Keeping the creative juices flowing

[wheelema]

I am trying to provide a space for the children and friends to practice music (at this point vocals predominate). Structure and volume are not issues, I am trying to focus, with limited knowledge, on minimum hardware required. Right now, including accompanying instruments, these components would compromise the studio hardware....

AthlonXP 2400 (266mhz) w/512MB RAM, 80GB storage, CDRW, running Windows XP Pro and Sonar 3
ECHO Layla
ART Digital MPA Gold preamp
Pair of MAudio BX8 monitors
(6) Audio-Technica ATH-M40FS headphones

Instruments...
Roland V-Club drum set
Ibanez electric guitar
Roland RS-70 synth

Mic cabinet has...
(2) Studio Projects B3
MXL V57M
Audio-Technica AT-4033CL
Audio-Technica AT-4041

I don't want to overload the kids (9, 11, 13, 13, 14, 18 years) and their friends with a huge learning curve to use the gadetry or myself with poverty.

Do you have a piece of gear that you think is essential to toss in and the reason why, or perhaps to what degree I have missed my intended target and why? Thanks!

 

[c7sus]

I'd add a mixer and headphone amp if you don't already have those in mind.

Maybe a Mackie 1642 or a Soundcraft.

Don't forget cable, either. That's gonna run a few bucks. If you can solder you can save $ by making your own instrument, patch, and mic cables.

 

[wheelema]

I sacrificed the headphone amp and mixer to keep closer to the budget. Maybe down the road I can pick up a Mackie CFX-12, along with some more mics and a couple of different preamps. I am compentent at soldering and was going to roll my own cables.

Thanks for the feedback!