I'm about to purchase my studio. Any rejections?
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Posted on Oct 12, 2006 08:36 pm
computematt
Member Since: Oct 07, 2006
I've done some research and listened to some suggestions and this is what I'm thinking about purchasing.
MIC: Shure SM57
CABLE: any XLR
PREAMP: Behringer ub802
COMPRESSOR: (no $)
USB INTERFACE: Tascam US-122
COMPUTER: I have Laptop 1.6 GHz Centrino Mobile 40GB 512MB on board audio
SOFTWARE: I have sonar 4 producer edition
OTHER EFFECTS/PLUG-INS: Free online
MONITORS: I have Logitech X-530 (with audio adapter)
I think I've saved quite a bit of money by choosing this setup. I'm probably forgetting a major component - that's where I need help. Please check this setup out and let me know where I could go wrong or if you have any better suggestions. Thanks.
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zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Oct 12, 2006 09:07 pm I would skip on the behringer, it's not adding aything that I can tell... the Tascam already has two mic inputs and phantom power. I would be really supprised if the behringer $30 preamps were anything someone would want to use... but I don't know, I just don't like behringer products in general :)
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Oct 12, 2006 10:00 pm You're definitely on the right track man.
I agree, the Behri won't add anything to a single-microphone setup. The Tascam's preamps will probably be of higher quality anyways.
Definitely factor in a mic stand and a pop filter for that SM57. You can get an On Stage brand boom stand for about $25, and I think that Nady makes a pop filter with gooseneck for about $20.
Horizon makes a good low-cost yet good quality mic cable. Grab a 20-footer, even if you don't think you'll need that much slack right now.
Those monitors will do for now, but remember that they're designed to flatter music, not accurately reproduce it. I mix on a similar 5.1 system and I liken it to trying to paint a painting with welder's goggles on. At some point you'll want some proper monitors or at least a good set of detailed headphones to give you a more accurate picture of what your mixes sound like.
Welcome to the club, enjoy your new studio!
Oct 13, 2006 07:47 am Yeah, drop the behringer spend that on adding another 512 RAM.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Oct 13, 2006 08:14 am Cool Matt, looks good.
Tascam has a new US122 out now, US122L. It's got better specs, and probably (hopefully) better built. There was some problems with US122 quality control, but mine has been great.
Oct 13, 2006 03:13 pm Thanks everyone!
Oct 13, 2006 10:52 pm MIC: Shure SM57 - the 57 is the industry standard, but it definitly isn't the best mic in it's range. if you're using for vocals, it drops off around 11k, which is where a lot of the feeling and emotion is in vocals
CABLE: any XLR - the cable plays a bigger role than you'd think. mogami and monster cables have lifetime warranties and they're good cables. i'd stay away from brands like livewire and hosa, though.
PREAMP: Behringer ub802 - behringer isn't a great way to go for this, but if it's in the right price range, it may be your only choice. try some of the M-audio stuff like the fast track usb, mobile pre, audio buddy, etc.
COMPRESSOR: (no $)
USB INTERFACE: Tascam US-122 - combine pre amps/interface into one. don't invest money into anything tascam.
COMPUTER: I have Laptop 1.6 GHz Centrino Mobile 40GB 512MB on board audio - get more ram.
SOFTWARE: I have sonar 4 producer edition - sonar is a good program, no objections here.
OTHER EFFECTS/PLUG-INS: Free online
MONITORS: I have Logitech X-530 (with audio adapter) - logitech computer monitors aren't going to be good in a studio setting. you need something as transparent as possible for your sound for mixing. real studio monitors will do this.
these are my opinions, i don't mean to offend anyone with brand preference, maybe you've had great luck with products i don't reccomend.
Oct 15, 2006 05:10 pm Thanks for the recommendations, Andy.
I just purchased everything on that list (besides the berhinger) before you posted. Hopefully this setup will work for me now. Maybe in the future, with more money and education, I'll swap in some new or different equipment. Thanks again.
