Want to step it up..

[channels3]

I am desiring to step up my mixing - mastering for the least amount of money possible. I am trying to get good demo quality work. For a sample of my stuff, please listen to 'Arise Shine' at:

www.soundclick.com/channels3

Currently I use Cakewalk Home Studio, an Edirol USB connector to my Compaq laptop, a Shure SM58 mic, a Martin D35 guitar plugged into a J-Station amp simulator, a Behringer mixing board ($70 Euro cheapie). I also use an Alesis QSD8i keyboard/synth which contains a lot of the drums I use as well.

My questions are along the lines of should I get a condensor mic, or will that be a waste if I am using a cheap mixer? Does the fake electric guitar sound good enough using the simulator, or should I make sure I use a real one? Should I invest in a pre-amp or amp, etc?

Also, any suggestions to improve the songs are welcomed as well, though I realize that's not the focus of this forum.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TexRoadkill]

You will get subtle gains as you use a better mic, preamp and sound card. When you compare the end result of a project done with better gear next to one done with mediocre gear those subtle gains add up to a pretty big difference. If you have a decent guitar amp it will usually sound better than a modeller. Once again the differences can be subtle but they add up with several guitar tracks.

Don't get stuck in a loop of horizontal improvements. If you are going to spend some cash then get stuff that is truly better and not just a little different. There are few key components worth getting that are less than $500-1000 so save up if you need to and get the right stuff.

I'm at work and can't listen to your stuff so I can't be too specific about what you need.

 

[Track Rat]

I'd like to listen to your stuff but they want a body cavity search before they'll let you listen. Sorry my friend.

 

[channels3]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I think I will make sure I can make real improvements before taking any action. My thoughts for improvement would be in this order:

1. Get a computer designed for home recording use, with a really good sound card.
2. Get a pre-amp and condensor mic for vocals.
3. Get a good guitar amp and amp mic for guitar and bass.
4. Get a $3,000 - $5,000 keyboard with better on board sound samples.
5. Get real musicians and singers instead of me ;-)

 

[plexi]

Re: Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I think I will make sure I can make real improvements before taking any action. My thoughts for improvement would be in this order:

1. Get a computer designed for home recording use, with a really good sound card.
2. Get a pre-amp and condensor mic for vocals.
3. Get a good guitar amp and amp mic for guitar and bass.
4. Get a $3,000 - $5,000 keyboard with better on board sound samples.
5. Get real musicians and singers instead of me ;-)

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[cominginsecond]

Re: Thanks

4. Get a $3,000 - $5,000 keyboard with better on board sound samples.

Have you ever considered getting a software sampler like Gigastudio? You can get Gigastudio 96 for around $320, a midi controller for anywhere from $100 to $1000, and then you can just buy the samples you need. The sample CDs range in price from $40 to over a thousand for a complete multi-DVD string sample collection. Anyway, if you're smart about it, you can save money over the approach you're talking about here, and you have a lot more flexibility in the sounds you have access to.