Need help picking out recording equipment!

[Soon]

Hello people of the SeymourDuncan Forum! I have found the resources of this site extremely helpful in the past and I just joined to ask some questions that are directly from me :banana:

I am moving to Nashville, TN soon to pursue a professional career as a musician (Guitarist and Singer.) I am interested in doing promotion through Youtube and Social Networking sites to help my yet-to-be recordings gain recognition. However, I have a large quiver of missing arrows that I need YOUR input to help fill and about $2500 to spend! Right now I basically possess an:

Electric guitar
Acoustic guitar
Bass
SM57
An Audix mic
Pedal board
Three amps.

Not super high-end stuff but it'll do until I can afford to replace it.


I have been using Studio 1 artist 2 with a Presonus Audio Interface on a terrible computer and it is just not going to cut it.

So the main things that I am aware of that I need are a:

Mac
DAW
Drum Program
Speakers
Camera
Audio Interface
Midi Controller (MicroKorg?)

(Feel Free to add anything that is necessary That I have not listed)

All Suggestions are welcome but please keep in mind that I am looking for the best quality items that I can buy within the $2500 budget. I know it is probably a lot to ask but thank you so much!

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

The interface/mixer market is pretty big at the moment but there's a lot of crap out there which tries to lull you in with bells and whistles and technical specs which don't make a difference while not delivering where it counts. Whatever interface you get, make sure they have good preamps and converters. The mics you have are good enough for some things but you're going to want different mics for different purposes like a good cardioid condensor mic and one with switchable patterns if you don't want to get a separate figure 8/omni mic. The Rohde NT-2 does this while the NT-1 while only having a cardioid pattern sounds slightly better than the cardioid pattern on the NT-2. What things will you be wanting to record? I'm assuming vocals and guitar so far, Any drums? There's a reason the market for modelling amps is so big.

The more important thing is knowing how to use and test those mics which will require either dedicated research or specialized training (I highly recommend g some kind of course in sound production). There is a lot of terminology and jargon that is virtually impossible to explain someone not familiar with it all. Don't get too hung about technical specs. The advocates speak a lot of it junk science and most of the artifacts they talk about in digital audio happen so far down in the noise floor, they're imperceptible to the human ear. Knowing what to do with the mics and how to get everything to sound good is the most important part. Remember, garbage in = garbage out . I can go into more detail if I know what kind of stuff you want to record.

It's surprising how easy it is to waste money in the audio production industry.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

If you chose an Apple Mac computer, their DAW, Logic X Pro, includes an artificial intelligence Drummer function.

Many of the popular home recordist audio/MIDI in/out interface devices are four-channel. (4 in, 4 out + monitoring.) If you have ambitions to record anything on the scale of a drum kit, piano or acoustic guitar, you will require more input sockets and channels.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Why a Mac? PCs have reliable interfaces and DAWs, and may be less expensive and equally powerful.

For cameras, I'm biased towards those of the 3CCD variety, but they're a bit pricey for some folks.
But then I'm not sure if anyone's making a streaming video/webcam with 3CCDs yet, or if they're worth the cost (which I'm sure is higher than for a traditional non-streamer).
If you get a non-streaming camera, you may have to look into A/V software to edit your vids.

Why do you want a MIDI controller? Are you certain it's a necessity for your music? Depending on the features you require, you may be able to get by with a used full-function MIDI-enabled keyboard like the Alesis QS6 if it's cheaper than a dedicated MIDI keyboard controller (where it's just a bed of keys).

I'm also biased towards Fxpansion BFD for drums, though admittedly I've only heard the website demos of EZ Drummer and Superior, which I did not like. Could have just been problems with the clips I heard.

 

[BurningShrine]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

DAW and computer
Any DAW is fine, still, if you want to work professionally you should consider Pro Tools.
Since it's the industries standart, moving whole sessions to engineers and other people is easy and saves a lot of trouble.
Mac and Windows are both fine.
Keep in mind that Windows based computers are way cheaper - more bang for your bucks!
Don't believe everything that prestige driven Mac users write.

The Drum programs are pretty much on par.
You should decide based upon what genre you're working with.

Speakers
If you plan on mixing yourself the nearfields are only really important if your room is nicely treated.
If not - use a good pair of open Headphoses. (closed ones for recording of course)

Interface and MIDI ---> Beer$ comment ;o)

Other stuff:
Popfilter, cables and other stuff - may be a small investement but things add up and can really infuence your budget.
DI Box - It's always nice to have the ability to reamp something. (BSS ones are expensive but really good)

Mics really are choosen based on what you want to record and how you want it to sound like.
Just like Beer$ said, a propper Mixing- or Production-course is a necessity that shouldn't be cast aside.

The best of luck to you!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Don't believe everything that prestige driven Mac users write.

I spy inverted snobbery!

I did not switch to Apple Mac computers for "prestige". I use them because I cannot be arsed with the BSD and constantly having to solve compatibility issues. These waste time, money and, most importantly, kill creative flow.




EDIT - Having said this, a decently-specified, brand new Mac is going to eat up most of your budget. I suggest purchasing pre-owned/refurbished. A pre-2012 machine will still have the most popular socket types to interface with the majority of gear that you might be using.

 

[BurningShrine]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

I'm well aware of the fact that Macs are well balanced for audio applications.
Thats why I've written: "both are fine".
The thing is that he should not believe every single article that's online because a lot of it is biased.
Well of course both factions, Windows and OS X users write biased articles, this "war" isn't going to end that soon.
Just be cautious.

I'm using Windows because I am not willing to spend money on heavily overpriced machines.
If you take some time to research and balance the hardware of your PC you'll have an equivalent system for less money.
The majority of problems are user induced anyway (at least I have caused all of the problems myself xD).

This post is my opinion and not ment to piss off people with white mice and unergonomic keyboards, maybe, just a little ;o)

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Please, not a PC vs Mac thread. This sorta sh!t is exactly what the computer companies want.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

If you only have $2500 a Mac is going to eat up most of that. Do you need a laptop or a desktop? Best bang for buck would be a desktop PC. Are you stuck on the mac?

-As for the pros use pro tools comment...not anymore, its quite varied. Plus he said hes going to go pursue singer/ songwriter not recording engineer. Reaper is cheap and great.
-Get a good interface with good preamps. How many inputs do you need? Once again singer/songwriter promo stuff probably dont need more than 2 at a time. Something like the RME babyface has great converters and clean preamps.
-Drum program? I'm not familiar if reaper comes with any, but lots of options. Genre?
-Speakers: If you can't dive too much into this than get a good set of headphones. Always better to mix on good monitors but if you have a ****ty room and don't have >$500 to spend on a pair than a decent set of headphones will be better. Note: Beats by Dre are not the kind of cans I'm talking about!
-Camera: Ideally an entry level DSLR would work great...but guess what else do for your purpose? Flagship smartphones!
-MIDI Controller: What are you using this for? Not necessary for drum programming TBH

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

If you do go Mac, the Apogee Duet is a good deal as it comes bundled with a load of plugins.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

If you only have $2500 a Mac is going to eat up most of that. Do you need a laptop or a desktop? Best bang for buck would be a desktop PC. Are you stuck on the mac?

Plus he said hes going to go pursue singer/ songwriter not recording engineer.

He said professional, If he wants it to sound professional, he will definitely want to learn some production.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

I'd actually suggest doubling your current funds to cover the likelihood of gear issues, like theft. No gear = no show = no pay. If you've got everything to record with but no gear to record, you'll sell the recording gear in a pinch to get whatever gear you can find.

Inexpensive-yet-quality-gear can be found relatively easily, even if it's just the backup.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

I'd actually suggest doubling your current funds to cover the likelihood of gear issues, like theft. No gear = no show = no pay. If you've got everything to record with but no gear to record, you'll sell the recording gear in a pinch to get whatever gear you can find.

Inexpensive-yet-quality-gear can be found relatively easily, even if it's just the backup.

Yes and remember "if it's not backed up in at least three places, it's not backed up".

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

He said professional, If he wants it to sound professional, he will definitely want to learn some production.

Agreed 100%, my point was that for what hes striving for (promotional material in order to reach the next level) a course in production and whatnot would be overkill.

But....I'll start caring once he comes back and chimes in haha.

 

[Soon]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Thanks a lot for the input guys! After a little more consideration and research I have a had a sort of epiphany. I think I need to focus more on what Kamanda said about making "promotional material in order to reach the next level." After all I want to be an artist, not a recording engineer; and upon a closer look it is also more important to me than doing session work. Beer$ made a good point about taking some classes so I know what I am doing, but I think that my time and resources are better spent on songwriting and guitar things. As far as the Mac-PC debate goes I'd rather shell out a little more for the Mac just because I like them more.

So based on what has been suggested, what I have realized and what I have found from further research, the updated list looks something like this:

Mac
DAW/Drum Program: Logic X Pro
Speakers: HeadPhones
Camera: iPhone :wink:
Audio Interface: Presonus
Midi controller: Microkorg


So just a few remaining questions:

1. I guess I will need open and closed sets of headphones for mixing and recording. Suggestions?

2. I'm ok with just having 2 inputs on the Presonus, but is it quality enough to make "Semi Professional" Demos?

3. Someone asked about the need for the Midi controller - I guess I dont really need one, but I would like a way of making good synth sounds to expand my music with.
Will the Microkorg do or is there a better option? Do any of you have experiences with it?

Again, thanks for taking your time to help me out!

:wave:

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

I would use an Alesis for a basic keyboard controller.
As for headphones, I would advise against 2 different pairs and suggest you pool your funds for a decent pair of closed back.
Will need to know your budget and you should definitely audition first if you can, but general recommendations are:
Sub $100, Shure SRH240A
$100, Shure SRH440A, Sony
$200, Sennheiser, AKG
Over $200, Beyerdynamic

As with studio monitors, it costs a LOT to do right, so better to have cans you are confortable with and can mix 'around' because you know them well, than to chase an illusion of perfect sound ...

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Cans are good for details and eq but you will definitely want some monitors to get the right representation of the stereo image. I remember Neph (I don't remember his real name) found his vocals were comically loud while cross referencing because he had mixed in headphones. If you want good video, maybe you could work a GoPro into your budget? Which Presonus are you getting? You don't necessarily need classes. I got my audio diploma after I learned about production and had some experience and it was smooth sailing the whole way through. You can learn just about anything if you're passionate enough about it and put in enough research.

 

[BurningShrine]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

AKG offers headphones that have switchable earpads (cushions).
Closed ones for recording, to minimize bleed of coure.
Semi open ones to minimize low-mid frequency buildup for mixing.

Edit: Something like AKG K271 MKII

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Cans are good for details and eq but you will definitely want some monitors to get the right representation of the stereo image..

The key is in knowing what you are dealing with and working round that. Monitors are great, but if the budget is limited and self-recording is on the menu, then headphones will work just fine. Plenty of people mix exclusively on headphones.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

To the OP: you should watch this series of videos, the $300 Studio Challenge--