Building a Project Studio - advice needed.

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Member Since: Jun 27, 2006

I'm beginning to create a small PC Based Studio, so far I have the following items

PC - 3.2 GHz dual core, 4GB Ram, Windows XP x64, 128 MB graphics card, 400GB SATA drive

E-mu 1212 Sound card

2x ESI Near 05 Experience active monitors

Emulator x2 sampler software

Xboard 25 Midi keyboard controller

other items I haven't quite decided on yet;

Studio Projects C1 mic

Behringer Eurodesk or Xenyx mixer for input

Cakewalk Sonar - haven't decided on a version yet (e.g. Home Studio, Studio, Power Studio, Producer, etc)

Can anyone offer any advice or recommendations on other items I may need or the items I'm still thinking about?

Thanks

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 27, 2006 10:10 am

you don't need power studio, thats just Sonar Stuio with an interface, you already have the interface.

Member
Since: Jun 27, 2006


Jun 27, 2006 10:16 am

Cheers DB..was just rolling off the names from their site

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 27, 2006 10:18 am

Producer and Studio are the same app, the difference being producer mixes in surround and comes with a LOAD of extra softsynths and plugins...well worth the extra money.

That said, Home Studio is a VERY capable app in itself. Very impressive for the price.

Member
Since: Jun 27, 2006


Jun 27, 2006 10:27 am

Would it be recommended to have an external mixer, even though Emu state it's not required, as the 1212m card comes with something called "PatchMix DSP mixer"

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jun 27, 2006 10:30 am

a mixer is never a bad idea, but in your case, I don't think it's required, no.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 27, 2006 11:12 am

You would need some sort of preamp, if you're not using the mixer. Here's where the mixer fits two bills: multiple preamps, and routing flexibility.

The preamps may not be top shelf in a mixer, but they'd probably be on equal ground with most sub-500$ preamps, so you should be in good shape with the mixers mentioned. Also, some mixer preamps are better than others, so there's that issue as well.

The small behringer mixers have a circuitry thing that doesn't allow you to route the soundcard output back into 2 channels of the mixer, then monitor all signals from the mixer. May not be an issue, but there's been a few people trying to do that, and not getting it to work. You can still monitor directly from the soundcard though.

I have a SP C1 mic, and am happy so far, though I've not put it through much tracking yet. I had a SP B3 before, and liked it much, and now have another one. There's another thread on here by Euthanasia that has some opinions on the $200 mics. AT3035, GT55, NT1A, and C1 all fall in that same category. Good value for the $$$.

I'm using N-track for multitracker, with much success. It has surround mixing built-in now.

XP X64 will expire sometime soon, yes? I assume you know that. Or am I missing something.

I have dual monitors, as do some others on here. The extra screen real estate is a big help and time saver.

The Kjaerhus classic plug-ins are great stuff, for free. Lots of people here use them as well (me included).

Member
Since: Jun 27, 2006


Jun 27, 2006 04:12 pm

PJK thanks for that advice...I'll probably go for the Behringers...802 on the card output to drive my monitors and maybe a 1222fx up front. Mic wise I reckon I'll get the C1, it seems to be a bit of an all rounder. I'll have a look at N-Tracker on the net. As for x64 I think you may be thinking of the Itanium version which is no longer available....the new version only came out last Novemeber and has plenty of life left in it I think.

DT

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 28, 2006 08:34 pm

DT3K, also if you do start with one of Cakewalks entry level applications they offer great upgrade pricing if you need it down the road. As well I will agree with dB as I use Sonar 5 PE and have always used their high end software. If you are at least somewhat familier with the workings of recording software you may benifit from going that route. It does offer pretty much a one stop shop for almost all your recording and software synth needs.

Member
Since: Jun 27, 2006


Jun 29, 2006 04:47 am

Hi Noize

I just ordered producer yesterday...in for a penny..etc.


Also ended up getting the Studio Projects C1 mic Plus the Xenyx 1002fx and Eurodesk 1222fx so I can swap them around.

Almost good to go...unless I've missed something!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jun 29, 2006 06:51 pm

Good buys all around then it looks like. I think you'll like the C1, it is a nice all around mic and the price isnt bad either.

As for Sonar 5 PE, as I stated if your even alittle familier with recording software and the workings of software synths and stuff you cant go wrong. They have something for everyone in there. And the Perfect Space convolution reverb is absolutely fantastic. As well V-Vocal which I forgot to mention is like Antares Auto tune on steroids. I use it for doing harmonies and the like as well as pitch correction.

Let us know if you have any other questions and we'll get you sorted out.

Noize

Member
Since: Jun 27, 2006


Jun 30, 2006 09:27 am

Nice one...Thanks Noize. I know I have a steep learning curve but I will enjoy.

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