Ok, I betcha can't beat this system. If you can, tell me about it! :)

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abrahamstokley

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Ok, well here goes:

Brand New top-of-the line G4 Mac
Digi 002

Now, here's the rules of the game. Assuming that an engineer can work with all types of DAW and stuff, and you can use any mics you have and pres and monitors and stuff, does your system beat this system? If so, I need to know. I have a $6000 budget and I need to know if there is something better. I will be recording country and won't need a bunch of simultanious recording. But, it will be a full band, just not at same time.

Here's what I need for $6000

A computer
A Soundcard/DAW - whichever
A High Quality Drum Machine (Doesn't have to be fancy, but have great sounds. Hey, it's country! :)
Mixer? (Depends on whether a DAW or soundcard)
A high quality condensor mic.
Monitors (This doesn't have to be included. I plan to get them later, and SHOULDN'T be included into the $6000)

That's it! That's all I need.

I'd like to know what you'd do with this budget under these circumstances.

Also, I read the Electronic Musician article about any studio on any budget. Wasn't good for me, because I had have the stuff, and would'nt need to spend half my budget on. Disreguard this. Not important.

And, also, I realize that it's 75% about how you know how to use your equipment and what you're comfortable with. But, let's forget all that for a moment. What's the best system you can throw together for $6000. I have all the instruments and stuff like that.

I think you all understand. I need help, and I thought this would be a fun way to do it.

Hey, I didn't cross post! I'm learning already.

Hey, used gear - if It's cheaper, go with it. That means you'd have more money to spend on the more importand stuff.

I really appreciate the help.
Thanks
 
Also, I don't want it to be portable, but, if that's what the best quality is, whatever.

And, software, if needed (Well, with Digi 002, Pro Tools LE is included) don't put that in the $6000 budget. Different budget for that. If needed

There was something else important I was going to say but I don't remember it. sorry
 
Also, PC or Mac or no computer at all,

it doesn't matter. Whatever gives the best results. I Just chose the MAC for the plugins.

I'm open to ANY learning curve.

I know nothing about limiters and compressors, other than the fact they help, but I don't know the techniques and what exactly the process is. I think Pro Tools has it built in.
I think I've made myself clear.

Now, I'll just sit back and watch the experts teach me something.

By the way, I appreciate it a lot.

There's still something I'm forgeting to say, but still can't remember! Darn it!
 
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for what it's worth...

All I can tell you is that my dual proc. G4 plus motu's DP3 system (and an apogee converter box) put me in the 8000 dollar range. Your mac plus ram and a monitor is gonna run you a good 5500 beans or so.

good luck.

Flo' Dolo
 
Well, I don't know how you came to that conclusion. Maybe I shouldn't have said top of the line. I'm not getting all the bells and whistles like extra video editing software, and a modem, and anything not nessicary. That way it's not as high. Many people at the store used G4's to record pro or at least very seriously. Anyway, I don't think $5500 is right if you don't get the stuff that you don't need. I could be wrong. thanks for the quick responce.
 
Welp... I can tell you this much,.. if you want the best sound for 6 G's.... then don't get a Mac.

That will eat up half (if not more) of your budget just for the computer. On the other hand.. you can put together a "top of the line" Intel or AMD (*cough*pick the AMD*cough*) PC for a fraction of the cost of a "top of the line" Mac. That way, you can spend more money on the stuff that matters... like your mic and compressor and mixer, etc. etc. etc.

WATYF
 
Peep this...

I'm not gonna get into a pissing match about what I know shit costs and you don't. I'm just trying to help your ass like people are gracious enough to help me.

Your first post began with a "top of the line G4 mac." Then you chose to be less specific and allow more options. I can only talk about what I (proclaim to) know. So, about those macs...They cost just at or over 4 grand. Flatscreen apple monitor costs about a grand, too. If you had ram aside from the chunk it comes with, that's 5500 bones, dude, give or take a hundred or two... That's how I came to that conclusion. Don't get the ass face with me. Sarcasm, though I love to victimize and be victimized by it, won't teach you shit. If you don't think I've got anything to offer you, then tell me, and i'll fly away. Well, after this post i'm gonna do it anyway since I can't help you on the PC end, and you're budget isn't big enough to afford you a serious mac-based system (and that's all I can speak on). Maybe you should check into a Roland VS2480 with an apogee rosetta box (no, seriously, I'm "good friends" with that system, too). If you aren't sure of the facts man, ask questions if you must, but don't flat out dispute people trying to offer you whatever bits they can.

And, all those "bells and whistles," at least to some degree, come standard with any mac purchase. And, WATYF's post is dead-on. Leave the macs alone. Check into PCs. Fuck those "people at the store" if they couldn't even get you this far. They want your money plus the money you haven't even earned yet.

Happy hunting.

Tschuss...

Flo' Dolo
 
Sorry, Flo' Dolo

You know a lot more than I do, and I shouldn't have just came out and said that. I wouldn't have even said that, but that's what the people at the stor said. I, of course, can use a Mac and a PC very well. I didn't know they were that pricy though. I wish they would've told me that at the store, instead of feeding me bullsh*t.

Actually, you prolly wont beleive this, but Roland 2480HD was my second choice. In, which, it might be cheaper, since you don't have the computer. I didn't know which would be better though,

Roland 2480HD
Digi 002 with PC

I know when the equipment is so good like that it's about 80% what you know how to use and if you have the ears to use it properly. But, a learning curve doesn't scare me. I just wondered if there was any flaws in either systems that would make the other one worth more getting. I don't need to record but 1 at a time.

Also, if someone can setup a better system for $6000 I'd like to know. You'd really help me out. I'm at the point where I just need to let people give me advise and reviews, because I can understand exactly what you say.

I'm not familiar with a rosetta box, but I'm guessing it's a mic pre. Is that right?

Thanks
 
Doesn't the digi002 go for about 2.5K? That is a huge chunk of 6K. If you get a great computer, even PC with dual processors and stuff that could be 1800$ by the time you include dual monitors. I assum you want that. I think the best sound is hard to achieve just by gear. I mean, you don't want a peice of gear holding you back, but as a good friend of mine says:
"It's the boys not the toys."

I would seriously look into the digi002, but then you are always stuck with PT LE or TDM PT, either way, not very flexible. That, and what medium are you going to record to? Just to disk or do you want ADAT or TASCAM tape in there too.

Anyway, 6K is a great budget to start out with , so you should have great results. For a mixer, I probably wouldn't worry about it if you get the 002, you won't really need it. FOr a drum machine, buy ACID or fruity loops. I like them better than most drum machines that are under a grand. Also, you might look into getting a keyboard that can sample so you can do drums and many other fun things from there, inlcuding midi stuff. An Alesis QS8.1 has 88 keys and is availalbe for about 1K these days, which is great.

So maybe: Computer: 1600
Digi002 2500
ACID 400 or
Keyboard 1000

Microphone, well that's a whole new ball of wax. And I don't know what pres are on the 002. If they are the focusrite ones, you are probalby ok using those, if not, I don't know what to tell you about that yet. Mics, I would probably get te Studio Projects Tube mic, the ADK high end tube mic, or look on ebay for Neumanns. Either way, about 1000.

That brings the total to 5500, I think. That should be a good start, figure in sales tax or shipping plus buying cable to connect it all and there you go.

--MIKE
 
This is another option

I also live in Nashville and record country this is what I got and what I would do:

digi 001 & Pro tools & sound card =700.00 at Sam Ash Nashville
Intel p4 1.2 gig 2/40 gig 7200rpm ata 100 hard drives with a intel 815 chipset and 8 meg agp video card and 512 memory with a black case and black 19 inch moniter and keyboard/mouse= 1500.00 at computer rennasance Nashville or the dell computer Gx150 is the same thing and comes with a burner for the same price.
Get 2 presonis stereo blue tube mic pres 149.00 a piece
or get the digimax 8 mic pres for 949.00 Sam ash Nashville which will connect to your sound card via lightpipe
the digi 001 also gives you the option to integrate outboard gear with it
There you have a whole system for 3200.00

This gives you 16 inputs 8 outputs what else could you need
also everyone in town is using this system whether with mac or pc

Remember pro tools is more compatiable with intel rather than AMD I am just speaking from experience.
Good LuckThere you have a whole system for 3200.00
 
You missed a mic, and a mixer. and a drum machine. I think that is why he wanted the 002, for the mixing surface
 
... and 8 meg agp video card ...
I would advise against that. You'll have a fast computer, but you'll be waiting on screen redraws. I'd recommend something with at least 32MB of RAM, which still isn't very expensive.
 
Thanks for the replies. Appreciate it. Keep em comin boys. :)


mastahnke,

I am gonna record country music, one instrument at a time.

Actually, I stopped by Mars Music, and they said they are going to sell them at $1999! That's quite a bit less

Then about $1500 for a computer alone(I already have monitors from previous systems)

I was thinking just to disk. Unless ADAT or Tascam tape offers something I don't know about. What would you use it for?

"I think the best sound is hard to achieve just by gear. I mean, you don't want a peice of gear holding you back, but as a good friend of mine says:
'It's the boys not the toys.' " - I feel the same way hehe

I already have a great, great, MIDI keyboard that I bought a year ago for $1000 (retail $1300). Pretty Nice.

ACID or fruity loops - I'm checking them out. maybe I can download a demo.

I have Shure SM57 and 57's for micing amps and stuff. And a couple of Peavey dynamics.

I know you listed many condensor mics, but now that I will have more money free, is there something better? Which is the best for about $1200 (New or Used)? I guess, not nessisarily the best, because that would open up too many mouths. hehe but, a high quality one

Digi 002 - $2000
PC - $1500
Acid - $400
A great con. mic $1200

Total $5100

So, what else could I add or change to make it the best for the buck?

Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without your help! :)




bhlewis,

I don't think I'd go with the Digi 001. I'd have to get a mixer, and I don't think it will match up with the Digi 002. Thank you, though, that's exactly what I wanted. More choices. Really, thanks.






Also, compressors and limiters? Are they in the Pro Tools software, or do I have to buy hardware?

Thanks
 
let see.. seeing that my dad owns a computer company i might be able to get ever better prices but regular price...

PC:
AMD Athlon XP 2200+
ASUS A7S333(with sis 745 chipset)
256MB DDR333 Ram PC2700
60GB ATA 7200rpm
nVidia Geforce4 MX420 64MB with TV Out
40x12x40 CDRW

sounds great ha... well how does $599 sound

that takes care of the computer...
and you can always add more ram and another harddrive

recording interface:

delta 1010, echo layla, RME... it doesn't really matter... so we'll say 550-800..??

Mic:
U87ai on ebay..$1599 or another mic thats cheaper....
a tlm103, ADK,Solid tube,PPA, rode ntk...

Drum machine:
Mpc2000xl or Rs7000...(1200-1400 with all 8 outs...)

mixer:
at least what....16ch that should be enough right.... or do you need more???
mackie 1642VLZPro $850

so... thats under $6000.. you want a great sounding mic preamp for that u87ai..
Joemeek VC2 maybe, avalon M5...save some money and get
 
Sorry Elevate, but the difference between an 8 meg and 32 meg (or 256 for than matter) is meaningless in this situation. Only a few megs (usually 4) are devoted to 2D & windows applicatiions. The rest is for 3D use only. Great for Quake3, but illrelevant for windows-based applications.
 
o and you were talking about the plugins...
get a UAD-1 DSP card..;)

now what do i get for making a better system :)
i like this system so much i might have to buy the computer at least..$599.. can't beat that...
 
Sorry Elevate, but the difference between an 8 meg and 32 meg (or 256 for than matter) is meaningless in this situation.
Can you explain why screen redraws are slower in Vegas with a 16MB card vs. a similar 32MB flavor?
 
I would imagine it's due to using 32-bit color vice 16-bit. Since it's only for 2D applications, there is no need to have 32-bit color enabled. Just a guess. :eek:
 
- G4/733 with L3 not the quicksilver one. About $1200 on Ebay fully loaded.

- Digi 001 + CM MotorMix about $1100 for both on Ebay. Digi 002 only adds 96k sample rate, so most of the features are the same.

- Jomox Xbase 09 Drum Machine - $600 on Ebay.

- Allen & Heath Mixwizard series - $850 on Ebay.

- Monitors - this is the most important tool in the studio.
- JBL LSR28P - $1000 on Ebay, Dynaudio BM5 + Crest or Hafler Amp - $1000 or BM6 passive + AMP - about $1300.

That leaves you about $800 for a Microphone.

- Microphones - I have no idea- do a research.

Don't forget cables - will cost you around $150 to wire everyting up.

Cheers
 
The only reasons I could think of would be:

1) Your software is 3D (unlikely)
2) Some other 3D software is running in the background
3) The processor on the 32 meg card is faster than on the 16 meg card, or it is the same processor clocked at a faster speed.
 
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