okay so after posting my first two threads i find my self with a better comprehension towards the gear i need for my specific needs and style of production ( rap music and and some r&b). i need some feedback and advice on my my gear and the upgrades i plan on making to make sure it its a smart move and if its worth it .I have narrowed my choices down for each aspect of my gear
1. Microphone- i have a digital reference condenser mic ($90) i have decided to go dynamic and buy a sm7b. I'm going to try to compare 58 with the 7b and if not much of a difference i might go with the 58 to save some cash . how important is freq. response bcause i know the 58s are 50Hz-15kHz and the 7bs are 50Hz — 20kH ?
2. Interface- I currently use a M-audio pre-mobile usb ($150) i was planning on getting apogees duet . But remyrad suggested a Mackie Onyx 820i FireWire Mixer . which will come in handy if i get the SM7B because I'm told that it can benefit from having a preamp with it . i went into guitar center to day and the guy basically said "what the hell are you doing with a mixer" duet or onyx ?
3.recording program - I'm using acid music studio (70) and its really not doing it for me its really limiting. i want somethings that i can do way more stuff with more. so I'm looking at logic express 9 . but if i go with the Mackie mixer i can use Pro Tools m powered . is there much of a diffrence between Pro Tools and logic express ?
4. beat program- I'm currently using fl studio and going to keep on using for awhile .
5.monitors- I'm using krk rokit powered 6 monitors i just bought on ebay $400 for both
6. computer - I'm doing all of this on a iMac 2.66GHz Intel Core i5.4GB memory,1TB hard drive
anything else i need ? i just dont want to make any mistakes or do something wrong .thank you for youRr Time
Comments
1 & 2) For the audio interface I'd say check out the Focusrite S
1 & 2) For the audio interface I'd say check out the Focusrite Saffire PRO 24, Apogee Duet, or PreSonus FireStudio Mobile.
I'm a in-the-box mixing guy, so I recommend firewire interfaces only, not mixers with firewire. I hadn't heard about the interference issues with the Duet until your last post, so I can't comment on that.
3) Apple Logic or Steinberg Cubase -- these two seemed to be really popular. And you can't beat a popular application with a large user base when you are looking for help. Try Studio One if you buy the PreSonus box (it comes with it), I've read reviews that say it's pretty good.
4) When it comes to choosing a microphone there's no substitute for experience. But the Shure SM57, Electro-Voice Re20, and Shure SM7b seem to popular with the the hip hop/rap crowd. Later on, you might look into a good condenser microphone, but that is another whole topic.
I personally recommend the Shure SM57 (or SM58; same mic, different setup) for someone starting up a studio. The track record and versatility of this microphone is almost unparalleled.
Computer is fine, the monitors are fine. A few questions: 1) D
Computer is fine, the monitors are fine.
A few questions:
1) Do you have a home studio or do you need to be portable?
2) How many tracks will you need to record at once now? In the future?
3) Are you willing to spend the time learning a new recording application? The learning curve on some can be a little steep.
4) What are you recording? Vocals, instruments, drums, street sounds?
It's hard to make really bad mistakes by buying good equipment. Some excellent recordings are made using equipment and software that shouldn't or can't do that. Any sane engineer would be appalled by some people's studios, equipment list, and recording techniques.
That said, certain good fundamentals and time-tested practices can be followed that create great sounding recordings easier and more consistently. Those can be found in the questions and answers on this website. Search most any topic and find replies by both seasoned professionals and home studio amateurs. I'm amazed by what I learn.
There are two things that seemed to be missing from your list that you should consider:
1) Sound treatment in your recording area and mixing area; often overlooked by people setting up home studios. The british magazine Sound On Sound has a monthly feature called "Studio SOS." They visit home studios to analyze and help fix the acoustics. See if your local library carries it or find it at places like Borders or Barnes and Nobles. Just reading one of these articles will open your eyes.
2) External hard drive. Buy it and use it for your recording files. This maximizes the speed and processing power of your iMac (or any computer) by using the internal hard drive for the DAW applications only. This allows you to record more tracks, use more plugins, and have less latency.