KingNothing
New member
If you wanted to go cheap, and yet not totally crappy, just get an ART Tube MP, run the sm57 through it and into your SBlive. ART Tube MP will run you about $100.
B
Boots
New member
I am new to home recording (recording in general) and have a question. And don't really want to spend $1000's to start out. I'd like to "phase" myself in.
I've read through some threads on this BBS but couldn't really find a solid answer to my question. I have a sb live sound card (I know it sucks for low noise recording)and a Shure SM57 mic.
Can I just use a mic preamp, mixer, or mixer/amp combo? What do you recommend for a beginner like myself?
I am a guitarist wanting to record some songs that I've written over the years and only need to record a single track at a time. Eventually I would like to do some multitracking.
Any replys would be appreciated.
[This message has been edited by Boots (edited 03-23-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Boots (edited 03-23-2000).]
I've read through some threads on this BBS but couldn't really find a solid answer to my question. I have a sb live sound card (I know it sucks for low noise recording)and a Shure SM57 mic.
Can I just use a mic preamp, mixer, or mixer/amp combo? What do you recommend for a beginner like myself?
I am a guitarist wanting to record some songs that I've written over the years and only need to record a single track at a time. Eventually I would like to do some multitracking.
Any replys would be appreciated.
[This message has been edited by Boots (edited 03-23-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Boots (edited 03-23-2000).]
DaveO
New member
Based on your current situation I'd agree - go with the preamp. If you really only plan to record one track at a time with a single mic then a mixer is probably overkill - you have nothing to mix. Plus, you're recording digitally and would probably improve the quality of your recording with a tube preamp. If you get one that supplies phantom power then you'll set yourself up for the inevitable purchase of a condensor mic in the future. The ARTs are priced right and work great.
I asked the same question here a few months ago and got the same answer. My situation is slightly different than yours, but the rationale was the same. I ended up with a Tube MP and a Dual MP and have been very happy with them. I use them on all my mics (both condensor and dynamic) and even on my drum machine.
I asked the same question here a few months ago and got the same answer. My situation is slightly different than yours, but the rationale was the same. I ended up with a Tube MP and a Dual MP and have been very happy with them. I use them on all my mics (both condensor and dynamic) and even on my drum machine.
gaffa
Recalcitrant Member
I'm going to jump in and be different. I have a very similar setup to you (SBLive, SM58, not much else), and I looked at the pre-amp option, but ended up buying a beaten up second-hand 12 channel mixer (Studiomaster Diamond 12-2. So old that the studiomaster site refuses to acknowledge it exists). My reasoning here was:
a) preamps in general cost more here than in the US , so $100 suddenly is closer to $400, and
b) while I only wanted to record guitar and piano when I first started, having 12 channels meant that recording a drum kit live wasn't a problem (ie. mixing straight to a stereo track using my 58 and three $20 mics).
c) when my mates come round, I can mix the guitars, vox etc and even out the sound somewhat, and run all the output through the one decent amp we have between us (but this reason probably doesn't affect you so much)
It all depends on what you want - versatility (mixer) vs. quality (Art Preamp).
Eventually I'll buy a preamp, but with an SBLive, any joy gained with the preamp was soon distorted to hell by the SBLive.
- gaffa
a) preamps in general cost more here than in the US , so $100 suddenly is closer to $400, and
b) while I only wanted to record guitar and piano when I first started, having 12 channels meant that recording a drum kit live wasn't a problem (ie. mixing straight to a stereo track using my 58 and three $20 mics).
c) when my mates come round, I can mix the guitars, vox etc and even out the sound somewhat, and run all the output through the one decent amp we have between us (but this reason probably doesn't affect you so much)
It all depends on what you want - versatility (mixer) vs. quality (Art Preamp).
Eventually I'll buy a preamp, but with an SBLive, any joy gained with the preamp was soon distorted to hell by the SBLive.
- gaffa
B
Boots
New member
Thanks for your suggestions.