Money wise

[chesley]

I think just like everyone, I want to get efficiency and longevity out of the smallest amount of money possible. This is my first go at buying recording equipment, my first go really at doing any of this on my own. So, I was wondering, since I'm primarily a vocalist and guitarist, and my first real recording sessions will be centered on that, should I stick with a SM57 and 58, rather than the 57 and a condenser mic? I'm going off of hearsay, so advice is needed...

 

[crazydoc]

First, are you going to use a mixer or preamp that has phantom power?

Anyway, it's sort of pointless to get a 57 and a 58 at once, since they are so similar.

 

[chesley]

IM at the starting line. I want to get the Mbox/ protools setup, so really I'm just begging for beginner advice. The Mbox has phantom power, right? so I'm really just asking what would be the best for a super beginner...wrong forum?

 

[DonF]

The Mbox has phantom power, right?

Right......

 

[4-Man Takedown]

I'd probably go with a multi-pattern condenser. That way you could use it on your vocals and guitar, plus have some versitility with your sound by trying omni and figure-8 patterns as well. I'm not a big fan of the 57 on much except snare, although I don't have any real nice pre-amps. I am a huge fan of dynamic mics, some of my most used mics are my audix i5 and my ATM25, and I have used a 58 and beta 58 with good results on vocals, but as such, with the m-box's pre's I still think a condenser would be best.

Maybe some to look into would be, CAD M179, M-audio Solaris, and Studio Projects (B3?), for "budget," but also decently regarded condenser mics with multi-patterns.

YMMV

 

[tdukex]

I think you are better off with a decent preamp and PCI soundcard like the like M-Audio's DMP3 ($150) and Audiophile 24/96 ($100) than the M-Box USB setup. You will have better preamps, comparable AD/DA conversion, and you will have $250 left over for a decent condensor mic. There are several lowcost/no cost tracking software options available, including N-Tracks (see forum on this BBS).

 

[Dot]

chesley, if you already have a 57 and can use it on your vocals, I'd recommend you add a Studio Projects B1 for your acoustic - which you can also try on your vox. You can get some serious mileage on a lot of applications out of just those two mics.