Mics

  • Thread starter Thread starter polarity
  • Start date Start date
P

polarity

New member
I have been slowly starting to build up my in home studio. It was started as a project just for myself to use and have fun but now some friends have started coming over and want to record some too. I'm really starting to enjoy learning the software (even though I don't know much).

I have 2 computer setups (one for fast and easy, one for something that we really like and want to work on seriously).

The computers are
1) Fast and easy - Windows PC running Mixcraft
2) Detailed - Mac running Logic Pro 9

The current setup is just m-audio mobile pre with an Audio Technica 2035 mic. So far I dont really have any complaints but I am going to get a small amount of spending money (about $500) and was wondering what to add next. Should I focus on getting a couple more different mics or get away from the mobile pre and into something a little better? Right now my 2 inputs seem to work fine and I'm not doing any traveling so I don't need gig mics or anything. I figured with different people (different voices) coming in maybe it was time to pickup another mic? Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also for the space all I've done is taken a walk in closest and added padding around the room to kill vibrations, the recordings come out pretty silent but I've also been using logic pro to clear out any background noise if some pops up.

thanks
-polarity
 
If you don't need to record drums, the usual next thing would be to do some good acoustic treatment. There are some good DIY options that are well within your budget. Otherwise, upgrade your mic. I would do either of those before the preamp.
 
I ... I am speechless.
Well I guess I should ask if vocals are the only thing that you are to record.
 
I also noticed I put this in the wrong section of the forum, my apologies for that. I will pay more attention next time.. (first time poster here)
 
I've been recording guitars and vocals but doing them single track at a time. The guitar is usually plugged into the mobile pre with the mic setup on it too, then trying to mix the two until I have a sound I like (or just use the direct line if I cant make it sound good).. So vocals and acoustic guitar are the only thing currently on that mic (then of course electric goes direct in through my amp)
 
Then a good dynamic microphone would be a different flavor.
 
I guess now would be a good time to learn about the different types of microphones and their intended purpose. Thanks for the input, sorry for such a basic question but I guess we all start somewhere.

moresound said:
Then a good dynamic microphone would be a different flavor.
Click to expand...
 
Here is a list from an other thread.

Steenamaroo said:
For studio applications I never ever use my only 58, but that's because I have re20,d112,d12,sm7b,md421 etc.

If I didn't have those my 58 would definitely be worn out.

It depends what you're doing though. It can be great for voice work, snares, guitar cabs etc.
Click to expand...


Those are all good dynamic microphones.
 
Thanks very much, time to do a little reading.

As an aside question does anything I'm doing sound like it's way off or completely incorrect? I've never been in a real studio and so far everything has just been done by reading and then trying to use my ears to get what I think is an ok sound.
 
polarity said:
So far I dont really have any complaints but I am going to get a small amount of spending money (about $500) and was wondering what to add next.
Click to expand...

Espresso Machine

:)

Best thing is to take a little time and assess what your needs are...and then make the next purchase.

(I will move this thread to the Newbies forum so you can get more input).
 
The end product is all that counts. Your method in achieving it can vary greatly from person to person.
Do you have any clips of what you have done that you can post hear via soundcloud or similar media?
 
Thanks, I noticed almost as soon as I submitted it that I was in the wrong section.


miroslav said:
Espresso Machine

:)

Best thing is to take a little time and assess what your needs are...and then make the next purchase.

(I will move this thread to the Newbies forum so you can get more input).
Click to expand...
 
Yeah I have a few at home, I'm at the office now but I'll throw something up and link it when I get home tonight.

moresound said:
The end product is all that counts. Your method in achieving it can vary greatly from person to person.
Do you have any clips of what you have done that you can post hear via soundcloud or similar media?
Click to expand...
 
A couple of quick questions to the OP; what are you monitoring your mixes/recordings on, i.e monitor speakers, hi-fi speakers or headphones? if you've not got some monitor speakers then, if i were you, that'd be my next investment. however, if the room in which you're mixing in is completely untreated then some acoustic treatment should be the first port of call (it's not as satisfying as opening a new mic box but it's worth it in the long run)

if you're set up is working for you and you've had no complaints then the wise old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" springs to mind.

Adding some new mic's would give you more options in terms of "flavour" for recording and for $500 there's a shed load out there so take your pick. however, i'd suggest looking at mics that are intentionally different sounding to the AT2035 so you can have some variety.

if you're only recording no more than two tracks at a time and you've had no problems with the Maudio interface then there's no need to upgrade. if you wanted to record drums or use more than two mic's at a time then maybe look at another interface with more inputs and, again, in your prize bracket there's a lot.

and expresso machines are soooooooo last year, it's all about the 3 second kettles now! ;)
 
Espresso machines may be "last year" but they probably have the most beneficial effect on my mixes of any of my outboard gear, especially after a lot of hours!

Seriously, the suggestion of monitors may be a good one. A decent monitoring system can make a huge difference to both the quality and enjoyment of the mixing process.

Microphones? I'm a self confessed microphone junky and love buying new ones. However, that itch usually comes from either "hmmm, I wish I had a mic that sounds a bit more warm/crisp/detailed/dark/accurate/clear on vocals/less screechy on violins/etc. etc. (delete as appropriate). Or just the "wow, that's a good deal on a 414XLS and I've always wanted one". I'm less certain about just buying another mic because the money is burning a hole in my pocket. However, with only a single mic, maybe adding to the collection is a decent idea--maybe even several, say an SM57 and a stereo pair of SDCs which you should get for your money.

Since no studio is complete without a lava lamp, I'll assume you already have one.
 
Bobbsy said:
Espresso machines may be "last year" but they probably have the most beneficial effect on my mixes of any of my outboard gear, especially after a lot of hours!

Since no studio is complete without a lava lamp, I'll assume you already have one.
Click to expand...

As an Englishman sometimes a cup of strong yorkshire tea is preferable to expresso, hence the 3 second kettle :D either way, the need for access to quick, hot, caffeinated beverages is a must for those long sessions

Also, agreed; an SM57 and a stereo pair of SDC's would give you a much broader range of possibilities for recordings
 
Bobbsy said:
Espresso machines may be "last year" but they probably have the most beneficial effect on my mixes of any of my outboard gear, especially after a lot of hours!
Click to expand...

A french press with fresh ground beans and spring water works well and is far less expensive. YMMV hahaha
 
Sorry for not replying last night, someone stole my debit card and racked up a few charges, I spent the night angry instead of remembering to follow up here.

As for monitors, right now I'm using some basic logictec PC speakers with subwoofer. I did buy a couple pairs of Sony Studio Headphones (pretty cheap honestly), so some decent monitors and headphones could definately move up the top of the list. Some acoustic treatment in the room sounds like a good plan too. I am planning on selling this house and buying another in about a year so I might just do the basics here and wait until I'm in my new place.
 
polarity said:
Sorry for not replying last night, someone stole my debit card and racked up a few charges, I spent the night angry instead of remembering to follow up here.

As for monitors, right now I'm using some basic logictec PC speakers with subwoofer. I did buy a couple pairs of Sony Studio Headphones (pretty cheap honestly), so some decent monitors and headphones could definately move up the top of the list. Some acoustic treatment in the room sounds like a good plan too. I am planning on selling this house and buying another in about a year so I might just do the basics here and wait until I'm in my new place.
Click to expand...

firstly, sorry to hear about the debit card man, that plain sucks! i hope you got it sorted and i hope they find who ever took it upon themselves to spend your money! even thinking about this makes me angry.

secondly, everything you said makes sense in terms of buying headphones and monitors and waiting to move before going full out on treating the room (plus it gives you more time to save for treatment). there's plenty out there within your budget and there's plenty of threads on here about monitors and headphones so do a search :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top