Recording set-up - need advice

[fabrice]

Dear all ;-)

I checked quite a bit other threads available here, but couldn't find an exact answer to my question ... so hope I can get some inputs from you guys!

Here is the situation: I want to start recording (at home, small room, ie. about 10 sq. meters) some songs that will include ...
- upright piano ("glued" on a wall - I guess I could move it a little, but would prefer not to)
- acoustic guitar
- electric guitar (thru amps available on DAW)
- a bit of voice once in a while

Style for my music: Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds (eg. 【失逝】 滴画 - my purity (Olafur Arnalds - Fyrsta)—在线播放—优酷网，视频高清在线观看), etc. Quiet and slow music ;-)

What I have (other than instruments above that is...):
- DAW: Garageband / Pro Tools
- Computer: MacBook Pro

What equipment would I need, knowing that my budget is around $500 ...:
- Microphones, of course: read about a pair of small diaphragm condenser for piano ... Good advice? Which model would you recommend? Do I need another one for voice and/or acoustic guitar?
- Audio interface: since I am a one-man band, I assume a 2/2 would be enough, with pre-amp and phantom power. Fair? Any model I should look at in particular?
- Any box I need to buy to inputs directly guitar, or just getting it thru the A/I will be good?

As you can see, clearly not on expert on my side of the keyboard ... Looking forward to your inputs!

Thanks!
Fabrice

 

[mjbphotos]

Guessing you may be limited on the brands of equipment you can buy due to where you are? SOunds like you have the basic idea down on what is needed.
For the interface, many choices including the Steinberg UR22, Sapphire models, Tascam.
Mics - many choices as well.
You'll need headphones for monitoring previously recorded tracks and recording with mics. You'll need monitors for mixing. Mic stands, cables, pop filter. Start thinking about acoustic treatment in the room - do some more reading here, tons of info available.

 

[mdainsd]

+100

OP, please describe for us your room that you will be recording in? Materials, ceiling height, floor coverings etc.

A portion of your budget (maybe even a majority of it) might have to go to room treatment. While its not "as cool" to be spending money on room treatments as opposed to shiny new microphones, it has to be done. You could spend ten times your budget on cool gear and get terrible results without addressing this first.

 

[groundflrmusic]

Yeah, sounds like you've got a pretty good grasp on the basics of what you'll need. People have tons of preferences when it comes to specific models of gear, so it really depends what's important to you. As far as microphones go, I think you'd be better served by getting one large diaphragm condenser to start, with your budget the leftover money is better spent on a decent pair of headphones to monitor with. Audio Technica 2020's have always worked well for me for the price, but I don't record that much piano.

Tascam, Focusrite, AVID, and M-Audio all have very decent and relatively inexpensive Audio Interfaces within your price range, no need to dwell on that decision for too long. I would really recommend the headphones though, they can really make a difference. Sennheiser HD 280's are about $100, so they should fit into your budget nicely if you wanted to check them out.

As far as your room goes, I wouldn't worry too too much about room treatment just yet. From the sounds of it you'll be doing a lot of this "in the box" so-to-speak, so close miking will probably take care of most of the major issues there.

 

[Armistice]

A dolly to help move the piano. A loud instrument against a wall might be a bit of a handful in terms of reflections.

$500? Save more. You'll need leads, stands, mics, interface, treatment etc.

Having an indicative budget is a nice concept... sticking to it can cost you more in the long run if it's too small.

Remember I told you this the first time you replace the cheap crappy <whatever> you bought just to stay under budget.

Good luck.

 

[GuitarLegend]

There is a huge range of audio interfaces that you can choose from, so anyone's suggestions may be contested by anyone else. With that in mind, you can't go wrong with the Focusrite range, either the Firewire-based Saffire range or the USB-based Scarlett range. I would recommend the Saffire PRO 24 DSP. If you prefer USB then I would start with the Scarlett 2i4 which is the smallest Scarlett with midi I/O if that happens to be important to you. Bear in mind that almost every audio interface will require powered speakers. That may not be possible on your specified budget. You may be limited to headphones for a while...