Here's my home studio so far...

[Teebomba]

Here' a list of my equipment so far. I was wondering if there are any glaring omissions or obvious needs not being met. My interest as a singer-songwriter is to make clean, clear recordings of acoustic guitar, vocals, and maybe some additional tracks that might include electric guitar, tambourine, shakers, rusty cans, chains to the gates of hell, etc. I live in a loft, which is quite open though my studio is underneath a mezzanine-like second floor. I think the acoustics are probably not bad, considering. So here's what I have:
27" iMac w 12Gb Ram, latest Garageband, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Shure SM27, Samson USB mic, a pair of A.R.T. Tube mic preamps, a pair of Adams A5X monitors, mic stands, etc. I am thinking of getting a matched pair of Rode NT5s. Any thoughts are sincerely welcomed. Thank, Steven

 

[Justsomeguy]

Looking good, although i would question the need for the Samson USB mic and the ART pres. The preamps on the Focusrite are as good, if not better than the ART Tube MP things (if that's what they are which is my suspicion), and i can't see what you'd need the Samson USB mic for if you're using the Focusrite as your interface.

Otherwise, make sure you've got a pop filter, a couple of XLR cables, and some headphones for recording in the "etc" list, and then look at some acoustic treatment for your room. The cheapest option is the DIY approach and there are some fantastic ideas in the studio building part of this forum.

 

[mjbphotos]

Justsomeguy's tips are good - acoustic treatment, and forget the low-budget stuff he mentions.

Just start recording, the more you do, the better you'll get.

 

[Teebomba]

Thanks Justsomeguy and mjbphotos for your comments. The Samson USB mic is just a second mic. Not a very good one. I was told that tube mic preamps help boost the signal and bring out more of the dynamics that the mic has. The Focusrite and tube mic preamps were bought at my local GC with advice from them. Did I misunderstand the purpose of the tube mic pre amp? Thanks for your help.

 

[2infamouz]

the scarlett 2i2 is probably the best budget interface in its price range IMO. everything sounds like a good start, but can I ask why you are considering a pair of rhode nt5's? It's not necessarily a bad route to go, but there's obviously many alternatives and i'm just curious what pointed you in that direction. Also you should read this to get a better understanding of tube preamps : Preamp: Buying Guide
it's a suprisingly good explanation for a retailer differing tube from solid state preamps.

 

[Teebomba]

Thx 2infamouz! I appreciate the link. I'll check it out. As for the Rode NT5s, I've heard good things in reviews and as samples. I liked that there are two for micing an acoustic guitar. I'm totally open to options. Any thoughts? Thx.

 

[2infamouz]

Thx 2infamouz! I appreciate the link. I'll check it out. As for the Rode NT5s, I've heard good things in reviews and as samples. I liked that there are two for micing an acoustic guitar. I'm totally open to options. Any thoughts? Thx.

Honestly I think the rode nt5's are a great decision, at around ~$400 for a matched pair you won't get much better.
Check this review from SoS on the Rode NT4 and NT5 might help seal the deal. Also you might want to just compare other small-diaphragm condensers in the same price range to see some other options. That link should sort out all SDC under 250 dollars per mic for you.
-Ayron

 

[2infamouz]

the thing i've learned over the years is to just work with what you have, and then decide which equipment you need to improve/upgrade as you realize a there is a need.
-alex

Definitely a good rule of thumb. I've bought a lot of stuff thinking Oh if i just have this one more thing I'll be making hits kinda thoughts but now I'm sitting on a bunch of stuff I don't even use half the time. can't hurt to have the gear you need, but the best investment is time invested in learning / gaining experience 4sho.