new computer? or vf80ex

  • Thread starter Thread starter oh_the_blood
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oh_the_blood

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i have about 600 dollars to spend on recording stuff, and or computer things.
i was thinking about getting the vf80ex, but then i came across this mac mini
http://www.apple.com/macmini/

and i was wondering which to get? i plan on recording solo acoustic stuff, but also later i plan on getting to record bands stuff.

i had a m-audio mobile pre usb and couldnt really figure it out, so please any suggestions would be great.
 
If you have trouble figuring things out you might be better off with the Fostex.
The VF80 will only let you record two tracks at once, I think.
The VF160 will let you record up to 16 tracks at once (8 at once out of the box) - much more use for recording a band.

Orc
 
That Mini-mac looks great. Recording/editing on a computer is more and more the way to go, but I prefer a standalone unit like the VF160. Editing is easier with a computer, but computers crash, have latency issues, can be noisy.

I'd only go with a computer if I could afford a good interface for plugging in mics, and if audio recording was all I was doing on it.

The VF80/160 tend to be more portable than a full computer/monitor. I'm not sure a VF (though pretty straighforward) would be any easier than learning how to run a software based studio. FL Studio is said to be pretty easy (but I don't know if there's a mac version).
 
hum thanks a lot guys, im pretty sure im gonna go with the vf80, thats only 500 on musicians friend, thats why its so appealing to me, any advice before i buy?
 
oh_the_blood said:
hum thanks a lot guys, im pretty sure im gonna go with the vf80, thats only 500 on musicians friend, thats why its so appealing to me, any advice before i buy?
Click to expand...

Yes, as I indicated in the othjer thread, go for a Studio Projects B1 condensor. Also, get a long (25-30ft) mic cable so you can record away from the VF80. The condensor will pick up the HardDrive whirring (very normal situation with any machine). Also, the phantom power on the VF80 is a mechanical switch. Make sure you turn it on AFTER hooking up your mic and turn it off BEFORE you unhook your mic. Also, keep condensors in a dry environment when not in use.

Lastly, keep coming to this forum if you need help. The VF80 is very intuitive and very well thought out. You should have a blast!
 
VF80 a lot of fun!

I'm recording solo acoustic guitar also. Very non-techy and intimidated by the manual, buttons, faders, etc. However, after reading most of the manual, I was able to easily record a few tunes that sounded (through headphones) pretty good! I impressed myself (not hard to do!). Next is learning how to master and then burn a CD. That seems a bit more complicated, but I'll get it.
BTW, why turn on phantom power AFTER connecting mic? Does that matter?
 
Glenn Cimera said:
BTW, why turn on phantom power AFTER connecting mic? Does that matter?
Click to expand...

The phantom power is 48volts. Making a connection after it's running is apparently risky for the mic. Probably not unlike plugging in an appliance after it's power switch is already on...
 
thanks a lot guys,
ive heard great things about the studio projects b1, but haveing 2 mics for the same price is really tempting, especiaially since i can record 2 tracks at a time.
 
Oh_the_blood,
I don't know what your mic budget is, but say you have $150.00 for microphones. I maintain you would be better off to spend $100+ for the Studio Projects B1--which seems to be the mic of choice for many in this forum, than you would for two Nady SCM whatevers. If all you're wanting is something to convert sound to electrical impulses to transfer to whatever storage medium is being used--a Nady, or Samson, or MXL will do the job, but if you want a microphone that does it better with less unintentional coloration, pay the extra for Studio Projects, AKG or Audio-Technica. I think even Shure has some condenser mics in the under $150 street price range.
Chances are, unless you have a lot of baffles made up to use at home, you will be recording one track at a time to avoid leakage. One microphone with superior performance is better than two microphones which only perform adequately.

I learned the hard way, I spent money for two Nady SCMs when I first started, turned out I only needed one and for what I spent on the two Nadys I could have purchased a Studio Projects. Don't make the same mistake I made. And if you find out later you need more microphones, then maybe you''ll have the money to buy something better. Also make sure you purchase a high quality cable. The best microphone in the world is worthless if the cable introduces extraneous noise into the signal chain.
 
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