Need help getting started

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zibbytbo

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I am just starting out and would like some help or thoughts on the easiest and fastest way to get my studio started.I want to record 2 guitars a bass a drum machine and 4 vocals.What am I going to have to have?Do I need a mixer?mic pre amp,power amp and a recorder plus effects?Like I said Im new at this and would appreciate any help.
 
I guess the best way to get this going would be to ask how many of these things do you want to record at once? This will make a big difference in what kind of money we are talking about.
Also what type of computer do you have? Be specific as to processor, ram, hard drive size, etc.

F.S.
 
I guess I should also ask what type of music and do you need a board anyway? By that I mean are you going to have to purchas a board at some point in the future? How much are you willing to spend?

Later

F.S.
 
As F.S. indicates, there are several questions you need to ask yourself. Obviously the majority of people either choose a stand alone unit (mini disks, etc) which normally have a mixer built in - or - record on a computer, which depending on the software has a "mixer". The majority of the stand alones limit how many tracks you can record at one time (1, 2 maybe 4) and naturally a computer can also limit the number of input tracks, (and output) depending on the A/D converters.

Do you want to have something fairly portable vs. a computer tower/monitor, etc? Do you have(or prefer harware effects/processing (rack modules) or do you prefer software to do the job.

Obviously, reading various posts on this site will give you plenty to think about. I always get catalogs from places like Interstate Music, Full Compass, etc. just to stay aware of what gear is out there.

At a minimum, you would need a small multi track device (I suggest at least an 8 track machine) and something to mix down to (a CD burner or a DAT - in a pinch a cassette deck - for basic demos). You will need something to monitor with and although short term you could get by with a home "stereo system" it is better to use "studio reference monitors - many people now prefer powered speakers, which eliminates the need for a power amp. You could get by (for a while) with one basic dynamic mic - like an SM57, but at some point you will likely want a condensor mic, which then could require a pre amp.

If you are in the very early stages (and it sounds like you are) read everything you can - this is a very good site with many knowledgeable people.

In any case, good luck and have fun.
 
Well you certainly have given me something to think about.I have researched a bit as you have suggested and tell me if this sounds doable.I think I would prefer a stand alone unit rather than doing it through my computer so I have found a 10 track boss 1180 with cd burner with effects and sampled drum tracks.If I go with this and a couple condensor mics and mic pre amp along with my home stereo will this get me going?I will be recording the instruments one at a time and no more than two vocals at a time.Thanks for all the help.With everything thats available today its overwhelming.Back in my day we just hung a couple sm58s from the ceiling attached to a reel to reel and took off.
 
yes there IS alot available today and in a way thats dangerous. Getting started is a vulnerable time. It takes no effort at all to get excited and run out and spend a boatload of cash on a grip of gear. So please do yourself a huge favor and do your homework. Research, read catalogs, go to manufacturers websites, play around at a local store, ask the boys here. Theres few things worse than buying the latest and greatest gadget only to find you need 5 more gizmos to really make it work. Or to find that whatever you just sold your earthly possesions to buy is not what you needed at all.

You already have a terrific resource right at your fingertips. Try your hand at some of the free demo multitrack PC recording programs. Check out your results... ask ask ask! this is god-awful contagious and can swiftly lead to the road of broke and divorced.
 
zibbytbo: How goes it?

Well it sounds like you are getting an Idea.

I will only say this once and then we go back to the direction you are heading... I would go computer based. The editing ability is har to beat. You could play the chorus good once and copy it and use it for all choruses. etc, etc. It would cost you a few bucks though. You may want to make a shopping list going each way and compare what you are getting for your money. I know for alot of people wha have not tried it the prospect of using a computer to record seems like it would be a pain in the ass to learn, It is, but the boss unit is a computer and I bet it will be a pain in ass to learn as well only it will be far less adaptable.


OK I'm done.

It looks like with this unit you would at least need one preamp to record two vocal tracks at the same time. The unit says it has 1 built in. You will need two condensor mics (well if I was you I'd record one vocal track at a time). Maybe the MXL v67g or the Audio-technica AT-3035 or the studio projects c-1 would be good quality starters. You can go cheaper with the mics. You could get a couple of MXL 990's or studio projects b-1's. If vocals are your focus I'd say you will drop $300.00 or more for a OK Pre amp, by my standards at least (some would say $2000.00)
You will need a dynamic mic for guitar. I'd go with a SM-57. You will need to mic the bass (you could use the 57) or what most prefer to do is run it direct in which means you need a DI (direct) box. The favorites on the direct box seem to be the Sans amp and the country man. You need some decent head phones to play or sing along with. You will need a compressor if you ever hope to achive studio sound (this unit may have compression).

Well thats a starter list. Figure on $200.00 or more in cables also.

Oh ya to ever mix good you will need monitor speakers (this is a must) You could get a amp/speaker combo that will get you by for about $350.00 to $500.00 dollars. You might look at the Tannoy Proto-J (speakers) and Hafler TA-1100 amp Combo

Well I would write more but I need to go. Think about the computer. You may need the unit to be mobile and in that case I'd agree go all in wonder. If not I would really think about it.


Good luck
I'll be back:)
F.S.
 
Het zibbytbo,

I don't have any hands on with the Boss unit and although I am a fan of computer recording (because of the editing abilities that F.S. mentioned), if you have done some research and believe that's what you can work with - go for it. Certainly the on board effects, drum samples and a CD burner resolves most of your needs in one box (although keep in mind that the risk of everything in one box is - if anything in the box goes bad, requireing shop repairs, your whole system goes to the shop).

That being said, I'm a believer in doing something rather than being frozen with no action while contemplateing the options - and it does sound like you have considered your options.

If you are planning on a "couple" of condenser mics, an AT4033 is a good workhorse (if you can still find them). The MLX67 is a "fair" low cost mic. I would suggest one SM57 for mic'ing guitar cabs (in general it is a workhorse). You can go just as crazy trying to decide on a mic pre as a mic - many people like the Joe Meek's for low cost pre's - I've actually found the Behringer VX2000 to be a decent low cost channel strip and for someone strating out the ART Tube MP's get the job done.

It sounds like you are planning on useing your home stereo to monitor - and while that may be OK for a short while, keep in mind stero systems are designed to make music sound good (in particular bass) - you can't really trust stereo speakers to give you a mix the translates well to other systems. But, if you do feel you need to go that route (if you can't afford a monitor system right now) make sure you check your mixes against reference CD's in the music style you're recording. If you have a boom box of some sort to use as an second monitor sytem so much the better. You will find soon enough that you want/need a better monitor system.

In any case good luck and welcome to the club.
 
I second the AT-4033. It would be hard to go wrong with that (unless your like me and can't afford it:D)
I wanted to mention if you will only be doing acoustic guitar you don't really need the SM-57. You could use a condensor mic instead. The 57 would be nice to have around though. You can also get a nice vocal sound out of a sm-57, but it is not very user friendly, as far as being able to move around much while singing.
Not so good for wiggley people:D

Well feel free to shoot more questions our way.



Later

F.S.
 
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