Here's the story. I have recently been approached by an investor who is willing to fund my studio. Renovations, equipment upgrades, whole new facility, whatever. I just need to com up with a solid plan.
I know enough that I can't get too trigger happy, because if I spend too much it will drive prices up, and business down.
So the question her is what to do! My current studio setup is modest. 24ch 8 bus Mackie, 16 channel old school Yamaha mixer(m1516), Tascam da 20, 2 ADAT xt 20's, synched to a computer and a Roland VS r880(rack mount 8 track) for a total of 32 tracks, e-magic logic audio with audiowerk 8 card, and outboard dynamics and effects by drawmer, Alesis dbx, Yamaha, roland, art,and symetrix.(there is a couple Behringer peices that don't get used much, but you didn't hear it from me!)
Mic wise I have the usual assortment of 57's 58's, AKG c-414, RODE ntv, 421's, beta 52, and two avlex avs. 80s' which are pretty good.(1" dia condensers.)
I am feeling at this point that the number one priority in my budget should be the acoustics, appearance, and layout of a new facility. Along with the construction aspects I will consider portability(if I have to pack up shop and re-locate), wiring (good cables,and multi-pin connects), balanced power, power distribution and ventilation.
The space I am currently using is downstairs of the new location, upstairs is 40 feet wide, 16 feet high, and 120 feet, long. The rent is affordable. The location is good. I plan to use 80 of th 120 feet for studio space, with 20 feet on either end for receptionsales, and warehousing.
I have good connections and can get building supplies at a good price, sometimes even free!
Aside from the room I want to upgrade my equipment. I am thinking about a digi 001 rig to start, with 2 0r 3 888 interfaces. Also I will need some pre's and eq's.
I think I can build for under $5000, not inluding wiring.
I think I should spend no more than an additional $15-25000. This would increase my hourly rate by $6.25. I am currently at $40/hr and I think it's worth it.
I could spend double this amount if I wanted to, but I am not sure that it's wise, or necessary in this area.
Am I out to lunch? Will someone clue me in? I am looking for suggestions, a dose of reality, confirmation that I'm qualified to run my business(just kidding.)
Really, if you were me what would you do?
Comments
here is my mic gear setup so far pair of schoeps collete se
here is my mic gear setup so far
pair of schoeps collete series condensers with mk2 omni and mk4 cardiod (3-5k)
pair of ksm32's (1k)
soon to be pair of AEA r84's (2k)
421, re20, 57, d2,d4 dynamics (no clue)
ward beck 460a pre/eq (600)
benchmark 4 channel pre (1500)
RNC (200) i want another one
Alesis HD24 with lucid clock (2kish)
Daw with nuendo, wavelab and waves platinum (i have no idea)
NAD monitor switcher and controller
bryston amp
rotel 6 channel amp (for surround)
paradigm stuido refrence 40
right now i'm looking to get rid of the nad monitor controller and the rotel 6 channel amp to get a bit higher quality and looking at either the system 6k or the lex 960 for a reverb, although my convo reverbs are starting to grow on me
Its a small and simple setup, but i went with high end stuff that will never be out of style
Marsh
Just to correct you on the Digi001...they cant handle 888's if
Just to correct you on the Digi001...they cant handle 888's if you prefer to use 888's then you will need a D24 card, mix core or HD system. If you choose the 001 then you can use the lightpipe on the backside to tie in an extra 8 inputs via a digimax or something similar.....
Hey Steve, I agree with Alécio that Pro Tools is the way to g
Hey Steve,
I agree with Alécio that Pro Tools is the way to go. Avoid the Digi 001/002 for professional applications, they won't have the power and flexability you will want and need. (I think that is the problem most people have with PT is that they are using LE, which does not have anywhere near the power and flexability of TDM versions.) I know that there are a lot of PT bashers on this site, but it IS an industry standard, like it or not.
As Alécio indicated you can get a good PT Mix system at a relatively reasonable price on EBay. Make sure that the sale includes all the appropriate Digidesign transfer of ownership registration protocols so that you get the warrantees, support and upgrades that you deserve.
Good luck on your endeavors.
Uncle Bob
:p:
Just wanna throw my two cents in also, mostly because I've final
Just wanna throw my two cents in also, mostly because I've finally found some folks on here that like PT. AC and Uncle Bob have got the straight of it. Get a TDM for those 888s and be carefull you are not getting into the LE version. My addition to this is to find some great plugins like the Waves Platinum bundle and the Bomb Factory bundle. Bomb Factory makes a pretty smooth LA2A plug. By going into the TDM system you will have the ability to run TDM plugins or the RTAS plugins (the LE is limited ONLY to RTAS). Anyway, that's my coupla pennies worth. Good luck and congratulations on finding a financier!!!
Oh!!!!!!!!I am not alone on here! cool! I am happy to know that
Oh!!!!!!!!I am not alone on here! cool!
I am happy to know that Uncle Bob and Daniel alo agree about PT ( ALSIHAD-lol).
In my opionin the 888/24´s are still too expensive. THe Adat Bridge 24 shall end up giving ya a better tone, if you have some nice a/d in front of it.
Plugins to look and evaluate:
a) MAster X 5 band mode
b) Q6, Q10
c) PSP Vintage Warmer
d) Lexiverb, MegaReverb
e) Compressor banks
f) C4
g) Waves delays
h) Amp Farm
i) Autotune ( urgh)
j) Bomb Factory emulations
k) Waves Linear Phase series
I myself use a d24+dsp farm II + Mix farm into a G4 800 QS with most of these plugins, lightpiped to an 02R and say that I am very happy with it.
The next step ya ould look for, is a nice 2 channel comp/mic pre
BTW... what about a forum page regarding PT and Logic? I am afraid Kurt will set a bomb to my zip code
lol
I haven't done the math, but that MassivePack bundle is such a b
I haven't done the math, but that MassivePack bundle is such a bargain, I'm just wondering if it would be worth it to go with an HD system + MassivePack (and get the better clocking and converters included) rather than a Mix system with all the software bought seperately, (with less DSP, inferior converters and clocks, etc.)
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you guys, I have be
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you guys, I have been busy. I did, however make another post,(forgetting about this one)that states a possible solution to my prob.
I am now considering a 24ch hard disk unit like the alesis, with a pt card, and an external clock. Once I get this stuff I will have to upgrade my comp, but then I can use my current comp on a network for rough mixes,and backups, edits,that sort of thing.
Accompanying this equipment upgrade will also be a whole new facility designed for acoustics and electronic flexibility from the ground up. what do ya think?
I I were you I would look at ebay and buy an used PT Mix system
I I were you I would look at ebay and buy an used PT Mix system with plenty of plugs. People do not agree 100% but PT is the word and has nice sound, believe me.
Mic placement is more important than the fucked mix 2-bus people say PT is gulity for.
Just ask pro brothers like Steve Devino and Andy Edelstein and so.
Alternatively, you can use Logic, with a boring learning curve, but quite good also.