This or that?

[TheBush]

Okay, I don't really have anyone to go to to ask, so I came here. Please, I understand you might get frustrated with already answered questions, but I'd appreciate it if you could answer. Thanks guys!

Just starting out my home studio....not sure whether to use a USB interface, or just a plain mixer like a whole recording studio thing in itself.

I think I want to use the mixer thing, but I'm looking to spend like $500, can anyone recommend one or two? And why? Im just doing vocals, thats it, I'd like to be able to record it in pieces, like 4 bars at a time, or maybe 8, thats just how I like to record. Im really new, so any help is appreciated.

 

[jkokura]

You want to record vocals only and your budget is $500...you're halfway to the knowledge we need to answer your questions, and you need to do somemore research...check out this site for help - http://tweakheadz.com/guide

But to tell you what we need - what is it you're really trying to do? Are you recording your acoustic guitar balads for your GF or are you trying to make a CD Demo of your rapping? What program do you have to work with? Is the 500 for your whole setup or just your interface/mixer/pre?

Here's some basics...

Any studio setup whether 500 or 500000 has a signal chain. Basically, this is the path your sound travels - both in (to record) and out (mixdown). A typical homebased recording setup uses a all-in-one recorder or a computer - I'm gonna guess you're using a computer. Here's an example of a signal chain:

In: Source (vocal) - Mic -cable- preamp - interface - computer
Out: Computer - interface - monitors

You need both, otherwise you won't hear what you're mixing and recording! You may use your software to output your mixes to a CD, so therefore not going out of the interface to create your final mix, but your mix is still coming out for you to listen to.

With 500 to get all of these elements you're gonna have to make some sacrifices - either getting more cash or settling for a 'less-than-perfect' sound. Here's what I come up with:

Mic - SP B1 (100) or MXL V67 (99) or Shure SM58 (90) - getting anything on this list used will lower the cost...
Preamp - SP VTB1 (99) or M Audio DMP3 (159)
interface - M Audio Audiophile 2496 (99)
OR Preamp and interface built together! - M Audio Audio Buddy (99) or M Audio Mobile Pre USB (159) - this is where you're probably gonna land cause this is where you'll get your best 'bang for buck'...I recommend the Mobile Pre
Recording software - search for some free stuff, and avoid piracy - it's not nice

Out: Software and interfave - see above
Monitors...honestly, this is an area you shouldn't skimp on - get the BEST you can afford... Take a look at Music123 or Zzounds or some other internet store for prices - there's too much to list...

Now don't forget that you're going to need cables, a mic stand, a pop-filter and probably some room treatment. Too often people who set up their home studio don't realize that the room they record in affects the sound they're getting, and a bad sounding room will give you bad sounding recordings. Check out some more info about this by taking a gander at this site...there's LOTS of info here...

Anyway, I hope I helped.

jacob

 

[MessianicDreams]

not sure whether to use a USB interface, or just a plain mixer like a whole recording studio thing in itself.

i'd say the determining factor, alongside budget, is your computer. do you have a good computer? what sort of CPU and RAM do you have? that is the most important thing if you're considering going USB interface into computer route.

if you're computer is powerful enough (or if you have the money to invest in a new one) then i would strongly suggest going the USB interface route over an all-in-one DAW.

 

[studiomaster]

Definitely...you need a fast computer to run these sort of softwares...

 

[TheBush]

I have a good computer. Two 160gb hard drives, a pretty good graphics card, P4 3.06ghz, 2GB Ram, etc. Not a bad computer. However, I was looking at a digital multi-track recorder instead....