My First Studio

[Common Dreads]

Hey guys, I am just posting to make sure I am not missing anything obvious in my home studio that is going to make things complicated for me.

I will post my gear.


Digidesign 003 Factory Rack
Apple MacBook Pro 15"
2 Yamaha HS80M monitors.
ProTools LE

Mics

6 SM57's
1 JTS NX-2 Bass Drum Microphone
2 Legacy Axis 8 Condenser Microphones.
1 SM58

Is there anything else that I will need to get some basic recordings? I am in year 12 and I am hoping to do sound technology at uni.

 

[suprstar]

You have all the basics, I assume you have all the cords to hook it all up with. You'll be able to record and mix tracks with that.

 

[Common Dreads]

I KNEW I FORGOT SOMETHING! haha nah I have the cords.

Can you recommend anything I should save up for that will be useful to me in the future?

 

[suprstar]

Yeah, acoustic treatment. Search here and/or google for DIY oc-703 panels, bass traps, etc. Walls and corners reflect sound, which causes reinforcement and cancellation of specific frequencies, based on room size. Moving around the room, you can hear the tone change. 4" bass traps in the corners of your rooms is generally considered the best place to start. You can make 4'x2' panels for like $20 each. It's not as sexy as rack gear or flashy preamps with tons of led's and knobs, faders, bouncing vu meters, etc. But you'll hear what your mixes actually sound like, and that will put you miles ahead - it's probably the biggest bang for the buck you can get if your room is completely untreated.

 

[Dogbreath]

/\/\/\
What SuprDude said.

It took me awhile before I understood the importance of a well treated room. If I had to start this all over again, I'd focus more on the room first, then the monitors and the rest of the gear after that.

Bass traps are your friend.

 

[suprstar]

Heya dog! WOOOF barkbark OWWWWWwwww

 

[Dogbreath]

whuddup baby?


you gonna eat that last milkbone?

 

[TripleM]

Do you have mic stands? If not, you'll probably want a few.

Moving beyond the basics... I'm not familiar with the Legacy Axis 8, but if it's not a real good vocal mic you could use another condenser.

 

[Common Dreads]

It is a cheap, pretty much bottom of the line condenser. Can ou recommend a good mid priced condenser for recording vocals. Vicinity of like 200-300 Australian dollars if possible.

 

[TripleM]

It is a cheap, pretty much bottom of the line condenser. Can ou recommend a good mid priced condenser for recording vocals. Vicinity of like 200-300 Australian dollars if possible.

Oh boy, mic recommendations always seem to lengthen threads...

Anyway, I had a Oktava MK-319 for about $120US that I thought was pretty good. I've heard good things about the AT 2020. You might check ebay for some good AT or Shure mics that retail new in the $500-800 range. ebay might have them in your price range.

Other people might have other suggestions.

 

[Common Dreads]

Yeah, acoustic treatment. Search here and/or google for DIY oc-703 panels, bass traps, etc. Walls and corners reflect sound, which causes reinforcement and cancellation of specific frequencies, based on room size. Moving around the room, you can hear the tone change. 4" bass traps in the corners of your rooms is generally considered the best place to start. You can make 4'x2' panels for like $20 each. It's not as sexy as rack gear or flashy preamps with tons of led's and knobs, faders, bouncing vu meters, etc. But you'll hear what your mixes actually sound like, and that will put you miles ahead - it's probably the biggest bang for the buck you can get if your room is completely untreated.

Unfortunately the room that I will be mixing in is very small. Probably 3mx4m.

Will this introduce any problems while mixing? should I still look in to bass traps?

 

[suprstar]

Definitely.. In smaller rooms, the reflections come back at you stronger,

 

[RAMI]

Unfortunately the room that I will be mixing in is very small. Probably 3mx4m.

Will this introduce any problems while mixing? should I still look in to bass traps?

Even more reason for MORE bass traps.

 

[Common Dreads]

Alright I'll have a look into it. Struggling to find the owens corning in Australia >.<

 

[Supercreep]

Hi Dread -

Here's my advice: When your ears develop to the point that you're ready to upgrade, upgrade one piece at a time and learn it inside out before you get another piece.

This will save you money and you will learn more than if you try to do it all at once.

Welcome to HR, you're in the right place.

 

[Common Dreads]

I'm looking forward to improving my skills then maybe I'll be the one giving advice on the newbies forum haha. Thanks guys.

 

[dastrick]

You could sell some of those 57's and get yourself some room treatment. Maybe even a used AT2020 or Studio Projects B1 along with some room treatment.

And welcome to HR.