Need help picking out recording equipment!

[DrNewcenstein]

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:

Add a pop-filter for the vocals to the list, as Burning Shrine suggested.


If the Microkorg has a MIDI output and your interface has MIDI In, and you have a sample library on your computer, then it will work just fine as a MIDI controller.
However, if you want the Microkorg to provide the synth sounds, the MIDI functions of the device are inconsequential. You'd just run its audio outs to your interface like any other instrument.


Given what Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, and The Beatles did with 4-tracks, I'd say a 2-input interface can get you a very good quality recording. However, as with any other piece of equipment, the skill of the user determines the quality of the end-result.
With proper knowledge, anyone can make a simple 2-track stereo recording sound good, just as someone with a complete lack of knowledge can make a 128-track surround-encoded recording sound like utter crap.

However, I'd look more into reputable online resources and books before committing to a classroom and the expense of it.
At least if you do find you need or want the classroom, you'll be that much better off having read the book and seen the video.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

I would like a way of making good synth sounds to expand my music with.

Apple Logic X Pro includes a selection of fully-programmable, software synthesizer instruments, sample replay capability, pianos, organ, drums, amplifier modelling and effects. It can also host AU plug-ins from third party developers.

What exactly do you mean by "semi-professional demos"? If all that you require is the ability to convey chord changes and melodies to music publishers, Apple Garageband might suffice.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Logic now has Alchemy, too. Definitely not a beginner's synth, but plenty of room for growth!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

What exactly do you mean by "semi-professional demos"? If all that you require is the ability to convey chord changes and melodies to music publishers, Apple Garageband might suffice.

I'm sure he wants it to be real instruments where possible (guitar/bass at least), maybe acoustic drum samples like BFD/DFH, but not necessarily a full-on $5000 a week studio project with an engineer and hired guns.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

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.

Sure. Whatever you use, make sure you reference against commercial mixes.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Will probably catch it for saying this, but I think you should look into some of the Zoom products. You can use an H4n to record on 4 tracks simultaneously. Two with the built in condenser mikes, and two additional inputs. either mikes or DI instruments. I think their stuff may still come with a Cubase program that you can use to mix down. Sound quality is good and it will only set you back about 3 bills. Maybe less if you find one used (though it may not come with the Cubase).

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Need help picking out recording equipment!

Will probably catch it for saying this, but I think you should look into some of the Zoom products. You can use an H4n to record on 4 tracks simultaneously. Two with the built in condenser mikes, and two additional inputs. either mikes or DI instruments. I think their stuff may still come with a Cubase program that you can use to mix down. Sound quality is good and it will only set you back about 3 bills. Maybe less if you find one used (though it may not come with the Cubase).

A Scarlett 2i2 + Reaper or other inexpense interface with bundled DAW will cost less than that.