voice/narration project studio - need opinions

[CoryZ]

Hi all,

I'm starting to put together a project studio aimed at mainly at narration such as howto recordings, audiobooks, etc. I've put together a basic equipment list that fits my budget of <=$1000, and I'd like to get some feedback before I go and buy this stuff. I'm new to recording.

Equipment:
computer: ibook (already have)
interface: mbox/protools
mic: EV RE20 w. 309A shockmount
mic stand: TAMA MS205ST
cables: MF 20' el cheapos
phones: Sony MDR7506

Reasoning:

Pro Tools and the mbox seem to be what the majority of people over on Transom and using, and reports are that Pro Tools is good software for voice editing.

The TAMA mic stand seems to be well regarded without being too far out there pricewise. I like the price of the "onstage" stands, but not that they appear to be flimsy.

The Sony MDR7506 seems to be a well regarded headset

I figure the el cheapo cables will get me started, and that I can always buy a set of nicer cables fairly easily when I have more cash.

I had a tough time deciding on a microphone and it really came down to secondary applications. Besides voice, i'd like to record saxophone, flute, and harmonica. The RE20 seems to be a good compromise for these. Other mics I considered include the SM-57, NT-1, SM-7, 421, and B1. I'm not particularly keen on the price of the RE20, but it seems like a mic that I'm not going to "grow out of." My only experience with mics is the SM-58 6-7 years ago, so I'm relying on the advice of others 100% when it comes to microphones. The shockmount is probably overkill, but I figure it can't hurt to have, and it could be cut if needed.

So, what do you think? Is there anything you feel I should change? Is there anything I am missing? I have this rig priced out at about $999, so it's right at my preferred budget. I'm shooting for pro audiobook quality on a tight budget and am looking to make $$$ on this equipment, so I am trying to stay above "hobby equipment" in quality.

Thanks!

CoryZ

 

[bennychico11]

i'm throwing in some advice:

don't under-estimate good cables. You may think getting cheap cables is okay at first, but when you start to hear noise, hum, or horrible sounding signal in your recordings you'll definitely wish you hadn't bought them. A bad cable can really make things hard for you.

I'd also get a pop filter for the mic. Doing voice overs you'll probably get a lot of hard pops when they say Ds or Ps...unless you're working with a person that is really really good at what he/she does.

Also, Pro Tools is a GREAT editing program for audio...but I'd also recommend in getting a separate hard drive to store audio on. People have been okay working off the system drive in the past, but you can run into issues with it and you dont' want to make a client made because the system drive is acting up. While the computer is running some applications in the back ground might be accessing the hard drive at the same time you're trying to record. This can create some issues and a separate hard drive will help make everything just safer.

Also take a look at the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones. I feel like they are a little more closed than the Sony's and are more comfortable. That's personal opinion. Same price too, though.
I'm not going to comment on the mic though...I'll let some more mic experts here do that. Come visit us on the Pro Tools forum (link in my signature) if you have any questions about the software or need help or anything. Tell them I sent you and you'll get a cookie!!! YAY...COOKIE!!
Good luck.