I need advice on building my studio

[circleone420]

Hey whats up Everyone. Im working with a Roland VS 2480 digital recording workstation. Ive been using it for personal home recording use and now would like to build a studio to record bands. I would like to get a general idea of how I can enhance the sound and build a bigger and better studio setup off it. Even though its powered should I get good mic pres?? If so, how does it help the recording? I can record up to 16 tracks at the same time so does that mean I need a 16 channel mic pre? Im basically looking into rack units but I also know that Mic's play a big role also. The unit is great but I want to take it to the next level so that I can record bands semi-profesionaly.Doesnt matter if its expensive or not. Just as long as I get an idea of what i need to complete this setup. I would appreciate anybodys advice....thanx

Eric

 

[chris-from-ky]

Nobody, that I've read, talks about how wonderful stock roland pres are. You for sure would be doing yourself a favor by getting at least 8 good quality pres and a collection of higher end mics. Why only 8? Well, 8 is all you need to record a drum kit and the stock pres can be used for scratch tracks like gutar and vocals till you're done withthe good pres on the kit. Then use the good pres for overdubs.

You didn't mention a budget. $10K will put you in the right spot. For me, I'd get a couple of API 3124+'s and use the remaining $5000 on mics such as Avensons for OH, MD421's for toms, D112 for kik, 57 for snare, a beyerdynamics m160 for guitars, and a soundelux U195 for vox.

**EDIT**

I've been thinking more about this and if you can get away with only 6 mics on a kit, go for a 4 channel Hardy M-2 and a Great River MP2-NV. And the same mics as previously stated. Now you've got the power to put some real character to your music. Not that API's won't give you character but with the second option, you end up with more versatility.