microphones, tube vs. Electret, cardioid, omni, etc.

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:47 am

OK, thanks for the computer information.

As to your question of budget -- $2000 (ouch)

As to your question as to whether I might need more than two mics someday (I had mentioned that the Echo Layla seemed popular with 2 lines) -- meaning will I want to record several instruments at once -- it's possible.

I had wondered about this same issue, and believe that it seems foolish to buy 2 inputs and then have to upgrade soon after to 4 or 6, if I'm understanding the concept of I/O's and all.

I read that some interfaces come with analog and some with digital (some both), but that digital is best.

Also, that preamps need XLR and 48V phantom power (for certain tube mics).

As to the package that comes with the Layla, I take it that it's not that hard to piece it together...software, cable, etc.

So are you thinking I need a separate pre-amp along with more inputs/out on an interface? There seems to be a wide price range in these and differences such as plain pre-amps, mic pre-amps, and tube-mic pre- amps.

So...
$2000
- 650 (computer)
_____
$1400 left for:

interface w/mixer software
pre-amp
cable
mic(s)

Not a lot of cash I know, what do you think?

V.R.

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:54 am

Forgot to add software to the cost list.

I guess I could always soup-up my old computer if necessary.

Also, is it best to have your computer in a different room?

V.R.

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 11:29 am

I think that you are right to buy a few more inputs that you will immediately need. The whole concept of I/O's is simple. All this means is the ammount of mono sources you can record from at one time. Inputs and outputs come in different types according to what kind of signal they can accept. There are digital and analog ins. The Analog ins take a signal from a mic, an electric guitar, or a keyboard and convert it into digital data inside the box. A digital in takes a signal that has already been converted into digital data and simply routes the signal into the computer. You will be concerned with the number of analog ins the device has because that's what you'll be using with your microphones. The Echo Layla 3G would be an excellent choise for you right now because it has two channels with preamps and six more analog ins without preamps for future use. About preamps... preamps raise the weak signal level that comes out of a microphone to a more robust level that can be recorded. A pre with phantom power (the two Layla pres have this) can supply power to a type of microphone called a 'condenser' mic. You will be using mostly if not all condenser mics when you record and most preamps have phantom power. A 'dynamic ' microphone by contrast needs no electricity to produce a signal. Vacuum tube microphones always need electricity to operate, but they also always require their own special power supply unit becuase of the higher voltages they use.

I think that you should go with the Layla, have your two simultaneous recording channels to start learning with, do some recording, and then later, if you feel the need for more simultaneous inputs, shop for another pre to feed some or all of the six preampless inputs on the Layla.

Concerning your budget, I think this is plenty to get started with. If you build your own computer, you can build a macnie fast enough for anything you'd want to do, without a monitor, for under $500 ( I just did exactly this for for a friend last week). If you're buying one, you dould probably do similarly well, but you should talk to some of they guys in the DAWs and Computing forum about which cheap proprietary computers will work for you. There are some smart dudes over there that know a good deal more that I about this subject. We'll call that $600 for the computer then. So that's over $900 left for mics and such. You could spend anywhere from $400-$800 on mics and get good results. I'm thinking about two small diaphragm condensers for recording guitar and one large diaphragm condenser for recording voise. Models I have in mind are the Kel Audio HM1, Studio Projects B1, C1, and C4, R0DE NT1000, and NT5, and Shure KSM 27. That leaves over $300 for a nice pair of headphones (Sennheaiser HD280), some stands, and some decent cables, which it totally doable. I think you're in good shape here! Let me know if I can help more.

Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 11:37 am

Just saw your last post.

If you get the Layla, you will have Traction. I don't know how that is because I haven't used it, but I assume it will be capable of anything you need. Apparently it comes with some decent plugins, and there are some great free plugins I can show you. What otehr software were you thinking of?

It is best to have your computer in a separate room if you can. You can get inexpensive extension cables for your keyboard, monitor, and mouse, and the Layla has a 15' cable, so that would't be a problem.

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 1:41 pm

If you're there...

David, I've spent time searching the forums for information on PC's, Mac's, etc., and now, I'm more confused and brain-fried. There are so many opinions and skill levels...

I just want to buy a computer, PC or Apple (I've never worked on a Mac, but it can't be that different...I think), that has what I need to record, and that won't have a lot of problems. Please tell me, where shall I go and what shall I buy?

I have discovered that I will need a keyboard, mouse, and monitor for the new unit too.

Also, this last weekend, I spoke with a relative of mine who is attending some type of recording school, and he said not to buy the Layla, but instead buy the Firepod that comes with Steinberg's Cubase LE. Any thoughts?

I so want to order this stuff and start recording.

Thanks,

V.R.

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 10:43 pm

1. Get a computer savvy friend/relative to build one for free ( I could pick the components)

2. Barebones system like the Shuttle XPC and install your own drives and such (easy)

3. Dell Dimension 3000 with Pentium 4, ( Or Emachines/Gateway comparable machines)

About the interface, I still like the Layla, but Cubase is probably a little better than Tracktion.

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