Oh lord, please not another basic studio setup thread...

  • Thread starter Thread starter f1ux
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f1ux

f1ux

Mistuh JJ
Sorry, but yes it is. This is my first post. I just found this forum yesterday and I'm addicted already =P

Right now I have a lame ass sound blaster and a $20 radio shack mic like many other super newbs, but I have a good idea of what I need to make everything work. After christmas, here is what my self-present will be:

-Behringer UB802 (basically just need a mic preamp and an input for the occasional guitar)
-Studio Projects B1
-Either an M-Audio Audiophile 192 or 2496 (probably later on)

I'm very familiar with the computer side of things, but equipment wise I'm new to all of this. Here is where I am a little stumped. My old computer speakers blew out and with my Best Buy discount I purchased some really nice Klipsch speakers to replace them. I know that studio monitors is the way to go, but its just not in my price range right now.

Is there any difference between monitoring through the sound card and the mixer? If so, should I output from the computer to the mixer through the RCA jacks or the 1/4". Also is there a difference between hooking the speakers up via the RCA or the 1/4' because either way I'll have to be buying a Y-cable.

Also, do I need a Y-Cable if I was to hook up a guitar, or do they record in mono?

I am basically wondering do I lose quality in the signal when I use different kinds of connections or when I factor different adaptors into the mix.


*random question* do u guys know how to apply real-time effects (such as a light reverb) to the microphone input in cubase for the artist to hear while recording?

I know this is all over the place, but I couldn't find these answers anywhere else. Thanks a lot

JJ
 
can't answer equipment specific quesitons, i'm afraid.

i would monitor straight off the soundcard. dont see a reason to take it back to the desk first. i don't understand the RCA vs 1/4" issue, cos I dont know the speakers. but i don't think there's a difference.

guitar is a mono instrument, but if you're running through a stereo effects unit, then you'll want a y-cable.

i haven't used cubase in years, but far as i know the effects aren't real-time, and can't be. but it's really not necessary to have the effect running for the vocalist real-time, and i've actually found that doing that can often be to the detriment of the performance. it may sound pretty at the time, but it can affect the singer's performance, even in terms of intonation. imo, get a clean take of a great performance.
 
My obligatory standard reply:

Immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance

Good Newbie guide:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

Other recording books:
http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html


Plenty of software around to record for free to start out on:

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Kristal: http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/

Other freebies and shareware: www.hitsquad.com
 
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and buy the cheap Yammie mixer instead of the Crapringer, that is unless you like picking up stray radio frequencies.
 
f1ux,
A few things:
1) Look at the Yamaha or Mackie mixers first. I have the UB802, and don't use it anymore. You may also want to consider just getting a preamp, and bypassing the mixer completely (such as a DMP3).
2) You'll monitor thru your soundcard and headphones.
3) Record your guitar/amp thru a mic. Or at least, plug directly into your mixer (or preamp).
4) Apply the effects (such as reverb) after you've recorded. This will be done during the mixing process.

General recipe : Track (record) --> Set Levels --> Mix (include effects) --> Master ($)
 
Thanx a lot guys for the help. You guys are awesome. Instead of the Behringer, I'm going to get the Yamaha 10/2. For what I do 8/10 channels is more then I'll probably ever need at one time, so I might as well spend 50 bucks more and get something I will be happy with down the road.

Also I ordered the Recording for Dummies so I dont have to bug you guys anymore about it. This forum is a goldmine.



JJ
 
I run my output signal through the mixer first, and then to the monitors, simply because that way I can have a way to control the levels easily with hardware, rather than software.
 
ShiverMeTimbers said:
and buy the cheap Yammie mixer instead of the Crapringer, that is unless you like picking up stray radio frequencies.
Click to expand...
ROFL

:D
 
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