Thoughts and feelings about a home studio

[Re-tox_stl]

Hi all! So i am just starting to dive into the world of recording. I have been reading books, articles, forum posts, and pretty much anything i can get my hands on. I am super excited about getting my first equipment setup and all, but for some reason randomly get feelings like i could be spending my money else were in a more productive fashion (like on more drumming stuff [you can never have too much ]) Dont get me wrong though, i have always wanted to be a studio engineer and what not, but once in a while i get this bad feeling. Any one know whats wrong with me

Much love, Drew

 

[Jeff_D]

well, I wont sugar coat it... there is a STEEP learning curve with home recording. If you are looking for instant gratification, then maybe this isnt for you. BUT, if you dig it, then there is a lot of satisfaction to come of it. Do research, ask questions and set realist goals for yourself. time+money=results (eventually, lol) so skimp on gear or skimp on putting in the time, and the results will show that.

So, what are ya wanted to record? how much $ ya got?

 

[AMcB]

Recording can be fun and easy, with ok results. Or it can be very complex, with great or still ok results. But just remember, don't get too into it and decide to record your own band.

 

[grimtraveller]

I think you may be getting that feeling that people who are about to get married get ! It's like, you know you want to do this but naturally, because it's a leap into the "much thought about, heavilly theorized but actually unknown", you ask yourself if it's the right thing.
Or maybe it's like, you're just going to buy an expensive car that you've wanted for a while. Just when you finally get the 'dukla prague' {ie $$s} together, suddenly you think of the responsibility and wonder whether it wouldn't make more sense to buy a cheaper, smaller car that won't eat up so much finance.
These random thoughts aren't unusual. Jeff D is right. However, go for it. The curve is so steep at times, it'll knock any random thoughts right out of your being.
Enjoy. There's nothing wrong with you. You're human.

 

[Re-tox_stl]

Ok, thanks! Cuz Im definitely up for the challenge. But currently all i plan on recording is some acoustic stuff that me and the singer of my band have been working on. Nothing huge (for now ).

As far as money goes though... My dad and I currently have a little yard work thing we do every summer, and i pull in atleast 300-400 a month (but then you have to factor in car insurance and what not).

I dont really know what else equipment I will NEED right now though. I already have my Macbook, DAW (reaper), and midi controller. Plus i have a presonus audiobox in the mail and Im soon going to be investing in a condenser (MXL v63m) and a decent pair of headphones (AKG k-44mk2). Any thing else you would recommend right now though?

Much love, Drew

 

[Re-tox_stl]

ooh, and dont worry Aaron, i wont

 

[Lo-Fi Mike]

Start Mixing First (it's free)

you could just download some raw tracks from the mercenary audio web-site
multi track session.

Then download Reaper (30 days free.

And start mixing!

As far as equipment: start out with an all in one interface, then move on to outboard pres and different microphones. I use an 8Pre as my interface and this is what I was able to get out of it My Last Project. I did the tracks "Save Me" and "White Horse".
Of course I have great mics, and pres, but the same idea can be done with four mics and the 8pre.
I'm actually moving on to the MOTU HD 192 pretty soon, so you might see my 8Pre on the musical instruments ad forum. Look for the b-stock stuff on the internet.

Let The gear build up as your skill grow. There is plenty of good useful stuff out there for decent prices


**All of this is just my personall opinion, It doesn't make it right or wrong**



EDIT: Just read your last post - sounds like you got what you need to start going, have fun man.
By the way I sill doubt my self from time to time. My recent business partner wants to buy a building and start a bigger studio and My first reaction was "am I ready"...then i said lets do it man!

 

[moresound]

Howdy drew....recording is a very expensive habit but well worth it.

 

[grimtraveller]

Recording is a very expensive habit....

Unless, like me, you're a cheapskate !

 

[moresound]

Unless, like me, you're a cheapskate !

Why do you say that grim? What do you have?