Originally posted by cominginsecond ]Michael,
Is there any reason not to compare those things?
None at all, you can compare them 'till the cows come home, but suggesting that a $179 compressor is going to hold its own with a $30,000 compressor is a bit silly.
I'm not saying a Rode NTK is just as good as a Neumann. What I am saying is that you can use both to achieve "professional" results.
I think the NTK could give you acceptable results, but I've yet to hear a sound clip using one that I'd call pro.
In addition, your last comment seems to suggest that I think good, experienced ears don't matter. I'd like you to show me where I said that
You didn't say that. At all. That's why I brought it up.
There is nothing in the setup I described that would prevent you from getting a brilliant mix (assuming you wire it all up with quality cable).
Nothing? Well, I noticed your set up included a myriad of plug-ins. Nothing against plug-ins, some sound better than others, but equating plug-ins to quality outboard gear is like equating a digital piano to a concert grand. The digital might come close, but it's not the real thing. Nor does it sound nearly as good.
I also noticed you have one "vocal" mic suggested. Do you REALLY think this one size is going to fit all? It might work well on some voices, but it isn't going to cover everyone. Are you going to use that same mic on every song? That'll get old quick.
It may be a little easier to get a brilliant mix in the million dollar studio, but it does not negate the possibilities of the $6500 studio.
Nope, it does not negate the possibilities. As I said, you put together a VERY respectable system, but would I consider it pro level? Not really. A great start mind you, but "pro" level?
The prevailing sentiment on this message board that I disagree with is that it is impossible to get a "professional" sound for less that 100 grand. [/B]
That simply isn't true! Harvey has shown many of us how to get the most out of our "pro-sumer" level gear, and he makes a living doing it as well.
Again. nothing against what you have put together. It's a fine set-up. But there are some holes in trying to call it a "professional level" set-up. For instance:
Your mic locker is very thin! One LD condensor, and you're ready to go pro? No Omnis? No ribbons? No LD Dynamics?
You're light on pre's. One decent Avalon. I don't know the Soundcraft pre's, they might suffice for a demo, but again professional level?
Cakewalk Sonar? I've used cakewalk, I wouldn't consider it top notch.
Also, you have absolutely NO instruments on your list. Is the band supposed to bring their own? Many do , and thats OK but what about the drummer? What are you going to do when he drags in an old, un-tuned set with beat up heads that sound like crap? You're going to deliver a pro sound with those?
Where are you going to record this "band" at? In your bedroom studio? Track and mix in the same room? If you want to be considered pro, you'll need proper facilities. Everyone huddled around the Event 20/20's is going to be very frustrating! Not to mention crowded.
No one here is saying that you can't achieve very good to even excellent results with what you have listed. But running a professional level recording studio takes more than a few mics, one pre, and a cheap Soundcraft board set up in a spare bedroom.
You're offering a service, and trying to build a client base by doing so. If you want to compete in that market you'll need something besides price point to do it effectively.
