Need feedback on my setup and question about monitors

[mtholfsen]

Just wanted to get opinions on this setup. My ultimate goal is to be able to record 10+ tracks live in my home studio, although that won't be the norm. Typically, it will be me recording lots of parts separately. Style of music is acousitc/electric jangly power pop. Here's my current setup that is mostly working, but I'm still learning everything.

3.2 GHz, 1 gig RAM, 500 mgig HD
Hammerfall HDSP 9652 sound card
Behinger ADA8000 for mic inputs
- goal is to eventualy have 2 ADA8000s going to HDSP card
Emu - PK-6
Cubase SX3
Mics: bunch of SM57s, D112, 2 Senn. 421, 2 oktava mk012, couple random other mics

2 questions:
1) What are some good powered monitors to get for $300-400? Someone I know recommend Event TR-6s, and I just wanted opinions on those or others you may prefer.
2) Am I missing anything obvious in my setup?

thanks
-mike

 

[Monkey Allen]

Sounds good. What's the soundcard like? Can't help with monitors

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

I'm intrigued as to your choices of soundcard, ADA conversion and preamps.

How's the conversion and mic pres in that Behri unit? Did you compare with some other stuff that's out there?

Looks like you have some decent dynamic mics and a pair of SDCs (always useful) but I see no LDCs on your list?

What are you doing for headphone monitoring?

I've not used mnay monitors in the price range you mentioned. The Wharfedale Diamond pro 8.2 actives seem to get talked of highly around here.

 

[giraffe]

i don't know the tr-6's but event is generally a good company.

 

[mtholfsen]

I chose the RME soundcard because I wanted an easy way to go from 8-->16-->24 tracks if necessary. In reality, I'll probably never need it but I figured the option would be nice. The overall reviews (between this site and others) liked the RME card as well. I'd also like to add a Mackie Universal Control next year, and maybe the Mackie extender for 8 more tracks to have a total of 16 track control for Cubase.

As far as the conversion/mic-pre's, I didn't have the budget to get super-expensive stuff, and the ADA8000 seemed to be decent price and accomplished what I want. Seems like there are mixed reviews on this site, but if they suck, I figure I can sell it for a decent price on eBay (where I got mine from). It's also easy to add additional ADA8000s if I need to. That said, once I start doing more recording (when I get all the equipment figured out better) I may change my mind

For headphone monitoring, I have a Behringer Powerplay PRO-8 HA-8000, but I haven't got it setup and working yet.

What do you recommend for an LDC mic(s)?

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

That makes sense if you want to expand a lot. It seems the common thing for people to do is get interfaces with ADA built in and then get seperate pres or a mixer. We all have different needs though, it's not always appropriate to do what 'everybody else' does.
I don't use any behri gear myself so I don't bash it for the sake of it but I have to say it doesn't generally get spoken of very highly on this BBS. If you get on OK with it though that's the main thing. As you say you can always upgrade later if you feel the need.

What do you recommend for an LDC mic(s)?

That's a huge question, there are so many out there. It's probably worthwhile spending some time in the Mic forum and doing a search on LDC's. Tbh I don't own that many LDC's and I only like to reccommend gear I've used so my reccommendations wouldn't be that useful. You'll find loads of opinion and info in the mic forum though and you should get an idea of what would be suitable for you.