Priorities... advice needed

[undrtkr_00]

So, after several years of recording bits here and there with the same basic setup, I am looking to step up my level of activity, and need to make some upgrades. I'm looking for help deciding how to prioritize. My budget is about $3,000 total, and I need to figure out which pieces to upgrade (and with what).

Key parts of my current setup:
• PC with Windows XP
• DAW: Cakewalk Sonar 2
• Interface: M-Audio 1010/LT
• Preamp: FRM RNP (2 channels)
• Mic: Studio Projects C1
• Monitors: Simple 5.1 PC speaker setup (I know, I know)

Mostly I record 1-3 tracks at a time with the focus being on vocals, keyboards, electric bass, hand drums and percussion, and a little acoustic guitar. I tend to do minimal sound processing. We also have a baby grand but I have not gotten up the gusto to try micing it yet.

Sonar is becoming unstable these days, so I am definitely upgrading that. Reaper is looking like a likely contender there, so that won't hurt my budget too much. My thoughts on upgrading the other items:
• Monitors - Definitely need a real set of studio monitors. Am leaning towards a powered 2.1 setup, as I currently mix my music down and then go listen in the car, which has a 12" sub. I like my low end and want to hear it while mixing down.
• New condenser mic - Very happy with the Studio Projects C1 for vocals and general recording, but would like to add something that will record acoustic guitar and percussion/hand drums really well, and need a 2nd mic at times.
• Preamp for vocals - Love the RNP, but it is fairly transparent, and I'd like to add something with a little more warmth - probably tube.
• New interface? - This is a question mark for me. I have enough ins and outs to do what I want currently, but am wondering if I can get something a little cleaner with better D/A converters for, say, under $1,000. Or, is my money better spent entirely on the items above? I generally understand sampling rates and bit depth, but realize that all 24 bit 96k sampling interfaces are not the same. Assuming I buy another channel's worth of standalone preamp (see above), I won't need to have the world's greatest preamps on the interface.

If you were in my shoes, how would you prioritize your $? Spend most of it on monitors or go cheaper on those and get great a mic and preamp? Add a better interface, or keep what I've got and put those $ somewhere else? Are there specific pieces of hardware you are in love with that would fit my budget? I tend to go for the stuff that causes people to say "it sounds almost identical to XX that costs twice as much (or more)."

 

[TeyshaBlue]

So, after several years of recording bits here and there with the same basic setup, I am looking to step up my level of activity, and need to make some upgrades. I'm looking for help deciding how to prioritize. My budget is about $3,000 total, and I need to figure out which pieces to upgrade (and with what).

Key parts of my current setup:
• PC with Windows XP
• DAW: Cakewalk Sonar 2
• Interface: M-Audio 1010/LT
• Preamp: FRM RNP (2 channels)
• Mic: Studio Projects C1
• Monitors: Simple 5.1 PC speaker setup (I know, I know)

Mostly I record 1-3 tracks at a time with the focus being on vocals, keyboards, electric bass, hand drums and percussion, and a little acoustic guitar. I tend to do minimal sound processing. We also have a baby grand but I have not gotten up the gusto to try micing it yet.

Sonar is becoming unstable these days, so I am definitely upgrading that. Reaper is looking like a likely contender there, so that won't hurt my budget too much. My thoughts on upgrading the other items:
• Monitors - Definitely need a real set of studio monitors. Am leaning towards a powered 2.1 setup, as I currently mix my music down and then go listen in the car, which has a 12" sub. I like my low end and want to hear it while mixing down.
• New condenser mic - Very happy with the Studio Projects C1 for vocals and general recording, but would like to add something that will record acoustic guitar and percussion/hand drums really well, and need a 2nd mic at times.
• Preamp for vocals - Love the RNP, but it is fairly transparent, and I'd like to add something with a little more warmth - probably tube.
• New interface? - This is a question mark for me. I have enough ins and outs to do what I want currently, but am wondering if I can get something a little cleaner with better D/A converters for, say, under $1,000. Or, is my money better spent entirely on the items above? I generally understand sampling rates and bit depth, but realize that all 24 bit 96k sampling interfaces are not the same. Assuming I buy another channel's worth of standalone preamp (see above), I won't need to have the world's greatest preamps on the interface.

If you were in my shoes, how would you prioritize your $? Spend most of it on monitors or go cheaper on those and get great a mic and preamp? Add a better interface, or keep what I've got and put those $ somewhere else? Are there specific pieces of hardware you are in love with that would fit my budget? I tend to go for the stuff that causes people to say "it sounds almost identical to XX that costs twice as much (or more)."

It sounds like you've done a good, thoughtful job of weighing the options thus far, but I see you've not mentioned your recording space in any way. Have you evaluated it as well? Generally speaking, this is the first place I would spend any money and it's important to spend it correctly. Not knowing what you are recording in, I can't make much in the way of recommendations other than to seek out info on conditioning your room.
This is a decent link to begin exploring that aspect of your recording chain.
http://christopherave.wordpress.com...recording-environment-bryan-pape-has-answers/
Once you are confident in your room, if you aren't already, then I think your monitors are your next priority. You can't mix what you can't hear. Be prepared to spend time listening to what you're considering. This isn't a purchase you make make via someone's recomendation, even though, there is some basic information to be gleaned by reading reviews. But, let your ears make the purchase. Ideally, it would be best to evaluate them in your own space since they will likely sound much different than in your typical guitar center or the like. If you're stuck listening to them at another location, at least take some material you are very familiar with.
I'll let others chime in on mic and pre recommendations, although I've always kinda liked the little Crown CM700's for micing acoustic guits as they are small and easily placed.
Good luck and let us know how all this shakes out.

 

[undrtkr_00]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I'll look into room treatments. Actually, we have a friend crashing in the studio room for a couple of weeks, so once she is out I'll have the opportunity to rearrange the room the way I had planned and can look into some room treatments, as well. Thanks for the info link. I need to spend some time reading up on the subject.

You are probably right - monitors need to be a priority. The mic and preamp combo I have currently are adequate - adding more will simply be for broadening my palette, while getting some quality monitors is a must.

 

[Prado Escondido]

Given your setup, +1 for room treatment and +1 for monitors.

I got room treatment from GIK stateside. It was about $1500 for a setup for my studio. Sent them the dimensions and they gave me prioritized quotes of first this, then this, etc., according to your budget. I ended up with stacked triangle pieces in the facing the monitors corners, two bass traps behind me and about 8 panels, 4 against each side wall. There are other companies ... just make sure you check with someone who specializes in acoustic treatments.

Monitors are a hole you can fall in. With $1500 or so left, you should be able to get something very good. I like the Sound on Sound reviews for comparisons. Most articles from issue over 6 months old are completely available on line. Just google 'Sound on Sound Monitors' or 'Sound on Sound nearfield.'

Prado