Tough decisions in starting my studio... HELP PLEASE!!!

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audiokhile

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Ok, I need some help getting a start on buying equipment but I just can't trust myself when it comes to spending my money...

I'm currently looking at buying
-Mackie Spike w/ Tracktion soft., plugins, etc... http://mackie.com/products/spike/index.html
-B1 Studio Projects mic
-SM-57 (Already own)
-Nice XLR cables and two set of headphones? Not sure where to get...

Total cost (about) $399.99(Spike)+$99(SP B1)+$??(for headphones, cables)=$500+ Less would be great!!! [Considering that my budget could dramatically decline]

I'll be recording small, local groups; Drums, a Bass, two guitars, vocal...you know
So, Is this a good layout? Is there a better way to spread my money around?
Examp.-This is a $399.99 USB interface, but are the B1 and SM-57 going to give me the quality to make using this device worth it?
Also, two mics? Are these the two you would buy if you could only afford two and are they versatile enough to cover a demanding instrument like drums? And Vocal quality is important, too.

If you recommend other products, keep in mind that bundled software is important and so is a good mic preamp with plenty of headroom. + phantom power.

Well, if you took the time to read my list ( which turned out to sound like demands) I really appreciate it. Any advice?

Is this a good layout? or is there a better way to spread my money around and where/what cables, headphones (one for talent, one for monitoring) should I buy?

Thanks for your time!

Kyle
 
yeah it sounds like an ok layout. never used spike myself but traction is pretty cool. spike may not be very good for recording drums though. anyway you look at it, recording drums is gonna cost you, you need probably 6 inputs, 6 preamps, 6 mics.... do the math.

another solution may be:
- echo gina 3G www.echoaudio.com (comes with traction as well)
- behringer ADAT 8-channel preamp
- audio technica 3035 condensor mic.

This system will give you a lot more inputs....
 
if you are only recording either 1 or 2 tracks at the same time then it seems fine. You are going to have to mix your drums into a seperate mixer (you can get a small mixer for around $100) and then run that into the Spike.

-bradly
 
sorry to sound like i have a huge rod up my ass but do more research learn more about recording then you will know what you need w/o asking stupid questions (im gonna get bashed for this)

good luck
 
tubesrawsom said:
sorry to sound like i have a huge rod up my ass but do more research learn more about recording then you will know what you need w/o asking stupid questions (im gonna get bashed for this)

good luck
Click to expand...

meh, i've read far more stupid questions on here (and have probably asked some as well). Everyone needs a starting point. it's tough to learn without any gear at all.
 
minofifa said:
meh, i've read far more stupid questions on here (and have probably asked some as well). Everyone needs a starting point. it's tough to learn without any gear at all.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's been my problem. Although Reason has helped me learn a lot about hardware.

-bradly
 
If you have to record on a computer, dont forget you will need probably have to pay 50 or 60 dollars for a acceptable sound card or you will have feedback.

Before spending a lot of money, I suggest you to make tests with free recording demo software.
 
First off, I wanna thank you guys who supported my question... And to the guy who told it like it was, I understand where your coming from, too. :rolleyes:

Well, I've already re-dicided the setup. Now I'm thinking about more mics, a suitable mic preamp, and the M-audio Delta 44. It makes more sense to me atleast, ofcourse now I'm wondering about where to find my cheap, yet good enough mic preamp... I've read plenty of threads and shopped around forever, but still can't decide. And to the guy who asked about recording software, I currently have the Sony (Sonic Foundry) ACID + Sound Forge suite. Its not ideal, but I got it for free legally (long story); no, I didn't pirate it.

So, once again, any setup suggestions would be appreciated.

Kyle
 
For preamps have a look at the Yamaha MG12/4 or 16/4 mixers.

I use the 12/4 in front of my 44. Works great, and for under $200 it's excellent value for money.

OTOH if you think you might want to record more than 4 tracks at once, check out the Presonus Firepod. It's an 8 channel all-in-one rack mount unit, connects via firewire and you don't need a mixer
 
Bulls Hit said:
OTOH if you think you might want to record more than 4 tracks at once, check out the Presonus Firepod. It's an 8 channel all-in-one rack mount unit, connects via firewire and you don't need a mixer
Click to expand...

My firepod sounds better than my delta 44 ever did (with a DMP-3 for pre's). You can probably get the firepod for around $500, which is where your original budget topped out at, but you'd still need mic's. With the proper mics, great sounding drums are definately achievable.

You won't need a mixer with the firepod, either (though it could prove usefull in a live setting).

The delta/yamaha mixer is a good starter studio as well - just not as many dedicated inputs and, in my opinion, a bit lower sound quality.
 
agreed, it really would be a step down in sound quality. Still decent though
 
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