Mic and monitor recommendations

[jtlyonsden]

My band is planning on tackling recording this time around and I think I should upgrade a few items.

So I've been trolling this forum for the last week looking for info on mics and monitors. Before I divulge the short list (or not so short list) I've managed to create, I want to see if anyone has yet another option to throw into the mix (no pun intended...yes it was).

I'm only interested in mics/monitors you have had personal experience with, good AND bad. Yes, I will go to the store and try everything out myself, but your insights will also be very helpful.

Hopefully the following info will help...

BUDGET
While I wish this weren't a concern.... I'm willing to spend about $1500 on monitors and $2000 on mics. I'm also willing to save a little bit longer if need be. However, I don't think I can justify spending $4400 on a BLUE Bottle mic even if I had the money.

MUSIC
A mix of hard rock with some mellower moments. A la Staind or Audioslave - only with female lead vocals.

MY SPACE
Most of the recoding will be done within my 8' x 8' sound booth in my garage. I have my drumset in there along with my computer (G4, dual 1GHz, 2GB RAM, Logic Pro), control surface (Tascam FW1884), and monitors. I will move the recording equipment out and probably use headphones to track the other instruments (everything will be in there to record the drums, since I will do that on my own). I may also record the drums in another part of the house as well, not sure yet.

Once the initial tracking is done, I'll move the drums out and use the space to mix and, *gulp*, master. Of course, I want the best monitors I can get for this room. (I know, I know, send it out for mastering. We're going to at least try first. The only thing we'll waste is time.)

There is a possibility that we may be remodeling our house and the subject of creating a larger recording space has been brought up, so I would also like whatever I get now to fit in nicely down the road. This may not happen for a while, but it's another wrench to throw in. I can also move my stuff pretty easily to one of our bedrooms, too. It just limits the time I can work on the mix/mastering. No 2 AM sessions.

MICROPHONES
- One for capturing female lead vocals, male backing vocals, and male voiceover work. A bonus would be drum overhead use. This is where most of the mic money will go - I need this mic to be versatile and a workhorse. And, of course, sound good!

- Three to four mics for toms (rack and floor)

- One for guitar cabinets (heavy distortion as well as "clean")

- Also, any suggestions on preamps (if necessary). Right now, I run the one condenser mic I have (AKG C1000) directly into my FW1884. Works OK.

MONITORS
Current setup is a Carvin HT150 and two PM5 monitors. I want to upgrade at least the monitors. I was looking at active models, but I'm not opposed to passive if you can make a good case for it. This is where I become a tried and true newbie - I have no idea what would be best for an 8' x 8' room with sound reduction foam on all walls and ceiling.

I think that's it. If you need more clarification before making recommendations, let me know. Thanks!

 

[pohaku]

For Monitors, I like the NHT Pro line. I have a couple sets of the A-10s. Although they are discontinued, they show up on e-bay with some regularity and go for @$400 or so. Were $1200 list. They are powered monitors so you won't need an additional amp to run them. I added an NHT sub to mine and it gives nice extension although they are great without the sub too. The current small powered monitor by NHT is the M-00. I haven't used it but other posters on Gearslutz have said nice things about it. These go for under $400 on e-bay (there's a couple up right now).

For mics - I like the Audio Technica AT-4050 as an all around workhorse mic. It is a LD multipattern mic that works fine for vocals and overheads. Mine were recently used for drum overheads on the Jayhawks drummer's forthcoming solo album. I expect that the comparable Shure (KSM-44) would also be very good. If you donlt care about multi-pattern, the AT-4047 and the Shure KSM-32 would be worth checking out too.

For toms - the standard would be the Sennheiser MD-421. The Audio Technica ATM-25 also works very well on Toms as well as kick - cheaper than the 421. Another nice mic for toms is the Sennheiser 604. Again, cheaper than the 421.

Guitar cabs - Shure SM57 or Beyer M201. I like the Beyer better. You can use it with the 4050 or 4057. Less expensive alternative is Sennheiser 609 (silver not black).

There are multiple threads here on inexpensive preamps. Unless you want to spend significantly more money, I doubt that any of the inexpensive preamps out there would be much of an audible improvement over your Tascam.

If you want to stretch your $$$, consider buying used gear. It is pretty easy to pick up used mics on e-bay and, assuming reasonable due diligence, I have very rarely had any problem with buying mics and monitors there (I've bought over 80 mics and 2 sets of monitors and my sub on e-bay).

Have fun!

 

[jtlyonsden]

I'm always on ebay. In fact, I've checked every mic on my list so far and I've seen them all. Monitors, too. I will definitely go there first. That's where I got my drumkit, which is beautiful and sounds awesome.

Thanks for the suggestions. I haven't checked out the ATs yet, but I have seen them mentioned a few times now as I continue to browse the threads. Particularly the 4050.

 

[pohaku]

BTW, the SM57 and the Beyer M201 are great choices for snare as well. Again, I prefer the Beyer.