So, this looks like our final studio list...

  • Thread starter Thread starter NoSalaryCap
  • Start date Start date
My dear old Dad used to say "There's nothing worse than management with a shopping list" - because it showed that nobody in the business had really thought about or even identified the problems in detail.

My advice would be to first, have your ears tested by an audiologist so you can plot their frequency response.

The next thing is that I'd get some help to design the room - even the best mics will sound bad in a bad room.

Next, I'd look at buying on preamp, one vocal mic, one set of monitors, and one set of converters.

If you could only buy "one", then what would you buy?

I'd then buy that one recording chain, and get to know it intimately.

Whenever you next encounter a problem that requires spending, you can augment your list as needs dictate.
 
I agree that instead of getting 10 midrange mics, get a couple of top notch mics. Everything you have listed is good for the money, but with that budget, you need to bring it up a notch.
 
xstatic said:
Out of curiosity, if you only need 2 channels, why all the midrange mics and no high end mics? Also, why the Event monitors instead of a nice pair? If it were me going for 2 channels, I would get 1 ribbon mic, 1 good dynamic, and 2 different high end vocal mics for selection. Then maybe throw a pair of utility mics in an a SD pair.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this assessment, great advice. Although judging from the 828mkII, it should be possible to record at least 8 channels at a time.

But the list does seem a bit mid-rangy with some unnecessary duplications. For example, why have both the RE20 and the SM7B? Yes, it's great to have a selection, but pare the list down to maybe 5 selections but no more than 8. Also, I don't see a matched stereo pair. I think a stereo pair is important, plus 3-6 mics in addition to that.

I'd also recommend trimming that preamp list down to start with, and add a two channel preamp later. So you'd get something like the Vipre and either the ISA or Neve Portico now, and then once you've had a chance to use those for a while you'd know better what you need next.

It's always best to have your gear choices come from a need that is based on experience rather than trying to anticipate every need in advance. So, layering gear in over time works well in my opinion. Same goes for the mics really. Get a few really good ones and then add on a need basis once you've heard your mics and preamps together. I like your current approach to preamps much better than the LC channel idea.
 
I appreciate the help guys, see I'm experienced with mid range gear, but no high end stuff...therefore I wouldnt know where to start with high end mics.
 
Neumann u87, u67 (tough to find one in good shape), u47 (same problem), Lawson L47 mp (www.lawsonmicrophones.com), All of the Soundelux high end stuff, Brauner, and I probably left out a ton. But those will all be pretty good stuff. In your case you will probably want to go new, which will rule out those older Neumann's. You could still get the U87 though.
 
Jburn34 said:
But the tlm103 is not the best in its price range....especially for vox.
Click to expand...
What is the best in its (the TLM103) price range for vocals? I'm thinking for male voice that is slightly thin (not a lot, just a little).


Jburn34 said:
You really should check into some of the mics in the $2k range and over. Huge difference.
Click to expand...
Are you saying the quality-to-expense ratio takes a jump up in terms of quality at the $2000 threshold? What mics would you suggest right around the $2000 mark? Again, I'm thinking male voice that is slightly thin (not a lot, just a little).

Thanks for any thoughts.
 
* Ditch the vocal booth idea. Very tacky.

* Hire someone to design the layout / accoustics.

* Need better monitors. Start out with some Genelecs (or something comparable).

* Too many vocal mics. Start out with maybe one really nice LDC of your choosing, and add an AKG C414 and a Shure SM-7.

* Like the Distressor, and the "ditching the LC" ideas.

.
 
NoSalaryCap said:
Suggestions, thoughts?

Equip List:
Motu 828MKII
Focusrite Liquid Channel
Groove Tubes Vipre
Rosetta 200 Converter
Event Studio Precision 8 Monitors
AKG K 271 Headphones
Mogami Mic Cables
Monster Monitor Cables
Mogami Patch Cables
Mic Stand, Pop Filter all come free via the AT3060

Mic List:
Soundelux U195
Blue Bluebird
AT 3060
AT 4047
Shure KSM 32
CAD M9
Studio Projects C1
Rode NT2000

Booth-
Clear Sonic (Largest vocal booth they make)

I've had some help thanks to AllOrNothinEnt, and several other's in choosing this.
Before I'm asked, I chose the Motu, because we only need 2 channels, and ran through the converter it should make for a good set-up, plus I like the features it had to offer.

What do you think?
Click to expand...


I speak for myself...


-You might want to re evaluate the mic selection. You might have over invested there.

- The booth idea is not so relevant yet. I would hold off.

-No wordclock?

-I think you can do better in terms of monitors. They don't have to be genelecs, but there many other options out there.

-No cue system? Do you plan on shouting through the glass?

-Do you think it's nessessary to spend all that cash on speaker cables? Monstor cables are over priced.

-Do your speakers float in mid air?

-Are you really satisfied with your choice of pre amps?


The strongest link in your studio is going to start at the mic selection, the preamp selection and the room.

Why not go with one good high quality LDC and then budget down the rest of your mic selection? You would work that side by side and build a good pre amp selection (at least 2 different types).

What are you hoping to achieve with this setup?
 
LeeRosario said:
-No cue system? Do you plan on shouting through the glass?

-Do your speakers float in mid air?
Click to expand...

LMAO

That's some great stuff, Lee.

.
 
NoSalaryCap said:
I chose the L.C. because it comes with 40 pres and compressors, and there's already like 20 more of each to be downloaded.

As for plugins, I have every Waves plugin availble, so I'm good to go there.

Money is really no big deal, I myself have half of this, and I have 3 silent backers who write me checks for whatever I ask for.

Yes, I'm recording only vocals.

As for replacing the L.C., nah, I'd rather have 60-70 pre's than 1.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with the advice about skipping the LC. You don't really get 60-70 pres, you get simulations, and there have certainly been plenty of people that aren't convinced by those emulations. I'd much rather have a few really great pres that are the real thing.

The Central Station is a good idea.

I'd also suggest you don't buy all this gear at one time. Get a few pieces and use them for a while and then get a few more and add them in, get familiar with them and then add a few more. Put the LC at the end of that list and I really doubt you'll feel the need for it.
 
Well, at least I'm consistent, I gave the same advice today that I gave 9 months ago! :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top