Setting up..

[MegaHuman]

Hey there,

I've just joined this forum because I want to start setting up my own home recording studio. I'm eager to learn more and more about recording music, mixing and just producing my own music.

I'm going to be buying a Mac one day to use as my recording computer and probably be using pro tools.

But I've been looking at mixers and all that sort of stuff and basically I just need advice to get started, to get some good sounds going. I play guitar but I want to record drums, vocals and everything. I like to use effects sometimes and mess around and experiment with sound.

Can anyone point me in the right direction, equipment wise? Do I need a massive set up? I'd like to have high quality equipment, and price isn't much of an issue, I understand some things can cost thousands of dollars.

So what sort of things do I need to buy? a mixer? compressor? or what?

Hope somebody can help

~ Rowan

 

[FunkDaddy]

I'm going to be buying a Mac one day to use as my recording computer

Why?

and probably be using pro tools.

Why?

But I've been looking at mixers and all that sort of stuff and basically I just need advice to get started, to get some good sounds going. I play guitar but I want to record drums, vocals and everything. I like to use effects sometimes and mess around and experiment with sound.

Well, if you want to record acoustic drums, you can get a solid sound with a simple mic setup. Kick mic, snare mic, and two overheads, you'll want to to keep it simple at first until you've got the basics...as multi-mic setups run you into phasing issues which may be just a bit too much when you're new to recording.

Then you'll need either a sub-mixer or a multi-input interface. With the mixer, you'll be sending a stereo mix from your mixer outs to your interface. With the multi-input interface, you'd be sending the mic signals direct to your DAW.

If you're just a guitarist who wants some drums on his tracks, I can highly, highly recommend both EZDrummer and Superior Drummer 2.0 from Toontrack.

Can anyone point me in the right direction, equipment wise? Do I need a massive set up? I'd like to have high quality equipment, and price isn't much of an issue, I understand some things can cost thousands of dollars.

You by no means need a massive setup. But the old adage is true for the most part in that you get what you pay for. Obviously there are some great bargain mics and preamps, just like there is some not-so-great expensive gear.

http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

That's a good guide that shows you the gamut of budget to dream rigs.

So what sort of things do I need to buy? a mixer? compressor? or what?

For computer recording, you need an interface. The stock soundcards simply don't work for recording purposes of any significant quality. You'll more than likely need a good large diaphragm condenser microphone. Don't worry about outboard effects (compressor) as they will once again be overkill for somebody just starting out.

For recording guitar, if you want to record your amp, you can probably get what you want with an SM57 microphone. If you want to direct input, you should check out an amp sim like Guitar Rig or Amplitube.

You say you like to experiment with sound, so a MIDI controller (keyboard that connects to your interface to drive VST instruments or "soft" synths) will probably be a good thing to consider.

 

[moresound]

You may want to down load Reaper and take a look at it. It's free and damn good. And if you like it , it's only $40 or $60 dollars ..... A heck of a lot cheaper than pro tools.

That and you can learn so much by just hanging out here reading away and if your confused on certain points just start a new thread and ask your questions.

 

[Armistice]

just a guitarist

You're a cruel man, Funk Daddy!

Hey Mega, if money's no object, I'm happy to fly over to wherever you are and sort it all out for you. I'll PM my account details and as soon as you deposit a retainer of, say, $10K US, I'll be over...

 

[MegaHuman]

So what should i be looking for in regards to an interface?

if money's no object

Lol, it's an object when it involves flying random people over from america just to do what I can learn from this forum.

 

[FunkDaddy]

Well you didn't answer why you're going to be using Pro Tools, but if that's the case you'll have to use one of the interfaces that Pro Tools handcuffs you to.

 

[Armistice]

Lol, it's an object when it involves flying random people over from america just to do what I can learn from this forum.

America?

No need to be insulting!

Australia, please. And I'm not random...

Funk Daddy is correct from what I understand of Pro Tools, which isn't much. It tends to cut down some of your options re. hardware...

 

[MegaHuman]

America?

No need to be insulting!

Sorry, you said $10k US so I assumed you're American.

Well you didn't answer why you're going to be using Pro Tools, but if that's the case you'll have to use one of the interfaces that Pro Tools handcuffs you to.

Oh I was only going to use Pro Tools because somebody told me it was a really good program to use, but if you have better options please I'd be very happy to hear them, anything cheaper than buying an mbox would be great

 

[moresound]

Oh I was only going to use Pro Tools because somebody told me it was a really good program to use, but if you have better options please I'd be very happy to hear them, anything cheaper than buying an mbox would be great

ONCE AGAIN =------> ~ You may want to down load Reaper and take a look at it. It's free and damn good. And if you like it , it's only $40 or $60 dollars.A heck of a lot cheaper than pro tools.OK???

Not to take a free ride away from you Armistice but I'll do the job for $4000. plus meals and ~ ~ ~

 

[grimtraveller]

Not to take a free ride away from you Armistice but I'll do the job for $4000. plus meals

"I am the underminer. I may be beneath you, but nothing is beneath me !! I'll do it for 25 quid !"

 

[MegaHuman]

Awesome I'll take a look at Reaper.

I hear Sonar is good too? Anyone confirm that?

And guys.. I'm sorry but I only pay with coffee... lots of coffee

 

[FunkDaddy]

Awesome I'll take a look at Reaper.

I hear Sonar is good too? Anyone confirm that?

And guys.. I'm sorry but I only pay with coffee... lots of coffee

There's really no reason NOT to use Reaper.

 

[buzzard bass]

What recording programs are available for Mac OS? I think Cubase might be. I know someone who uses it on a Mac. Most of the software I've run into is designed for Windows. Now you can get Windows for Mac, but then you're really defeating the purpose of getting a Mac in the first place, the more (theoretically) stable OS. I also know Sonar will not support their program on Macs running Windows, don't know about the others.

 

[MegaHuman]

What recording programs are available for Mac OS? I think Cubase might be. I know someone who uses it on a Mac. Most of the software I've run into is designed for Windows. Now you can get Windows for Mac, but then you're really defeating the purpose of getting a Mac in the first place, the more (theoretically) stable OS. I also know Sonar will not support their program on Macs running Windows, don't know about the others.

Ah cool, nah I'm happy to stick with windows.

Reaper seems quite nice to use, seems really well laid out.

Yet to play with Sonar, but I hear its also good.

Any other suggestions?