Total Confusion on Home Studio

[jazzmaster]

Hi,

If not absolutely necessary, stay away from USB soundcards. If you wanne go portable (laptop) O.K. then, otherwise, no!

I would also have a closer look at RME soundcards. They seem rock solid to me (hearsay, and a lot of positive press).

I have a terratec MT88. 2 ms latency in sonar and rock solid.

I think the good solution would be: A middle of the road mixing desk for multi mikong purposes, and besides that a pair of good preamps for the most critical takes (voices, percussion, acoustic instruments (piano, guitar...)) paired with some good mic's AND good monitoring.

 

[BeatDaddy]

Hi,

If not absolutely necessary, stay away from USB soundcards. If you wanne go portable (laptop) O.K. then, otherwise, no!

I think the good solution would be: A middle of the road mixing desk for multi mikong purposes, and besides that a pair of good preamps for the most critical takes (voices, percussion, acoustic instruments (piano, guitar...)) paired with some good mic's AND good monitoring.

Jazzmaster- The USB Studio D I was referring to is a unit that connects to the computer by USB and doesn't require an additional soundcard. It has pre amps, xlr connections, A/D, the whole shooting match.

Are you saying you still think it would be better to use a soundcard like the Delta 1010? Would you use a mixer like the Mackie VLZ Pro series since they already have pre amps?

 

[Layth]

I have been following this thread for a while now and I think what you need is a little breather. I think it is more instructive to HEAR what people have done with very little in the way of equipment. For example take a listen to cat-eggs songs. His stuff is very inventive ( if not disturbing ) and he does it with a Shure 57 and a lot of software. Not sure of his sound card but check out his songs, living is easy and, hi ho my stereo to see what can be done.
http://www.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/SkyDaddy/index-0.html

His equipment thread is

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=63091&highlight=categgs

You have to go down a few replies to find it.

Layth

 

[zekthedeadcow]

I got started with a similar budget ~$3000 but I had to build a new computer and buy an OS

I picked up an Aardvark Q10 (~$800)
SONAR 2.0 XL (~$400)
2 Rode NT1 condenser mics (~$250 each - though lower now)
The Shure Drum Microphone Kit (~$300 - has 3 SM57's and a Beta 52)
1 AKG D-112 (~$120)
1 Berhinger compressor (~$100)

I love SONAR and have reciently started messing with MIDI and the DXi's like Dream Station...which I'm really starting to enjoy...once I get my keyboard back Dream Station is a software synth so you don't have to buy a $600 "real" synth... you can just use a cheap midi keyboard as a controller....it convertis it to audio in real time on a "sister" track so you can add alsorts of audio effects at the same time (YMMV with CPU speed and RAM)

I like the Q10 though it doesn't reside well with ethernet cards and soundblaster cards... I simply go into msconfig and turn all of the services off besides the aadvark manager and it runs peachy.

You will under stand the need for an outboard compressor once you try to do vocals Once the track is layed the Timeworks compressor and EQ that come with SONAR work really well.

I would also recommend picking up atleast a cheap set of mastering software. I actually really like the db-audioware bundle...as it's only a $100 for a de-esser, multiband limiter, mastering limiter, and "dynamics processor" (compressor, expander, gate, thingy) ...atleast get a de-esser and a mastering limiter...

 

[BeatDaddy]

I got started with a similar budget ~$3000 but I had to build a new computer and buy an OS

I picked up an Aardvark Q10 (~$800)
SONAR 2.0 XL (~$400)
2 Rode NT1 condenser mics (~$250 each - though lower now)
The Shure Drum Microphone Kit (~$300 - has 3 SM57's and a Beta 52)
1 AKG D-112 (~$120)
1 Berhinger compressor (~$100)

I would also recommend picking up atleast a cheap set of mastering software. I actually really like the db-audioware bundle...as it's only a $100 for a de-esser, multiband limiter, mastering limiter, and "dynamics processor" (compressor, expander, gate, thingy) ...atleast get a de-esser and a mastering limiter...

Zek - I like your setup, it is the first mostly digital/software system I've seen. Do you think the mastering software is as good as say a Joe Meek VCQ? Do you have any samples of your work?What OS are you running?

Layth - SkyDaddy's stuff is cool! I really like the vocals. I checked out the post he had about the software he uses and what he doesn't like. It's funny that he doesn't like Vegas.....I have read many posts of people who swear by it. I also like Soundforge and Cakewalk, I guess everyone has their favorites.

 

[PeteHalo]

Jazzmaster- The USB Studio D I was referring to is a unit that connects to the computer by USB and doesn't require an additional soundcard. It has pre amps, xlr connections, A/D, the whole shooting match.

The problem with USB 1.1 stuff is the limited bandwidth that can handle a single stereo channel in and out at CD quality. Especially now that the newer USB 2.0 equipment should be lurking round the corner with 20 times more bandwidth it's IMHO down right stupid to spend large amounts of money in USB 1.1 based stuff. And the digital specs of USB Studio are not that impressive by today's standards either. 20bit A/D converter, max. sample rate 48k etc. Four years ago it would have been a killer but not anymore.

 

[BeatDaddy]

The problem with USB 1.1 stuff is the limited bandwidth that can handle a single stereo channel in and out at CD quality. Especially now that the newer USB 2.0 equipment should be lurking round the corner with 20 times more bandwidth it's IMHO down right stupid to spend large amounts of money in USB 1.1 based stuff. And the digital specs of USB Studio are not that impressive by today's standards either. 20bit A/D converter, max. sample rate 48k etc. Four years ago it would have been a killer but not anymore.

Don't leave me hanging...........what is this USB 2, and where can I see it?

I am a Newbie, I wasn't trying to be stupid

 

[dzim]

Zek, is your OS either XP/2000. I had the same problem with the Q10 until I loaded the new beta drivers for XP. Since then I havent needed to make sure everything is disabled.

BeatDaddy, I recently did exactly what you are doing. After years of putting music on hold, I invested in a home studio. I was blown away by the quality that is now producable without breaking the bank. Ended up with;

Aardvark Q10 (good deal at Bayview Pro Audio)
Sonar 2.0 (now 2.1)
Studiophile SP-5B NF monitors ($249 on ebay right now)

The thing thats great about the Bayview Pro Audio Q10 deal is that it includes 2 large condenser Cascade M-20 microphones, as well as free sequencers, Cakewalk proaudio 9 and if you ask for it, Samplitude. Though I would definately recommend going with a new sequencer (Sonar 2?) eventually, at least with this package you could be up and recording without yet investing in a sequencer, giving you time to look around, get your feet wet, and figure out which one is best for you. Actually, Track Rat does the recording that you really liked with Cakewalk proaudio 9. (If you can afford a new version sequencer though right from the start Id recommend doing that so as not to involve two learning curves)

Dont know about the quality of the M-20 mics but once again it gives you the opportunity to get up and running while still researching other mics.

Also, so far I have found the pre-amps in the Q10 to be great, eliminating further costs.

Didnt mean to add to the confusion about everything thats out there but thought Id let you know my experience.

Dan

 

[BeatDaddy]

BeatDaddy, I recently did exactly what you are doing. After years of putting music on hold, I invested in a home studio. I was blown away by the quality that is now producable without breaking the bank. Ended up with;

Aardvark Q10 (good deal at Bayview Pro Audio)
Sonar 2.0 (now 2.1)
Studiophile SP-5B NF monitors ($249 on ebay right now)

The thing thats great about the Bayview Pro Audio Q10 deal is that it includes 2 large condenser Cascade M-20 microphones, as well as free sequencers, Cakewalk proaudio 9 and if you ask for it, Samplitude. Though I would definately recommend going with a new sequencer (Sonar 2?) eventually, at least with this package you could be up and recording without yet investing in a sequencer, giving you time to look around, get your feet wet, and figure out which one is best for you. Actually, Track Rat does the recording that you really liked with Cakewalk proaudio 9. (If you can afford a new version sequencer though right from the start Id recommend doing that so as not to involve two learning curves)

Didnt mean to add to the confusion about everything thats out there but thought Id let you know my experience.

Dan

Welcome to the party!!

1. Is that your entire set-up?(excluding mics) Any external pieces?
2. Do you use a keyboard or midi sequencer?
3. Are you using XP Home or XP Pro?
4. Does the software in the Q10 give you all of the mixing and editing you need?
5. Does the Q10 have a breakout box?

I definitely like the setup that ZEK has, the only question I have is if I'm going to use a keyboard, should I have a seperate midi input?

And don't worry Dan, your not adding to the confusion......your actually helping me close in on my current setup scenario.

 

[dzim]

quote

________________________________
Originally posted by BeatDaddy

1. Is that your entire set-up?(excluding mics) Any external pieces?
2. Do you use a keyboard or midi sequencer?
3. Are you using XP Home or XP Pro?
4. Does the software in the Q10 give you all of the mixing and editing you need?
5. Does the Q10 have a breakout box?

_________________________________

Yeah, thats about it right now. Im basically just guitar, bass, percussion (congos) and vocals guy. Use a simple software drum machine called dRhumba and thats it, except for Marshall mics. I intend to invest in more software and possibly some hardware for effects and mastering in the near future but no bucks right now. For now Sonar 2.1 and the Q10 is doing most of what I need and pretty nicely too.

I use XP home though I would advise XP Pro if you dont have and are going to get either.

Yes the Q10 has a breakout box. That was a main criteria for me as my recording area is small enough as is without trying to rummage into the back of my computer constantly.

Dan

 

[BeatDaddy]

dzim - Thanks for the heads up on Bayview Pro Audio, they have decent prices and I like the packages.

I think I have decided where I'm going to start and yes I know I've said it before! Check out this setup:

Aardvark Q10
Sonar 2.0 or 2.1
db audioware
(1) Shure SM58 mic
(1) Shure SM57 mic
(2) Oktava Mk012 mics
(1) Rode NT1 or Oktava 319
Mackie 624 NF Monitors

While I'm sure I won't change my mind on any of this, I still wouldn't mind input on any other equipment that can be phased in.

-Thanks to everyone you have helped tremendously!!