Need Advice

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Member Since: May 04, 2010

Im looking to do some personal recording in a small home studio on a pretty a low budget. I was wondering if a Mini Mac with "160GB Hard Drive, 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, and 2GB RAM" would do the job.. It would be mostly just for personal use.

Thanks for any tips and advice..

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Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 05, 2010 12:12 am

Heya, and welcome to HRC. I'd say a setup like that will treat you just fine as far as processing power. You'll need to ask yourself what kind of audio card/interface you'll want for your setup, depending on what you plan on recording, and what's compatible with the mini-Mac.

Also as for recording applications, well regardless what software you'll use, you'll need to take some time to get to know your way around in it. A few people around here use Macs, so they should be able to recommend a few programs.

Of course, if you've already got an audio interface and some recording software then you should be good to go. :)

Feel free to ask us anything, and we'll help you out.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


May 05, 2010 01:07 am

Oh yeah, for 1 man band type of thing, it will be plenty enough. I've done projects with lots less (half, actually, on PC).

Most MACs should have garageband on them, so you can use that. I believe one of the regulars on here use GB on a mac, though I can't remember which one ATM.

( you could also use reaper, which has a MAC version )

I think the onboard sound is pretty basic on MACs, but maybe better than most onboard sound for generic PCs (cheap).

I think, though, that one of the audio PC builders over on reaper board said that MACs have the firewire thing figured out well, so a FW interface on a MAC is really spanking. So if you're inclined to get an audio interface (highly recommended), then FW would be a good avenue.

Course USB 2.0 is good too, but be sure you research that the interface you're looking at is good to go with MAC, as some may not be (dunno).

For instance, I've read that MOTU stuff on a PC is asking for trouble, but for MACs, they scream. That's just an example.


Depending on what you're planning on doing (vocals, MIC'ed guitars, plugged in guitars, MIDI, keyboard, etc), you may need some sort of preamp to boost MIC level signal up to LINE level, which the PC wants to see. Some interfaces have PREAMPs built in (XLR inputs), like the line6 UX2 or tascam US122, but some don't, so keep that in mind. If you're not going to be doing any XLR MIC recording, only LINE inputs (usually 1/4"), then you'll not need a preamp.

Though it's not a bad idea to have at least one, in case you get a hottie want to come over and track vocals =).

Sorry if I over simplify things, I'm not sure of your tech level.

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 05, 2010 07:26 am

Wow! No Offense but i didnt reall expect such clear, understandable, helpful advice. I had asked around 100 times other places and never got a straight to the point answer that would help me.. REALLY, Thank you to you both so much. And PJK no apology needed for simplifing, because my tech level is not all that high.. Just from these two answers, i will definitely be sticking around!!

But as far as Audio interfaces go, i was eyeing the Yamaha Audiogram 6, which i believe supports 1 or 2 XLR Inputs.. But its USB 2.0, should i keep lookin for a FW interface?


I was just reading more about the audiogram 6 and it says only one of the mic inputs is phantom powered.. what does this mean?

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


May 05, 2010 09:13 am

No problem, we've all been there (and still are!)

RE: yamaha audiogram6 - I'd pass. The thing is limited to 16bit/44.1khz. While this is CD quality, most people like the breathing room of 24bit when tracking, so I'd go with something higher.

also, it says phantom on 1 input, like you said, but i'm not sure how it gets 48v for phantom power. If it's bus powered (USB bus), then I highly doubt the unit ramps up from 5v (usb) to 48v (phantom). If it does, then it's putting a huge draw on your USB bus. If it's not, then you'll need an external wal-wart power supply to power the phantom, which can be a pain. But, that said, if you want to be more mobile, and not need phantom that often, then one less plug in cable can be helpful. Your individual needs would drive this.

* EDIT * I guess I should add, that I've used my old US122 often with phantom power, and it's not seemed to be a problem, so I guess it's not that much of an issue =/
* end edit *

Phantom power is (usually) -48vdc sent on the wire to condenser microphones. Condenser are often used for vocals, as they capture a open airy sound of vocals. Dynamic mics, by contrast, do not need phantom power. They are often used for live singing, or direct mic placement, when recording close proximity (like snare hits).

example of condenser: AT2020, Shure KSM32, Studio projects C1, Rode NT1a

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/120/AT2020-medium.jpg



example of dynamic: shure sm58, sm57, sennheiser md421

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/120/SM57-medium.jpg



The UX2 from Line6 is a nice unit, 24bit/96khz, with 2 phantom powered XLR inputs, plus line inputs. The UX2 also offers modeling of a bunch of amps & stompboxs, so you can apply amps & effects to your sound in your PC.

While not the only game in town, a lot of people on here have used the UX2 with great results, so that's saying something.

For each interface you find, I would search the inet for it with MAC along. For instance, if I was interested in the audiogram6, I'd google for ' MAC audiogram6' or 'audiogram 6 MAC'. I'd do this for each interface I'm interested in. See from real people (in forums) if there's any problems with running on a MAC

Another avenue I'd pursue, is sweetwater. They have much MAC experience, and have really knowledgeable sales reps. You can hop onto their forums and ask the same basic questions you did here. Or, also good, is to call them and ask for a sales engineer. They attach sales engineers to a customer, so a SE will know you specifically, and learn your studio / setup. I've had Ted hunter for about 5 years now, and always email w/ him when kicking around new gear ideas. You can ask for him if you wish, as I am very content with him as a SE.

So you know, it's not uncommon for FW devices to be a little more $$$ than a comparable USB device. This may be warranted, but often price drives a home hobbyist's dreams =).

a few more names of firewire interfaces: maudio, presonus, focusrite, motu, rme (spendy on the last two)

I guess knowing what your requirements and expectations, along with budget will help drive your decisions too =).

Ha, here's a interface buying guide from SW:
www.sweetwater.com/shop/c...uying_guide.php

Just don't be sold over on the Pro-Tools angle, they push a lot of them, and they're $$$.

While you can certainly go the PT route, don't think it's the only answer.

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 05, 2010 10:16 am

It's funny that you would mention sweetwater because thats actually the site I've been doing all my browsing on.. Im pretty much new to the whole equipment buying thing, lol.. So the fact that they offer a personal Sales Engineer really drew me in. I havent spoke to one yet because i figured i'd ask around first so i'd hav a little knowledge on the subject. Which you guys are definitely 100% already helping me with. I would say i have little-to-no knowledge about what works best with what and what would be best for specific jobs but i am a pretty fast learner.

For my budget i would like to keep it undr $1,500..

The home studio would mainly be used for Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and Beat Making. So mostly vocals and for the most part it would be one person recording at a time but i would like the option to do two people at a time and I dont plan to record any instruments in the studio but would like for it to be an option i can have also.


a few things i was looking at over at sweetwater:
These would be just to start with, with hopes to upgrade and expand in the future.

*Mini Mac at $599.99
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MacMini226/

* JBL LSR2325P at $199.99
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P/

*Akai Professional MPK49 at $399.99
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MPK49/

Just these items alone bring me to 1,200..

The Audio Interface is still undecided but i am now leaning towards the UX2

For a microphone i was looking at the Shure SM58 because i read that every studio should have it, lol.. But would it be best to go with a condenser mic instead?

The Audio-Technica AT2020 has great reviews and a pretty low price.. I may be leaning towards this mic.



Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


May 05, 2010 10:30 am

no no no, we do Zzounds here, bitches! ;-)

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 05, 2010 10:42 am

I checked out zzounds also.. Awesome site.. But sweetwater gives the option to pay monthly for 3 months, which works better for my budget..

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 06, 2010 12:38 pm

I think for a home-studio setup, the AT2020 will suit your needs pretty well, and as you said, it does have a lot of good reviews all around. I like the Audio-technica stuff as well on a budget.

As for which mic to get. A condenser mic will be quite a bit more sensitive than a dynamic mic, and it will pick up every little thing in the house, from potential noises from outside the room, fans, A/C Vent, fan from PC, etc. So isolating the mic somewhat will be something to think about. That said, the condenser mic will tend to paint things as they really are, which depending, could be good or bad. Sometimes the dynamics can be a little more forgiving on that score.

But like I said above, the AT2020 would probably lend itself more to R&B/Hip-hop and vocals in general than the dynamic, so I'd say go for the condenser, and if need be, set up a makeshift vocal booth or isolation screen to help keeping unwanted sounds from getting to the mic. You can always add more mics later on down the road.

As PJK suggested, that UX2 interface won't do you wrong. A lot of people here at HRC have 'em and love 'em. I think dB has one, or the KB37 they make. (or was it both hehe) I use an Echo Audiofire4 myself, and they make a smaller Audiofire2, but I don't know if they're compatible with Macs. They're nice interfaces though if a bit more expensive. I think CptTripps uses an Echo unit.

On the monitors, I can't speak for the JBL's since I haven't heard them myself, but JBL generally makes pretty decent stuff, and for that price point, I think they'll be fine for your situation. Just play some CD's that you really know well to "tune" your ears to them. It will take some time to break them in (get used to them) and then get down and dirty with the mixes. ;)

Once you get going, I'd definitely recommend burning CDs of the mixes you work on to see how well they translate in the car, and on other systems. Boom boxes, Bookshelf Speakers, Stereo systems, etc. That will help you find out where the weak points of your monitors/room are, and how to compensate for them.

On the MPK49, that should be a pretty decent controller from what I've read and heard. If the knobs and such are anything like my MINIAK, then you should be a happy camper hehe. (Though my MINIAK's Keys are a little on the spongey feeling side, it's not a big minus) People seem to say the MPK49's keybed/action is pretty good. But yeah, that should serve you well for quite a long while.


Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


May 06, 2010 03:46 pm

I always feel kinda bad bringing up SW instead of ZZ, but to be fair, when I'm just referencing an item, I usually link to ZZ.

I do have a penchant for SW though, and yes, it does shine through once in a while ( my apologies to dB and the HRC ).

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 07, 2010 09:09 pm

I jus realized that Zzounds offers a 4 month "Pay as you play" plan.. So i will definitely be heading over there instead.. Thanks to all you guys.. Everyone has been really helpful

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 08, 2010 12:47 am

Glad to hear it. :) Let us know how it works out, and if you find yourself in a bind or hitting a wall, feel free to pop back and ask us anything. We gots a wealth of knowledge from the various folks around here. =]

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 08, 2010 09:05 am

One more question (For Now, =) ).. Im not sure if this is a dumb question or not.. But i noticed that most audio interfaces only come with one headphone output... I guess what my question is: The person sitting behind the computer really has no use for headphones during recording, right? So these headphone outputs are for the person at the mic? As im writing this, it becomes obvious that it would be.. For my setup im going to have the mic in a seperate room. But does the person behind the computer need headphones at all or just not during the recording process? Do i only need one set of headphones? Sorry, if this post seems all over the place.

Byte-Mixer
Member
Since: Dec 04, 2007


May 08, 2010 11:39 am

You know, you brought up a point there, that I think some of us overlook from time to time since some of us are used to being a "1-man band"

Indeed, if the recording area is not well isolated from the control room (behind the computer), you may need to consider two sets of headphones so that you can mute the monitors so they don't carry over into the recording room and bleed into the mic. A cheapish headphone pre-amp might do the trick here since most allow for multiple channels to connect several headphones.

www.zzounds.com...hone-Amps--2377

Maybe one of the cheaper amps can fit into the budget with a decent pair of headphones for tracking.

Otherwise, if you can isolate the recording area from the mixing area, so that the session you're hearing over the monitors won't carry over into the recording area, (or at least minimally so) you should only need a pair of headphones for the vocalist. Maybe with a VST noise gate on the vocal track in the DAW as you sit down to mix to help kill any noise between verses.

I think in most cases, a decent enough isolation won't cost much more than the materials and time to build a booth, or isolate the two rooms from each other. Probably less than $100. Or if you have things laying around the house you can use, even better.

Hope that helps.

Member
Since: May 04, 2010


May 09, 2010 10:09 am

That definitely helps.. Any and Everything helps =)

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