suggest me a setup

[cream123]

I've got no budget at this point....just reasonable...I don't want really expensive stuff but on the flip side, I don't want junk

also, whats more important to have better stuff in...mics or preamps and such


so here's what I was using before:
mic (cheapy AKG) - > usb interface (lexicon Lambda) -> audacity

that worked pretty well but I wasn't extremely happy. I want something to make some pretty good recordings. I'm talking depth, thats what I lacked before.

The reason I'm not able to use the previous set up is due to my interface breaking.

so now I'm going to do it right. What do you suggest...doesn't have to be bare bones or really complex....just respectable

 

[Diocletian]

Re: suggest me a setup

Certainly look into the Line 6 Toneport stuff - I have the Toneport GX, it's dirt cheap but very good quality stuff. I'm not sure how much it'd cost in the USA I'm guessing about $40-$50?

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

I'd like to do mic'd stuff....the toneport looks good. I'll definitely keep it in mind. how well built is it?


at your sig: like ozzy much? lol!

 

[Diocletian]

Re: suggest me a setup

The Toneport is made from plastic - I don't think it'd take a lot of abuse, but then it's not designed for that. It just sits on top of the computer. For the money, and for what it does, it's genuinely fantastic.

As for Ozzy - I'm not that big of a fan of his actually no! I've been listening to him a lot recently, but he's still way behind Maiden, Priest, Megadeth, Tull, Nile etc when it comes to my favourites.

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

The Toneport is made from plastic - I don't think it'd take a lot of abuse, but then it's not designed for that. It just sits on top of the computer. For the money, and for what it does, it's genuinely fantastic.

As for Ozzy - I'm not that big of a fan of his actually no! I've been listening to him a lot recently, but he's still way behind Maiden, Priest, Megadeth, Tull, Nile etc when it comes to my favourites.

lol. I'm just pissed that my last one broke...it never even left my basement.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: suggest me a setup

I picked up M-Audio's fast track. Couple of hunskeys with the freeware. (Ableton Live lite) It has 4 inputs with two mic inputs. So far I've only used it for some audio mixing. I had picked up Xitel's converter for mixing LP's to your computer, it didn't come with the software for downloading your recording, so I just patched it through the fast track. This little thing seems alright. I wouldn't want to take it with me on a cross country tour or anything, but I like it so far.

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

good to know. thanks for the heads uo\p

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: suggest me a setup

Man, I hate to say it, having used lots of decent / high end studio equipment in the past (From Metric Halo preamps and earthworks QTC's, all sorts of standards as well as "wildest dreams" stuff) but my little Line6 plastic USB box is great!

I have dropped it a hundred times, recorded hundreds of hours of microphones, guitars, basses on it, and I have to say, I have never been limited by it.

That may say more about me than it does about the little preamp, but I think it's great, and a great value for a hobbyist recorder.

I have years of formal education on audio technology, but what do I record with when I just want to plug in and hit record? TonePort every time. I can tell the difference with a great mic and a really great pre, but the music I'm making is coming out of a Valvetronix practice amp and a $100 microphone --- not to mention, all my music gets shared in the mp3 format anyways (don't get me started) --- I'm not playing to the audiophile crowd already.

They have models with more sophisticated I/O and phantom power as well, if you are looking for room to grow.

They are really really really affordable for what they offer. I mean, the value is monstrous.



-Hunter

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

lol, that little review means a lot...I'll have to check it out. Someday I'd like to record a power trio type of dealio that I've got goin...should I just get a mixer on top of the toneport?

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: suggest me a setup

+1 on the Line6. Bang for the buck is an understatement. The mic pres in Gearbox sound really good for software emulations.

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

ok, so is there an audio quality difference between editors. I'm using Audacity right now...would a more expensive (i.e. paying something) change the sound quality? I assume not....

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: suggest me a setup

ok, so is there an audio quality difference between editors. I'm using Audacity right now...would a more expensive (i.e. paying something) change the sound quality? I assume not....

The audio engine is different in all packages, better is open for debate. I don't know what Audacity sounds like so I couldn't tell you if it's good or bad.

 

[cream123]

Re: suggest me a setup

The audio engine is different in all packages, better is open for debate. I don't know what Audacity sounds like so I couldn't tell you if it's good or bad.

ok, well I've been doing all of my recordings with it if that gives you some idea...I would think that most would be the same...there can't be too many ways to skin a cat on this one...