seeking knowledge: home recording

[meekalrock]

i've been trying to get started recording for at least three years now and i'm finally giving it the push it needs... i have a computer and cakewalk, acid pro, sound forge, and some other midi programs on there and i want a versatile mic that can get my classical guitar (sometimes strummed, sometimes plucked - fingers) and my voice. it would be nice if it could get group voices or a variety of other not too loud solo instruments... i'm most likely going to need a mixer in between the mic and computer as i want to get a condenser mic... looking to spend 200-400 overall
any help?
thanks,
mike

 

[tappmusic]

Try this combo:
- Behringer B2 Pro --or-- Studio Projects C1
- M-Audio DMP3 2-channel mic preamp

Total cost = $300 - $350

Note: The Studio Projects C1 is $50 more, but it records acoustic instruments much nicer in my opinion. The Behringer B2 Pro is GREAT for vocals, but I wasn't pleased with how it recorded acoustic guitar. They're both large diaphragm condenser mics and will serve you well. This set-up should give you good clean recordings, especially if you use proper mic techniques.

Good luck!

 

[Halion]

I second the C1 and DMP3. I'd skip on the behringer, they tend to make things that break down faster, even when the product itself functions very well.

 

[Big Kenny]

I think for classical guitar an sdc would be better, but at your budget I would recommend a CAD M179 and a Rane MS1b http://www.americanaudiocenter.com/ranems1b.html (might find it cheaper)
http://www.frontendaudio.com/CAD_M179_Dual_Diaphragm_Multi_Pattern_Condenser_Mi_p/1637.htm

 

[LemonTree]

You didn't mention how you are going to get your mic signal into the computer. There's no point in shelling out $400 on a mic and pre amp to plug it into a stock computer sound card. You'll get results but they'll be poor results, infact you could probably plug a cheap radio shack mic into a stock soundcard and not lose much quality.

If I was starting all over and could choose from gear available today I'd probably pick up a combo something like this if I was on a tight budget....

Studio Projects B1 LDC
M-Audio DMP3 Mic Pre
M-Audio audiophile 24/96 soundcard

If I couldn't afford that setup I'd wait a little longer and save till I could rather than going with the cheaper (less reliable) Behringer crap

If you haven't used a condensor before you'll want to get a pop filter, they are very sensative. If you're going with the SP C1 or the B1 shop around for the best deal that includes a shockmount.

Stay away from all things behringer and samson

 

[meekalrock]

thanks for the help guys..
i have an old sound blaster live! board which in my memory worked well a couple years ago with acid pro
and thanks for the inspiration
mike

 

[LemonTree]

thanks for the help guys..
i have an old sound blaster live! board which in my memory worked well a couple years ago with acid pro
and thanks for the inspiration
mike

Honestly, I'll tell you now before everyone else jumps in and tells you the same thing....

You are throwing your $400 away if you're gonna plug it through that soundblaster. It has a very high noise floor and isn't designed for recording audio. Stay away from all the soundblaster and audigy stuff, there's better things to be had for very little money

 

[soundchaser59]

You are throwing your $400 away if you're gonna plug it through that soundblaster. It has a very high noise floor and isn't designed for recording audio. Stay away from all the soundblaster and audigy stuff, there's better things to be had for very little money

That's the same thing I've been told by several local pros.....

 

[meekalrock]

well, thanks guys, i was pretty much just about to buy an older audigy board, what do you suggest in its place, and what do you think about the cad m179 microphone combined with a presonus firebox or inspire? any other ideas about possible mics/mixer/soundcard combinations?
thanks
mke

 

[Halion]

That already sounds like a far better combo than anything involving a sound blaster.

M-audio makes good soundcards, but you'll still need a preamp. The firebox/inspire have both preamps and a soundcard in them, so they would be a smart choice. I can't say much about the difference.