Starting over...

[joenoreason]

I am trying to piece together a setup for recording vocals (mainly hip hop). I am thinking about going with a shure sm7b for the microphone and have been going in circles as far as trying to figure out what preamp and/or interface to use. LOTS of opinions on these.

I used to record in the late 90s and early 2000s but lost every piece of gear I owned due to a hurricane in 2008. I just now got over the loss and decided to get back into it. I did ok back then, but this time around I'd like to plan things a little better since I am starting from the ground up.

I guess my question is, I am looking for the most bang for buck setup. Something that will treat the sm7b right, yielding low to no noise (unless a better mic is suggested?)

Right now, since I have nothing (but a PC) I know that I will need:

#1) A microphone. The shure sm7b has caught my eye a little. (I use to use the rode nt1 but it was harsh to me for some reason or another)

#2) An interface to actually get this stuff into the computer (Been eyeballing the USBPre 2)

#2 a.) A pre amp? (Was eyeballing the ISA One or solo 610) I know the USBPre 2 apparently has pretty decent pre's, but would it be smarter to buy a more affordable interface and spend the difference on a seperate pre-amp, or is the end result the exact same? That's where I got a little confused... Does a decent pre just get ruined by a crappy interface or is the interface transparent if the pres aren't used?

#3) Earphones (haven't gotten this far)

#4) Studio Monitors (haven't gotten this far)

#5) Cables, mic stand, pop filter, misc stuff like that.

What else is suggested/needed that I might be missing here for what I am gong after?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[SyDiko]

I would recommend selecting pieces of equipment based on a set budget.

You also stated that you're going to be producing Hip-hop? But are you going to be playing any instruments? Guitar? Keyboard? Etc? Cause right now, with your list you'll only be able to record vocals.

 

[mjbphotos]

The general consensus is that until you get the mid-$$$ range, any separate preamp you buy is going to be no better than in an equivalently priced audio interface.

 

[joenoreason]

I would recommend selecting pieces of equipment based on a set budget.

You also stated that you're going to be producing Hip-hop? But are you going to be playing any instruments? Guitar? Keyboard? Etc? Cause right now, with your list you'll only be able to record vocals.

I currently produce everything digitally, but would like to eventually record some electric and acoustic guitar. But probably only solo. I hear the sm7b records guitar amps decently and I'm sure it will probably fall short on acoustic, but I will eventually add more microphones. I guess my point is that I would rather have a decent preamp than more than one channel to record simultaneously since for what I will be doing (hip hop), it will be very rare.

The general consensus is that until you get the mid-$$$ range, any separate preamp you buy is going to be no better than in an equivalently priced audio interface.

That actually helps then. So basically, I should just concentrate a decent interface rather than an ok interface and an ok preamp?

 

[SyDiko]

I currently produce everything digitally, but would like to eventually record some electric and acoustic guitar. But probably only solo. I hear the sm7b records guitar amps decently and I'm sure it will probably fall short on acoustic, but I will eventually add more microphones. I guess my point is that I would rather have a decent preamp than more than one channel to record simultaneously since for what I will be doing (hip hop), it will be very rare.

Gotcha!

By the way, the interface you listed is pretty beast for 'starting over.'

 

[joenoreason]

Gotcha!

By the way, the interface you listed is pretty beast for 'starting over.'

Yeah I'm wondering if it is overkill...

Been looking at the RME Babyface today as well... Has a pretty good following as far as I can tell and might save me a few dollars...

 

[ecc83]

Yeah I'm wondering if it is overkill...

Been looking at the RME Babyface today as well... Has a pretty good following as far as I can tell and might save me a few dollars...

I would stick to your original selection.
I knew nothing of that interface until your post but some investigation shows it to be pretty high end and if you DON'T get it you will always wonder......?

Most impressive to me (as a technerd!) was the detailed and well written specification, an "art" that seems lost to many manufacturers theses days!

So, get set up with the SM7b and that interface and when the coffers have refilled a bit, HIRE IN a pre amp or two and check them against it. If you find for instance that you need 4 mic inputs for a few days, you will get two cheap and be able to check out a pre amp at the same time!

Lastly, and this is just me being daft! I know the Babyface is very good quality but I just cannot take the wee(and costly!) thing seriously? And I know RME build quality is great but I still fear for the longevity of all those dangly breakout whatsits!

Dave.

 

[joenoreason]

I would stick to your original selection.
I knew nothing of that interface until your post but some investigation shows it to be pretty high end and if you DON'T get it you will always wonder......?

Most impressive to me (as a technerd!) was the detailed and well written specification, an "art" that seems lost to many manufacturers theses days!

So, get set up with the SM7b and that interface and when the coffers have refilled a bit, HIRE IN a pre amp or two and check them against it. If you find for instance that you need 4 mic inputs for a few days, you will get two cheap and be able to check out a pre amp at the same time!

Lastly, and this is just me being daft! I know the Babyface is very good quality but I just cannot take the wee(and costly!) thing seriously? And I know RME build quality is great but I still fear for the longevity of all those dangly breakout whatsits!

Dave.

Can't help but agree with the fact that the babyface seems "cheap"... Looks like something you would pick up at radio shack or something...

 

[SyDiko]

Can't help but agree with the fact that the babyface seems "cheap"... Looks like something you would pick up at radio shack or something...

I'll agree with Dave, definitely stick with the USBPre 2! And, my bad man I kind of came off as if I were questioning your original selection - I was actually implying surprise as most people that start over are more budget oriented. The USBPre2 is an excellent solution if you can afford it.