Aug 30, 2008 05:17 pm I like my line6 toneport ux2 interface, with a mxl 992 condenser mic i got results i liked when i recorded a chick friend of mine whose had some training. And i believe that falls under $500 or is around $500.
Classical/Opera Vocals Home Recording (Noob)
Posted on Aug 30, 2008 03:56 pm
orangejellybean
Member Since: Aug 30, 2008
So- I'm trying to get a simple home recording system set up- but the more I look through here, the more confused I get about what hardware/software I actually need.
I'm working with a Dell Latitude D610 with 4GB RAM and an M-audio Keystation 88es.
I'm a classically trained high soprano, so I need a microphone that will record high pitches and extreme changes of dynamics with good fidelity (though not professional quality by any means).
What software and audio interfaces should I be looking at for such a basic recording setup?
My budget for this is about $500. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated for this hopeless noob!
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Aug 30, 2008 05:17 pm I like my line6 toneport ux2 interface, with a mxl 992 condenser mic i got results i liked when i recorded a chick friend of mine whose had some training. And i believe that falls under $500 or is around $500.
Aug 30, 2008 05:20 pm Hey Orange,
The PC should be well enough, depending on how much background stuff you're running.
First, you'll need some sort of interface, like an external soundcard. The onboard won't be up to the task of working with recording, processing and mixing audio.
These can be found for around 100$, on up to over 1000k$us. If you're not looking for nashville studio quality, then you should be fine with a 150$ or so for a 2 channel interface. USB or Firewire both should work fine.
Some interfaces will have a preamp built into the device. Preamp is required somewhere in the chain, to boost the MIC level signal up to LINE level signal, that the PC can use.
A standalone preamp will often be somewhat better quality, but under 500$, I wouldn't worry about it. Use the preamp built into an interface and it should be fine.
Microphone; I would heartily suggest a large diaphragm condenser (LDC). These can pick up very light signals, and impart a nice 'airyness' to a vocal track. They often are more detailed than a dynamic mic. LDC mics require phantom power, so keep that in mind.
It'd be worth knowing how you're going to be singing along to music. Will you have a backing track? I'm assuming you would.
Some options: audio technica makes a nice at4040 / at3030 / at2020 line. (going down in price). Rode has some nice stuff, like the NT1A (200$) which many like. I'm using a studio projects C1, which I'm liking much.
Software: this can be a right can-o-worms, as there are many choices, and many passionate opinions on the best workflow / value / features / stability / etc.
That said, Sonar and Cubase are quite large on the scene, having been around for quite a while. But they both are kinda spendy, for the full versions. Protools is an option, and it's mostly the studio standard, but it requires digidesign hardware (or maudio hardware for M-powered version) to run. I'd say you can do as much or more for less.
There are some free / cheap alternatives to the higher-end apps: Reaper is my personal favorite, being full-featured and free to try. It's very stable, fast, and has lots of goodies along with it. Traction has many followers, and there's also krystal audio engine, which is free. Multitrack studio is another one well liked, and it's pretty cheap, i think.
hope that helps you get started, chime in with more ?s if you like.
Welcome to the HRC, too.
Aug 30, 2008 06:59 pm For a mic you might like the Karma Audio K6 Ribbon mic. Very smooth for vocal use and has a nice flat range throughout. As well it is very well priced for the budget you are working with.
www.karmaaudio.com
But I must agree, a simple interface would be the ticket for your needs. And the Line 6 unit might just fill the bill well and keep you pretty well within budget. I use the UX-2 as well and love the pre amp models with my K6 ribbon mic from Karma.
Sep 01, 2008 01:00 pm Thanks so much for your help. Right now I'm looking at an Oktava MK-319 condenser which a friend of a friend is offering on the cheap- how does that compare to the at series you recommend?
Sep 01, 2008 01:34 pm That mic will work well with what you're looking to do . If it is indeed 'on the cheap', go for it !(especially if it's one of the 'good ones' that those ruskies made!) I use a MK-219(same guts, different capsule) for alot of the vox we do, and love it... the 319 will add a bit more warmpth to your track than my 219, which is a prolly good thing, as mine is somewhat dry .
Sep 01, 2008 01:51 pm hmm, i haven't heard either, but i know lots of people say great things about ribbon mics. usually the ones above 1k$.
but noize's recommendation of the K6, and some other reviews i've seen online really make me want to try one out.
oooo, like i have another 200$ sitting around . . .
that said, i've heard plenty of good things about the 319 as well.
Sep 01, 2008 07:44 pm The MK-319 is a stunningly wonderful mic if it is one of the original Russian made units and not a Chinese copy. The copies were very crisp sounding and were also not very durable. I own one of the original old version Russian made units and can easily compare it to a much higher dollar mic.
On comparing it to the K6 ribbon mic. Well they are two different type of mic and serve the user a bit differently.
The MK-319 is a bit warmer and can carry a bit more in the heavy loud end of things. The K6 is a bit more delicate but has a wonderful sound that is a bit like an old school sound.
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