Yamaha md4s Assistance

[mazzle]

Ok, here goes...

After playing guitar for 13 years, I've decided that perhaps hand notations on scrap paper are not the best method of perserving my songwriting ideas. ;-)

From what I've researched, the Yamaha md4s will suit my needs perfectly as I don't really have any other audio equipment to build off of (no computer, hi-fi stereo, etc...). I don't mind buying quality gear that I can expand off of and "grow into".

In addition to the md4s, I'm considering the following equipment. I'd very much appreciate any suggestions/comments.

- Yamaha MSP5 Nearfield Monitors (Will I need an amp for these or being active do they need one?)

- AKG C3000B Microphone (Perhaps overkill. Will I need a preamp? Any other suggestions for an "all around" good quality condenser mic for recording acoustic guitar and vocals that would work well with the MD4s?)

- Electric Guitar: I'm currently playing a Ltd. Edition American Standard Strat through some boutique FX pedals (Prescription Electronics, ZVex) into a Fender '63 Vibroverb Reissue. Can I go into the md4s through the direct out of the Vibroverb or would I be better off miking the Vibroverb.

Sorry for the long post. My technical knowledge is on the low-end, but I'm a pretty quick learner if things are explained.

Thank you all in advance,

Mazzle

 

[Bodhisan]

Hi Mazzle,

By golly, I used to have an MD4 -- and just loved it. First, in my opinion, you do not need a preamp. The onboard preamp is just incredible on the MD4 (supposedly better than the MD8, which is odd).

Mike/mic: A have a C1 which I would enthusiastically recommend. However, it's the only condenser I've ever had!

When I recorded electric guitar, I used a sansamp. Direct was just too thin. I'd mike your amp or get a simulator.

Tips, since you've never had a recorder before:

You probably will be using more than four tracks (what's tops about the MD4 is that you can actual fill all four tracks, then bounce down to a single track, as opposed to three then bouncing to the fourth, like tapes). My experience has been that you'll need to record the bass louder than what you'd think if you're recording it first with the basics. Get the basics down to one track. Then record all the vocals, and bounce them down to a second track. This will leave you two tracks to pan in stereo left and right -- for whatever you want to put there. Lead, pedal steel, mandolin -- whatever. The one drawback to the MD4 is that you cannot bounce tracks and have them go to that single track in stereo, so make sure what you bounce down you don't mind being straight on.

Good luck!

Bodhisan