Hi all,
I'm new to this website (read through the forums for the past few days, and just signed up). I've been writing music for the past 11 years, and have worked with a couple of producers, but now I'd like to record and produce my own material. I have the following, equipment-wise:
- Yamaha Motif ES6 Synthesizer
- Marshall JCM 2000 100W Stack
- Pearl Export Drums
- Guitar and Bass
As you can see, I'd like to record INSTRUMENTS - all of the major ones - as well as VOCALS. I plan to use Pro Tools...
My main questions are as follows:
1. If I plan to use a desktop computer solely for recording purposes, what is the best bang for my buck for a computer (taking into account little sound from the machine, durability, power, speed, etc.)? Should I build my own (how difficult/expensive is that)?
2. What exactly do I need to RECORD itself - As I said, I'm going to go with Pro Tools (probably a Digi 003 Rack). I'd like to record at least 6 mic inputs simultaneously (for the drums), so I figure I need another set of inputs to add to the digi. How does the Behringer ADA8000 Ultragain Pro-8 Converter sound? Is there another 8-input converter I can use with the Digi 003 that's a better "bang for my buck"?
2. Mics: I just purchased MXL 993s (2 of em) to use as overheads for drums. I plan to buy a few SM57s for the drums themselves, and a Shure kick drum mic. Does this sound all right to you - keep in mind, I'm going for a "bang for my buck"?
3. VOCAL MIC: I currently only have one vocal mic (A Shure BETA 87A), but I think it's best for live purposes. Could you tell me a "bang for your buck" (not more than $500) for a good large diaphragm condenser mic for vox?
4. ACOUSTIC GUITAR MIC: I'm thinking of using one of the MXL 993 mics for Micing my acoustic guitar. Cool? Not cool? I'm definitely cool...
I would really appreciate it if ANYONE with recording experience could help me out with their unbiased thoughts or opinions on how I should start up in this recording thing(okay, I guess they have to be biased).
P.S. If you'd like to hear one of my tracks I'm working on with my current producer, just drop me your e-mail, and I'll send it over. Thanks,
thaman (a.k.a. Raman)
Comments
You have a pretty good set up for a home studio, but I think you
You have a pretty good set up for a home studio, but I think you need to include a mixer to give you control over the signal before it is recorded and to give you options for monitoring.
I bought most of my gear second hand. This is my set up.
Mac G5 4mb ram 1/2 price as new. Pretty much a industry standard although PCs are now more common. The Mac has preformed flawlessly, very fast.
Allen + Heath mix Wizard 16 ch with 16 direct outs. 8 for your 003 and 8 for the ADA8000.
Your mics sound OK. I use some 57s, a 58, AKG C2000 and Samson 7 piece drum mic kit. Some people will laugh, but for value for money, I found the Samsons suprisingly very good.
We use a Digi 002 and a Behringer ADA8000 and found it quick and easy to set up. Add a couple of good monitors and your set. Im using a second hand set of Yamaha NS 5 but I need to add a sub woofer.
You can view our studio at myspace, search Studio groove or check my band at myspace.nousband/com or my own site myspace.opusismatt/com.
All the best for your studio.... have fun.