Starters Kit

[Jefmeester]

Hello readers,

I'm a newbie in recording but I would like to be able to record my band and the bands from my mates. I've been putting a starters kit together and I would like your opinion on it. My max budget is about €1000. I would appreciate any feedback on this list.

What I already have:
- An Intel core I7 laptop with enough RAM.
- Cubase 5 (bought it from a friend)
- DI for bassguitar

What I need and looked up:
DAW controller:
- Zoom r16
- Icon iControls Pro

Microphones:
- SM 58 for vocals/distorted guitar
- Condenser mic for vocals/gang vocals: M-Audio Nova
- Drum mics: Samson 7kit drumset

Please critisize as much as you want, I'd appreciate all the feedback and alternatives you guys got for this list.

Greets,
J

 

[JG96]

If I were you I would start with a straight audio interface. No need for faders and everything yet. They are cool but not a necessity. I would recommend a pack of GLS ES57's. You could use them on drums and guitars and they are less than 30 dollars each. Get the best condensers you can and use them for vocals/overheads. I like D112 for kick.

 

[Jefmeester]

Thank you for your replay.

Could you give me advise on what condenser mics to get?
And would you say the Tascam US-1800 is good for the start? I've read it comes with the Cubase I use myself atm.

 

[ecc83]

Thank you for your replay.

Could you give me advise on what condenser mics to get?
And would you say the Tascam US-1800 is good for the start? I've read it comes with the Cubase I use myself atm.

Actually a second copy of Cubase could be right handy!
The US 1800 (yes, btw, best bang for buck) ships with LE5 I understand? This means that it could be installed on a second computer or that of a mate and then you could at least play tracks on both machines, even bounce mixdown idea over the internet!

Capacitor mics are legion but I would say stick to the small D "pencil" style. The AKG Perception 170 is good value (often sold in multiples at a very good price) . Very well made and "road hardened" to some degree so that will stand a bit more abuse than other cap mics.

Dave.

 

[Jefmeester]

Thanks for the advise!

So at the moment I got this:

Tascam US-1800
€300

4 x GLS ES57
€120

2 x AKG Perception 170
€176

AKG D112
€166

Stands, cables and a windscreen (right?)
€140

That is €902... Not bad!

Any more advise? Everything is welcome!

 

[JG96]

Not bad at all! I have heard that pencil condensers are more prone to pops from vocals than LDC's. You may want to add a large diapragm condenser to your mic locker. The CAD M179 is very popular. You could get a set and use them for overheads. They do multiple pickup patterns too.
Also I got my US-1800 as a factory restock for 150 dollars. Keep your eyes peeled for a restock! And yes you definitely want a windscreen if that was what your were asking above.