So this is my recording set up

[stingtheoryhawk]

Im putting this out there for feedback and perhaps to help some others trying to get a grasp on what to get.

1) MXL 990's instrument and vocal
2) Tascam 122 USB interface (2 EXL phantom power inputs, 24 bit / 44.1 khz)
3) Logic Express 8 (was using Garage Band but cant deal with the stigma)

Im also going at some point to get a midi drum pad and a midi keyboard (from a thrift store around here)

Eventually I would like to build up tracks with these different elements, but for now I just want good recording quality so I can get stuff down and move on.
I think its important to get things right with good quality but you got to move on, would just stiffle creativity other wise. Also its easy to become a gear head, but thats not where I want to spend my time, as I should be playing right now and not typing. Really interested to what folks have to say, thanks for any assistance you may lend!

 

[dintymoore]

I think that's excellent thinking!

The winners in this world are the ones that can look at the big picture, and the big picture in recording is the song.

And you know what, when I'm 90 a song I recorded on a $15 cassette deck will mean as much to me as one done on expensive gear. Good gear will come your way if the music is happening.

My 2 cents quickie: Buy used when you can, save for the best mics and listen to as many opinions as you can and then do what your gut tells you.

 

[CoolMusicNotes]

Buying used is the way to go gor now, becuase money doesn't grow on trees ya know.

 

[gecko zzed]

Im putting this out there for feedback and perhaps to help some others trying to get a grasp on what to get.

1) MXL 990's instrument and vocal
2) Tascam 122 USB interface (2 EXL phantom power inputs, 24 bit / 44.1 khz)
3) Logic Express 8 (was using Garage Band but cant deal with the stigma)

Im also going at some point to get a midi drum pad and a midi keyboard (from a thrift store around here)

Eventually I would like to build up tracks with these different elements, but for now I just want good recording quality so I can get stuff down and move on.
I think its important to get things right with good quality but you got to move on, would just stiffle creativity other wise. Also its easy to become a gear head, but thats not where I want to spend my time, as I should be playing right now and not typing. Really interested to what folks have to say, thanks for any assistance you may lend!

What you have looks like a reasonable start and will get you going. You need to think about a monitoring system. Your PC's speakers can only do so much.
As for the 'stigma' of Garage Band . . . you need to be able to ride over that. GB is okay, and in fact most audio applications are.

 

[wheelema]

What you have looks like a reasonable start and will get you going. You need to think about a monitoring system. Your PC's speakers can only do so much.
As for the 'stigma' of Garage Band . . . you need to be able to ride over that. GB is okay, and in fact most audio applications are.

+1. Garage band works, and decent monitors are critical.