How Would You Spend $3000?

[Nelaelu]

How Would You Spend $3000 if you were me (except with MORE experience)?

I have NO recording gear right now.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to include some classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to separately record voice, electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keyboards (since I don't have a drummer I plan on using a substitute for that).

Please be SPECIFIC about the gear you would buy! (aka EXACT models, brands)

Thank You!

 

[moresound]

How Would You Spend $3000 if you were me (except with MORE experience)?

I have NO recording gear right now.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to include some classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to separately record voice, electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keyboards (since I don't have a drummer I plan on using a substitute for that).

Please be SPECIFIC about the gear you would buy! (aka EXACT models, brands)

Thank You!

Your going to have to be very frugal and make that 3 grand stretch. To begin with you can download reaper It's free until you decide you like it or not then it's only about $60. A cheap 8 channel interface is the Tascam US1641 it's under $300. Monitors The Yamaha HS50 are nice and are around $400. next are some microphones A Shure SM57 for the eletric's amp $80., Vocal mic a Shure SM7b $350. or a EV RE20 $400., Acoustic guitar A small diaphragm condenser Shure SM81 $350 and a Large diagram condenser A Shure KSM44a $900 this could be used as a vocal mic as well.

So there is about $2500. worth of gear and you still need to purchase room treatment and all necessary cabling. And I may have missed a few things.

 

[buzzard bass]

Starting at the basics, what kind of computer are you using? If you're posting this from an Ipod, a computer will be in the mix too. Also consider that a lot of interfaces come with DAW software, the Tascam listed on moresound's post has Cubase, so no need for reaper, unless you really want it.

 

[Nelaelu]

Starting at the basics, what kind of computer are you using?

I'm probably gonna get a new PC. I should still be able to have around $3000 for recording gear alone...

 

[JB's Studio]

So you essentially want to do the Nelaelu's One Person Band?

You could also go with Avid's Digi Eleven Rack which comes with Pro Tools LE 8. I know they're on 9 now, but still it's a four input interface and PT 8.0.4 cs2 works just fine. PT 9 is not interface dependent. Eleven Rack eliminates the need to mic a guitar amp and your sound will be consistent. $900 for an interface, amp modeler, and DAW? Not a bad price for the bundle.

Depending upon your environment (I'm assuming home studio room) where you might have to deal with outside noises, you might also want to look at a Fishman Aura Sixteen pedal for your acoustic/electric guitar -- this unit uses mic modeling for specific guitars, so if yours is one of those guitars you're golden. It adds space between the guitar and interface. Space that doesn't exist if you go in directly. Hence it can eliminate the need for miking the acoustic. $200

Keyboard? This isn't going to be cheap. You could go with a M-Audio ProKeys 88 which is pretty inexpensive. I'd look at one that at least has a speaker and some similar sounds to any virtual instrument you'll be using. Why? Virtual instruments have latency. You can set it pretty low but on some things I've found myself consistently 1/32 note early depending upon the tempo since I tend to compensate my keystroke for the latency. You may already have something and if you do you're golden. I use an Alesis QS8 and a Yamaha MSR100 monitor for this and as a midi controller. Also M-Audio Axiom series goes to 61 keys and has transport control onboard so you don't have to run back and forth. Another is the M-Audio Oxygen 88 (new) which has graded hammer action and transport control. I don't know how good it is but it isn't expensive. These run around $600. I'd also check the used market here. You can save some money.

You're not going to get out of a good vocal mic. I have both a dynamic SM beta58a and a condenser mic. My condenser mic is no longer made. That will run you about $400 to $700. The Neumann TLM 102 looks like a good one for $700, or you could go Shure KSM32 for around $500. Personally, I'm a Shure girl.

Then you'll need drum software. I've been using XLN Audio's Addictive Drums for a couple years now. I've got several of the Ad Paks, and I find them quite nice sounding. $229 for the entry level kits and beats. You can add Midi Paks for like $12 ea, and the full Ad Paks which include kits for around $60 ea. Yes they have a Metal midi pak.

Monitors? Samson Resolv A8 which are available at Sweetwater.com. These are a best bang for the buck. $400 pr.

Let's see this comes to $2829 without cables. So assuming the $3000 isn't the absolute top end grab some Mogami Golds as many as you need, although seriously I'm using less expensive stuff with good results -- you'll find on the cables the price difference on the length is more in the connectors. Personally, I'd buy a spool of bulk shielded instrument cable and a bunch of solderless connectors and make my own. It'll be cheaper in the long run.

Now remember, you have just stepped into a money pit. Next you'll want virtual instruments like Reason 5, or Komplete 7.

I haven't treated my room since I'm still not settled on the arrangement. Being able to go DI with my guitars, and my vox tracks haven't been harmed, and use of VIs, has reduced the immediate need for treating. Besides, new eyeglasses are taking priority over room treatment.

I'd really look at Sweetwater.com's web site for a lot of info. They've got great customer support, and have tutorials on various products online, and free lifetime support on any software you buy from them.

 

[Supercreep]

Starting at the basics, what kind of computer are you using? If you're posting this from an Ipod, a computer will be in the mix too. Also consider that a lot of interfaces come with DAW software, the Tascam listed on moresound's post has Cubase, so no need for reaper, unless you really want it.

Save your money.

 

[jotangent]

Save yourself a heap of pain and buy some plywood, rockwool 45K or oc703 fiberglass and some cheap cloth to cover the bass traps and absorbers you are going to need. A few hundred bucks spent here will make all the difference down the line. Check out Ethan Withers site (and his posts on this site) Also the BBC has some wonderful documents on different accoustic treaments you can make in the garage.

 

[dastrick]

What's the most things that you will be recording at one time? This will help determine your interface.

You basically need mics, interface (most have software included), room treatment (DIY is cheapest), monitoring, & accessories (cables, stands, ect.) The accessories add up quick.

You can easily put together a nice setup for $3000.

 

[buzzard bass]

While I sound like an Amazon drone, I'd check there first, incredible selection, best prices. My Tascam US1641 was 320 all in, then checked Amazon and found it for 215, hooked a few people up on that deal. Also check Musician's Friend, they sometimes have better deals on their own site than they do on Amazon for some reason.

 

[Supercreep]

What's the most things that you will be recording at one time? This will help determine your interface.

You basically need mics, interface (most have software included), room treatment (DIY is cheapest), monitoring, & accessories (cables, stands, ect.) The accessories add up quick.

You can easily put together a nice setup for $3000.

He needs instruments as well, except drums. But he'll need a good drum program. I think he can cover the bases, but I recommend getting one high quality piece at a time instead of a raft of mediocre stuff all at once. It's hard to know what you even need until you actually need it. Rumsfeld called them "unknown unknowns".

 

[buzzard bass]

He needs instruments as well, except drums. But he'll need a good drum program. I think he can cover the bases, but I recommend getting one high quality piece at a time instead of a raft of mediocre stuff all at once. It's hard to know what you even need until you actually need it. Rumsfeld called them "unknown unknowns".

agreed, decent instruments aint cheap. 1 of my basses would have blown the whole budget.

 

[gehauser]

How Would You Spend $3000 if you were me (except with MORE experience)?

I have NO recording gear right now.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to include some classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to separately record voice, electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keyboards (since I don't have a drummer I plan on using a substitute for that).

Please be SPECIFIC about the gear you would buy! (aka EXACT models, brands)

Thank You!

Assuming you have instruments and PC already, I would get the following, all solid gear you will likely have forever:

room treatment - start with 8 GIK 244 bass traps ($650) - apply to corners, first reflection pts
SDC mics - Peluso CEMC6 pair ($650) - great for acoustic gtr
LDC mic - Oktava MK319 used ($100) - for vocals
DYN mic - SM57 ($100) - for electric guitar
audio interface - Emu 0404 USB ($200) - great preamps and excellent converters (best by far at this price pt)
monitors - KRK RP6 G2 pair ($400) - maybe add a sub later if you think you need it
headphones - Audio Technica ATH-M50 ($100) - for tracking
cables, mic stands ($100)

Total $2300

Use this equipment a lot, listen closely to your results, determine what if anything you are missing, and expand from there after some period of time.

 

[dastrick]

I'm probably gonna get a new PC. I should still be able to have around $3000 for recording gear alone...

How Would You Spend $3000 if you were me (except with MORE experience)?

I have NO recording gear right now.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to include some classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to separately record voice, electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keyboards (since I don't have a drummer I plan on using a substitute for that).

Please be SPECIFIC about the gear you would buy! (aka EXACT models, brands)

Thank You!

Maybe he'll come along and clear it up, but it looks like he's just wanting to spend the $3000 on recording gear. I'm pretty sure he has a guitar since he's a classically trained guitarist. He might need a keyboard/MIDI controller, plus mics, cables, etc.


But then again, I could be wrong. It's been know to happen a couple of times.

 

[dastrick]

I'm probably gonna get a new PC. I should still be able to have around $3000 for recording gear alone...

How Would You Spend $3000 if you were me (except with MORE experience)?

I have NO recording gear right now.

I'm a classically-trained musican (voice, guitar), who wants to include some classical elements into progressive rock/metal. I want to separately record voice, electric/acoustic guitars, piano/keyboards (since I don't have a drummer I plan on using a substitute for that).

Please be SPECIFIC about the gear you would buy! (aka EXACT models, brands)

Thank You!

Assuming you have instruments and PC already, I would get the following, all solid gear you will likely have forever:

room treatment - start with 8 GIK 244 bass traps ($650) - apply to corners, first reflection pts
SDC mics - Peluso CEMC6 pair ($650) - great for acoustic gtr
LDC mic - Oktava MK319 used ($100) - for vocals
DYN mic - SM57 ($100) - for electric guitar
audio interface - Emu 0404 USB ($200) - great preamps and excellent converters (best by far at this price pt)
monitors - KRK RP6 G2 pair ($400) - maybe add a sub later if you think you need it
headphones - Audio Technica ATH-M50 ($100) - for tracking
cables, mic stands ($100)

Total $2300

Use this equipment a lot, listen closely to your results, determine what if anything you are missing, and expand from there after some period of time.

That's a pretty good list. The only thing I might would change would be the EMU. Something like the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP ($400) would likely be better quality.

 

[itaughttremonti]

I'd buy 3,000 McDoubles.....man that is lunch for 8 years or so.

In all seriousness, I'd love to have $300 to spend. So listen to the pros here, not me.

 

[moresound]

I'd buy 3,000 McDoubles.....man that is lunch for 8 years or so.

In all seriousness, I'd love to have $300 to spend. So listen to the pros here, not me.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Must spread rep before giving to itaught .............

 

[Nelaelu]

OK guys, THANKS for your advice so far...

Now to clarify:
1. I do own good quality instruments (Martin acoustic, Ibanez Prestige electric and more), amps, effect processors etc
2. My firend that I'm working with has a Kawai electronic piano and Korg M50 keyboard. For now, we decided to use his keyboard for drums (unless you think there are better alternatives (?))
3. I'm NOT gonna do a room treatment yet - my room is pretty quiet and neighbors live far enough, I will worry about it later (unless there are some easy/quick ways that help with acoustics).

 

[buzzard bass]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Must spread rep before giving to itaught .............

I get that all the time. BTW 8 year old McDogfood, is better than new.

 

[jotangent]

Acoustic treatment is nothing to do with sound isolation, they are different problems. Acoustic treatment will allow you to capture a good sound and will let you hear what the music actually sounds like coming from your monitors. If you are serious about recording your own stuff this is the first thing you need to get. It is important to isolate your environment from traffic noise etc but that is secondary to hearing the actual sounds. Audio is comprised of waves just like water, throw a penny in your bathtub and watch the ripples. When they hit the sides they will turn back on each other. This is exactly what happens with sound, if 2 waves hit each other in opposite directions it will change both waves. In the worst case either doubling the sound or completely canceling it. You can imagine that this is far from ideal if you want to mix a bass guitar and the A string cant be heard.

You cant polish crap so don't start out with it. The easiest thing to do is buy some rigid fiberglass insulation and something to wrap it in. You can stick hooks on the walls and take it down when you are not using the room for music. The most important place to start is the early reflection points (spots on the wall either side of your head where the sound from your monitors bounces off) Then look at corner bass traps (google DIY corner bass traps). Like I said before, $200 is nothing if you are going to spend $500 on a mic and not be able to use it because the room colours the sound in a bad way.

 

[gehauser]

That's a pretty good list. The only thing I might would change would be the EMU. Something like the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP ($400) would likely be better quality.

Nope, compare the dynamic range specs - Emu is considerably better in that regard than Saffire Pro.