Newbie Recording Question

[MooreDogger]

Hello,
I'm new here (and to recording) and some questions. I need to be able to record a band that i'm in and I need advice on what equipment to buy. I have a computer and i'd prefer a computer interface to something like a digital 8 track. I need to be capable of at least recording a full drum kit. Here are my questions:
1) What would you suggest in terms of an interface?
2) What would I need in terms of mics? (next weekend I have the option of buying new sm58s for 100CAD. Could I get a good kit sound with only those?)
3) What headphones would I need?
4) Monitors?
5) Anything that I missed?
I really appreciate any responses and I'm looking forward to being a part of this forum.

(EDIT: Right now i'm looking at an E-Mu 1820, Sennheiser HD280s, 3xSM58s, and one condensor that would work as a drum overhead. I dont want to buy a kick mic if i dont have to. Also would the 58s be good enough for recording vocals?)

 

[apl]

Hey, MooreDogger.

I'd look at the Aardvark 2496. It will give you 4 channels with preamps. For software, I'd consider Cakewalk's Home Studio. You'll need a couple of good condenser mics. Using two as overheads you'll be able to get a good drum recording. You can use the SM57s for extra snare or high-hat emphasis. You can also use one of the condensers for vocals.

I used a Rode NT3 mic for the recording in my signature line.

 

[MooreDogger]

Thanks for pointing me to that Aardvark interface. Its a bit more pricey but I dont think i'd ever be recording more than 4 tracks at a time so it'd probably be better than the E-mu. Although, it would be nice to have 1 or 2 line ins (plus the 4 mic pres) to track bass and drums at the same time. Also could I get a good drum sound with one NT3 (thats at the top end of my funds) and 3 sm58s or is it really necessary to get 2?

 

[apl]

The Aardvark ins can also be used as line ins; it's a clever connector. I've heard good drums recorded with just two mics, but one might be a bit of a challenge.

I forgot to mention good monitors. They're expensive. I'm hoping to pick up a set of Event TR6s, about $US400.

 

[MooreDogger]

Ya, its an interesting connector but I was saying that it'd be nice to be able to mic a kit (using the 4 mic ins) and then to have 1 or 2 additional line ins for tracking bass as well. My communication error. Is it wishful thinking to think that I would mix with a pair of HD280s? How would an sm58 sound on the kick?

 

[apl]

I'm a newbie, too, and your questions are getting beyond my realm of expertise. I hope someone else can help you further.

 

[TexRoadkill]

The stuff you are looking at seems like good choices. More then likely your drums are going to sound like shit until you've been recording for a few years so I wouldn't get too hung up on the mics. 58's are good to have around and they can be used on drums with good results if you know what you are doing.

Mixing on headphones is pretty tough because cans don't give you the same type of response as a pair of speakers in a room. They color the frequency response and give you an exaggerated stereo field. It's not impossible to mix on headphones but it's very, very hard.

 

[MooreDogger]

Thanks a lot tex for the info. So the 58 can be used with good results on the kick? Let me know what you think of the revised list:

1xAardvark Direct Pro 2496
1xRode NT3
4xShure SM58 (just because they are so cheap at this sale)
1xEither KRK-V8 or TR8-N
2xHD280s (for musicians)

Is there anything thats missing from this list or anything thats superfluous? Anything that I could save some money on? Any info would be helpful,
Thanks again,
MooreDogger

 

[manning1]

value for money/stretching bucks i would consider the following...
monitors....look at yorkville (liked by lots of folks)
mics....i consistently hear good things about cad mics. like M9, gxl series,
also look for used ev or beyer mics.
multitrack software....my usual favorites,,,,,ntrack,magix audio studio,
powertracks(new version 9 out 29 bucks),multitrackstudio.com,traktion.
just try the demos.
you didnt mention which computer you have but i recommend amd
as value for money.
interface....i dont know much about aardvark. but rme are great.
i'm going out on a limb here but some people seem quite happy with the behringer mic100 preamp ive heard. it seems some really like 'B"
products though and others dont.

 

[Zampuuji]

Hey there MooreDogger,here's what I use.I don't use computer based stuff,I have a Korg D-1600 stand alone recorder.It works well for me.Personally I've found that computer based stuuf works great if you use a computer for just recording and nothing else.No internet connection,or other programs running on it.Other stuff just seems to bog em' down.But regarding monitors,mic's, and such,you can never have too many 57's and 58's,and at least one decent condenser mic for overheads,acoustic stuff and vocals.
I have a Rode NT-1 condenser.Not very expensive,but it does require phantom power,so be aware of that when considering using condenser mics.
I've used 58's many many times for recording vocals.A lot of software and stand alone stuff have condenser simulators that work o.k. if you can tweak em' a little bit.
For monitors,I use different stuff but mostly I use Event 5 powered monitors.They're not super loud,but is doesn't matter for me because I'm sitting right in front of them.
It's a matter of taste and budget.
Lastly, don't forget the Line 6 Pod for recording guitars,in lieu of a mic'ed amp.I use them for both bass and guitars.
Good luck.
Zampuuji

 

[MooreDogger]

I dont want to carry this thread on forever but I have one more question. Today I went to a pro audio store and told them my situation. This is what they suggested:

1xALTO 12CH (5 mic pres) mixer board
1xM-Audio Delta44
1xsm57
2xApex 435
1xApex 125
2xSamson Resolve 50A Monitors
1xAKG K66
1xFostex T40RP
1xFostex AHA4 headphone amp

What do you guys think of what they suggested?

 

[Robert D]

I dont want to carry this thread on forever but I have one more question. Today I went to a pro audio store and told them my situation. This is what they suggested:

1xALTO 12CH (5 mic pres) mixer board
1xM-Audio Delta44
1xsm57
2xApex 435
1xApex 125
2xSamson Resolve 50A Monitors
1xAKG K66
1xFostex T40RP
1xFostex AHA4 headphone amp

What do you guys think of what they suggested?

Never let a salesman tell you what you want.

 

[manning1]

actually i think the salesperson gave you a decent list.
you can go around the roundabout of gear lists a million times.
best thing is to get SOMETHING/perspective because your needs will change over time.

 

[royharper3220]

the aardvark also comes with cubase le, i havent used it yet but it may cover you for software.

 

[Moonrider]

I dont want to carry this thread on forever but I have one more question. Today I went to a pro audio store and told them my situation. This is what they suggested:

1xALTO 12CH (5 mic pres) mixer board
1xM-Audio Delta44
1xsm57
2xApex 435
1xApex 125
2xSamson Resolve 50A Monitors
1xAKG K66
1xFostex T40RP
1xFostex AHA4 headphone amp

What do you guys think of what they suggested?

That's a pretty reasonable list. Not "top of the line", but a good recommendation for entry level gear that will give decent results.