I need some input!

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tswsdrummer4

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So i am completely upgrading my recording things that are a stretch to even call a studio. I have constantly been doing research on whats going to work for me and i thought i would list it on here. I realize there are tons of forums on each individual piece of equipment, but i just wanted to make sure i wasn't making any major mistakes or making sure there wasnt something better in the same general price range.
p.s we play metal music

Mics
already have a sm57 and sm58
audix i5 (want to try it on the snare)
sennheiser e604 for the toms
oktave mk-012 (mods) (also looking at sm81's)
i already use a trigger in conjunction with an alesis dm5 for the kick

Monitors
KRK rp6

Interface
thinking focusrite saffire pro 4040 at this point but am willing to spend more if theres something better (i realize theres always something better lol)

i havent even begun to look at computers but am looking to run either cubase or protools (want to go pc for sure)

room treatment is a given, just didn't feel i needed to list out my plans for that.
Again...just looking for any critical errors i may be making and price isnt too much of a concern considering im going to have to save up for all of this anyway.nothing extreme though since it is still a home studio.

Anything anyone has to say is very much appreciated
 
OK- the saffire is a reasonable entry level interface. The KRK's are nothing special, but neither is anybody else's cheap monitor. They'll be fine to start. I can offer 2 forms of advice. The first is directed toward expanding your microphone cabinet, and the other is just a laundry list of peripherals, which will test your budget as you go along. This is not really meant to scare you, but it *is* a reality check! First, the fun stuff, the mics:

First, real men don't need triggers (just kidding!) Get an Audix D6, AKG D112, or Shure Beta 52. Which one depends on your taste. ...

Or- spend more money and get a top dynamic that works on kick and lots of other stuff, such as Electrovoice RE20. You're going to need a serious dynamic. Shure SM7b is maybe better on vocals, but not so good on kick. Down the road, keep your eyes open for a deal on Sennheiser MD421- a very good all-purpose dynamic, I wouldn't use it for kick, personally.

Next- your small diaphragms. If you have 2 of the Oktavas, as much as I like the SM81's, spend the money elsewhere for now. If you don't, I'd look for another MC012 to make a pair. Keep your eyes open for any used AKG C2000B's. $200? don't do it. $100? Grab the thing, 2 is better.

We have come to the main vocal mic. Even if it doesn't work for you, it'll work for *somebody*. All you can do is start a collection of shoes, and try them on. For cheap, I like Marshall Electronics MXL V67G. It's a $100 large diaphragm condenser that works pretty well. Consider CAD M179, a multi-pattern mic. A used Oktava MK319 can be a good buy, and takes well to modding. In mid-priced mics, consider the Audio-Technica AT40XX series- any of them, B.L.U.E. Baby Bottle, Shure KSM32, and Rode NTK.


Now, the laundry list (not counting the room treatment, as you noted above.):
You're talking 8 tracks, but how many people?

Headphones and Headphone distribution-extension cables-probably a headphone amp unless you are strictly a solo act. I like Sennheiser HD280 and Audio-Technica ATM50

Cables, cables, and did I say cables?

At least one good pop filter- I recommend steel.

Some serious mic stands, and some cheap ones with weights. I use a lot of straight stands that I've added booms and barbell weights to, and a few serious boom stands. I recommend these:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10813&Category=Stands

Two of those will save you so much trouble.

It's also good to have 2 or 3 short booms, like kick drum mic stands. Good for amps, desk stands, hand drums, etc.

Power distribution- Even if you don't have real voltage regulators and an uninterruptable power supply, You are still going to need to plug in a bunch of stuff. Check Furman on line. They make basic cheap ones.

Shock mounts for your cool microphones.

Of course the power units will pile up, so you'll need a rack. Even if you are strictly a computer guy, it will get you. You will just need *something* that goes in a rack.

Search yard sales for the perfect chair. One that makes *no noise*, and is comfortable for playing guitar, djembe, violin- whatever.

Do you own a good music stand? It's so handy in front of that cool mic-when you don't know the words.

You'll need a multimeter for checking circuits and cables. If you don't have that...You don't have a studio of any kind, just a toy room.

Lighting- old fluorescents that hum are right out. And if you don't have an original Lava Lamp, get one-now.

That's what I see as the basics. As the disease sets in, you will discover the need for high speed CD duplication, a strobe tuner, vintage tube amps, an old Steinway Grand, whatever. Then you will upgrade all of it until you are cleaned out by the divorce lawyers. Good luck-Richie
 
thanks for the response

i already have most of the smaller things you mentioned, power amp, headphones,headphone amp ect...

i guess my main question was with the interface. i want something with pretty respectable pre's, as outboard pres are'nt my first concern right now. Im not opposed to a digital work station if the pre's would be better.

We are a 5 piece band and the reason i need 8 tracks is to do drums. I figured i would start with just the number i need (i only plan on recording us for now)

The vocals are screams, and i heard that the shure sm7 was solid for screaming vocals.
I own an audix d6 but i picked up the alesis dm5 and trigger to use as a live rig so i guess im just trying to get as much use out of it as possible

thanks again
 
A lot of screaming vocals pass through a SM7b you won't be sorry if you purchase one, even for non screaming vocals.
 
im now looking at the digidesign 003.... yay,nay?

am i going to notice a difference for how much more id pay for that vs. something like a saffire 40 or a m-audio profire 2626?
 
digidesign 003

I'd say yah if you are def using pro tools, you get a free copy plus tons of plugins well suited to guitar band production. Dont forget to check regular fore the updates, there is also a new midi control update which would allow you to use of the functionality of the workstation with cubase, but it can be tricky if you not sure. There two ways to go, the rack, or the factory, with the rack you'll need a digital mixer for that physicality, but that is mine field all on its own, with the factory, you're kind of stuck with pro tools, which is expensive if you decide you cant deal with its sometimes finickiness. One the monitor front, I'd go for the KRK VXT8's, bigger speakers are always better for multi track recording.
 
the draw for me to the digidesign 003 rack+factory is that it includes protools. i am looking for a good 8 input interface that i wont have to upgrade for a while. anyone else have experience with this? anything else i should consider?
 
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