soliciting opinions on a good home setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter PRETTYfromDAWGS
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PRETTYfromDAWGS

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What up,

I want to get some feedback as far as, for hip-hop production, what are the most commonly used tools out there? Also, what can I get to make my home studio have that pro "clear", "full" sound.

I do rap/hip-hop music. I'm the producer, one of the members, manager and webmaster for the D.A.W.G.S. (peep midwestdawgs.tripod.com)

I here so much about the MPC or pro tools or the KORG triton and
samplers and different "standards" that all the big time rappers and producers use. What I make my music on is relatively cheap and basic and I want to know what I'd need to get if I wanted to upgrade my music....

ok, I have a lil studio, I use acid version 3 or 4, sound forge 4.5, cakewalk 8, an OLD ass yahmaha keyboard with midi and a sequencer (psr-SQ16 I think), and a TON of loop cds, and sound effect cds. I have a cheap ass creative sound blaster 5.1 for my sound card. From this, i've put together an album (see www.mp3.com/D_A_W_G_S)

I like our album but I think it could be better.

I use acid to put my loops together and record vocals. I use sound forge to add effects and I have been using it to take the hiss out of tracks that I record from my keyboard.

I haven't figured out midi and cakewalk yet so I'm using a 1/4" plug to my sound card from the L/R output on the keyboard when I want to add some keys. I also have my mic going directly in my sound card.

Do I need a mixer? Would that help my sound. I know it would help the vocals right because of the preamp I'm missing???? it takes some time but when I master the album I always have to tweak vocals and the keyboard but the loops are always cool (of course).

I take the cd and burn it and listen in the car and then at work on the PC's with my headphones and I note what I hear. then it's back to the lab!

People like our music. they say it sounds damn near professional. but how do I get that pro sound?? the clearness???

Do I need a better sound card?? i've been lookin into 24bit sound cards like the sound blaster audigy and the m-audo 2496, is the sound card my prob????

I have a cheap ass mic too....I bet that would help if I got a better mic with the XLR plug, right??

please read my post. Peep some tracks on mp3 if u want and holla back. I'd love to hear from someone. Peace.


PRETTYfromDAWGS@hotmail.com
 
Well for inputing the midi, you don't need a better sound card. Midi is just informaion, and your soundblaster will recieve that just fine. As far as the rest goes you will need a good soundcard, some good pres, mics, compressors, the list goes on and on.... Tell us your budget approximately and we might be able to help out better....

Good luck,

Chris
 
The AP 24/96 would be an outstanding upgrade and improvement over the SB. This card has no mic pre's though. You would need a mixer or a standalone preamp like the M-Audio audiobuddy or a card with breakoutbox with pre's like the M-Audio Omnistudio. A better vocal mic would also improve things for you. Look to spend between $200-300 on a good mic with XLR and phantom power.
 
I've been looking into hi end sound cards and I want to know what you think about the difference between say an internal m-audio 24/96 and the external USB m-audio sound card. Other than the differences between any internal and external device, are internal or external sound cards better??? are they all the same and it's just preference???
 
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