Building (read: scratching together) Computer-Based home recording rig...

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Master of the Obvious?
Member Since: Jun 29, 2004

Hey, I've determined that I need more than a stereo tape-deck to record my musical endeavors, and so, I am piecing together a cheap (under $800, preferrably) computer-based recording... thing. I already have 'somewhat' of a beast of a computer (P4 3.0 Ghz, 1 GB PC3500 ram, 80 Gb 7200 RPM Hdd, etc), but that's about it. Reading around the site/forums a bit, It appears that it would probably be worth my time to get a new soundcard (I have an Audigy 2 Platinum) due to both the udderly poor quality of the Creative drivers and, in general, it's just not made for recording.

I've been looking at the M-Audio 2496 card, due to its amazing price-for-what-you-get ratio. As I have only 2 hands (and 1 brain), I don't forsee needing to record more than 2 tracks at a time any time soon, but then again, I don't want to limit myself, as I am currently forming a few bands that at one point or another will probably want to record something...

I know I need a mixer of some sort, a set of studio monitors, a power amp (assuming the monitors are passive), and at least one mic (hah!), but I'm not sure what else you guys would consider to be "manditory equipment"! So, yeah, fire away...

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Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003


Jun 29, 2004 06:44 pm

Well, if you are only recording 2 tracks at a time, you can do this with your Audigy. The sound drivers are not horrible. Many people here use them for playback or for use with midi. Experiment with it and see if it works for you. You may not need anything else. I would recomend a small Behringer mixer, I like those. And if I were to advise on just one mic I would say a Shure SM57. But it would also be worthwhile to get a condensor mic if you have the budget.

Bohemian
Member
Since: May 04, 2003


Jun 30, 2004 01:56 am

Jup and don't underestimate the prices on Recording apps... there's a free one in the link section called Kristal(there is right?)

but others may cost you $$$
you're computer is fine now
all you need is a new soundcard
mixer
Microphone(Shure sm57 and a Condensor if you can as COolo said, look out for the Rode NT1)
Monitors or some good Headphones or both..
if you're gonna sing you're gonna need the headphones first:D
Quality Cables
and an Outboard compressor can be verrry Usefull

Master of the Obvious?
Member
Since: Jun 29, 2004


Jun 30, 2004 02:24 am

I definately need a good app. Right now, I have a copy of Magix Audio Studio 6 Deluxe or something like that, and it has worked fine for basic multitrack recording, but when it comes to effects, well, it just blows. What would you recommend for a decent multitrack recording app? I have a free version of Cubasis VST(?) that came with the Audigy, but I took one look at it and could tell I would completely hate the interface.

I have a set of Sony headphones that are made for DJing (thus meaning they are kinda compressed and made for volume vs. accuracy, I would imagine) They cost me $150, and they aren't bad, but I think I would rather have a decent set of studio monitors.

Other than that, I think I'll get a 57 and a mixer for starters... how many channels do I need/want? (hah, I guess I should probably be asking myself that question, eh?)

Thanks for the responses!

Bohemian
Member
Since: May 04, 2003


Jun 30, 2004 02:37 am

Well I'm a user of Cakewalks Sonar
as well as Noize2U and dBmasters
and a few more I guess
it comes with some fine effects and presets
but there's whole lots of free stuff around the net which isn't too bad either and if you really want some steller effects yeah... well ur gonna have to buy them:)

As for Monitors I can't help you with I ain't got them myself yet:D But I'm going to dive into the Behringer Thruths

for a Mixer I have the Behringer UB1622FX-pro
it isn't bad it's quite good actually hasn't let me down and for a compressor (It's very handy when recording vocals) I have a Behringer Autocom Pro-XL The Mixer cost about 250 i Think
and the Compressor was 110

I'm guessing now I don't know exact prices I'll Look um up

BTW I have a Soundblaster soundcard It's a SB live

the worst of the worst I recommend you get another one LIke the M-audio (has gotten nothing but positive feedback) but I manage okay with the SBlive for now (check out my tune and you'll get an Idea of what can be done with these things and An SBlive

check dB's tunes to check out the M-audio stuff:D
and Yeah the mixer I have would be great for a lot of things I guess Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth, Drums, they can all be recorded (Not simultaniously but seperatly) and it's not that expensive
and if you're ever going to record drums You're better of with a soundcard with about 5-8 inputs I guess..

Greets

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jun 30, 2004 03:50 pm

See my profile for my equip list,

Here's my idea:

If you're going to be mic'ing amps, i'd say the 57 is a good choice. If you're going to be doing vocals, acoustic, or other (amps as well), i'd suggest a studio projects b3. It has multi pattern, and sounds great, clear and clean. 160$

n-track 3.3. I've been using this multitracker for ~4 years, and i've been very happy with it. It runs small, has some decent plug-ins with it, and can be had in 24bit for 70$. (16bit = 45$) There's a huge user base, and great support.

yamaha 10/2 mixer: i looked at the behringer boards, but heard the pre-amps aren't the greatest. I've also heard that behringer doesn't use the best of components in the signal path. I've been around amp-building for awhile and quality caps in the signal path is a big plus. ALthough, there's quite a few members here that use behringer with good results, so ymmv. 96$

m-audio bx5 or behringer truth monitors. the m-audio pair are powered for 299, but the behringer 2031 truth (active) seem to be a great deal for 299. i haven't tried either one, and bought the passive tannoys for 320$.

m-audio 2496. if you're only recording yourself, or one person at a time, this will keep your cost down. 150$

If you're going to record drums, you'll need more inputs, and more microphones, and cables.

This possible list totals 776 without tax, shipping, or cables. figure 50-100 $ for cables if they're all new and decent. tax probably won't apply, and shipping will probably be free.

If you're going to be sequencing drums, I've used fruity loops in the past with decent results. Get the tom hicks samples though.

Master of the Obvious?
Member
Since: Jun 29, 2004


Jun 30, 2004 11:01 pm

Thanks for all of the quick responses. This place rocks! (Yeah, pun intended, I guess... heh) I think I'll work with what I have now and as money becomes 'available', I'll start working on equipment. I think I'll just go w/ the m-audio 2496 for starters. I used Guitar Tracks a while ago, and I got used to it really quickly, so I'll probably just get a copy of that. I can see this quickly becoming an addiction... :-p

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jul 01, 2004 08:25 am

I think of it as a lovely money pit

...bringing sexy back
Member
Since: Jul 01, 2002


Jul 01, 2004 05:41 pm

no wonder im broke, what with this and my missus...

anyways, welcome!

Nothing doesnt give me gas
Member
Since: May 25, 2004


Jul 01, 2004 11:25 pm

If you are going to be miking alot, a decent mic pre is really more important than a compressor if you were stuck with the choice of only one or the other. You cant really warm up a digital signal with only an outboard compressor, however it will bring needed dynamic control, but your mic pre is undeniably needed in any DAW system.

Many companies are making great combo front ends now,(all in one mic pre, comp, and in some cases, eq,exciter,limiter) and the affordability is getting better every day.

If you have a pre that has maybe 60 or above db gain, you may not need a compressor at all, because you can add software compression later on.

If you are doing alot of high spl stuff like frums though, taming the transients at the start may require compression. Im not sure if you can use comp. plugins in real time, I dont think you can. Ive never tried it.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jul 02, 2004 09:21 am

heh heh, 'frum frum frum'

I think it's been stated here if the signal clips before the compressor (plug-in) then you'll never get the clipping out. So if it clips in the pre-amp or the a/d convert, then it's there to stay. I'd think an outboard analog compressor would be the way to go, especially one of those combo devices. (i can hear the cha-ching sound ringing in the background).

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