So...vocal microphones and monitors...

[krankguitarist]

I just got me a job, and the first order of business is to do a little upgrading to my home studio...just for recording little demos at home, I'm not lookin for the best of the best, just some good quality shinnit so I can lay down some decent-sounding tracks .

First off, monitors. I'm interested in the KRK rockit series of monitors...heard a few good things bout em, and they seem pretty reasonably priced. My question is about the different speaker sizes. The 5"ers come in at about 150, the 6"ers come in at about 200, and the 8"ers come in at about 250, each.

So...does anybody have any experience with these things? I'd like to hear some thoughts on if its worth it to shell out an extra 200 beans to get the 8" models .

Also...I'm lookin into a line 6 toneport for my bass/vocal recording needs. Already got a PODXT with all the model packs for guitar. To go along with that, I'd like to upgrade to a more...studio-quality...microphone for recording vocal tracks. I'm using a SM58 right now. I would probably be looking at somthing under the 300-400 dollar mark.

So...anybody got any ideas? Just need someone to point me in the right direction :smokin: .

 

[B2D]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

To go along with that, I'd like to upgrade to a more...studio-quality...microphone for recording vocal tracks. I'm using a SM58 right now. I would probably be looking at somthing under the 300-400 dollar mark.

So...anybody got any ideas? Just need someone to point me in the right direction :smokin: .

My band(s) use a Rode NT1 or an NT1A for vocals. They're fabulous-sounding mics and we got the new one for around $200, and that was with the shock mount too.

 

[vinterland]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

First off, monitors. I'm interested in the KRK rockit series of monitors...heard a few good things bout em, and they seem pretty reasonably priced. My question is about the different speaker sizes. The 5"ers come in at about 150, the 6"ers come in at about 200, and the 8"ers come in at about 250, each.

So...does anybody have any experience with these things? I'd like to hear some thoughts on if its worth it to shell out an extra 200 beans to get the 8" models .

.

I own the Rockit 5's and I love the little guys. Unless you're going to be mixing rap or movie soundtracks or something else that needs a good frequency response below 45hz or so, or you're really needing to fill a room with sound, I wouldn't worry about the 8's.

 

[J Moose]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

Don't buy monitors based on looks & specs.

You gotta listen to the things for hours & hours at a time. Not just that, but they're the bridge between the music that's recorded in your space & the rest of the world.

Just like a chick, 'ya gotta love 'em & trust 'em implictly.

Gather a bunch of CD's and go listen to EVERYTHING you can find.

Whatever you really like, whichever ones give you the clearest picture of the music...the best image & detail like; "Oh...there's DELAY on that snare drum and man is that 'verb ever long!"

When you find that pair...

BUY 'EM!

Same thing with microphones. Grab a buddy & go mic shopping, set up a bunch in the store & try 'em. If the shop your at doesn't "get it" then find another one! It's not all that uncommon for me to hang a couple three mics and pick the one that's working for that paticular singer on that paticular day. Sometimes the $150 mic will sound WAY better then the $4000 microphone...it all depends. It's not uncommon to use different mics for different songs either.

Best,

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

Not even goin on looks and specs at this point, just hearsay . I hate goin into a music store blind...especially since the place where I'll get the biggest selection round here is guitar center. I figure, a few suggestions beforehand can't hurt.

Plus...of course...I'm gonna have to keep it on a budget. It's probably gonna take me a few months to accumulate the cash to get this thing together.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

If you don't have the ability to test them, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rode NT-1 for vocals, and will probably be getting a pair of the Rokit 5's soon.

 

[Brow]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

As mentioned before, you can't go wrong with a Rode NT1 or NT2 for the price range you're looking at

I have no experience with the monitors you mention, but do agree with the comments about trying them out as much as possible before you settle on a set to buy

 

[kap_x]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

I Highly suggest the Line6 Toneport! It's simply amazing. It's very easy to use, and it sounds great. It's now an invaluable tool of my studio.

Spring for the UX2, you won't regret it (for the footswitch alone, but all the other goodies as well).

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

NT-1a is a great mic for recording . . . just remember that you'll need phantom power for it

 

[J Moose]

Re: So...vocal microphones and monitors...

Not even goin on looks and specs at this point, just hearsay . I hate goin into a music store blind...especially since the place where I'll get the biggest selection round here is guitar center. I figure, a few suggestions beforehand can't hurt.

Plus...of course...I'm gonna have to keep it on a budget. It's probably gonna take me a few months to accumulate the cash to get this thing together.

Ugh.

Banjo Depot. I feel 'yer pain. Shopping for anything there is sometimes a nightmare but IME monitors are EXTRA bad. I've got three of 'em nearby and none of 'em are setup to do something simple, like play one CD through five sets of monitors so you can hear what they all sound like.

It's sad really...I remember the days when "pro audio" was "pro".

I can wholly recommend this shop; http://www.frontendaudio.com

The guy you wanna talk to is Warren...tell him that J. 'Moose' Kahrs sent 'ya along. He's a great guy who knows what's what and has stuff in your price range & a pretty solid return policy so he'll make sure you're stoked with whatever 'ya get. If you had a few grand to spend I'd send 'ya to my buddy Nathan over here; http://www.atlasproaudio.com/ Still kinda fun to window shop though.

Good luck!