Please Help Newbie Set Up Home Studio??!!

[brucedd]

Hello All-

I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

I am brand new to sound engineering, this site, and this forum. I am setting up a home recording studio for my kids (18, 16, 8) who are all active (and becomming more active) in music and recording. I play drums, kids play a number of instuments like guitars, bass, trumpet, french horn, glockenspiel, flute, keyboards, etc...

I am in the process of setting up a home studio and have purchased (so far):

Tascam 2488 Neo
Behringer DSP2024P Virtualizer Pro Digital Effects Processor

I would like to fully mic my drums (initially considering the CAD DMTP-7 Drum Mic kit. I am thinking I should mic my drums through a Behringer Xenyx mixer first, then into the Tascam as a single stereo input. But my main issue here is getting 7 XLR mic inputs into a cheap mixer for my drums (preferably with some effects capability) and out to one pair of stereo xlr outputs. I am thinking about Behringer Xenyx mixers with FX, but not really at all sure which one will meet this need or if that is the best way to do this?

I am also considering the CAD GXL2200SP Studio Condenser Mic Recording Pack for voice and general studio mic.

I have not yet purchased headphones, monitors, cables, stands, soundproofing, amps(?) general use mics, etc... I have enough knowledge so far to be dangerous to my bank account, but prefer to buy what we need to get going.

I would like the "studio" (fairly minor basement mods) to have a control room and a studio.

I know the questions I am asking are so very broad reaching, but that is exactly why I could use some guidance early on so I don't wander too far down wrong paths.

Any assistance, advice, and direction would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance-
Bruce

 

[guitar zero]

Before you buy another piece of gear, I'd do some reading. Start here:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm. Do lots of reading before buying and only after you've determined your budget. Also check out the home studio building threads here. Lots of great info on DIY topics. Use the search function. Good luck.

 

[suprstar]

I am thinking I should mic my drums through a Behringer Xenyx mixer first, then into the Tascam as a single stereo input. But my main issue here is getting 7 XLR mic inputs into a cheap mixer for my drums (preferably with some effects capability) and out to one pair of stereo xlr outputs.

That will technically work, but you won't have any control over the drum mix after it's been recorded. If ANYTHING is wrong with the drum mix, too bad.. Retrack it all, or live with it...

Seriously consider an interface like a Firepod or a MOTU or something.. 8 channels of firewire will be plenty to get each drum mic on a separate track. Then you can make the snare crack or the kick drum pound, without your adjustments affecting all the other drums.

A Firepod or MOTU interface will have way cleaner pre's than a Xenyx too. And the extra channels will be nice when you decide you need to record a few instruments at once.

 

[DJWheels]

I would like to fully mic my drums (initially considering the CAD DMTP-7 Drum Mic kit. I am thinking I should mic my drums through a Behringer Xenyx mixer first, then into the Tascam as a single stereo input. But my main issue here is getting 7 XLR mic inputs into a cheap mixer for my drums (preferably with some effects capability) and out to one pair of stereo xlr outputs. I am thinking about Behringer Xenyx mixers with FX, but not really at all sure which one will meet this need or if that is the best way to do this?

Hi I was reading your post and thought I might be able to help. I noticed the gear you mentioned is pretty low end so I hope my suggestions are not way out of budget. Your Tascam 2488 Neo has 4 XLR inputs which would be just enough for me to mic drums. One mic for the snare two mics for overheads and one on the kick. I would also recommend getting the Shure DMK5752 Drum Microphone Package its quite a bit more then what you where thinking of but you can’t go wrong with Shure SM57’s. The SM57 is almost a necessity in a project studio it’s a good snare mic a great mic for guitar cabs and is even useful for vocals. The Shure package does not include any condensers which are typically used as overheads so I would recommend picking up a pair of something like the Audio Technica AT3031 or the ATM450 or perhaps the Avant CK1 either are pretty good for OH’s and Acoustic Guitar on the cheap. So for about $640-$1,000 you got some very good drum, and acoustic & electric guitar mics.

 

[brucedd]

Thanks!

Thanks for the inputs!

I continue to read and learn, and invite any additional suggestions too!

I am researching the suggestions and will keep you posted with any decisions!

Thanks so much for your assistance and mentoring, very very much appreciated!

Happy Holidays!!!
Bruce