recording equipment decisions

[o-ron]

I've done some low-budget recordings in the past using my laptop, some good audio editing software, an AKG mic of mine plus some borrowed mics and Mackie mixers.
However, now I'm getting to the point where I'm actually turning it into a small business and it's time for me to get my *own* gear.
So I'm asking any of you out there who have dabbled in the recording arts what type of equipment I should pick up.

I'll tell you what I have and what/how I'll be recording, and what my budget is:

I currently have:

A Windows laptop
1 AKG C1000s condensor mic (usually borrow a 2nd one)
Cool Edit 2000
A pair of studio-series Colby headphones
That's it! (sad, really)

I record live events and non-live session recordings. However, session recordings are almost always in an open hall environment rather than a studio (hence why I travel around with my laptop). I mainly record acoustic instruments and choral voices (classical mainly). Occasionally I record non-acoustic music, but the groups that do this usually have their own mixing/micing equipment anyway.

I need to be able to have all of my equipment fairly portable (fit in a car). And if I could find some kind of device that allows me to interface directly with my laptop (without having to use its built-in soundcard) that would be WONDERFUL!

My budget is around $300-$400 for the time being. I need to get just the bare necesities for now until I can afford more later.

What type/brand mics would you recommend?
What type/brand mixer would you recommend?
Are there any special laptop-oriented devices which would be helpful?

Thanks!

 

[Mark H.]

I love this type of post, because I spend a lot of time trying to convince people to get started with what they've got rather than waiting to have "the right equipment."

I'd recommend that you consider buying or borrowing a mixer, such as the Mackie 1202VLZ PRO, because you can pick it up used for about $275, and it has four decent microphone preamps and phantom power built in.

As for mics, elsewhere you'll see a huge discussion of the Behringer ECM8000 omni mics, which can be purchased for about $35 each ($76 a pair delivered from 8th Street Music online, for instance). With a pair of mic stands and a little testing, they would work well for choral and classical. (They require phantom power, from your mixer.)

From another direction, take a look at the Denecke/Zefiro In-Box, available from Core Sound for around $340 or so (best price I've found is at Lentini -- see URL pasted in below). The In-box is a stereo mic preamp PLUS 20 bit analog to digital converter that is prized by a field recordists. Might be just the ticket for you if your sound card accepts the Denecke's digital output.

You're an inspiration to many of us -- keep us posted as you move ahead.

Best wishes,

Mark H.

 

[Mark H.]

Lenitini link for Denecke A/D20

http://www.lentinicommunications.com/shop/items/item67.htm

As for your wish to bypass your sound card, please let me know if you find something that works for you -- I'd be interested as well. You may need to post your question on the soundcard forum here as well.

If you enjoy torturing yourself with how the rich do it, try this site:

http://www.sonicsense.com/sncrdr.htm

I hope I'm not the only person to respond to your posting! I'd like to hear what others recommend for you.

Best wishes,

Mark H.

 

[o-ron]

thanks, although unfortunately my laptop doesn't have s/pdif inputs.

Perhaps if there was an easy/inexpensive way to add spdif inputs on my laptop then my choices would open up quite a bit.