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

  • Thread starter Thread starter abrahamstokley
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Well since the 002 is going to be 2k at mars, I would probably order it from somewhere else and have it shipped in to save on the ungodly amount of TN sales tax. 200$ on that unit alone. Ouch. If I recall right tax around nashville is 9.75% now.

If you can get a computer for that cheap, as C9-2001 was saying, go for it. Mine is quite that cheap, but only 800, it also has a few more bells and whistles.

The microphone, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with the ADK Tube mic. I know many people around this board either haven't heard of ADK or swear by Studio Projects, but I really like the ADK line. Alan Hyatt in the mic forum is affiliated with Studio Projects, so if you have questions about those mics, go there. He knows his stuff and won't shoot you a load of crap. They make really great stuff too. Many people still think they pale in comparison to Neumanns and such, but I know engineers and producers in Nashville who will reach for an ADK over a Neumann in certain situations. If you are sure you want a Neumann get a u87 off of ebay (new) for around 1200-1600 if you get lucky. I have seen it done.

Most people I know like to use tape of some form to track on and then edit and mix via the computer. However, since the 002 comes with a computer integrated controller/mixer, you might not need that. Tape serves as a backup and long-term storage medium for us without the 002. You might just consider getting a couple of firewire HDs off of pricewatch to store data externally on for backup purposes. That cost would be only a couple hundred dollars and well wortht the investment. Plus they are hot-swappable :D

As far as compressors and effects, I think I would get the waves platnum bundle. It comes with everything under the sun you could want and I think it about 1K. It is well worth it.

DOes the 002 have midi inputs and outputs like 2 i/o or anything? That could be an issue if you have no midi. You can solve that very cheaply however, like 50$ if you only need a 2x2.

There was something else I was going to mention and now I forgot what it was. Oh yeah, monitors. Did you say you had some, or do you need that too? I am talking speakers not displays.

So budget looks like

600 computer
200 additional drives
1000 waves bundle
1000 mic
2000 002
400 acid

I think that is 5200, I could be wrong. You have lots left. I would get more mics and monitors to mix on if you don't have any. Plus if you purchase all these items at one place, they might give you a discount, sweetwater often does that. Plus they will throw in free stuff, like free cdrs or dats or cables and stuff. Oh, you might want mic stands too if you don't have any.

--MIKE
 
Thanks everybody. From ALL your suggestions , I can now start to make a final setup here goes:

PC $600
Digi 002 $2000 (Buy it out of state or on website)
Waves Bundle $1000 (One of ProTools additions right?
Hopefully it's available on PC)
A firewire card $? (Forgot about that til now - would that be
included on the PC, c9-2001?

Acid $400 (Is this gonna be great quality drum
sounds? I want to get as close to real as
can get. Should I change this?)

Neumanns u87ai $ 1400 (From what you guys say, this one's
the best. Is that true?)

Monitors $600 (If they're used or something, I can
prolly get great ones, or do you guys
recommend something else?)

Cables Hopefully I can work out a deal with the
store, or sweetwater like you suggested.

That's $6000 on the dot. I'm willing to spend a couple hundred more if there is a component that could greatly improve with just a couple hundred bucks. But, only if it's a great improvement.

When I said I had monitors, I meant display. Listening Monitors, I think I will have to decide on them on my own. Try some different ones out.

Digi 002 does have a MIDI interface. 1 in, 2 out I believe.

I have mic stands. And, I have all the cables I need. Mic cables, got very good ones of both kinds of ends. I think I just need MIDI cords and a cord to connect the 002 to the computer, which I'm sure is included. Am I off base?

I have 3 mics that are very different, yet versitile, and not cheapies either. I just want a great condensor mic for vocals and stuff. Later, when I get more money, I will get more.

I think I'll wait and get the extra drives later, due to the possibility of overspending my budget right now. But, definitely interested!



Now, I know I've asked a lot out of all of you guys lately, but were talking a lot of money here. I just want to get the most bang for my buck. If I start with great equipment, I won't be limited to anything for quite a while. I've recorded and mixed on some cheapy stuff, and I want to get serious. very serious. Like, when I get really good at it, with this system, I want to produce something I can sell and be proud of.

Final question:

Is it possible to record near professional sounding recordings with this system (And the guy behind the controls knows what he's doing)?

Thanks! Really, look how far you've got me in just a few days. I know exactly what I want, except for monitors. Unless, you guys have some last minute advise, which I'm definitely open to.
 
abrahamstokley said:
Is it possible to record near professional sounding recordings with this system (And the guy behind the controls knows what he's doing)?
Click to expand...
Yes... with emphasis on the "if the guy knows what he's doing" part... :p

WATYF
 
abrahamstokley said:
Thanks everybody. From ALL your suggestions , I can now start to make a final setup here goes:

PC $600
Digi 002 $2000 (Buy it out of state or on website)
Waves Bundle $1000 (One of ProTools additions right?
Hopefully it's available on PC)
A firewire card $? (Forgot about that til now - would that be
included on the PC, c9-2001?
Click to expand...
nope...but a fire wall card is only a few bucks....


Acid $400 (Is this gonna be great quality drum
sounds? I want to get as close to real as
can get. Should I change this?)
Click to expand...

acid is a program, you have to sample sounds with it, or play a song and chop the drum out of it...
spend the extra money and get a mpc2000xl, or a RS7000

Neumanns u87ai $ 1400 (From what you guys say, this one's
the best. Is that true?)
Click to expand...
for years the u87 has been one of the best mics ever in the music industry. but you can get great results with other mics like the Rode ntk.. its only 400-500... but thats all up to you...

Monitors $600 (If they're used or something, I can
prolly get great ones, or do you guys
recommend something else?)
Click to expand...
on ebay, yea you can find some 20/20bas's around that price.. you should be able to find some good monitors...

Final question:

Is it possible to record near professional sounding recordings with this system (And the guy behind the controls knows what he's doing)?
Click to expand...
with out a doubt...
but why are you stuck on the digi002... its nice, but i'd get something different...
its what 2000-2100..

so a delta 1010/layla24/or rme multiface with a mixer and decent preamps.. will cost just as much as the digi02 or a little more..

program wise PT LE isn't great but its not $hit either...but i'd use SX over it any day...and with a uad-1 dsp card or waves plugins...your set...
watch your options a little.....the digi002 is nice, but you can get better for the money i belive....
 
c9-2001,

Thanks for the links! You're a lifesaver.

As far as being hooked on 002, I'm not. I just threw that out there and no one has shot it down yet. hehe

I used it as a starting point, and everyone went with it.

I'm open to anything as long as it will be a better quality recording. ya know what I mean?

I don't think the Delta 1010 is what I want, because everyone I've ever talked to has said that the Digi 002 is gonna wipe the floor with it.

I also considered the Roland 2480HD, and I threw it out there, but no one said anything about it.

Soundcards? I haven't really looked at them. Not that I wouldn't consider one. In fact, whatever it takes to get the best clarity and clear recordings. Ya know what I mean?

I'd like to keep the computer and condensor mic, but I'm open to anything else, as you say you can hook me up with something better.

You said to go the extra mile and go with the drum machine. Ok, sounds good. You said two different ones. I'm asking you from a neutral standpoint. Which would be better for country music? I want great sounds, and don't care about fancyness. Ya know what I mean?

Monitors?? Still don't know. I think I should test different ones after I get everything. But, will try the ones you suggested. I'm sure they're good, or you wouldn't have suggested it. :)

I'm glad you think it will be a good system. It means a lot! I will have to learn a lot, but I got the ears for it, and it won't be a problem. I've got the time, energy, and want to excellent. I want to be able to sell CD's and be proud of them. Of course, it will, of course, be a while, because I'll have to learn how to use my equipment.
 
wipe the floor with the delta 1010...no...sorry thats not gonna happen..
the recording quality of the 1010 is great.. and if not the 1010 the layla24 and the RME are great cards...

i say drop the digi002 and get a soundcard,mixer, and SX...
i think the best thing going for the digi002 is the preamps...

a partner of mine thats runs a avid Dv studio said he ordered a digi002 for the company... so when his comes in i'll play with it a little and you never know it might be real nice, but as far as PT Le goes...vs SX...not even close...
 
I think the 002 is the way to go. It is new it will be awesome, and in Nashville, PT is the only way to go. Guys who use Nuendo/Cubase get laughed at. I am not kidding. I know SEVERAL national release records that have been produced using only PTLE and some plugins. Cubase SX does rock though, and I use it all the time. I just think PT is the way to go for this guy because he wants to do country around nashville. The sound on that unit will be great. But it is up to the purchaser here. If I didn't already have a setup, the 002 would be the first thing that I would look at. Anyway, ok dump acid. I am not so sure about the NTKs or the 20/20s. The 20/20s are not THAT great. I would probably get Tannoys of some sort. They will sound more accurate, IMHO.

--MIKE
 
$1500 p4 pc w/ 1 gig ddr 1.6+ cpu, (2) 7200 hds, 21" monitor
$ 500 cubase sx
$ 800 presonus digimax 8 channel pre
$ 200 joemeek vc3q (for vocals)
$ 700 motu mk2408mkII
$ 300 at4033
$ 200 2 sm57
$ 300 md421
$ 200 alesis mkII passive monitors
$ 100 old ra-100 alesis amp
---------------------------------------------
$4800

I dont know about drum modules so some one else can help there
but with this stuff you can do what you need to do professionally and there is money for the drum module and cables etc.
 
I don't understand. Wouldn't you still need a soundcard with the Digi 002? So you'd still need the 1010? Please clarify folks. Thanks!
 
f. lai,

you don't need a soundcard at all. The studio monitors go into the 002, and all the computer is there for is to control the 002. It's all in the 002.






wall of noise 9,

I guess you haven't read the previous posts, but I can get a computer, a great one, for $599 and I already have a display monitor.

I already have Shure sm57's and 58's, and other peavey mics. I just need a condensor mic, which I'm going with a Neumann u87ai or whatever it's called.

joemeek vc3q - is this an actual mic, or preamp?

at4033 - This is what?

md421 - This is what?

Monitors, I'm going to test different ones after I get my system so I can get what's best for my ears.





mastahnke,

I like how you are very confident. I am leaning towards the 002, just because I know the most about it, and for what you said. Tannoy's, huh? I'll check them out. cool! thanx for the advice. By the way, is that Waves Bundle a PT plug in that runs on PC as well?





c9-2001,

I hope not to make you mad, because that's not my intention. You are very wise. :)
Do you not think the Digi 002 is not good because of PTLE, and that SX is better (I don't mean to sound like an asshole, if that is how it comes across)?

And, does the Delta 1010 sound better, or is it just preference?
I mean, if it sounds better, I'll go with it in a second. I know I'll be able to produce professional sounds on it, because I have the ears for it. I've produced records before for that type of thing. I just really need to learn how my equipment works.


Thanks
 
I am not sure about the JoeMeek as I have none of their gear. The At4033 is a mic by audio-technica. It's ok, it used to be an old standby, but since then many companies have come out with mics cheaper and better.

The MD421 is by Sennheiser. This is a dynamic mic and is one of the best mics available hands down. I use it on broadcast and on Kick Drum. Since you want a drum machine, you probalby wouldn't have too much use for it.

One concern about 002/PTLE that I just thought of is MIDI capabillities. I don't know how PTLE can do with midi. SX can do WAY MORE, I am sure of that. If you are using drum machines and such, MIDI may be an issue. I am not extremely familiar with the subject matter though, because I do most everything just audio.

I like the 1010, it is a good unit, but the preamps on it are older than the 002s and digi isn't going to release crap. I don't often care for much digi equipment, but I am sure it is very good. The preamps/converters will be just fine, until you get a Neave or Avalon preamp sometime down the road :D

The waves bundle is availabe for PT on mac or pc, and for VST and directX as well. It is a great toolset and I swear by it (not at it).

Tannoy Reveals are usually considered bang for buck winners on monitors, but there are others out there as well. I have been looking at Mackie HR824 (1100 for the pair) and Tannoy System 800s. They are probably a bit more money than your budget will permit.

As far as being able to make pro sounding recordings, I will say without a doubt, if you take the time to learn everything you are working with very well, read the manuals, experiment and whatnot, you will be able to sound as good as any song on the radio.


(Of course learning to mix, track and master is no easy task...i am always learning.)
--MIKE
 
$2300.00 Tascam DM-24
$1200.00 Akai MPC 2000XL
$ 900.00 Motu 2408 MKII
$ 300.00 Event 20/20's
$ 100.00 a used amp
$ 600.00 your computer

That puts you @ $5,400.00 USD.

You will still need to get software, plug-ins, mics, and cables.

You could scrap the beat machine (MPC 2000) and use Acid 3.0 to construct your beats.

I would also suggest that you use Sonar 2.0 for your tracking (YMMV).

When you go to the "big" studio for final production you can track your song into their ProTools system.

Just my $.02 ..............
 
I would even look at getting better A/D converters. You should look at the Apogee converters.
 
mastahnke- The 1010 has NO preamps. Maybe you are thinking of the cheaper 1010 LT.
 
abrahamstokley said:
c9-2001,

I hope not to make you mad, because that's not my intention. You are very wise. :)
Do you not think the Digi 002 is not good because of PTLE, and that SX is better (I don't mean to sound like an asshole, if that is how it comes across)?

And, does the Delta 1010 sound better, or is it just preference?
I mean, if it sounds better, I'll go with it in a second. I know I'll be able to produce professional sounds on it, because I have the ears for it. I've produced records before for that type of thing. I just really need to learn how my equipment works.
Click to expand...
no i think the digi002 seems to be a great unit, but for the money i belive you can get something better... it doesn't have to be the delta 1010, it could be the rme or the motu 896...
the software..well Pt LE might cut it for you but over here, never...
the digi001 worked with logic quite well i'm sure the digi 002 would work with logic too if you were to check out logic, but they just stopped making logic for the PC....

not really a preference, but i know its a great sounding card, plus i have one ;) but back when we tested a digi001 vs the 1010, bottom line the delta sounded better.. i'm not sure if they changed the converters this time around in the digi002 i know it has much better preamps and the litte mixer all together as an interface...
the delta is a great card and there are plenty of studios that have them.. they're great, drivers are very stable and the sound quality is perfect...
 
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