Taking the Plunge. Build me a recording setup for less than $700!

  • Thread starter Thread starter hawk1216
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hawk1216

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Hi all,

I've been reading a lot around here for quite awhile, but decided to finally post. Maybe I should more often. :D

I have been dabbling in music for some time now utilizing Acid Music Studio 7, M-Audio Fast Track USB, Yamaha MIDI keyboard, and a SM58 mic. Frankly, I'm ready to put some money into it. I'm a solo vocalist / pianist so I need only MIDI and vocal capability with 1 - 2 ports simultaneously. For the remainder, I generally just utilize loops.

I am running a fairly new Windows system, so I feel pretty squared away with that. I need everything else upgraded. I would prefer an off board recording interface but am otherwise COMPLETELY open to suggestion.

I would like to purchase a new condenser microphone, pop filter, recording interface with pre-amp at the very least. Whatever else we can place under that 700 dollar mark works for me. I have a dedicated room for recording, so feel free to clutter it up to increase recording quality. Ha ha. Note regarding the recording interface: I've heard pro's and con's about M-Audio; mine has seemed to work but I feel it may be lacking in quality. What are some other good options, or is M-Audio still a viable option?

I am beyond flexible with this, so please any suggestions would be phenomenal, even if its just ideas on individual pieces rather than a whole setup. What's the first thing I need to upgrade, or the most important to upgrade to improve sound quality?

Additionally, I am aware that the recording environment changes recordings greatly. I currently have an empty room about 13' x 13', with a 5' by 7' closet. I know building a recording area in that closet is probably a waste of time, so what would you suggest to get the most out of this room?

Thanks so much everyone, any help is SO much appreciated!
 
If you're serious about upgrading your system over what you have, $700 is gonna get chewed up real fast. First, I didn't see you list off studio monitors. This would be my next purchase if I were you. If you're wanting to have good equipment because you see yourself getting into this for the long run, I'd take most of that money and buy yourself a nice set of monitors. If you don't want to invest in a good set, start in the $300+ (for a pair) range at least, but you'll definitely end up upgrading at some point, if you actually get into it seriously. (*Note - if you buy monitors, some are sold in pairs, some are sold individually.... make sure you know what you're buying)

There is no point in trying to get any more than 2 items with that budget, if you're looking to get quality stuff. My vote is monitors and maybe a condenser mic. Again, I'd spend 300+ on the mic, at least. Stay away from the low end condensers, unless you want to start a mic collection. :)

Maybe a Blue Bluebird to start you off. (it even comes with a pop filter)

If you do already have monitors, then look into a mic, and maybe a Focusrite Saffire PRO 14 interface, which would work great for you. That leaves you with a $150 to put toward acoustic wall treatment.

Cheers,
Ryan
 
mxl67g is a good all round mic for less than $100


Id say monitors and room treatment...if you can upgrade your interface great...but it wont have as big an impact as those two

Have a look on ebay...i have several interfaces but always go back to my m audio omni and quattro...like ten years old but the pre's sound great and I love the few features it has...maybe see if you can pick up a Delta, Ive seen them for as little as $70-$80 and they are pretty solid

just remember $700 wont give you a huge leap in quality but it can get you to a better level if you spend wisely
 
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