Ok, help me out here!

[Scottgman]

I've got a DMP3, an RNP, an RNC, and a Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro.

The DMP3-- to my ears-- sounds much better than the pres in the Mackie. However, having the Mackie is nice for controlling my monitors. The Mackie provides you with some nice routing options also. For instance, if you are recording vocals and want some reverb in the headphones (but not on tape) you can route it through the mixer so that the reverb doesn't go to tape.

The RNP-- to my ears-- sounds "better" than the DMP3. How much better? I don't regret buying it one bit even though I have a DMP3.

Since you are fairly new to recording and are not trying to make pro-quality recordings, the DMP3 is a great choice for you. Spend the money you would've spent on an RNP and get a cheapo large diaphram condensor like the MXL V67.

I think you would be very pleased with the results from a vocal chain like this: MXL V67 --> DMP3 --> RNC --> Recorder

 

[acquit music]

well what you really need is not so much. in my opinion it is important to mixdown every track with the volume adjusted on your instruments in the song.
before to give a demp away it needs anyway to be mastered!!!! :O
with your yamaha you'll do quite well for a premaster!

greets y.

 

[chadsxe]

well what you really need is not so much. in my opinion it is important to mixdown every track with the volume adjusted on your instruments in the song.
before to give a demp away it needs anyway to be mastered!!!! :O
with your yamaha you'll do quite well for a premaster!

greets y.

What......?

 

[SilverSurfer]

Any suggested settings on the RNC and DMP-3 for vocal, guitar and bass? Also, how do I compress the drums?! Can I double track and record the compressed drums on the same recorder?

 

[DJL]

FWIW... the DMP3 is about the cheapest preamp I'd recommend... it's not the best preamp in the world, but it's not a bad amp either... infact, it sounds better than many budget mixiing boards IMO. Oh, and the RNC is a great little compressor.

 

[sonusman]

Ok, the Yamaha recorder you have has two built in mic preamps, that will supply phantom power if you need it for condenser microphones (those really cool looking big one's you see in the fancy ad's for recording gear). You can also use the other 6 "Line Level Inputs" if you for some reason need to record several other tracks at the same time. It doesn't sound like you need to. The two mic preamps built into the Yamaha will work JUST FINE for what you need to do.

Put the RNC away for right now. It has become fairly obvious that you don't understand much more basic recording concepts yet, and adding a compressor while tracking is only going to muddy the waters more. You will be able to record JUST FINE without the RNC provided that you work at adjusting properly to make the recordings work out good. What I mean is that you will learn a lot more by avoiding a compressor and learning how to use mic technique to overcome the problems that a compressor would solve. I record MANY singers without the use of a compressor while recording.

You might consider spending your money on a decent Large Diaphram Condenser microphone right now instead of worrying about compressors and preamps. You mention that you use an "OK microphone", but didn't mention what it was. The microphone you use for any application will have a FAR greater outcome on the final product than almost anything other part of the production process.

So, don't worry about preamps, compressors, soundcards, software. You have a unit that you can do a full 16 track production with, complete with "effects" and "dynamic processors" if you want them. You need to start DOING some recording and asking questions about any problems you might be having. Don't get led around with all this talk about needing preamps and compressors and soundcards and this or that software. Just start recording.

Crack open the manual that came with the Yamaha unit and start figuring out how to use it. If there is a feature you don't understand, ask a question about that feature and how it may benefit you.

I can assure you that you can do OK sounding demo's with that unit. In the right hands, that unit is capable of producing quite good results. No, not as good as better equipment. The thing is, it will do what you NEED it to do right now, which is help you learn how to record, and get a "demo" done. If after you do both of those, and you feel that you have gotten the MOST out of that unit, you can move on the better gear.

Let me tell you, I started out recording doing sound on sound between two cassette decks about 22 years ago. Over the years, as the technology improved and my skills improved, I moved "up" in recording gear to the point where people paid me to produce CD for them. Along the way, I always had to make the best out of what I had. I STILL DO! I don't have the big ol' mega studios available for most stuff I work on now. The thing is, I learned a lot of valuable techniques along the way, just making the best with what you have. Having better gear generally only means that it is a little easier to get a great sound, but, ONLY if you KNOW what a great sound is in the first place! Having great gear though WILL NOT make you a better recording engineer. You still have to learn how to use the right microphone with the right microphone placement to achieve a certain sound you want. You have a bunch of stuff to learn really. Time to get at it.

Good luck.

 

[DJL]

I would definitely buy the RNP.... IF! I had 500 bucks to spare... (if i'm not mistaken on the cost)..

It's $170 US.

Any suggested settings on the RNC and DMP-3 for vocal, guitar and bass? Also, how do I compress the drums?! Can I double track and record the compressed drums on the same recorder?

You're going to have to play with them... many variables... here's a starting point... for vocals, adj for a smooth controlled transparent type sound, about 2:1 on the peaks.