Studio Checklist (Beginner)

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LilMoe720

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Me and my brother want to put together our own studio , as cheap as possible since we're just starting out. so heres what we got so far
Audio Mixing Console
Audio Mixing Software
Stud Detector
Studio Microphone
Soundproof Paneling
Computer
what else will we need?
 
Cabling/plugs
Mic Stand(s)
Monitors
Headphones

Here are a few things, don't underestimate the cabling costs.
Alan
 
A few thoughts;

You don't actually need a mixing console in a small studio--just an audio interface with sufficient inputs. (And you're only planning to have 1 mic to start with, though I bet that grows soon.) If you decide to get a mixing desk anyway, either save up for a decent one or browse the second hand market. New cheapies are often more trouble than they're worth.

You DO need an audio interface to link your analogue sound source(s) to the computer and, in return, feed your monitors with the sound from your computer.

The paneling you refer to as "sound proofing" is, in fact, acoustic treatment to prevent the hollow, echoey sound you get in a normal room--necessary, but it won't do much at all to keep out extraneous noise. Some reading of the Studio building forum is in order.
 
sorry, but i don't really understand what was on that link. but what would be the best for hooking up to a computer and recording song/rap off of?
 
IMO the posts above pretty much nail it.

I'd ask how many inputs you're going to need... count one for each microphone, and one for every direct-in instrument (such as a keyboard/piano, or perhaps electric guitar).

How much money you have to spend/budget.

I also think you might benefit from Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio
 
LilMoe720 said:
sorry, but i don't really understand what was on that link. but what would be the best for hooking up to a computer and recording song/rap off of?
Click to expand...

A basic 2 channel interface then.

However, I don't want to be a downer or anything but, even though home recording has become very simple, it's still more than "plug and play". You'll need to understand some of the basics like that FAQ and the Tweak's guide that was recommended. Trying to start off without at least some understanding is asking to waste lots of money and get pissed off pretty fast.
 
It's just a single mic and thats all, everything else would be mixed down on the computer. We're not using any instruments ' just vocals
 
Armistice said:
Stud detector? :confused:
Click to expand...
From Amazon¬>
The Stud 4 Sure is a stud finder that uses powerful rare earth magnets to pinpoint the exact location of screws or nails in a stud. The tool doesn’t require batteries and never needs calibration. By keeping the tool free of moving or electronic parts, the Stud 4 Sure is easy to use and fits easily into any tool pouch. Just place the stud finder on the wall and sweep in an "S" pattern to locate any metal fastener. The rare earth magnets are strong enough to allow Stud 4 Sure to hang hands-free on a wall, eliminating the need for pencil markings. The ergonomically designed, China made product is guaranteed to last a lifetime of being tossed, dropped, and banged around.

[h=3]From the Manufacturer[/h] Positively locates nails and screws with powerful "neodymium" magnets. The magnetic stud finder works like magic. It sticks to the wall leaving your hands free--no batteries, no calibration, no lights, no hassle. It works on wood or metal studs, and uses multiple industrial strength magnets to “Field Vector” the stud. This is the last stud finder you will ever buy. Simply slide the flat surface of the magnetic stud finder slowly across a wall in a circular or "S" motion until you feel a strong pull to a nail head or screw. Once you have the magnetic stud finder directly above a nail head or screw, let it go and it sticks to the wall.
Click to expand...
 
I'm kind of in the same dilema, I'm buying the stuf for my son.
It started with an interfase, Tascam US1800, it was selected because the price and capabilities, 14 Analog and 2 Digital inputs
As stated before you can skip the mixer and do the mixing on the computer DAW.
Also some Mic's; MXL 990 & TCH MP-75 for vocals, and a CHEAP kit for drums, Takstar DMS DH8P.
The because he's not a good singer we added a Mic processor, Tascam TA-1VP and finally I'm waiting for an ART PRO MPAII to arrive.
The idea is to have enough mic preamps so it's posible to use 8 mic's on a drum set.
Also as this is going to be kind of a "practice studio" I think we'll mix differet brands of cheap to medium equipment.
One thing that you should consider if you don't want to be crawling behind youre rack is a patch bay, so in the future you can "reconnect" the pieces without to much trouble.
 
PS
I forgot, as the first DAW used was GB, (garage band), We hooked a Korg nanoKontrolII to the Mac to make the use of GB a little more practical, and in a cheap but effective way
 
Yeah the Stud Detectors will come after you get rich and famous! :D
 
+ 1. No need for mixer at all.
Buy a simple two channel audio interface with mic preamps.
If you ever plan to record from keyboards or synths (Not midi), make sure it has two line inputs too.
 
Txema said:
I'm kind of in the same dilema, I'm buying the stuf for my son.
It started with an interfase, Tascam US1800, it was selected because the price and capabilities, 14 Analog and 2 Digital inputs
As stated before you can skip the mixer and do the mixing on the computer DAW.
Also some Mic's; MXL 990 & TCH MP-75 for vocals, and a CHEAP kit for drums, Takstar DMS DH8P.
The because he's not a good singer we added a Mic processor, Tascam TA-1VP and finally I'm waiting for an ART PRO MPAII to arrive.
The idea is to have enough mic preamps so it's posible to use 8 mic's on a drum set.
Also as this is going to be kind of a "practice studio" I think we'll mix differet brands of cheap to medium equipment.
One thing that you should consider if you don't want to be crawling behind youre rack is a patch bay, so in the future you can "reconnect" the pieces without to much trouble.
Click to expand...

I'm in much the same situation, attempting to support my daughters. I considered the TA-1VP but for a little bit more money I settled on the TC-Helicon VoiceLive Touch which... depending on where you shop... is down to around $330. I looked for a shoot-out between the two units but so far this (Reviews: Vocal Effects Units | VoiceCouncil Magazine) is the best I've been able to come up with.
 
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