Starting my Home Studio...?

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JonathanRay

JonathanRay

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Here's some products I'm interested in:

1. Active Wharfedale Diamond Pro 8.2 Monitors ($340)

2. Soundcraft M12 Mixer ($760)

I already own two SM57s, SM58, Shure PE47L, AKG D112, cables, stands, and isolated headphones.

I'm torn between using a stand alone multi-track recorder or a computer & USB interface. If I use a USB interface, I'll need to buy a new computer that can handle recording.

I'd appreciate any suggestions about going with a multi-track recorder or computer, and/or comments about the monitors and mixer. Thanks!
 
as far as using a computer you'd probably be better off with a Firewire interface over USB. and i know that there's got to be a few threads on here already discussing this issue, have you looked around much yet? well my advice would be to go with the computer setup for ease of use and versatility. about the products you mention, sorry i'm no help there as i have no experience with either. :)
 
If I went with the computer & firewire Interface, I would probably look into a Digi 002 Rack. As for the computer, I'd either have one built for recording, or buy a Mac G5.
 
yeah i already have plans to build a whole new PC that i'll be using strictly for recording. its cheaper and probably more efficient to just buy all the parts and throw it together yourself than to buy a pre-made "recording" computer. i don't have any experience with the Digi 002, but i'm assuming it's a good piece of equipment. however, i've been hearing alot lately that the software programs are really starting to catch up to Pro Tools when it comes to quality of the sound that you get. there are other less expensive alternatives that could get the job done pretty much just as well. there's tons of info on here about different options as far as hardware and software for computers, so if you haven't taken the time to do lots of searching, i would highly recommend it. i've only been a member here for a couple months, but i've learned what feels like a 5 years' worth of information, and i'm still learning something new every day.
 
As far as other programs being less expensive than PT while catching up: yes and no.

Most other native programs have actually PASSED Pro Tools LE in terms of features. LE has no timecode, no surround, fewer MIDI features (though it still does MIDI reliably), gives you only 5 inserts and sends per tracks, and limits you to 32 voices and 16 busses.

By comparison, Cubase SX gives you as many tracks and busses as you can handle, 8 inserts and sends, and all of the other features I listed above. As does Logic Pro.

BUT- Logic rings in at $999 and you still have to buy an interface. For about $200 more you get the 002 Rack and the "industry standard" in software. ("Industry Standard" doesn't mean its the best, just the "standard.") And Logic will still work with it. (shrug)

Jonathan-

The main advantages to using a computer are:
- Expandabillity
- Usually has better editting
- Usually has easier and more storage/backup options.
- Built in effects, as well as purchaseable addon effects.
- Total recall of mix and effects settings if you are mixing in the software

The main advantages of standalone recorders:
- They always work. No crashes. No viruses. Just turn them on and GO.
- They are usually quieter than a PC- easier to record in the same room.
- Tend to be easier to learn, but can also be quite complex depending on what you get.

Up to you, really. One guy hired me to get a simple studio set up for him that could record piano, vocals, and...oh, yeah maybe some drums and a few other instruments. Something simple, y'know? Easy to use.

Yeah, right. Every standalone box that could do more than 8 inputs was so complex that I knew he'd never bother to learn it. I got him a Digi 002 rack and a used Mac G4. Made a session template for him and stuck it on the desktop. One click and he's off.

Take care,
Chris
 
Thanks for all the input!

If I were to have a PC built to handle the Digi 002 Rack, what should I look into having put in the PC? Processor, how much RAM, what OS should I go with, etc. I'm not much of a computer wiz so I'd really appreciate any help. Thanks!
 
JonathanRay said:
Thanks for all the input!

If I were to have a PC built to handle the Digi 002 Rack, what should I look into having put in the PC? Processor, how much RAM, what OS should I go with, etc. I'm not much of a computer wiz so I'd really appreciate any help. Thanks!
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I believe Digi has information about this on their site. They qualify the software/hardware to run on certain machines/processors/etc. So check that out and make sure you have the right CPU and all that. I liked your idea about a G5 though. Out of the box, that would work fine. The lower end dual G5's are plenty powerful and really not that expensive.

For the record, I got a brand new Digi 002R for $850 a while back. I think with some shopping around you could probably get ProTools/Digi 002R for the same or less than the Logic software alone. I've found the Digi 002R and PT to be a great combination, I'm very happy with it. I also use Digital Performer. PT is rock solid and hassle free in my experience, a mature and capable program. I'm using it with a dual Mac G4.
 
SonicAlbert said:
I believe Digi has information about this on their site. They qualify the software/hardware to run on certain machines/processors/etc. So check that out and make sure you have the right CPU and all that. I liked your idea about a G5 though. Out of the box, that would work fine. The lower end dual G5's are plenty powerful and really not that expensive.

For the record, I got a brand new Digi 002R for $850 a while back. I think with some shopping around you could probably get ProTools/Digi 002R for the same or less than the Logic software alone. I've found the Digi 002R and PT to be a great combination, I'm very happy with it. I also use Digital Performer. PT is rock solid and hassle free in my experience, a mature and capable program. I'm using it with a dual Mac G4.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. The cheapest G5 from Apple is still $2000 :(. Where did you purchase a Digi 002R for $850? That's a great deal! Thanks.
 
Just throwing in my $.02 here... If your desire is to go the protools route, I might suggest using an m-audio interface (like the fw1814 ~$600) with a pc. They are cheaper and (imho) offer better performance than the 002. Of course, you'll have to cough up an extra $300 for protools m-powered, but your total should still come in at about $300 less than the 002r. If you'd rather spend less, lots of people like the m-box.

As for a host machine, dells sure are cheap these days, and they are always running some kind of promotion. Check in at http://www.techbargains.com/ to see what's going on in the world of coupoons and the like. You should be able to buy a decent machine for around $750 or so. If you wanted to blow g5 money ($2000+) you could get a decked out dual-core box.
 
Really, l can't afford a $2000 G5. I'm looking for the cheapest computer I can get that will handle a 002 Rack & PT. The computer will be totally isolated, and only used for recording. I'm just not sure what's cheaper - having one built, or maybe going with something like a Dell. Would a $750 Dell be able to handle Pro Tools with all the tracks and plugins running? Thanks!
 
Forget about DELL....

...and other companies that build cheapo computers.

Select quality hardware and assemble it yourself or get someone you know do it. For the same price as a new DELL, you will get quality parts.

DELL, COMPAQ(HP), GATEWAY,etc...what do they do ? They skimp on memory quality, motherboard quality, chipset quality, power supplies, cooling, hard drive quality, etc....BUT...they can be very good for running office, surfing the Internet and such. However, for high quality audio, you need a machine from hell.

For $1000 you can build yourself an awesome machine of deth. Forget the Pentiums, they suck. Stick with some AMD Athlon 64 Socket 939, NVIDIA chipsets, buy two (or more) SATA 10000 RPM hard drives and run them in RAID to get some good throughput. And don't EVEN consider less than a 450W Enermax Power Supply. 1 GB memory is a minimum and choose at least Kingston type quality (not value ram though).
 
I'm all for the RYO audio pc, but I'm thinking this individual has no interest in building a machine. On the low to mid level, there is no way to hang with dell. You can get a decent p4 box (sc420) for $300. Every now and again they offer the low end dimension w/ an lcd for $350. If you RYO, you spend $130 on the xp license alone. Now on the high end, dell can't hang w/ the RYO. That's what newegg, zzf, etc are for :)

PS - if you are going socket 939, spend the extra $$ and go for the x2. Also, 10k drives are too loud for same-room-recording and currently are very limited in capacity compared to their sata/pata brethren. Besides which, for audio a single drive will pump plenty of data at 24/44.1. If you are getting into HD video and the like, raid is your friend...
 
Again, go to the Digi web site and make sure that whatever computer you buy is qualified to run PT. Read what the requirements are and then follow them to a "T".

I got my Digi 002R from altomusic.com

Me personally, didn't want to mess with 3rd party hardware like M-Audio. It's really not cheaper, or that much cheaper. I much prefer having the whole bag from Digi, as it eliminates one source of setup issues. Really, my Mac with the Digi 002R has been absolutely trouble free, I have zero complaints.

Another option would be to buy a used G4 Mac. Some of the G4 models have come down in price, and are still excellent machines for digital audio. I use a dual 800 G4 myself. You can get a dual 500/G4 on eBay for around $500. For $1,000 you can buy a really nice G4, probably from a post production or audio guy that's upgrading to G5. Not a bad route to go in my opinion.
 
Hey JR,

Read your post with interest. It seems that you are getting some advice here, but to really assess the situation we need to know where you're at equipment-wise now, and what you are planning to do with your studio.
Is it going to be a studio for clients also, or primarily for your own music?

I went back and read some of your other posts to try and get a handle on this, and based on what I saw there I will give you this advice from my experience:

You may not have to spend as much as you think to get good results. A few well chosen pieces of equipment that meet a minimum requirement of quality can do a lot. IF you learn to use it properly.

Don't assume that you can purchase Pro-Tools, (because it is "the standard") and everything will be great. The biggest advantage to Pro-Tools these days is being able to have tracks that will be compatible with other studios. If this is not a requirement for you, then there are many other software choices that can do a great job for much less. Much more important than your software choice is a good analog front end (mics and preamps), sound card, the quality of the source being recorded, and the quality of your plug-ins.

And as far as PC's and USB cards go I can tell you this: I use an older garden variety Dell, (P3 w/512 RAM) with an Aardvark USB device and it works well for me. I use a simple to use Cakewalk software, becaue I am comfortable working with it, and an M-audio DMP3 preamp, and a few well chosen budget mics, the most expensive of which is a Shure SM81. My studio was put together for my own use, but even with my modest equipment, my sound stacks up so well next to my friend's G5/full Pro-Tools rig, that I am doing tracks for him, and picking up overflow clients when he is busy. So it can be done with less. Learning your equipment is key.

If you need to record more than 2 tracks at a time, USB is not for you, get firewire or a PCI interface.

Give us a little more info on what you are trying to accomplish and we can give you some options to consider.
 
omtayslick said:
Give us a little more info on what you are trying to accomplish and we can give you some options to consider.
Click to expand...


What I meant by that is-- Tell us what you are doing with your studio, and what you want it to accomplish, rather than focusing on the current "in vogue" gear that someone says is the best. Next week they'll be saying something else is the best. It may be great. But it may not be the best choice for you're trying to do.

For example: Glitzy software won't make a crappy mic sound better. So maybe less glitzy software and a good solid mic and pre would be better. Etc, etc. IMHO
 
mikedaul said:
PS - if you are going socket 939, spend the extra $$ and go for the x2. Also, 10k drives are too loud for same-room-recording and currently are very limited in capacity compared to their sata/pata brethren. Besides which, for audio a single drive will pump plenty of data at 24/44.1. If you are getting into HD video and the like, raid is your friend...
Click to expand...

I agree, but I'd lilke to add a few points. First, most new studios will want to record at 32(float)/192 which sounds A LOT better than 24/44.1 or 24/96. This is why RAID helps here when you get 35 tracks going.

As far as noise is concerned, it might be a problem, but any studio owner would put the computer into an isolated box or - at least - record in a seperate room than the control room.
 
Thanks for all the input. I plan on recording at most 4 people here in my bedroom. I already own the mics, I just need a mixer, and something to record on. I owned an MBox, and like using PT. As for the mixer, I'm looking into the Soundcraft M12. I plan to be recording several tracks at once - drums, guitar, sax, vocals, bass, keyboard, etc. I'm pretty much set on the 002 Rack, I'm just not sure on what computer to go with. Macs look to expensive for my budget. The most I could spend on a computer would be $500. Thanks.
 
As for mixers, I would like the best mixer for home recording under $750. It sounds like the Soundcraft M12 is the way to go.

I need one that can allow me to group all the drum mics and send them out one line, and separately send out the guitar, keyboard, etc. (Is this called bussing?) This is my main concern for the mixer as I'm going to be doing multi-track recording.

I also hear the M12 has great pre-amps, compared to other mixers - including the mackies. It also has those nice 100mm faders.
 
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