S
Sonic Architect
New member
Simpler version of what I originally posted below...
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wheelema
Boner-obo
Longest n00b post ever! I think you may need to summarize this to get the info you need.
S
Sonic Architect
New member
True that! I have a tendency to overthink these things a fair bit...
Ok... Essentially upgrading from a very basic Garageband setup.
Just purchased a Rode NT1A, Presonus Firestudio Mobile and Macbook Pro.
Essentially wondering what a good quality mic/instrument preamp for the balanced line inputs on the back of the Firestudio Mobile would be? Have been experimenting with guitar pedals (Boost, Overdrive, Compressor) but am wondering if this will cause damage to the unit and if it's a really bad idea or if others have employed this technique?
Looking for a good combination of mics to use across all apps including live drums, guitars (electric/acoustic) and vocals. Looking to keep bass DI. Have the NT1A, trying to think of what else work... Possible choices: SM57, Blue Microphones Bluebird, Oktava MK-012 and something that would be good for kick drum/low end sounds?
Also trying to settle on a DAW that will work well with the FireStudio and would be the most natural crossover from Garageband workflow wise. Want to keep it simple, but want better sounding results and more options pretty much. Would also like to import mixdowns from an album we will be working on in a studio with Reaper and wondering if it can be transferred to Logic or if this is something that needs to be done in ProTools?
Hope that's a bit easier to get through... Sorry! I just have so many questions and so keen to get started
Ok... Essentially upgrading from a very basic Garageband setup.
Just purchased a Rode NT1A, Presonus Firestudio Mobile and Macbook Pro.
Essentially wondering what a good quality mic/instrument preamp for the balanced line inputs on the back of the Firestudio Mobile would be? Have been experimenting with guitar pedals (Boost, Overdrive, Compressor) but am wondering if this will cause damage to the unit and if it's a really bad idea or if others have employed this technique?
Looking for a good combination of mics to use across all apps including live drums, guitars (electric/acoustic) and vocals. Looking to keep bass DI. Have the NT1A, trying to think of what else work... Possible choices: SM57, Blue Microphones Bluebird, Oktava MK-012 and something that would be good for kick drum/low end sounds?
Also trying to settle on a DAW that will work well with the FireStudio and would be the most natural crossover from Garageband workflow wise. Want to keep it simple, but want better sounding results and more options pretty much. Would also like to import mixdowns from an album we will be working on in a studio with Reaper and wondering if it can be transferred to Logic or if this is something that needs to be done in ProTools?
Hope that's a bit easier to get through... Sorry! I just have so many questions and so keen to get started
S
Sonic Architect
New member
Oh yeah, working on a budget too
Guess there is more specific info in the initial post if anyone could be bothered reading through it. Sorry, I'm new to forums!
Guess there is more specific info in the initial post if anyone could be bothered reading through it. Sorry, I'm new to forums!
mjbphotos
Moderator
No preamps needed for the line inputs - these are meant for line-level signals. record the tracks with no EQ, then use your DAW for that when mixing.
Maybe bullet-format your questions next time?
Maybe bullet-format your questions next time?
S
Sonic Architect
New member
Haha noted...
So even if I'll be using 4 mics at once when it comes time to record drums, another preamp won't be necessary if two of them run through the line inputs? Guess I would put the two condenser Mics through the pres at the front and then the SM57 and whatever mic I record the kick with through the line inputs? Just noticed how weak the signal was coming out of them. Yes, I am extremely new to all of this!
So even if I'll be using 4 mics at once when it comes time to record drums, another preamp won't be necessary if two of them run through the line inputs? Guess I would put the two condenser Mics through the pres at the front and then the SM57 and whatever mic I record the kick with through the line inputs? Just noticed how weak the signal was coming out of them. Yes, I am extremely new to all of this!
B
bdenton
New member
No, you will need to use preamps when running mics through the line inputs...
wheelema
Boner-obo
If you are looking to hang preamps on the line level inputs of your Firestudio (which you would have to do if you want to run microphones into them) then I would respectfully suggest that the Firestudio is the wrong A/D/A interface for you. Seriously. By the time you finish purchasing pres... even reasonable ones like the DMP3... your pocketbook is going to be considerably lighter then if you had purchased a piece of gear that had all of your required preamps up front.
Say you paid $300 for the Firestudio and another $150 for a DMP3. Now you're $450 in for four preamps whereas had you simply popped for (as an example) a Heath & Allen ZED14 you'd have six (really excellent) pres and saved over eighty bucks. I'd take the Firestudio back and kick up the research.
I have no idea but I would ask the manufacturers before I'd rely on hearsay from this place.
I've heard really good things about the CAD Trion 8000 for vocals.
[zombie_monotone]Reaper.... Reaper... Reaper...[/zombie_monotone]
Actually I have no idea.
A
Acousticles
Student Loans Fund Rawk
Interface:
I agree with wheelema in the fact that if you're going to be using a lot of mics, an interface with build-in preamps might be a better option. Personally I have the Presonus FireStudio Project. Gives me 8-inputs with mic pre's and phantom power (necessary for condenser mics).
Another option would be to run drum mics through a small mixer and use the stereo out to go into the line-ins on your Firestudio Mobile. Only problem here is that you would not be able to adjust seperate drum mic volumes, eqs, compression, etc when mixing.
Mics:
I've heard good things about the MXL V67g (~$90 used, although could be found for cheaper), MXL 2003a ($150 new) on vocals and acoustic sources. The Rode NT1a is another an entry level vocal mic that many swear by. A pair of MXL 603's could also be quite nice for stereo recording (drum overheads!). B&H has a deal for $130 for a pair of them and shockmounts.
57's are always nice to have around for mic'ing guitar cabs and snare drums (probably their most oft-used application); however, they are also just great versatile mics to have around when you don't have a lot of money
For a kick drum, some entry level mics that a lot of people recommend are AKG D112, ATM 25, Shure Beta52. Just ordered an AKG myself, so if you're still interested in a week or so, I'll have some first-hand knowledge.
Naiant - Custom Audio Recording Equipment This guy makes some awesome, nicely priced mics. I have a pair of his small diaphragm condensers that I love. Use em as drum overheads or in XY for acoustic instruments mostly.
Also, a note...do you have a DI box for your bass? It'll make your bass signal balanced and sort out any impedance issues when going direct-in.
DAW:
Reaper all the way! After many years of trying out DAW software, I came to Reaper and haven't looked back in about 3 years now. Really great software, cheap license, great compatibility with plugins and (in my opinion) a fairly small learning curve compared to other solutions out there.
Welcome to the wonderful (and endless) world of home recording! You'll probably end up spending more money than you have, haha, but it's a fun passion. Forums like this and gearslutz are great places to find info (sticky thread and "search" especially helpful) and of course just massive amounts of googling can get you far as well.
I agree with wheelema in the fact that if you're going to be using a lot of mics, an interface with build-in preamps might be a better option. Personally I have the Presonus FireStudio Project. Gives me 8-inputs with mic pre's and phantom power (necessary for condenser mics).
Another option would be to run drum mics through a small mixer and use the stereo out to go into the line-ins on your Firestudio Mobile. Only problem here is that you would not be able to adjust seperate drum mic volumes, eqs, compression, etc when mixing.
Mics:
I've heard good things about the MXL V67g (~$90 used, although could be found for cheaper), MXL 2003a ($150 new) on vocals and acoustic sources. The Rode NT1a is another an entry level vocal mic that many swear by. A pair of MXL 603's could also be quite nice for stereo recording (drum overheads!). B&H has a deal for $130 for a pair of them and shockmounts.
57's are always nice to have around for mic'ing guitar cabs and snare drums (probably their most oft-used application); however, they are also just great versatile mics to have around when you don't have a lot of money
For a kick drum, some entry level mics that a lot of people recommend are AKG D112, ATM 25, Shure Beta52. Just ordered an AKG myself, so if you're still interested in a week or so, I'll have some first-hand knowledge.
Naiant - Custom Audio Recording Equipment This guy makes some awesome, nicely priced mics. I have a pair of his small diaphragm condensers that I love. Use em as drum overheads or in XY for acoustic instruments mostly.
Also, a note...do you have a DI box for your bass? It'll make your bass signal balanced and sort out any impedance issues when going direct-in.
DAW:
Reaper all the way! After many years of trying out DAW software, I came to Reaper and haven't looked back in about 3 years now. Really great software, cheap license, great compatibility with plugins and (in my opinion) a fairly small learning curve compared to other solutions out there.
Welcome to the wonderful (and endless) world of home recording! You'll probably end up spending more money than you have, haha, but it's a fun passion. Forums like this and gearslutz are great places to find info (sticky thread and "search" especially helpful) and of course just massive amounts of googling can get you far as well.
S
Sonic Architect
New member
Awesome, thanks for your replies and help everyone!
Guess I should've done a bit more research, I was pretty keen to just jump straight in and start experimenting...
So is there any real benefit to having the line inputs on the back of FireStudio Mobile and any particular application you would recommend using them for? I guess I purchased it with the portability in mind too. I liked the idea of collaborating with others and easily being able to chuck it in a bag with my laptop and take it around to their house! Particularly with the acoustic material I'm recording, I'll be recording Cello, Violin, friends' vocals etc. and the portability would be ideal. I had also read particularly good reviews of it in comparison to most other mobile units, especially regarding it's sound quality. I guess the only time I'll really need the additional mic inputs is when recording drums! For the moment, the larger models like the FireStudio Project and Heath & Allen ZED14 look amazing and something I would consider in the future, but are a bit out of my price range at the moment and just not practical
Is there a benefit of having a stand alone preamp as opposed to just using the built in ones in these interfaces? I'm guessing just better sound quality all round?
I don't have a DI Box for bass! :-S Was just intending to go straight in... Any recommendations in that area?
Here's what I'm leaning towards mic-wise at the moment:
Rode NTK or NT2A?
Rode NT1A (which I've already purchased)
Shure SM57
Shure Beta 52A
Was going to keep it to 4 mics, sticking to the Glyn Johns Method for recording drums live. Is it a bad idea to use two different sorts of condensers as overheads as opposed to a matched pair, or would the NT1A and NTK /NT2A match up well? I will also combine them for acoustic and vocals as well when recording them at the same time...
It's a pretty exciting prospect of setting this up myself! I have been Googling and looking over forums for the last few weeks, but it's just so hard to tell with so many different options. I thought it might be better to get specific opinions tailored to what I'm looking for. Really appreciate all your help so far!
Guess I should've done a bit more research, I was pretty keen to just jump straight in and start experimenting...
So is there any real benefit to having the line inputs on the back of FireStudio Mobile and any particular application you would recommend using them for? I guess I purchased it with the portability in mind too. I liked the idea of collaborating with others and easily being able to chuck it in a bag with my laptop and take it around to their house! Particularly with the acoustic material I'm recording, I'll be recording Cello, Violin, friends' vocals etc. and the portability would be ideal. I had also read particularly good reviews of it in comparison to most other mobile units, especially regarding it's sound quality. I guess the only time I'll really need the additional mic inputs is when recording drums! For the moment, the larger models like the FireStudio Project and Heath & Allen ZED14 look amazing and something I would consider in the future, but are a bit out of my price range at the moment and just not practical
Is there a benefit of having a stand alone preamp as opposed to just using the built in ones in these interfaces? I'm guessing just better sound quality all round?
I don't have a DI Box for bass! :-S Was just intending to go straight in... Any recommendations in that area?
Here's what I'm leaning towards mic-wise at the moment:
Rode NTK or NT2A?
Rode NT1A (which I've already purchased)
Shure SM57
Shure Beta 52A
Was going to keep it to 4 mics, sticking to the Glyn Johns Method for recording drums live. Is it a bad idea to use two different sorts of condensers as overheads as opposed to a matched pair, or would the NT1A and NTK /NT2A match up well? I will also combine them for acoustic and vocals as well when recording them at the same time...
It's a pretty exciting prospect of setting this up myself! I have been Googling and looking over forums for the last few weeks, but it's just so hard to tell with so many different options. I thought it might be better to get specific opinions tailored to what I'm looking for. Really appreciate all your help so far!
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S
Sonic Architect
New member
P.S. I like the look of Reaper too! I've been mucking around with Studio One a bit more, it's really simple to use and get my head around... Might consider the upgrade to Pro a bit further down the line....
I've been mucking around with Studio One a bit more, it's really simple to use and get my head around... Might consider the upgrade to Pro a bit further down the line....
S
Sonic Architect
New member
Pardon my ignorance regarding the line inputs provided with the Mobile, found some great information and tips on how to use them here:
How Should I Connect My Preamp to My Interface? | Home Studio Corner
How Should I Connect My Preamp to My Interface? | Home Studio Corner
wheelema
Boner-obo
Real benefit for whom? You or Presonus?
You could run instruments with direct outs into them... synths, electric pianos, electric guitars, etc.
I feel that manufacturers deliberately throw a lot of line level inputs into products for marketing purposes. Claiming eight inputs (as opposed to two) just sounds better. Never mind that six of them can only be used for instruments without purchasing additional hardware... they get to claim more inputs without impacting the bottom line by having to include pres and additional circuitry. Are they useful? Sure... just not with acoustic sources. Which kind of sucks when you want to mic drums and guitar cabs, etc.
Caveat emptor
Not to be a ZED14 pimp here, but it's still very portable, supports six acoustic sources and four stereo line level sources, and would cause your friend's eyes to bug out. Everybody would know who the pro in the room was when that bad boy was set up.
No. If anything stand alone pres may be worse because their market isn't as competitive. The DMP3... for example... is old. This is not to say it's crap, but the pres in the Presonus are better and in the Allen & Heath better still.
Nope.
I'd go with a couple of the Shure SM57/58, and a Rode NTK. You can upgrade the NTK at OktavaMod.com.
Experiment.
It's a pretty exciting prospect of setting this up myself! I have been Googling and looking over forums for the last few weeks, but it's just so hard to tell with so many different options. I thought it might be better to get specific opinions tailored to what I'm looking for. Really appreciate all your help so far!
Luck.
S
Sonic Architect
New member
I am looking to invest in a synth eventually, particularly one with stereo outputs that I'll be running through Moog pedals, stereo panners, stereo delays etc. which I thought the line inputs would be great to experiment with as I wanted to run it through up to 4. I have been reading about others with the same box getting good results with the line inputs with the mics such as the aforementioned Shures and then using the condensers with the two mic inputs on the front using the Glyn Johns method. Probably not what most people would consider optimal performance, but I guess than you can muck around with the EQs and outputs in your DAW. Eventually I would like to invest in a good tube preamp, but guessing that's a little while off. Seeing as I'm also a while off being able to collect all these mics, I was going to muck around with Native Instruments Komplete 7 in the meantime. Their Abbey Road Drums plugins look and sound particularly awesome from what I've heard! I've contacted the dealer I went through via email to see what else they have in stock that would be a similar price range, size and that would include 4 mic preamp inputs, so hopefully they're willing to do an exchange if they have something that meets these requirements
S
Sonic Architect
New member
I should also note that I'm in Australia, so retail prices of these recommended units are way more expensive here. The shipping for the bigger units due to size and weight are also ridiculous unfortunately, so generally hard to find good deals for them on eBay when you take those costs into consideration. I'm also concerned power supplies may prove an issue
wheelema
Boner-obo
I should also note that I'm in Australia, so retail prices of these recommended units are way more expensive here. The shipping for the bigger units due to size and weight are also ridiculous unfortunately, so generally hard to find good deals for them on eBay when you take those costs into consideration. I'm also concerned power supplies may prove an issue
Yah. I see everything from a Southern California perspective.
