal recording, would there be any reason to go with a dynamic mic rather than a compressor mic? thanks for any suggestions.

-Dan

 

[Frank P.]

Just my thoughts...

1. I believe you're referring to a "condensor mic," sometimes called a "capacitor mic." A compressor is a signal processor used to shrink a signal's dynamic range (loud/soft volume contrasts).

2. The Echo Mia looks OK from its specs, but I've never heard it, and specs don't tell you nearly as much as first hand experience. Maybe someone else here on the BBS can help you there.

3. If you need to mix signals from two mics during recording, the next step up from the Behringer would be a Mackie 1202, which is a much better mixer, but $380 as opposed to $70, so the Behringer might be the only option. On the other hand, if you're just going to record tracks one at a time into your computer software and mix them in there, maybe you'd be better off with a decent quality single-channel preamp. The ART Tube MP comes to mind at about $90, better than the Behringer built-in pres IMHO.

4. If you're recording (acoustic?) guitar and vocals, there's no real reason to go dynamic, except maybe for the fact that there are only a few good condensor mics to be had for the $160 or so left in your posted budget after the Echo card and a Behringer mixer or ART preamp. Marshall might have something,but I've never personally used their mics. Do a search on the BBS to find some opinions, there's a lot of information to be had. Some of the Marshalls seem to be pretty well liked from what I've read.

Hope this helps somewhat.

-Frank

 

[frist44]

Blnd2Spll-

I would go with a card like the delta omni studio or something similar. It has 4 ins, 2 of which have preamps on them. They'll sound alot better than the pres on a behringer mixer. That'll get you started with your projects and if you want to upgrade preamped channels in the future, it's as simple as buying a single preamp box. They're about $400 new, and possibly lower on ebay.

The delta's software also serves as the mixer for monitoring playback and recording.

Your best bet for recording guitar and vocals would be a condenser mic. I have a marshall v67 which was only $150, for the price you won't find much else that sounds as good.

Hope that helps,
Brandon

 

[Leeking]

Hi Blnd2Spll-,

1. Don't get a behringer mixer for the mic pres.... get a dedicated pre-amp instead.

2. frist44's recommendation of the delta omni-studio and v67 is a good choice!