What recording gear?

[dd12939]

I'm a noob when it comes to recording gear, so I need some help. I don't want to spend a whole lot (subjective...) so keep value in mind. To get started, I'd like to get 2 mics, one vocal and one for micing a cab. I also need some kind of preamp/computer interface preferably with at least 4 inputs. For mics I've seen the SM57/SM58 combo mentioned A LOT, but beyond that, i'm at a loss.
Thanks much!

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: What recording gear?

For vocals, I'd get a small condensor like the Studio Projects B series or the RODE NT-1. For cabinet's... 57's are the standard for a reason. Hell, I just learned the other day that Deliverance and Damnation used 57's on the tom's, so you never know!

For interface, you can't beat the portability and price of an M-Box, but for 100 bucks more, or the price of the factory software bundle, the MOTU Ultralite has better converters and way more options as far as in's/out's. If you have firewire, or can add a firewire card, I'd go that route!

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: What recording gear?

On the cheap and a lot of bang for the buck:
SM57 for cabinets and vocals.
Line 6 UX2, I'm not sure if you can track 4 at once?
Vocal mics are a little harder on the cheap because imo it is the most important thing in a mix. I personally don't like Rode Mics and I have no experience with Studio Projects mics but a lot like them as well as Rode.

If I were buying a vocal mic on a budget I would look into a used AT4050, this is the only AT mic on a budget I would consider, also a Shure SM7B. The SM7B is a dynamic mic but lots of Rock and Metal artists use them like Metallica. Those are only two and others will have more I'm sure.

 

[vinterland]

Re: What recording gear?

If I were buying a vocal mic on a budget I would look into a used AT4050, .

I love the 4050's! I had some good results on acoustics with them as well.

 

[Nightrunner]

Re: What recording gear?

Mic for the amp:
SM57 - tried & true + it's cheap!

Mic for vocals:
Rode NT1A - great large diaphragm condenser for the price!
--if you can afford a Rode NT2, even better!

Vocal mics can be tricky though... depends on your voice.


--Nightrunner

 

[dd12939]

Re: What recording gear?

Ok... so for vocal mics, probably an NT-1 or maybe the Studio Projects B series (I can't swing the $400 for a AT4050 or SM7B, unfortunately). Just out of curiousity, has anyone used any of the other AT mics (20, 30 and Artist series)? Thanks.

For cabs, the SM57 sounds like a winner for my price range anyway. If I can get two mics for cabs (since I have two of them) should I get another 57, or get something else for a different flavor?

Another question: Are the aforementioned vocal mics something I could take out live and use for vocals?
Thanks again!

 

[Wattage]

Re: What recording gear?

I have 3 mics I use all the time an 57, 58 and Studio Projects C1.

I use a Tascam Porta 2488 for recording and I use the built in mic pre's. I use a small ART Leveller tube compressor/level for vocals, I record one track raw and one with the compression or levelling. I use the 58 or the C1 for vox and the 57 or 58 for guitars if not running direct.