Need recs for a (primarily) vocal setup.......

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N4M1RR3M

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I'm going to setup a studio in my house, and would like some input on equipment choices.....

I'm a newb & have spent the last couple of days trying to figure out what I need. I've read various tutorials on Tweakheadz site, and need to know what equipment is necessary for my application. My daughter & I spend all of our time together.....& we both LOVE to sing. So, my main use for the system will be vocals (though I would like to buy more than I need at this point, so I don't have to upgrade within the year). I/we mainly sing r&b / praise music....if that helps

My goal is to record music & put it on the pc to be edited/mixed (I think, right?), so I can write it to disc. I'm basically starting from scratch......I have a MIDI Yamaha keyboard & a couple of pc's. I'd rather not deal with soundcard issues, so I'm hoping that an Analog firewire mixer or Multitrack recorder will suffice (to bypass the soundcard, right?). What is the benefit of a multitrack recorder, and do I need it?

I know the Shure 57 seems to get a lot of good reviews on here.......is it imperative that I purchase a preamplifier to get quality sound from the mic (if it's using xlj/phantom power?). I really appreciate any advice........I'm learning (slowly). I'm a single dad, (momma left us a couple of years ago) so funds are not flowing freely......but I'd like to get some quality equipment that will serve us well. Time is not an issue, and Craigslist seems to have plenty of stuff.........
 
That's a great question......my budget has grown since I've been reading over here. :-) Honestly, I don't really know. My parents have a bunch of equipment (mixer/preamp/mics) that I used to use with my sis when we were performing/recording (to tape!) all the time.....I haven't asked if I can borrow/have any yet, so I'm assuming that I'm starting from scratch. I don't mind spending 500 on a mixer if it's worth it........but don't want to overspend on something that I won't use.

I don't have a solid figure to give you.......I'm more interested to know what is required to get me "off the ground", with quality equipment.
 
Ok, your basic recording chain goes like this--

Mic-->pre-amp-->interface-->computer. Sometimes the interface contains a pre-amp though, so having a separate pre-amp isn't always necessary.

This is where your budget comes in, but since you didn't give me anything, I can't give you any real suggestions, as prices on these different pieces of equipment vary dramatically. Therefore, forgive me if these items are too inexpensive for you.

If I were you, I'd get a nice condenser mic...something like a MXL v67g (about $100-$110, but good quality)

I'd skip a separate pre-amp for now.

For the interface, I guess you want a firewire one, since you mentioned it, but if I were you and the computer was capable, I'd get a USB 2.0 one, since firewire is gonna be obsolete soon. I'd personally recommend something Tascam (since those are what I have experience with), but there are many quality audio interfaces out there.

And for the recording program for the computer, I'd look for a package deal when looking for an interface. Many of them now come with some sort of recording software, but if you were unable to do that, I'd download Reaper and pay the $40 for it.

Budgets help a lot ;)
 
+1 to tascam. The M-164uf has done everything I've asked of it and then some. Only a few times has it not responded and all I had to do was reset it. New it was about 300$

Might be overkill for a primarily vocal setup though...
 
Thanks for the reply.......so, would the Tascam 2488 serve my needs? I found one on craigslist for 500 locally, but might be able to snag it cheaper....
 
Don't spend all your money on one thing. How are you going to be recording - one thing at a time? In other words, lay the keyboard/midi tracks down, then each of you (singing) at separate times? it is important to get an interface that will allow you to record as many tracks at the same time individually as you need.
As you've been reading, you will need:
microphone(s) and stand(s)
headphone(s)
audio interface
monitors
cables

The Tascam 2488 is a portable digital recorder - unless you are really looking for a portable all-in-1 device, the general recommendation is to record using your computer. If you want to use MIDI, it's almost a requirement, other than using stand-alone MIDI sound-prodcing units (other keyboards, etc.)
 
I hadn't really thought about "how" I'll be recording......I guess recording multiple tracks simultaneously is what I will (eventually) need........but how many? And what tells me how many tracks the interface is equipped to handle? Is that the Alt Bus?

I don't really need "portability".......so then do I need to be looking at "stereo mixers" instead of Multitrack recorders? There are soooooooo many :-(

I guess I just need a good interface with USB 2.0, Phantom power for the mics, Alt-bus (I heard this is a must?)........is there anything else I need to consider?
 
An 'alt bus' is just another set of outputs besides your regular (main one) - this is a feature on a mixer, not an interface.
Check out the USB interfaces at Sweetwater.
You want to be looking for the 'out' number for how many individual tracks can be sent to the computer at one time. For example, the Tascam US-1800 has 4. The M-Audio Fast Track Ultra has 8.
 
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