Inexperienced newbie starting out small - please help

  • Thread starter Thread starter Big Bubba
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Big Bubba

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First of all I would like to thank everyone who participates in these forums as I have been gleening mass amounts of information from you all! Thanks!

Here are my specs:

1 Ghz pc with SB Live
(2) Studio Projects B1 mics
Cakewalk HS

My question is what else do I need for the basic setup? I have read in many posts that a mixer or preamp would be wise with a pc setup.

I would like to start small and grow into whatever I need so I do not want to spend much money - no more than $200.

Please let me know what I may be missing and what you recommend.
 
To go along with that B-1, you'll need a mic preamp that'll do phantom power. If you have recording software, technicly that's all you would need to just record. Some monitors would be nice so you can accurately hear what you're doing.
 
Yup- first things first.

With $200 to start, you're going to need a preamp with phantom power to get those nice B1's working.

Here's the best option that I've heard of, though I haven't actually heard it myself:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...0188201470/search/g=live/detail/base_id/59730

That'll eat your $200, but you'll have something that you won't need to replace in 3 months because it doesn't sound good.

You will need recording software. Try n-track: its hands down the fullest featured program for the least money. Its what I started on and I have never regretted it.

http://www.fasoft.com

That's my best advice. Next up I'd get better speakers then replace that soundcard with something cleaner. In any case, the DMP3 and n-track will get you going and probably keep you going for quite some time.

Take care,
Chris
 
Thanks for the input!

Are there decent low-cost mixers that come with a built in preamp or should I treat the preamp as a separate piece of equipment?

When doing computer based recording with software such as n-track, do you even need a mixer?
 
Yo Bubba!- Whether you need a preamp or a mixer depends mainly on how many signals you intend to record simultaneously. If it's no more than 2, the DMP3 is a pretty good option. 2 channels, 2 B-3's, makes sense. Usually a mixer comes into play when recording a bunch of signals, especially a drum kit with multiple mics. Most home studios use a mixer for a bunch of channels, and 1-4 (or more) dedicated preamp channels for critical signals, especially vocals and acoustic instruments.
In the end, you have to make your own decision. A mixer gives you more versatility, especially if you have a lot of mics, and a dedicated preamp will generally produce better sound quality.
Of course, a mixer contains preamps, and a killer mixer will produce better sound than a cruddy preamp. The most important items in the signal chain are: the mic, the preamp, the cables, the soundcard or recorder, and the guy using them. The B1-s are fair mics, I'd give them the best preamp you can afford.-Richie
 
"...and the guy using them."

Oh sh*t, I better just give up now! :-)

Thanks for all of your advice - you have all been a great help!

Happy holidays!
 
Bubba have faith u have some of the basics for recording but like the other's before me have said go with a pre amp and then maybe invest in some top quality cables these always help and then you won't have to worry about replacing a cable that often.. Some pre's I would concider based on your budget would be behringer's Ultragain pro 2200 it list's for about $100 and it is not bad at all for the money or the ART Tube preamp System it lists for about $180 and these prices are avalible at Interstate Musician Supply or Musician's Friend may have them cheeper
 
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