What Should I buy next?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Newbie dude
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Newbie dude

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I've managed to save up a few bucks and I'm looking to buy a new piece of equipment to add to my makeshift basemement studio to enhance my sound, but can't decide what I need the most. Here's what I have already:
1. Shure sm-57, mic stand, mic cable, etc.
2. Presonus firebox
3. Cubase LE

I've been toying with the ideas of perhaps getting a cheap condensor mic, pop filter[ you can get pop filters now for just 20 bucks online], or maybe a compressor. Right now I use freeware to compress my tracks after I record them, but It seems like buying a compressor would be better. If you have any advice, keeping in mind I want to spend 90-130 BUCKS, that would be great. thanks.
 
What are you recording? Acoustic folk? Punk? Country?

6
 
Mostly any type of rock, from Zepplin to Spin Doctors to Soundgarden to Metallica. I also do some blues and classical sometimes, but mostly rock. The only type of rock I don't do much is punk.
 
You didn't mention if you had studio monitors. If not, that's a logical next step--although you will probably need to save a little more.
 
I have computer monitors. Not the best quality, of course, but it plays back the song, and thats all i need.
 
Headphones?


Beer?

Misc. Cables?



Beer?

Or, put it in the bank, and in 100 years when it grows too 4--500 dollars buy yourself a REAL nice condensor.
 
Save up for studio monitors, your mixes will thank you!

If you are dead set on a condenser, an MXL V67 may be a decent idea.



Simon
 
seryozha said:
Headphones?

Beer?

Misc. Cables?

Beer?

Or, put it in the bank, and in 100 years when it grows too 4--500 dollars buy yourself a REAL nice condensor.
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Good ideas, except maybe for the beer. Newbie Dude is a little young (14 yrs). For headphones you might look at the Sony MDR 7506 or the AKG K240.
 
Newbie dude said:
I'm looking to buy a new piece of equipment to add to my makeshift basemement studio to enhance my sound...

I have computer monitors. Not the best quality, of course, but it plays back the song, and thats all i need.
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You can't enhance your sound if your can't hear your recordings accurately, and you can't hear your recordings accurately on computer speakers. That's why everyone is recommending monitors.

If you have any advice, keeping in mind I want to spend 90-130 BUCKS, that would be great.
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The are lots of fun toys and gizmos you can get in that price range that will change your sound and widen your sound possibilities, but if your goal is to enhance your sound, you should really save up for a pair of monitors. I'd also recommend some acoustic treatment for your room. Do some reading in the Studio Building and Display forum for advice on that.
 
Yeah forget the beer. If you spend the money on beer, you'll probally end up getting really drunk. If you end up getting really drunk you'll probally end up sleeping with a really ugly girl. If you end up sleeping with the really ugly girl you'll be so disappointed with yourself that you'll wake up in the morning and wish you would have spent the money on monitors instead.

I really really really need to buy monitors myself. So I agree with what everybody is telling you.
 
JazzMasterWil said:
Yeah forget the beer. If you spend the money on beer, you'll probally end up getting really drunk. If you end up getting really drunk you'll probally end up sleeping with a really ugly girl. If you end up sleeping with the really ugly girl you'll be so disappointed with yourself that you'll wake up in the morning and wish you would have spent the money on monitors instead.

I really really really need to buy monitors myself. So I agree with what everybody is telling you.
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But, you wouldn't remember sleeping with an ugly girl so you wouldnt feel disappointed but then you would be inspired for having an awesome night that you would right about it, and when you wrote about it, it would be an awesome song, and if its an awesome song, other people will love it, then coporate america will love it, then MTV will love it.....then...then you'll be RICH!

So...in summary...drink beer so you can become rich.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Although beer sounds like an okay idea, i'm considering the monitors. I'm wondering, can you hook up any type of monitors to a computer? For example, monitors from my stereo? And if so, would those be good?
 
I would say you should make your weakest link better. Each time I buy new gear I look for what my weakest gear I have could be made better. I could be using a Delta 1010, a DMP3 and an AT 4040, but if my cables were all bought for 10 bucks total at Radio shack I know I shouldn't go from a 1010 to any Apogee unit, I should make or buybetter cables!

If you aren't getting a good acurrate sound in your mixing room upgrade your moniters and room acoustics. If you signal isn't good get better mics, pres or interfaces - whichever is the worst part! Etc, Etc.

Jacob
 
Newbie dude said:
For example, monitors from my stereo?
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Ahhh, young grasshopper, time for you to read.

Seriously, grab a copy of Home Recording for Dummies and read it. And don't be offended by the title. It's an excellent book. It explains, among other things, how studio monitors differ from stereo speakers and why stereo speakers will not serve as studio monitors. The 20 bucks you spend on this book (assuming your local library doesn't have a copy) will end up saving you a small fortune, not to mention a lot of time.
 
yes if you go for passive monitors. active monitors have built in amplifiers which are matched for the speaker, they are generally cheaper and safe a lot of hassle :)
 
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