Urgent!! Need help in setting my first home studio

[god_particle]

Hi Guys,

I am Sanjeev from India.
I am setting up my first home studio. I am making a humble beginning.

1) I will be recording my vocals, genre being Pop, Alternate Rock,
2) And produce music for the same with a DAW and my keyboard - Yamaha PSR E 313 (using it as a MIDI synthesizer)
3) I will be recording in an acoustically untreated room,

I do have :
1) A PC with Windows 7 64 bit,
2) AMD dual core processor 4800+ with 2.5GHZ,
3) 3 GB DDR2 RAM,
4) YAMAHA PSR E-313 (which has a midi i/o)

Things I am planning to purchase:
1) AKG D5 dynamic microphone (for vocals)
2) Roland UA-11 audio interface,
3) MIDI to USB cable (to connect my keyboard directly to PC’s USB port)
4) DAW - Ableton live 9 suite - 64 bit
So my questions are,
Keeping everything mentioned above in mind,
1) Do I really need a pre-amp for AKG D5 which is a dynamic mic, as pre-amp is normally suggested for condenser mics.
2) Does AKG D5 work well with Roland UA-11.
3) Or can you suggest me any other USB audio interface. Budget is around $100. ( I am advised by few music producers not to buy M-audio, as it’s not so good)
4) What do you think about Ableton 9 and its compatibility with the interface?
5) Lastly, on the whole what do you feel about the set up and components? Any suggestions?


P.S. – I am extremely passionate about my music and can’t postpone it further. I don’t mind starting small, but I do mind if I don’t start. So any kind of suggestion and help is highly valued and appreciated.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Hi Guys,

Hi!

Hi Guys,
1) Do I really need a pre-amp for AKG D5 which is a dynamic mic, as pre-amp is normally suggested for condenser mics.

Yes, you do.
Any mic will need a preamp, excepting the rareties with built in preamps.
Most interfaces have preamps built-in; Some people don't realise this.
A good general rule with modern interfaces is XLR input and gain knob = microphone preamp.

Perhaps you're thinking of phantom power? It's usually associated with condensers.

2) Does AKG D5 work well with Roland UA-11.

Congratulations - You've picked one of the exceptions. lol.
I honestly don't know if that unit's any good or not, but I'd be inclined to shop for something with phantom power.
I've no doubt if you get into recording, you'll want a condenser mic at some point.

4) What do you think about Ableton 9 and its compatibility with the interface?

This isn't usually an issue, but as with anything, just have a quick google.
Just check the manufacturer's site for compatibility with your operating system before you buy.
That's more likely to present a problem.

I know ableton is geared towards live use and sample/loop based production.
I'm sure it's capable of more, but maybe try some demos before you commit? Reaper is usually the go-to suggestion around here.

5) Lastly, on the whole what do you feel about the set up and components? Any suggestions?

Have a browse around and see what people are saying.
AKG D5 might be the mic for you, but it wouldn't often be a first recommendation around here.

 

[DM60]

This isn't usually an issue, but as with anything, just have a quick google.
Just check the manufacturer's site for compatibility with your operating system before you buy.
That's more likely to present a problem.

I know ableton is geared towards live use and sample/loop based production.
I'm sure it's capable of more, but maybe try some demos before you commit? Reaper is usually the go-to suggestion around here.

I use Ableton for traditional recording, but also use its capabilities for the Live portion (Clips, Scenes), etc. I has given me a new view on how a look at and create music. For the most part, I have had no issue with using interfaces, I have one USB (Presonus) and one PCIe. I didn't care much for the Presonus as I could never get the latency to my liking. So, I went with PCIe and it solved. It could have been Presonus inability to process data fast enough, not sure, but it worked and worked well otherwise.

I am not selling Ableton, but I really like the way it has given me a new view of looking at and creating music. I have also learned a lot from the target group for this software. I use its features to create different sections of music, play with different variations, then bounce it to Arrangement view and pretty much stay there for the rest of my song. Arrangement view is closer to the traditional linear music creation.

I also have Reaper to learn and to help others who want to get into this home recording at a lower cost. It too works well and has a lot of features.

So what Steen stated still hold up as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[Guitar Hack]

I would stay away from dynamic mics for recording. The best mics are condenser mics. Even then a cheap one will never be satisfactory until you have it modded. At the least have the cheap chinese electronics replace with quality components by someone who knows what they are doing. If you have only one I would get the MXL 990 (large diaphragm condenser mic LDC) and send it to Michael Joly or John Bonnell and have the modify it for you. It will be an excellent mic when done and can be used for vocals and instruments. As you grow and can afford it get a couple cheap condenser mics such as an MXL 603 and have those modded. You would be better off buying used microphones and then having them modified as it will be cheaper.

Just about any computer interface will work. I would suggest one with two inputs. A condenser mic needs 48 volt phantom power to work. A Tascam US-122 would work nicely. Roland is generally expensive and I don't think you will see any better results.

For the DAW I would recommend you use Mixcraft 6 which is fairly inexpensive but you don't need to be a sound engineer to use it. It has lots of factory presets you can then modify as you like. Using your keyboard as a midi controller is an excellent idea. Mixcraft comes loaded with a lot of virtual instruments and you can buy more if you like.

 

[Steenamaroo]

I would stay away from dynamic mics for recording.

Why?

The best mics are condenser mics.

That's just opinion.

If you have only one I would get the MXL 990 (large diaphragm condenser mic LDC) and send it to Michael Joly or John Bonnell and have the modify it for you.

From India?
The budget for an audio interface is $100 so I doubt this is feasible.

If you have only one I would get the MXL 990 (large diaphragm condenser mic LDC) and send it to Michael Joly or John Bonnell and have the modify it for you. It will be an excellent mic when done and can be used for vocals and instruments. As you grow and can afford it get a couple cheap condenser mics such as an MXL 603 and have those modded.

Sounds a bit overkill for a first mic, plus I don't expect it's going to be cheap shipping a mic back and forth to/from India.


OP, I guess your choices will be limited by geography. If you have the chance to pick up an mxl990, mxl V**, or rode nt1a, just go for it.
They're all great starter mics.

 

[JimmyS1969]

I would stay away from dynamic mics for recording. The best mics are condenser mics. Even then a cheap one will never be satisfactory until you have it modded. At the least have the cheap chinese electronics replace with quality components by someone who knows what they are doing. If you have only one I would get the MXL 990 (large diaphragm condenser mic LDC) and send it to Michael Joly or John Bonnell and have the modify it for you. It will be an excellent mic when done and can be used for vocals and instruments. As you grow and can afford it get a couple cheap condenser mics such as an MXL 603 and have those modded. You would be better off buying used microphones and then having them modified as it will be cheaper.

Just about any computer interface will work. I would suggest one with two inputs. A condenser mic needs 48 volt phantom power to work. A Tascam US-122 would work nicely. Roland is generally expensive and I don't think you will see any better results.

For the DAW I would recommend you use Mixcraft 6 which is fairly inexpensive but you don't need to be a sound engineer to use it. It has lots of factory presets you can then modify as you like. Using your keyboard as a midi controller is an excellent idea. Mixcraft comes loaded with a lot of virtual instruments and you can buy more if you like.

That's just weird advice....

 

[Magnawolf]

Get a better interface like a Presonus VSL22 or a Focusrite Scarlett which actually have built in preamps. Also get an AT2020 for the mic.

I would definitely not put most of your budget towards Ableton if you really make rock music. I use Ableton and I make rock music but if you're really going to spend $750 on a DAW then you should at least save up money to get a proper interface and mic. Don't make your budget for an interface $100 when you're willing to spend $750 on Ableton.

 

[AsciiRory]

Hi:
You might want to consider a couple of changes.
USB Interface- I would recommend perhaps a PreSonus AudioBox USB- details below.
They go for about $150 US.
It would give you two inputs with decent preamps, USB and phantom power for condensor mics.
While using a dynamic mic is OK, more so for live work.
A Condensor will give you better high frequency response (accuracy).
There are a lot of condensor large diaphragm mics out there for $100.
I am sure there are recommendations on this site.

PRESONUS USB
Features:

USB bus-powered interface
AudioBox 1.2 software update adds USB 3.0 compatibility and enhanced Windows integration
2 XMAX microphone/instrument preamplifiers
48V phantom power
2 balanced TRS outputs
Bundled with Studio One Artist software, and third party plug-ins, loops, and drum samples


PreSonus' AudioBox USB is a great audio interface for desktop - and mobile - recording!
Specification Detail
Computer Connection Type USB
Form Factor Desktop
Simultaneous I/O 2 x 2
A/D Resolution 24-bit/44.1-48kHz
Built In DSP/FX No
Number of Audio Inputs 2
Audio Inputs Types 2 x Combo (Mic/Hi-Z)
Number of Audio Outputs 3
Audio Output Types 2 x TRS Line Out, 1 x TRS Headphone
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Number of Preamps 2
Phantom Power Yes
MIDI I/O In, Out
Bus Powered Yes
Depth 5.5"
Width 5.5"
Height 1.75"
Weight 5 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number ABOX