Starting from Scratch

[ericchuu]

Hey all,

I have about a 1000$ US to spend and I want to have a basic way to record studio quality or close to CDQ vocals. I have heard I need a decent mic and a good Pre-amp and but I dont know exactly where to go. I am only recording vocals and I have a mid range not so deep, not so high voice. I would appreciate any suggestions for everything I need to simply record vocals into Logic Pro. Pre-amps, mics, mixers, etc.

Thanks everyone

 

[kevvwho]

Go FireWire with a Safire 6 USB I recommend to everyone. If you like m audio get a fast track.. Indulge in a nice mic.. Blue bird baby bottle..or an nt1a.. Great entry level mics.. Lots of bang for the buck.. Do your reading and learn how to record from the nice people on this website.. It's what I've been doing.. Like I said.. Read a lot and you will find it truly helps you!!!

 

[mjbphotos]

First, do some reading here - the sticky-ed threads at the top of this section of this forum for Newbies and about computer recording.

You can get a $1000 mic and a $1000 interface - and in untreated room with a person who does not know what they are doing with their DAW it'll sound no better than a $100 mic and interface.

Do you have monitors yet? A DAW? Mic stand, cables, pop filter, headphones (for tracking)?

 

[xbxrxixtx]

If you are only doing vocals I would recommend starting with a good mic. At your budget I'd say the Rode NT1a is a good start. There are tons of mics out there so any recommendations are pretty subjective. I've heard that Rode on a lot of sessions and its always sounded great, so it gets my vote. With that mic it would leave you with still $700 or so to play with.

Next I would look at an interface to get your mic to record onto your computer. I use an Mbox 2 mini. It would work well for you, but I would probably go with something a lot cheaper, and spend the extra money on a nice preamp. A good tube pre-amp will give you some nice warmth on your vocals.

Essentially you want a good condesnser mic, a good pre-amp, and an interface, in that order (my opinion). Mic being most important because it captures the sound at the source. The pre-amp will add color and warmth to your signal, and an interface will convert the signal from analog to digital to work on your computer. The pre-amp is a good addition, but doesn't have to be there. You could spend a little more on an interface with better pre-amps, or plug-ins that simulate better preamps.

Like the posts above mention, there is far more involved than just buying a good gear. Knowing how to use it is often more important than price tag. You can spend thousands on a good set-up but not know what your doing with it and will end up with poor results. And on the other side of that you can have cheaper gear, and use it correctly with good results. No one can really say buy this and that and then your recordings will sound good. It's far more complex.