Studio -- So many questions...

  • Thread starter Thread starter scottfisher
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How is it people record in closets?

You can record anywhere.


However, if you want acceptable results, it takes a little thought.
 
So it would be a better idea to get a good dynamic mic and just use that? That way I wouldnt have to completly soundproof my room, which you said could end up costing ALOT. So Ill look around for a good dynamic mic now to plug into the M-Audio Mobile Pre?
 
well, the "standard" for dynamic mics is the shure sm57 if you're doing lots of guitar (and other instrumental) stuff. it's about $100us and is widely used by professionals. it might not be the absolute best, but it is one of the favorites out there. i believe the sm58 is a decent dynamic for doing vocal work.
 
scottfisher said:
How is it people record in closets?

Usually that sounds pretty crappy.

If a home recording studio is a car, the recording gear is the engine and the room the chassis.

Would you want to put a decent engine into a rusty, cracked Yugo body?
 
philpereira said:
well, the "standard" for dynamic mics is the shure sm57 if you're doing lots of guitar (and other instrumental) stuff. it's about $100us and is widely used by professionals. it might not be the absolute best, but it is one of the favorites out there. i believe the sm58 is a decent dynamic for doing vocal work.

IMHO SM57's dont' come alive unless mated with a good preamp. THAT's how pro's use them.

When going thru a Mackie (or worse) they tend to sound buzzy.
 
On the M-Audio site it says it has a preamp, so would that sound okay?
 
scottfisher said:
On the M-Audio site it says it has a preamp, so would that sound okay?
Scott, I have an SM-58, and plugged it directly into my recorder, which has a preamp, and it works, but not the best. I have a digitech pedal with preamp, and plugged it into that, and the sounds were so much better. I believe you would be better off with a good mic preamp. I have been looking at getting one as soon as I figure out what would work best for me.
Someone with more knowledge will be able to make brand/ model suggestions for you.
Ed
 
I love this forum. LOL. Sorry for randomness, but you guys are great. Better than listening to the sleezy salesman at my music store.
 
scott. my recommended chain...
try this.....
ranems1b mic pre>>>audiophile sound card>>>and i record in powertracks.

the rane is a fine preamp. demo this chain - i think youll like it.
 
scottfisher said:
How much are we looking at for an audiophile?

Audiophiles can be had for about $100 new...just do a search on the net for audiophile 2496 or something to that effect. You could look at eBay too- might be some there for a little lower or even used. I owned one a couple years ago, and it was a nice little card for the money.
 
Hear is what I would pick, and why, for $500, if I was in your recording situation.

($90 X 2)---(2)sm-57 : Workhorse of dynamic microphones. Very narrow pickup pattern so it does not pick up the room as much as some other mics. Good for live use too because of feedback rejection. With two sm-57's you can record drums in stereo, and they would serve as a bare-bones solution to your recording setup. Also can be used with care on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar etc.

($160)---M-audio DMP-3 : Great sound for the money, probably one of the most bang for your buck preamps in it's price range. Some say it has a clean sound - some call it "sterile." Has a decent amount of gain, and phantom power for when you add a condenser mic to your locker. Has two XLR (mic) inputs. Also has phase reversal switches which can be important when stereo miking.

($150)---Delta 44 : Very good quality for the money, easy to use and install. Would allow you to record the 2 sm-57's as separate tracks simultaneously. The breakout box is also built fairly solid, which is a good thing, especially in tight spaces. As you add to your gear selection the Delta44 would provide some amount of room for expansion, with 4 inputs and 4 outputs, allowing you to record 4 tracks SEPARATELY, and SIMULTANEOUSLY onto your computer (with proper software.) Sorry for the caps but these concepts took me a while to get, and they are important to understand when purchasing gear.

Total ~$500

IMHO - With the right techniques and careful thought put into your actions, this gear can be used with surprising success, especially for demo quality stuff.

Tip - If you walk into Guitar Center with $450 dollars cash and ask for all these things at the same time and make them an offer you might just walk out with what you want.

Hope this helps - Jason
 
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