Total Noob

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Member Since: Jun 23, 2009

Hello all,

I've been singing for many years now but have recently moved away to college, so I no longer have access to a studio. (for free anyways.) I've got some money saved up and I'd really like to go ahead and take a big step forward in my music and start producing it myself. From the beats to the music to the mixing I'd like to learn it all. I've been looking around and found a keyboard that could fulfill some of those needs (M-Audio 49i or something), but I really want to get an educated opinion on the matter of what I will need and what I should buy.

Also I'd love to try out some voice synthesizing as well, but I'm not sure if that would require a certain part or if that's just a software issue. I'm really oblivious to everything in the recording world, and any replies are greatly appreciated!

-Cody

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Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007

Jun 24, 2009 01:07 am

Hi Cody, and welcome to HRC.

For starters, it all depends on what you want to do, and how much money you have to do it. A lot of us have built up our studios over the years. We save up, and then we upgrade or add components. I've pieced mine together over about 2 years saving up and upgrading when I can.

First, what sort of things do you want to get into recording? Primarily vocals? A guitar? A group? If you're pretty much a solo deal, then you can get away with using a good mic, and an audio interface with your computer and daw.

I know M-Audio makes pretty decent controllers and interfaces, but someone else will have to chime in on the quality of the combo unit. It should be a good deal to get you started though.

For a good all around mic, I'd say go with a Shure SM57 and/or SM58b. I'm using an ATH-MB3k from audio technica, which is supposed to be similar to the SM57 or 58. I picked it up at best-buy in the pro-music section for about $50.

Next thing you'll need are some decent speakers/monitors to hear your mix accurately. Or rather, as accurately as you can given the room you are in. The Samson Resolv 65a speakers are probably a good start point budget-wise and people around here have liked them. You may have to dig around to find em now though I think they may have been discontinued. If you can go slightly higher price-range, then I'd recommend a pair of KRK monitors. If you can listen to a pair of monitors before buying though, that would be the best way to go. I wouldn't go below $300 for a pair though.
Headphones (for tracking or fine-tooth checking) I'm fond of my Audio Technicas. I've got the ATH-M40fs phones which run about $50.

And if you've already got some equipment, you may not need to get everything all at once. You can make the best of what you have until you save up for better. Anyhow, I'd recommend posting what you have so far in your profile, and then we can work from there. Include your DAW, computer/specs, mics if any, speakers, instruments, etc. etc. I need to get my butt to bed, but I'm sure someone else will chime in soon.

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002

Jun 24, 2009 06:24 am

If ur on a budget (or even not) but want to keep it simple, controlling and recording vocals and instruments on ur own, u can get something like the Line 6 KB37 which i use, or the M-Audio keyboard and interface units. their a pretty all-in-one solution coz ull have a keyboard to control all ur midi and program things and also have the microphone and instrument inputs all in one unit. then u would just need a good mic, im actually gonna say get a condensor since if ur big on vocals and use to use a studio ull probably want the clearer sound. Also monitors like J-bot said, very importante, probably the most important part of ur rig. Do some research on ur monitors based on the room they will be in as that will be the big factor as to wat size and wat functions ull need for ur monitors.


Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 24, 2009 07:10 pm

Yep, basic question's to get started for sure. Is it just you recording solo? What type of music and what types of live instruments if any? And going the PC or laptop route is easiest really. Do you know the spec's of yout PC or laptop? CPU speed, amount of ram and operating system would help as well.

Member
Since: Jun 23, 2009

Jun 24, 2009 08:01 pm

I'll be doing mostly solo things, but I would like to be able to record my friend on guitar as well. Alot of pop and hip hop music, I built my PC and it's an absolute beast, 4 gigs ram, dual core amd athalon x2 processor, hopefully no problems there.

Thanks for the replies btw, I was expecting some kind of noob hazing or something.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 25, 2009 04:53 pm

OK, that is good enough specs to get on with some of it. I'll have to stop back though a bit later tonight with some idea's for you. My sons got guitar lesson's that won't wait.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 25, 2009 07:38 pm

No noob hazing here. Just spammer hazing's.

I forgot to ask this in my first post, I'm forgetful sometimes.

What kind of a budget are you looking at? Also, do yo have any mic's or anything that would be usable in your recording venture?

Member
Since: Jun 23, 2009

Jun 26, 2009 01:26 am



Well I've got enough money for something nice, but I'd like to start off slow - so let's say about 500 bucks. Also, I do have a mic that I could have shipped down here, I'm just not sure of the recording quality of it. Let me find a link -

pro-audio.musiciansfriend...?sku=273156#new

I believe this is it.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jun 26, 2009 04:26 pm

MXL 990 is a great starter mic for acoustics and vocals, one of the best for the money imo. I would definitely have it shipped if available.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 26, 2009 09:54 pm

Here is something to look at that might be able to handle most if not all that you are looking to do. Its a small keyboard control for midi, with its own midi interface. It is also a 2 channel audio interface, with built in mic pre's with 48 v phantom power for that MXL mic.

And lastly it is a guitar amp modeler as well as having bass guitar amps models and some very killer microphone pre amp models as well. I use the UX-2 which is a version without the keyboard on it and love the mic pre amp models.

That would keep you well within budget indeed, and would give you two live XLR connections if you need to plug in 2 mic's at once.

Member
Since: Feb 07, 2009

Jun 26, 2009 10:51 pm

Noize is there a link there somewhere???

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 26, 2009 11:03 pm

I can be such a forgetful old man sometimes.

line6.com/toneportkb37/

Sorry about that.

Member
Since: Feb 07, 2009

Jun 27, 2009 03:53 pm

Thought that was it - the POD Studio™ KB37 replaced it now - it looks awesome though. I have 2 great interfaces and a midi keyboard but think I want one of these ;)

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 27, 2009 10:36 pm

You had not mentioned you already had audio interfaces. What do you have now then for audio interfaces and which midi keyboard do you have as well?

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002

Jun 28, 2009 10:38 am

If u already have audio interfaces i suggest getting a separate midi keyboard, if ur interface has a MIDI input then great, use that.

I love my KB37 but i find the fact that its the interface and the keyboard poses small routing problems now and then, its just not as flexible as having separate units.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jun 28, 2009 01:29 pm

Two different posters, the OP was the one with no interface.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 28, 2009 04:49 pm

WoW!

OK, I'm done with this one then.

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