recording equipment decisions

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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 recordin, 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!
 
Me thinks one of those USB audio interfaces would be good for you...M-Audio makes some:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/quattro.php

http://www.m-audio.com/products/m-audio/duo.php

The Duo specializes in mic inputs, and includes preamps and phantom power for the condensor mics.

The Quattro has line-level inputs.....and I don't think it has preamps.

Both of these plug right into the USB port of your labtop.

The Quattro goes for $249 at http://zzsounds.com...but the Duo sounds more like what you need if all you will be using are microphones...,

How many mics do you plan on using???

If you are going to be using more than 2, you may need another mixer. I would check out the Mackie line. They have some very compact, light mixers. I use a Mackie 1202VLZ Pro...which allows 4 mic inputs - only a foot by a foot.

But after the USB audio interface, we are talking more serious money than a couple hundred bucks.

~Milkman
 
thanks

Do you know of anywhere that sells the Duo?
Is the duo more expensive than the quattro?

This is a great help! I really appreciate it. I was looking all over for something like this but the only thing I could find was the VXpocket which cost like $800. If only they made a duo/quattro with 4 mic inputs...

Generally, in the past I've just used a mackie 16 channel mixer and recorded the 2 channel down-mix to my laptop. At times I've used all the channels, but again that was for non-acoustic groups who have their own mackie mixer. For the acoustic stuff that I mainly do, I almost always use 2 mics, sometimes adding a 3rd or 4th depending on number of instruments, etc.

If I were to use this Quattro, would it be possible to add a mixer to it like you say? How would this work?

Thanks!!!
 
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT get the Quattro.

Do a browser search with keywords: "Audiosport Quattro" and "Review." Visit some Mac user forums and ask people what they think of the unit. Go to ZZounds.com and read the user reviews on the unit there, too.

Try and find ONE LIVING PERSON who has ever bought one and got it to work properly.
 
"Go to ZZounds.com and read the user reviews on the unit there, too. "

I had tried that, actually, and realized that perhaps it was not the best product...

so I'm keeping my options open and will keep looking. Luckily I don't have to make a decision until around April.
 
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