Solved Saving up for new setup

[danny.guitar]

I'm going to start saving up for a new setup. I plan on saving for awhile.

I don't want to have to upgrade again. I may end up having to save for a year or more, that's ok. I'm starting college soon so I won't have much time for recording during that time anyway.

I will not be doing any room treatment until after I get the gear, because I'll be moving out soon and I'd rather wait until then to treat whatever room I'll be using.

I'll be recording acoustic guitar, electric guitar (amp), and possibly vocals.

I'll only need to record a max of 2 tracks at a time.

I want my signal chain to be as short, and as good as possible for what I'm doing.

What should I get?

Which preamp? Great river?
A/D converters? Lucid?
Interface?
...

 

[Newbie-Doo]

Assuming you have a good sounding instrument you'll want to start with a great microphone. The mic is the root of your recorded sound and needs to be good. People will buy thousands of dollars worth of recording gear and waste it all by using crappy mics. Don't make that mistake.

Start with at least one great mic and build up the rest of your gear as you can afford. That way you are always getting the most out of whatever gear you are using.

If your recording "bread and butter" is acoustic guitar and vocals your best bet is a quality condenser mic. You should be able to find a very good one in the $300-$500 range that you'll be able to use for the rest of your days. You wouldn't be able to say the same about any PC related recording gear you buy. After 3-5 years it's obsolete, after 7 it's goes in the trash box or attic.

I'd recommend you do your research and pick out 4-5 (or more) target mics. Then go to your local music center and try them out. Each voice is unique so you'll want to find the mic that brings out the best in yours.

That's my two-cents. Good luck and happy recording.

 

[Newbie-Doo]

Hey man, checked your soundclick and Serenity sounded awesome. Why do you want to waste money on new recording gear?

 

[danny.guitar]

Thanks.

I can get a good acoustic sound out of what I got, but I think it could be better. The only good thing in my gear list is the MSH-1A mic I'm using.

MSH-1A -> Audio Buddy -> SoundBlaster

I'll probably be getting a new electric guitar/amp before anything else. But it's nice to have a list made and a budget setup so I can start saving.

For mics I've been considering the KSM (144?), not sure though. I'm happy with the MSH mic but it'd be nice to have a selection.

I'll be doing more acoustic guitar than vocals, so guitar is my main priority.