How is this equipment?

[Jeaurod]

Hi guys! I'm of course new to the forum and I am looking for help. My wife loves playing music (Piano and Vocal.) and has always wanted a mini recording studio at home to do what she loves. I'm trying to surprise her with the things she needs and would like to know if what I have researched will do!

Here is a wish list of the equipment through Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/10L17OKGJIGZ1/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go

This wish list is pubilc and all should be able to view if not I'll manually insert name and links.

Also what type of cable am I looking for to connect the Mic and affordable software anyone would suggest?

PC specs: I7 920@2.8Ghz, 6 gig DDR3 ram, and 500 GB hard drive currently with on-board sound.

**Edit**
She uses the Casio PX-800 Privia Piano

 

[Armistice]

So most here would probably recommend you ditch the ART pre and soundcard and buy a USB/Firewire interface to hook up to your computer and plug everything into...

The interface will have preamps in it. Search USB interface here and you'll see a milliion options..

What's the MIDI cable for? I mean, I know what they're used for, but is your wife going to play the piano or is she going to get into the whole MIDI world of controlling other devices/sound libraries etc?

You need a standard mic cable - technically it's an XLR->XLR - it'll plug into your interface.

You'll need cables to plug the piano in. These are not MIDI cables BTW...

Software - many options. Generally Reaper is recommended, it's free to start then when you're struck after a month with its awesomeness you pay $60 for it. I've never used it however as I don't "do" PC recording. Let others be your guide.

I understand that some interfaces come with bundled recording software, that may be all you need.

If you seriously want to mix the music properly, you'll need a pair of semi-decent monitors.

Buy the heaphones that have the best enclosure - ie. keep the sounds inside from leaking out and bleeding into the microphone...

I believe the MXL mic is usually regarded as a decent budget mic but I don't have one so can't really comment.

Above all, read the other posts... people drop by here daily and ask versions of your questions, so there's a wealth on information already here that will answer the questions you don't even know you want to ask yet...

Not sure why you need a desk mic stand.... you'll need a proper mic stand, however... which is not in your list - and if you're thinking desk mic stand because it's going to sit on the piano, I suggest you think again...

Check what you get with the MXL as standard. Every LDC I've owned has come with a shockmount included, but I haven't bought anything for $100 so perhaps they're not included in the cheapies....

Welcome to the forum, and remember, newbies buy the beer...

Now, watch someone come along and tell you the exact opposite of everything I've said....

PS - an extension lead for the headphones is also useful. And if you thought you were mixing on the headphones... not... I mean you can, but it's limiting - monitors...

 

[Jim Lad]

Sorry Bud:
You seriously need to follow this link and get a rough idea of what you really need. http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
It's good reading. Trust me.
Once you have an understanding of how it works, pop into your local music shop and have the salesman walk you through it.
Hope this helps.

 

[moresound]

I like your choice of microphone. But I'm not sure if the spider that you picked out will work on that microphone. You may need to get the kind that *grabs* hold of it. You may need to purchase an XLR microphone cable and a 1/4 cable for the keys to go into the preamp-A/D converter eliminating the need for a midi cable.

Don't get a desk top microphone stand. You would want to get a nice boom mic stand (not "on stage" brand they, they have a high center of gravity. Something like like a KLM brand with a nice counter weight and fully adjustable boom arm for custom positioning which is a must while plays keys.

Lastly, shop around more for a different mic preamp. You will need two channels if your wife is going to record both vocals and piano at the same time.
Not sure if you want one with tubes in it.....maybe just a nice A/D converter with two mic preamps/line in --with a headphone output that has adjustable volume. That would do the trick I believe.

WOW I went and made a sandwich then came back to post and ......woah look at how much armistice wrote!
And you would swear that Jim works for zzounds or next day music JK,LOL tweakhead is a cool spot.

 

[Jim Lad]

Oh and Welcome Aboard!

 

[moresound]

Oh and Welcome Aboard!

RRRRRR Matey.

 

[Jeaurod]

Thanks for the quick responses! I've taken all of you guys info and found some diffrent equipment. Only thing I'm really confused on and need to do research is the USB audio interface. So if you guy have any advice on a good one around 200.00 USD let me know. In the mean time I'll be putting the search tab to good use!

Armistice, what are you guys drinking. I'm not much a beer drinker I'm a Rum and what ever kinda guy but I've got some Corona on Ice!

 

[dintymoore]

There's a huge amount of interfaces available and people ask that question several times a day here. Try doing a search here for it and you'll see lots.

Myself I'm drinking hot chocolate. I'm in Hawaii and we gotta keep warm ya know.

 

[Opivy]

you're in hawaii dinty?! And here I thought you were jealous about me being in Whales Vagina... I had some spam and eggs tonight, so I'm not envying you too much.

to the OP - I struggled to make a choice on interfaces as well - and after being on here for a bit finally got the Fast Track Pro -

I have a terrible microphone, and I have to say - through this it's not bothering me anymore!

 

[Jeaurod]

OK Guys! After reading Jim Lads suggested artical and taking Armistice advice I came up with this second wish list!


http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/3N92EU6H8TP48/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go

 

[Jim Lad]

Nope!
Read Tweakheadz.
Then go to your local music shop and get some hands on advice.
Your wife plays piano, so you're looking at 3 microphones and to run them, you'll need something like an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra which has 4 inputs.
Or you may buy a USB Midi keyboard which also serves as an audio interface.
It goes on........


And until very recently, Z Sounds didn't even ship to Canada.
Good site though.

 

[Jeaurod]

Nope!
Read Tweakheadz.
Then go to your local music shop and get some hands on advice.
Your wife plays piano, so you're looking at 3 microphones and to run them, you'll need something like an M-Audio Fast Track Ultra which has 4 inputs.
Or you may buy a USB Midi keyboard which also serves as an audio interface.
It goes on........


And until very recently, Z Sounds didn't even ship to Canada.
Good site though.

I look at the M-Audio Fast Track and the reviews were not that good when it came to the software side of things, that’s why I went with the Tascam US-144mkII because the device was solid and it comes cubase 4le.

Also why would I need 3 mics? I was planning on having her plug her Digital Casio Px-800 directly into the USB audio interface to avoid connecting through MIDI.

I'm going to continue looking around and stop by my local Guitar Center to get some hands on time with the equipment and talk with some of the specialist there. Thanks for your help. If your interested I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[gecko zzed]

OK Guys! After reading Jim Lads suggested artical and taking Armistice advice I came up with this second wish list!


http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/3N92EU6H8TP48/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go

Actually yep, rather than nope.

The Tascam has two microphone inputs and two line inputs. Because you are using a Casio Privia, there's little to be gained by miking it*, so you are better off taking its line-outs and going directly into the Tascam.

*If you were using a real piano, then there is a lot to be gained by miking it up, because you would then capture its natural sound as well as that of the room. However, in your case, with the Privia, you would be just miking up its internal speakers, and this is not as satisfactory as taking its line out.

The basic set-up you have is then: Vocal mike and line outs from piano into Tascam. From Tascam to PC via USB, and monitor this through the Tascam.

Have you looked yet at recording software? Either you haven't mentioned it, or I have missed it.

 

[moresound]

Getting better! The microphone stand that you have there, the boom arm is just one piece. It needs to be an expandable/retractable boom arm.

 

[grimtraveller]

Have you looked yet at recording software? Either you haven't mentioned it, or I have missed it.

that’s why I went with the Tascam US-144mkII because the device was solid and it comes with cubase 4le.

uuuuuuuuuu

 

[Jim Lad]

Still Nope!
She plays piano GZ.

I look at the M-Audio Fast Track and the reviews were not that good

At no point in my life, have I ever or will I ever recommend the M-Audio Fast Track.
There's the Fast Track Pro and the Fast Track Ultra but the device you looked at is the Fast Track USB and it's a piece of junk.
Please. Go to Tweakheadz site.
You'll only waste your money if you don't.

 

[Jeaurod]

Still Nope!
She plays piano GZ.

At no point in my life, have I ever or will I ever recommend the M-Audio Fast Track.
There's the Fast Track Pro and the Fast Track Ultra but the device you looked at is the Fast Track USB and it's a piece of junk.
Please. Go to Tweakheadz site.
You'll only waste your money if you don't.

I have been looking at tweakheadz site. There is a lot to soak in and alot of diffrent methods out there and I never waste money without doing alot of research. I made that mistake when I bought my first car!

Actually yep, rather than nope.

The Tascam has two microphone inputs and two line inputs. Because you are using a Casio Privia, there's little to be gained by miking it*, so you are better off taking its line-outs and going directly into the Tascam.

*If you were using a real piano, then there is a lot to be gained by miking it up, because you would then capture its natural sound as well as that of the room. However, in your case, with the Privia, you would be just miking up its internal speakers, and this is not as satisfactory as taking its line out.

The basic set-up you have is then: Vocal mike and line outs from piano into Tascam. From Tascam to PC via USB, and monitor this through the Tascam.

Yea! So I can conncet the Tascam and PX-800 via the line out/Line in and record the piano that way? So MIDI for recording a digital piano is optinal? If so do i use just the left(mono) or both the L/R(stereo) when recording?

I'll be around I'm going to check out Guitar Center in a few.

 

[Jim Lad]

A piano needs two microphones.

I have been looking at tweakheadz site. There is a lot to soak in and alot of diffrent methods out there and I never waste money without doing alot of research. I made that mistake when I bought my first car!

So take your time.
Just trying to help.

 

[gecko zzed]

A piano needs two microphones.

Yes. A real piano would be better miked up with two. But not a Privia.

 

[gecko zzed]

Yea! So I can conncet the Tascam and PX-800 via the line out/Line in and record the piano that way? So MIDI for recording a digital piano is optinal?

That's the way I would connect up a digital piano.

The midi is optional. In time, you will find that you may prefer to work with the midi. For example, instead of recording the piano's audio directly to the Tascam, you could connect up the midi. That way you can record the midi, edit out wrong notes, play back the midi through the Tascam and back into the Privia, then record the (now corrected) audio.

If so do i use just the left(mono) or both the L/R(stereo) when recording?

You can do either. However, if the piano is to be the sole instrument, then connecting L & R will give a more spacious sound.