Trying to make an informed purchase

[slowman]

First post….This is an amazing website.

I’m looking to build a home studio pretty much from scratch. I’ve used a 2 input USB interface for some simple recording and am ready to step up in class but I don’t know what to buy and would like some input.

The biggest frustration I have with this website is that I have no way of gauging people’s opinions since it is hard to tell how they use their tools. Somebody creating techno dance music will likely have different requirements than somebody recording classic rockabilly.

To give you some context, my requirements are to record straight-forward roots music. I have all instruments for recording which means I don’t need (or expect to need) things like drum sequences, MIDI capability or virtual instruments. Instrumentation will typically be vox, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, bass, plus some coloring instruments (pedal steel, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica). I need to get good sounds to disc and competently mix them.

My rankings of priorities in evaluating purchases are:

1. Low hassle recording/mixing. I’m a “set it and forget it” kind of guy. I’d like to dial in some settings I like for each instrument, store them and then nail the drum kit and amps to the floor.
2. Capability – I want competent tools but I doubt I need a lot of bells and whistles. Max inputs required will probably be about 4/5 for recording drums. No clue on number of tracks but I’m guessing fewer than 20.
3. Price – I’m able to spend what I want but I don’t want to pay for a bunch of functionality I’ll never use.

What I have now:
New model iMac
Adam A7 monitors
Audix I5
Shure SM-58

What I need:
Interface – I’ve gotten recommendations for the M audio ProFire 2626
Software – wide open here.

I’ve learned from this site the importance of room treatment and mics and am still digesting the information before making purchases.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Simbo]

Since most of your instruments will only require 1 to 2 inputs, except the drums, i would focus on them first.

Some reviews say the Audix I5 is just as good as the SM57, so you could use that for the snare, but your still going to need overheads and a kick mic.

Do some searching for micing drums.

The 2626 has 8 inputs with FW out so it should handle your needs, but i have know experience with that interface.

 

[Jeff_D]

I'd say for drums you'll definitely want at least 8 channels... So I'd definitely start off with an 8 channel interface. Presonus FireStudio, MOTU 8Pre and the MAudio unit you listed are all good things to check out.

For what its worth, I prefer my Audix I5 over my SM57 AND my Sennheiser e602.

For drums, you'll want to find a decent pair of small diaphragm condenser mics and something to use on the kick. I'd put the I5 on the snare and your 58 on a tom and get a few more mics for the rest of the toms.

As far a software, Reaper is a great place to start (I feel like I type that ALOT)

AS far as set it and forget- that'll be tough if you have to use your mics and channels for multiple things. This is generally how I do my place though when it's just my band (sometime I'll do friends bands). I try to keep everything set up and ready to go so we can just set up a take, hit record and start playing. I finally have enough mics and channels now to make that feasible.

 

[Jim Lad]

First thing I would do is pop over to this thread and buy everything. https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=291285
Seriously. You'll want the stuff down the road and it's all going for a song.

M Audio, Presonus and MOTU all make 8 channel interfaces which you will need (because of the drums) or you could go the same route as myself. i.e. Stand alone recorder, transfer files into PC and edit there.
Handy if you want to do some live recording and works as a mixer.
I'm using the Korg D3200 but there are other 24 bit recorders worth looking at.