I need some help picking out equipment for a new studio!

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Member Since: Apr 18, 2007

I'm a newbie when it comes to computer-based recording, so I have no idea what kind of equipment to get, how to hook it up, etc. I do have a few programs though such Sonar, Acid 6, and Sound Forge. From what I understand, Sonar will do what I need. If anyone can help me by giving me some suggestions, that would be much appreciated. As far as what I will be recording, it should be mainly rock, if that makes any kind of difference.

Also, I would prefer to go fairly cheap as far as equipment prices. $100-$200 an item.

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Member
Since: Apr 18, 2007


Apr 18, 2007 11:27 am

Also, I'm working off of a pc, not a mac.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 11:35 am

Welcome to HRC, here are some starting points:

www.homerecordingconnection.com/faq.php

www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=581

www.homerecordingconnecti...tory&id=508

That should get you moving in the right direction.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 18, 2007 11:50 am

Hello, plan, welcome to HRC.

I'd say to get an idea of how many inputs at one time you need to record. This can be mic or instrument.

If you only need 2 at any one time, then the maudio 2496 is a good starter card - 99$.

If you want 4 at a time, then maudio has the 44 and 66.

These above are PCI solutions.

There's USB and Firewire solutions, the USB are usually 2 input solutions, as are some of the Firewire, but MOTU and RME make firewire solutions that can input much more (through analog, and ADAT inputs).

Will you be recording with microphones? Probably yes. In this case, you will need preamps for your mics, preferably with phantom power, so you can use condensor mics.

This preamp can be all in one, like a mixer, or all in one like a octo-pre, and the like. I use a mixer, though I'm building a tube preamp for vocals. A mixer will give you preamps for each channel, and mixing possibilities as well. A lot of people here use mixers, while a lot don't. It's a personal thing.

There's also options, like the firepod, which is 8 preamps and audio interface all in one. This is pretty nice, and presonus is a pretty good name.

There's also the mixer / audio interface all in one. These have been getting some good press, and some bad press. Example: phonic helix, and alesis 12 i/o (or something like that). Be sure to see that all channels are sent out individually. Yamaha MW line sums the incoming channels down to stereo L & R, which isn't what you'd want.

You'll need mics, if you're doing vocals. SM57 is the basic, good dynamic mic, that's been used on countless records, though usually for drums and/or cabinets.

Vcals are often mic'ed with Large diaphragm condensor mics, due to their airy, clear-ness. That's a big topic, and research and planning helps a lot here.

Software is already covered, you shouldn't have any problems with sonar, a lot of people here use it, including the head admin, and the secondary admin. (i'm using reaper).

Plug-ins aren't a concern yet, as there's a bunch in sonar, plus a lot online for free. Khearjus is a good start for quality, free plugs.

Monitors are a fickle subject. Some here use computer speakers, some use headphones, some use home stereo speakers, some use nearfield monitors. This can be a big $$$ item, but the room should be considered as well. Room acoustics have a lot to do with listening quality.

Passive monitors will need an amplifier to push them, whereas active monitors have the amp built right in. Both are capable, just depends on user preference which one to pick.

Also, you can look into people's profiles on here (see at bottom of my post). You can see what people are using.

HTH, and welcome to the money pit.


Member
Since: Apr 18, 2007


Apr 18, 2007 11:57 am

Thanks, pjk. I do have quite a bit of gear that i can use for this already then. I have a Behringer 16-channel mixer with phanton power that i'm sure i could probably run into the sound card. And i've got an sm57 and a pg58 mic so i should be alright for now with mics. How would a person run a mixer into their sound card. That's kind of a shady topic that i'm still confused about. Midi or RCA? Etc.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 12:10 pm

Depends on your sound card and the input types in has and the type of signal you are giving it...read the articles I linked to, they should provide a lot of answers.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 18, 2007 12:18 pm

MIDI is controlling a sound source, like a trigger telling a drum brain to play a sample, or a keyboard telling a computer to play a synth sound.

Probably not needed at this time, though maybe later if you get more involved in recording.

The bery mixer will probably have channel inserts on most of the individual channels. These can be used to tap signal out of the mixer, before the EQ, Fader, etc. Plug a 1/4" mono plug 1/2 way into the jack, and there's signal. Plug the other end of the cable into your sound card inputs, and viola! individual channels.

You sound card will determine how many, and what kind of connections you need.

for instance, the maudio 2496 has RCA inputs, so you'll need (2) 1/4" to RCA cables.

the delta 44 and 66 have 1/4" mono inputs, so you'll need (4) 1/4" to 1/4" mono patch cables. These can be on a snake (I use one) like this:

www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--HOSCPP80

1/4" to RCA is here:

www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--HOSCPR80

Maudio has a 1010lt, which is 200$ and sports 8 analog inputs (6 of which are RCA inputs). This last snake fits neatly between the mixer and the 1010lt. This may be a good solution for band recording on the cheap.

www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--MDOD1010LT

I used one for a few years, then upgraded to the ESI ESP1010.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 18, 2007 12:19 pm

I keep typing too much, and posting after dB does =/.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 12:26 pm

You also keep repeating things in the posts that are already stated in loads of our various articles scattered around the site that people usually don't bother reading...

Kudos on your effort, but, as coolo, very wisely, once said "teach a man to fish and all that"...

I'd rather point them to the info than type it all multiple times for each person that asks...cuz really it's not like they are uncommon questions ;-)

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 18, 2007 12:40 pm

good point.

Member
Since: Apr 18, 2007


Apr 18, 2007 01:25 pm

But the problem is, the information that's out there, if it isn't too hard to find, doesn't make any since to me, because I have been totally in the dark about all this. And considering the price of equipment, differences in equipment, etc. I want to be completely sure that what I get will work and suit all my recording needs. Once again, thanks for all the help! You've answered all my current questions!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 01:30 pm

The articles I linked to are for precisely this situation, intro information...

Each situation is unique, but they all have more in common than not...

Member
Since: Apr 18, 2007


Apr 18, 2007 01:34 pm

Right, well if i have any more questions, i'll do the research first and ask later. Thanks!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 01:39 pm

Part of the research, or asking questions, is learning enough to at least know what to ask, many times just getting common verbage and such in order helps make it easier to communicate when everybody knows what each other is talking about.

Member
Since: Apr 18, 2007


Apr 18, 2007 01:48 pm

Right, I'm not trying to disagree. And the links you provided did help me. They told me the equipment that I would need, but I still wasn't sure of what some good starter equipment would be. I didn't realize my general question would be such a burden. My apologies. I've gained enough know-how to ask more detailed questions now, so i shouldn't sound like such a newbie anymore. Once again, thanks for all the help!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Apr 18, 2007 02:08 pm

Not a burden, but a general question gets a general answer in return unless pjk has loads of time on his hands... :-)

So, logically, the more detailed the question is, the more accurately it can be answered. It surely wasn't meant as a personal attack, just helping you ask more thorough questions.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Apr 18, 2007 02:14 pm

anything else I can help y'all with?

I got 2 hours before I quit work for the day =).

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