Recommendations Please?

[Creepy Crawlies]

Hello there guys! I am going to be buying my first lot of Recording Equipment within the next couple of months. I have been doing a lot of research on which Microphone(s) would be best for my needs. I have decided that I will be getting the AUDIO TECHNICA AT2020.

AT2020 will be the Microphone I get to start recording with. However I am in need of recommendations on which other equipment is required to be able to start recording. I will be upgrading to a AUDIO TECHNICA AT4047 or the AUDIO TECHNICA AT4050 after I have got the knowledge of recording. So I would like all the hardware to work perfectly with a better AT4047/AT4050 Microphone as well as the At2020.

(This is basically so I don't end up re-buying everything when I do upgrade to one of the better AT models.)

Before I ask for opinions, I will just let you know that I am recording Vocals only. Mainly Rap vocals, and maybe some RnB singing. This is just a personal set up, I will only be recording myself.

So, if anyone can help me. I would like to know the following please:

• Is a Multi-Track Recorder as good as using a PC to Record Vocals? If so, can someone give me details on the differences between using one instead of a PC?
• I would also like a list of other Hardware needed to start Recording. Pre-Amps, Cables, Everything please.

Basically I just need a list of Hardware which I will require to be able to start Recording. Like I said before, good quality Hardware that will work good with the AT2020 and the better models such as the AT4050.

Any information you can give me will be awesome. I have done a lot of research on the Microphone, so I am sure I know that the AT's will be a good choice for me. Just don't have a clue where to start on other Hardware.

Also just to let you know, I am looking to get good quality recordings out of this set up. My budget excluding the Microphone would be anywhere from £400 - £800 maybe even to £1000. I just want good quality Hardware so when I upgrade Microphones it will be able to keep up with it's more advance needs.

Thanks in Advance,
Creepy Crawlies.

 

[goodmusic]

Hi there and good luck on your upcoming journey of learning!

ATs are good mics, good choice.

As for recording, I recommend you stick to using computers.
They are much more powerful than stand alone recorders.

What you are going to need is something to plug your mic into.

We use interface boxes which convert your microphones big three
pin signal into USB. There are many, many of these available.

100s infact.

Check out here:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

You are also going to need software to record onto your PC.
There are quite a few choices here too:

Cubase
Pro Tools
Logic
Reaper

If you have a new PC (quad core) I would suggest Pro-Tools.
You can buy a package which contains an interface (Digidesign
MBox) and the Pro Tools software for about 2-3 hundred pounds.

If you have a Mac, I would suggest Logic.

Otherwise, go to the websites and see what you like the look of.
Try some demos. Reaper is Free!

Make sure you budget for cables, stand etc.

I would also highly recommend you get a Reflexsions Shield.
This will highly improve your sound.

Last but not least, make sure to get loads of instructional DVDs
on your chosen software!



Hope this helps