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Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum, but I read a lot of the other topics and it seems like everyone gives excellent advice. I just set up a project studio in my basement not to long ago. I use the Firepod FW interface with a new mac G5, CUbase LE, DP 4.5, Rhode NT1-A Condenser Mic, Samson Resolv 6.5 in. Monitors, a Voice AD15VT, and a couple SM57's for tracking guitars and bass. One question I have is do you think it is better to track the bass through a DI or the mics, and another question I have is is there nething that anyone would recommend to complete my setup. I was thinking of going with the Tascam US-2400 Universal controller or some sort of controller. Any recommendations?

Also if there are any guitarists or drummers in the Philly area, let me know if you are interested in forming a band. Contact me via e-mail or this forum.

Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
Geoff Lyman

Comments

TeddyG Mon, 06/13/2005 - 17:47

What do YOU prefer to do with bass? DI or mics?

Do YOU believe there is something "missing" in your recording set-up?

Do YOU feel you'd like to try a controller?

How do YOU like the Samson speakers?

What do YOU think of what you have NOW?

Anyone can make suggestions(And WILL!!!), but I would like to know what YOU think about your stuff, as it is, and how you use it as well as where YOU would like to go and what YOU think needs improving...

Teddy G.

pr0gr4m Tue, 06/14/2005 - 17:44

I like DI'd bass...unless you've got a really REALLY good cabinet or some sort of signature sound, I'll DI bass.

Get a Soldering Iron.
It's the single most used tool in my studio. OK, not really but I do use it a lot.

Everyone needs to start somewhere. You've got your start.
If what you have is all you require at this time, then spend some time using it. Record, Mix, Overdub. Do what you can with what you have. Eventually you will run into a situation where you will find that you are in need of something. It may be a piece of equipment, a plug-in, whatever. You may want to upgrade your speakers or signal path. But don't do it because someone tells you to. Do it because you want to.

If you want/need a universal controller, get it. If a mouse and keyboard works just fine, save your cash until there is something you really need.

anonymous Tue, 06/14/2005 - 20:45

Thanks guys,

It seems like DI'ing the bass is the way to go I tried it out and it seems to have more punch coming directly out rather than the mics. I like how you have put your advice. I really do feel like I need an external controller, just because I do not feel like I am at a studio with a mouse and keyboard. Would you reccomend a Universal controller or maybe an outboard mixer, I'm not sure which would be a better way to go. I really like that US-2400, but it is a bit pricy.

Also everyone on this site seems to be bashing Cubase and since I only use the LE edition, granted I have the Waves plug-ins do you think I should start using my Digital Performer more frequently. I can't help but like the layout of Cubase, however the quality is a little sketchy. The plug-ins and even the eq's tend to create a lot of clipping in the mixes, I am not sure what to do.

I think eventually I would also like to upgrade monitors as I should have done more research on those. The 65a's are good, but that's about it. I would like to have a set of mid-ranged priced monitors that will really blow me away. (As far out as that may seem).

One other question I would have is does neone recommend a good drumkit program for under $150. The drums I use from my Boss Digital recorder and Dr. Rhythm drum machine just don't seem to be cutting it nemore.

Thanks again for the input,
G

pr0gr4m Wed, 06/15/2005 - 13:13

When deciding on DAW software one major deciding factor was that I had a PC. At the time, ProTools was sketchy on a PC, so I went with Cubase SX. I like it. It's really the first "high end" software I've used for any length of time so I can't really compare it to anything else.

I have used ProTools and that is good as well. I do a lot of MIDI stuff and Cubase has better implementation of that.

As for quality, people say that "this one sounds better" or that "that one sounds worse". Again, I haven't done comparisons but as with everything else with computers....Garbage in, Garbage out.

For a drumkit, I would recommend Battery. It's way easy to use, works well with Cubase and you can use just about any sound with it. Battery 2 is out and goes for around 200, but you may be able to pick up the first version cheaper.