Semi-newbie question

  • Thread starter Thread starter ChristopherM
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ChristopherM

ChristopherM

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Currently I am recording on my computer using the following:

  • Athlon 2gig machine
  • Sonar 2.2XL
  • Soundblaster Audigy with LiveDrive
  • Direct input from acoustic guitar (Taylor314 with Fishman Preamp)
  • Direct input from drum machine
  • Vocals from Shure SM57 preamped through inexpensive TOA mixer...or sometimes direct to soundcard.
  • Bass preamped through TOA mixer
I'm rarely happy with the acoustic sound in that it either sounds "distant and thin" or "twangy and distorted." I really have to play with the bass for it not to sound twangy and distorted. With a lot of work, I can get decent vocals, but they could be clearer. Drums are usually OK. I can usually overcome most of these shortfalls with a lot of work and a lot of retakes during tracking.

I'd like to upgrade my soundcard and I guess I should get a preamp for the vocals as well. I'd really like to have multiple inputs as I might try some live recording in the future and also would like the ability to mic a drum set. Overall, I'd like to spend a grand or less, but have been known to go over budget at times (especially when it comes to music or cars).

Would anyone please like to give me some suggestions?

Thanks
 
ChristopherM said:
I'd like to upgrade my soundcard and I guess I should get a preamp for the vocals as well. I'd really like to have multiple inputs as I might try some live recording in the future and also would like the ability to mic a drum set. Overall, I'd like to spend a grand or less, but have been known to go over budget at times (especially when it comes to music or cars).

Would anyone please like to give me some suggestions?

Thanks
Click to expand...

creative's not all it's cracked up to be, well, for recording anyway, playback is suppose to be good...

get a mixer, 10-12 channel, or a m-audio card 24/96 may be for you, it has a small interface with inputs, humm, a pre, mixer, and card should be well under a grand, given you shop around, mic's are a different story...
 
Re: Re: Semi-newbie question

Fusion2 said:
creative's not all it's cracked up to be, well, for recording anyway, playback is suppose to be good...

get a mixer, 10-12 channel, or a m-audio card 24/96 may be for you, it has a small interface with inputs, humm, a pre, mixer, and card should be well under a grand, given you shop around, mic's are a different story...
Click to expand...

er, wrong card, no interface, sorry...

check www.newegg.com they have good prices on delta cards, or try the KX driver, i think that's what it is, KX project, yeah, that's it, special driver for creative cards...

many say the KX sounds much better than the spec creative driver...
 
I'd look at the Aardvark line because they have the best AD/DA converters in that price range. The Q10 has 10 inputs 8 mic pres 4 of which have phantom power. Also inputs 7 and 8 can be used as DI for electric guitars, basses and such. You can stack up to 4 of them for more channels.

A notch above this would be the Hammerfall DSPs, something like the Multiface or the Digiface. Their converters are top-notch and has great drivers and mixer/control panel.
 
I was in a similar situation to you.

I replaced my old soundcard with an Maudio Delta 44, which gives you 4 1/4" inputs and another 4 out. That's was $200, plus a Yamaha 12/4 mixer with 6 mic pres, another $200. Some cables & a 2nd hand Audix mic for $100. I now have 3 mics on the kit so snare, kick and overhead are all on seperate tracks.

If you want more ins, you could look at a Delta 1010. The Ardvarks are supposed to be good too
 
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