my first post... but a big one

[milesonend]

hi ive been using the forum for a couple of years to help me with my projects and finally im in need of help myself and have a bunch of questions that are kinda hard to answer while sorting through the hundreds of posts.

ive been recording on a korg d1600 and have been getting quite good results for a couple of years now but im looking to expand my setup to try to get an even better sound. ill be looking to get rid of this...

i picked a digi 001 real cheap with a ton of plugins and the latest software i think it can run 6.4. (it was formally in a old semi professional studio in town)

i also have a set of presonus bluetube mic pre's

3 sm57
2 sm58
2 studio projects c1
a bunch of old assorted mics
headphone amp
xlr snake
a pair of monitors

i have exactly $1000 to spend on equipment...
what do i need to make this all work, but give me some flexibility in my projects (mostly indie rock to metal bands)

im thinking i need

mixer - with at least 8 inputs and does the mixer's inputs color the mic pre's?
mic pre's - which ones and why
other mics - overheads and kick drum


i understand everyone has different preferences so throw out whatever. i dont have any real opportunity to try out some of this equipment before i buy it... our mars music in omaha closed down awhile back

 

[ethos]

word, i use the Korg D1600 aswell.
cant really help you out though.

 

[Sirnothingness]

Doesn't the Digi 01 have inputs and mixer capabilities? What type of computer do you own? I'd probably get more software.

 

[tourettes5139]

For kick drum, the "standards" are AKG D112, Shure Beta 52, and Audix D6. There are many other choices; some like the Seinheisser (dang, I hate trying to spell that word!) MD421, and others, as well.

Overheads-wise, many people like the Oktava MC012's and MXL 603's, which are both fairly cheap, but with good results. I need to get a pair of the Oktava's myself, one of these days...

Depending on how your computer is doing, definitely upgrade your RAM, it is the most cost-effective upgrades hardware wise for a computer.

As for the mixer, Soundcraft seems to be well liked, as well as Allen & Heath. I can't say for sure, because I don't have them, but I would like to! If you have external preamps, there is no point in running them into the mixer, just plug them straight into the interface. The mixer's preamps will have an effect on the sound, so I would just go straight in, unless of course you are submixing before the signal hits the interface.

Mic pre's.....M-Audio DMP3, FMR RNP, Grace 101,...I'm not sure what your price range is in terms of how you want to split up your money between preamps, mics, and such.

Finally, I would also take a look at treating your room acoustically. This can make a large difference in your monitoring and recording environment. Check out the studio building and display forum as well as www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html for some great acoustics info.

 

[milesonend]

i think my comp is ok i built it last year just for the studio

intel 2.8 ghz
1 gig of ram
2 dedicated 80 gig hardrives in a raid

my tracking room is treated with a bunch of auralex foam and a bunch of carpet layed down everywhere... its a basement so ive done what i can

ahh if i remember correctly, the studio the digi 001 was in used the software mixer. the digi 001 has 8 inputs... so i really wouldnt need a mixer i guess right?
i should just use that money on pre's?

ive been looking a the audix d6 for awhile now so ill probably pick that up
the overheads ill need to read up on, but those sound good as well

hmm it looks like ill have quite a bit to spend on pre's

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Whatever you do lose the Presonus BlueTube preamps. Even an older Mackie CR1604 mixer crushes them for sound.

 

[milesonend]

i havent tracked anything with them yet so i havent had a chance to hear them yet. are they really that bad probably why i got them for free...

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Yeah they're pretty bad. I knew a guy just getting into recording who had one and I thought they were almost the worst preamp I've ever heard.

 

[guido #2]

Usually, a mixer has mic pres. It will be cheaper in the end to go that route.. Later you can get an ADAT converter and do 16 inputs to the 001.

A mixer with direct output on each channel would be the cats petoutee for that purpose. Used, you can get an Alesi Studio 32 for $300 or so.
(In fact, you can buy mine )
Seriously, it has the features, but not the warmest of sounds.
A Soundcraft (like suggested earlier) would be a better, but more expensive option.

Don't forget... most mixers will have inserts. Push a cable into an insert just untill the first click and suddenly it's a direct out. You will usually lose the function of the rest of the channel strip, though.