My Potential Entry-Level Setup (help!)

  • Thread starter Thread starter dtran09
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dtran09

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Up til now, I've used two Blue Snowball USB mics to record drums.
For a simple setup that most people would podcast on, I think they did a decent job.
You can (if you want, this really isn't a plug for my band haha) listen at myspace (dot) com (slash) mepersonallymyspace

I'm thinking seriously about upgrading this pre-amateur setup.
I'm on a pretty tight budget, since I'm about to be a freshman in college.

As far as mics go, I'm looking at the CAD Pro 4 Pack, which is going for $76.40 on Amazon.

For a mixer, I'm torn between two.
The Alesis MultiMix 8 USB (not 2.0) for $159
OR
A used Behringer 1204fx for $120 (or maybe I could talk the price down to $100 or so).

Thoughts? Specifically on if there are any better alternative mics in that price range. And how Behringer's RCA to USB interface compares to Alesis' more straightforward USB interface.

Thanks in advance.
 
That 4-pack will cover your snare, kick and toms. What about cymbals? I'd think about factoring two overheads into the budget or you will quickly notice your drumtracks don't have much going on in the high-end. It'd help to get some of the room sound from the drums as well.

If you go that route, you'd need a mixer with more XLR inputs as both of your current choices only have 4.

You could also try the 3 mic drum technique. http://www.mercenaryaudio.com/3micdrumstuf.html
 
Ok thanks for the input. I don't think I could "fit" a pair of overheads into my budget right, but maybe down the road..

I was hoping I could pick up enough of the cymbals with the snare and tom mics.
 
CAD Pro Pack - junk.

You get what you pay for. I bought mine from Musician's Friend hoping to do close micing on my kit, after maybe 2 hours of use I sold it on eBay for a loss, and was glad to be rid of them.

There's really nothing "good" in that price range; IMHO you'd be better off picking up some inexpensive stands or drum clips and some GLS ES57s on eBay for around $25/per. You'll get a much better sound, and you'll have mics you can use for a lot of other instruments/vocals.

Also, IIRC, the non-2.0 Alesis only provides your PC with a stereo mixdown, so if you are close micing for separation/EQ, you have to to that on the board as it'll only hand off the signal in a stereo track, not individual tracks you can manipulate in your DAW.

I def. recommend trying out the 3 mic technique, or search here for Recorderman and Glyn Johns techniques. You can go a LONG way with 2 condenser overheads and a kick and snare mic using those methods, even in so-so rooms.
 
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I did a little research and I think The Glyn Johns method looks the best. Thanks a lot!
Although I still think I'll go with the CAD mics for now, because I don't think there's any way to get 4 mics for 75 bucks otherwise.
Thanks again!
 
Ahh.. unfortunately, I got the one MacBook model with NO firewire.
 
not even a 1394 jack? it's the same thing, just doesn't provide bus power.
 
gdavi1 said:
they sell converters.
it really is worth the money for firewire. imo or usb 2.0
Click to expand...

Not in my budget at the moment, but I'll definitely look to get a firewire computer when the time comes and hopefully by that time, more companies will have jumped on the 800 bandwagon because it's looking like Apple is abandoning the 400.

BlackHawk2029 said:
not even a 1394 jack? it's the same thing, just doesn't provide bus power.
Click to expand...

No, the only ports are power, ethernet, 2 x USB 2.0, Mini-DVI out, 2 x 3.5mm, and an oval hole to put a lock.
 
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