Newbie needs help picking out equipment!!
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Posted on May 17, 2004 12:08 pm
Albertv05
Dub head
Member Since: May 03, 2004
So I'm taking the plung and setting up a small 4-track PC based recording bedroom/studio ;) for myself. I kind of know what I need, but I'm not 100% sure and I would like people's opinion please.
What I'll be recording is reggae-dub for those interested and it'll basicly be a one man band situation. I'll be recording everything (drums, bass, organ, etc.) Here is the setup I am thinking about:
-Behringer Eurorack UB1204FX mixer
-M-Audio Delta 44 Sound card (Audiophile 2496 if it'll work, but I'm not sure)
-PC: P4 3-gig 800FSB, 512 DDRAM, 120 gig HD, etc.
-DAW: Sonar 3
-Mics are not a problem, got a really good set of drum mics I can use as well as some SM-58's and a SM-57. No condenser mic but may pick up a el-cheapo Nady CM90. Bass will be recorded D.I.
Now, will this setup be good for a 4-track PC based recording system? Do I need a pre-amp? How will the sound quality be?
Any suggestions/comments would be very helpful. Thanks a ton!
-Cheers! -Al
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May 17, 2004 12:18 pm Hell dude, it looks like you have a nice set up. The 1204 has preamps that may work, I don't mind them on my 1622FX-Pro. There are obviously better out there, but I'd try them before committing a bunch of money you may not feel you have to at first.
Sonar is a great daw, the 44 is a good card you PC is plenty (512 more RAM wouldn't hurt, but hardly necessary.
The only thing I see missing from your list is a stereo compressor, considering you are doing live drums, a 4 channel or more compressor might come in useful.
Oh, and this isn't a for track studio. Your set up is limited to recording 4 tracks at the same time, but with Sonar your total track count is unlimited...just limited to recording 4 at once.
Welcome to HRC, looks like you are set up pretty nicely.
May 17, 2004 01:46 pm Thanks for the feedback and warm welcome! I woudln't have thought of a stereo compressor. Can't I just compress the tracks in Sonar afterwards? Or is the purpose of the compressor to keep the drum tracks from clipping during the recording process?
May 17, 2004 01:48 pm That's exactly the issue, if it clips going into the sound card it'll be a pain to edit out. While recording you want to at least compress things like bass, kicks, snares and vocals (and possibly anything else) enough to keep it from clipping while recording, then doing any other compression you may want to do in Sonar once it's recorded.
May 17, 2004 02:01 pm Okay, good to know. Thanks! For now I'm gonna try (very hard) to do without it since it's an extra expence, but I know what to do with clipping becomes a problem. Thanks for you're help, I can't wait to get this gear and start recording. I'll be sure to post some samples online when they are done. Thanks again!
Cheers!
-Al
www.theops.net
EdelweissOk, who moved it..??Member
Since: Apr 23, 2004
May 19, 2004 07:08 pm Sounds like a great set-up, but I agree with DB in that you don't want to get stuck in a 4-track mindset. Your option with that set-up and Sonar are "virtually" limitless.....
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
May 19, 2004 07:14 pm ditto, and welcome!
May 19, 2004 09:41 pm Yeah, I understand Sonar is unlimited when it comes to tracks. I meant 4 track as in how many tracks I can record at once. I'll be recording drums live with all 4 mics (one on kick, one on hit-hat, one on the snare, and one for toms/cymbols). Bass and guitar will be played live with the tracks but not recorded, they will be plugged in later. This is the most minimal set up I can go without, anything larger would be unnessasary... I'm just recording my side projects. Not to meantion these will be dubs... so yeah... not too big of a deal, just need the high-hat, bass drum, and snare seperated for effects and junk. The final mix will consist of drums, bass, rythym guitar, stick guitar, b3 organ, and a moog-esqe synth. Should make for some hot riddims! I'll stop rambling now and thanks all of you for your help! Any other suggestions are always welcomed! Thanks!
Cheers!! -Al
