I'm starting to build my studio, and I need some help and ideas. HELP!!!

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abrahamstokley

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Hello everyone. I'm a newbie, of course. I'm about to build my studio, and I have a $2500-$3000 budget. I don't need to buy everything right away, but I'd like to get most of it. I will probably wait and get Monitors down the road, since I have a pair of really nice headphones. I have mics and instruments and cables already. Everyone that helps me, I want them to realize that I want a VERY PROFESSIONAL SOUND QUALITY! I realize that having good equipment doesn't automatically mean that It's going to sound good. I want the best equipment and software I can afford. I want a very professional sound. I don't need nor want it to be portable. It will stay where it is. I know I have three options. PC, Mac, or PC with Digital Workstation. I really want to use a PC, because I know them inside out. I have experimented with demos, so I kinda know what I want. The computer will just be for the studio. I'm not going to use it for anything personal. I've read and read and read many many articles, reviews, suggestions, and setups, and there are so many options, I came here for expert advice. I don't nessecerily want to know your setup. I just want to know what I need to get the most HIGH END PROFESSIONAL SOUNDING SYSTEM within my budget. I have my eye on a computer system: Athlon XP 2200 MHz, CD burner, 512 DDR Ram, SoundBlaster Live 5.1 Sound Card (Will this do a professional job or not? Or does it depend on my software), 80 gig hard drive 7200 rpm, etc, etc, etc. I want to know if that soundcard will work, or should I upgrade? And what input system or preamp should I use? I've got software in mind, but am very flexible. CEP 2.0, Cakewalk, Fruity Loops, what else? I am going to record country music, if that helps. I won't be using a bunch of star wars effects or anything. I need a system, where if I knew what I was doing, it would be professional enough quality to sell. And, I also know some people are recording on digital workstations dry, and then putting into the computer. Regardless, I really want a PC. So, I guess I have 2 options. PC for recording, editing, mixing, mastering, or have a digital workstation for recording, and PC for the rest. What's the best for ME? I am willing to change everything if nessicary. I just need some help. I've tried to get people to help me elsewhere, and they think I'm doing it for sh*ts and grins. That's why I came here. I am SERIOUS about recording. I'm willing and wanting to learn all I can, but I want a system that will record VERY PROFESSIONAL Stuff when I get to that level. And, I'm sure I'll build on to it once I learn more. So, I guess this is just the beginning, but I want a great system. I don't want to blow $3000 on a system that won't have a clean and smooth sound. I know it will take time to learn, but I realize this. I think most of you know what I'm saying and can help me. I appreciate it. Thanks in advance.


Abraham
 
abrahamstokley said:
I will probably wait and get Monitors down the road, since I have a pair of really nice headphones. I am SERIOUS about recording.

Abraham
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If your serious about recording and want professional sound, get the monitors. You can't mix with headphones, there's no comparison. Get the monitors.
 
Good point. Go with the monitors. I realize I will need a better soundcard. And, I don't play drums, so I'll need something for that. I want it to sound like real drums if possible. And, preamps and input devices I don't know what to go with. I'm not sure on software either. And, I may record on a Digital Workstation, then dump to the PC if that's what you think is best. I will be recording everything one by one myself if that helps.
 
NY is absolutely right. The monitors are a must.

You have such a general need that it is difficult to give advice. There are many different ways to get a pro sound, and at best most of us can just post up what we have and what we would add if we could, but the biggest difference lies in knowing how to use what you have.
 
Alesis SR-16. A real solid drummer. Not loaded with a million super features that let you record bass or symphonies. Its a drum machine plain and simple. Programable, realistic, and rarely argues.
 
abrahamstokley said:
. And, I don't play drums, so I'll need something for that. I want it to sound like real drums if possible.
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My advice would be to find (pay) someone to record drums and do that in a real studio. It'll certainly be a lot cheaper than buying all the mics/preamps/8+ converters, especaily if you want real quality. That way you can spend the rest of your money on less equipment but better quality equipment. Just a thought, maybe im wrong but i think it would be cheaper for you.
 
I can only give you advice on my set up and what ive read because im not an expert on this. Your computer seems fine, just make sure you have a seperate (7200rpm) hard drive for audio. I wouldnt think that a soundblaster card would give you anything too professional. How many tracks are you plaing on doing at a time? If you take my above suggestion you would probably only need to record one track at a time. I'd reccoment the delta omni studio because it have headphone amps as well as monitor outs with volume controle. Plus it has preamps that you could use untill you get more money for a good preamp, that way you wont have to skimp on a cheap preamp and then end up not using it after you buy a good preamp. As the saying goes "buy cheap buy twice" There are plenty of threads on the rack forum as to the pros and cons of different preamp but id suggest a Joe Meek VC1Q. If you can afford it get a RNC compressor as they're deap cheap and great value for money. If you're gonig to be recording guitar via amp get a SM57, its cheap and you'll always use it. There are quite a few budget condensor mics out there. Personaly i'd save and get an NTK but other may have a better idea for you. If you have the money consider getting a Pod for guitar they are realy nice sounding and with some experimenting have a wide range of sounds. I dont know much about the range of software out there but from personal experiance Logic Gold is very nice, very professional and has alot to offer if you give it a chance.
I'm sure there are people out there who can give you better advice but im sure i can help a little here ;)
 
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