Where should I go from here?

[omgwtf]

Hi!

I want to create a small studio just for my personal needs. I'm a singer-songwriter, mostly just folky stuff, so, I don't necessarily need a whole home studio. But I want to able to record my songs in a clear and full sounding, cd-quality kind of way.

I've gotten some equipment from some friends, such as:
- 3 "all around" microphones (of an unknown company, but they sound ok) with some mic stands
- A small behringer mixer (eurorack)
- A behringer tube ultragain (mic100) for mics and phantom power
- A pretty good computer. (intel quad-core with 4gigs of memory)
- Some cheap-o headphones
- Adobe Audition

However, when I connect these things to my computer, the recordings turn out ok, but usually sloppy or muddy sounding. They dont sound live-ly or full at all. So, what could the reason for this be? Crappy (or lack of) mixing? Bad mic placing? Do I need a usb audio interface, or better mics, or a condenser mic? Do I need to invest in my room (I'm recording my messy bedroom)?

So, tldr: My recordings sound bad but dont know how to fix it, but I'm thinking about "fixing it" with a usb audio interface;

 

[moresound]

What is your A/D converter?
You have a good start to learn with what you have, but looks like you may have to upgrade most everything.
May I suggest reading more here on HR.com and as time goes by you will find all of your follies.
Lets try to take this one step at a time ...What plug ins are you using? such as EQ, Compressors and verbs...etc.

And by the way welcome to HR.

 

[omgwtf]

Thanks

My a/d converter? Well, nothing basically. I plug the mics into the mixer and from the mixer directly into the computer's onboard sound (so, 1/4" plug to 3.5 mm plug jack adapter) and record with Adobe Audition.

As for plugins, I usually just use the plugins that are in Adobe Audition or in Audacity.

I realize that I probably would need some upgrades, but I'd like to know what would be a priority now to upgrade.

 

[dastrick]

Thanks

My a/d converter? Well, nothing basically. I plug the mics into the mixer and from the mixer directly into the computer's onboard sound (so, 1/4" plug to 3.5 mm plug jack adapter) and record with Adobe Audition.

As for plugins, I usually just use the plugins that are in Adobe Audition or in Audacity.

I realize that I probably would need some upgrades, but I'd like to know what would be a priority now to upgrade.

I'm assuming your recording acoustic guitar since you said singer/songwriter. Is this correct?

The weakest link in your chain is your soundcard. That would be my first thing to upgrade. Get yourself a USB/Firewire Audio Interface with at least two preamps. The Presonus Audiobox comes to mind. My next investment would be a decent condensor mic to use for both vocals and guitar.

If you get an Audio Interface, you won't need your mixer.

You could either get better headphones for mixing (which most people say don't do) or you could acoustically treat your room and get yourself some decent monitors (speakers). The cheapest route would be get better headphones.

What are the mics that you have now? dynamics, condensers?

 

[omgwtf]

heheh, you pretty much nailed it.
I usually just record voice / acoustic guitar (and rarely harmonica);

I'll look into the Presonus Audiobox for sure. I'm assuming that a M-Audio Fast Track Pro wont cut it?

The mics I have are plain dynamics. A Takmic TM-919, Monacor dm1000 and a MA WR-150. So, basically unknown crappy microphones.

So, I'm taking that I need the audio interface first, right?

 

[guitaristic]

I'd definitely recommend getting a usb/firewire interface (whatever works with your budget). The muddy sound is most likely because you're running the mixer into the computer's sound, and most original sound cards ain't too hot After that, I'd replace the unknown mics with some better quality ones!

 

[ElegyOfficial]

Hi!

I want to create a small studio just for my personal needs. I'm a singer-songwriter, mostly just folky stuff, so, I don't necessarily need a whole home studio. But I want to able to record my songs in a clear and full sounding, cd-quality kind of way.

I've gotten some equipment from some friends, such as:
- 3 "all around" microphones (of an unknown company, but they sound ok) with some mic stands
- A small behringer mixer (eurorack)
- A behringer tube ultragain (mic100) for mics and phantom power
- A pretty good computer. (intel quad-core with 4gigs of memory)
- Some cheap-o headphones
- Adobe Audition

However, when I connect these things to my computer, the recordings turn out ok, but usually sloppy or muddy sounding. They dont sound live-ly or full at all. So, what could the reason for this be? Crappy (or lack of) mixing? Bad mic placing? Do I need a usb audio interface, or better mics, or a condenser mic? Do I need to invest in my room (I'm recording my messy bedroom)?

So, tldr: My recordings sound bad but dont know how to fix it, but I'm thinking about "fixing it" with a usb audio interface;

I would get a computer interface if i was you, there a lot to choose from, but the best experience i've of all interfaces is the Fast Track Pro, you can get it at Musiciansfriend.com.

Pretty much you plug in your XLR mic or cable mic into this thing and you can tweak with the settings on the interface and record, then you get a nice clean sound directly to your computer. Which is awesome because since its clean, its a raw recording, and its easier to mix and stuff.

 

[omgwtf]

thank you all for all the useful advice! I'm probably going to get the fast track pro then!

 

[moresound]

Sorry ohmygodwhatthef* I had to run down town for a few mins. but it looks like I left you in good hands. I Guess that no one said what type of mics to get, may I suggest for your vocals a MXL V67g a great mic for the money about $88. anywhere on the net. As for guitar there are as many choices as there is for vocals so you could get something cheap and have to up grade again or take the plunge and get something that you can use for years to come. Look in the microphone forum and read the sticky threads and you will get the main idea about what you are going to have to spend.
Just let me say that this is an expensive addiction but the end product will make it all worth wild!

 

[dastrick]

The Fast Track Pro would be fine.

My suggestion for mics would be a dynamic (sm57, audix i5, etc) and a LDC (Studio Projects B1, MXL V67g, AT2020, ect.).

You could sell your mixer and tube pre to have some funds for the mics.