What should I get first??? Mixer, compressor, and soundcard purchase
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Posted on Oct 13, 2004 11:26 am
TowerofSong
The Skeletal Circus Derails
Member Since: Oct 06, 2004
I am about to upgrade my bare studio and I have some questions about some of the purchases I am thinking about making.
I am running AA 1.5 for my recording software and I have a 80gig external hard drive that I save my songs onto. I am currently using a default sound card. I have a Sony surround sound I am using for monitors.
Could you guys let me know in what order I should purchase the following and if I should even be purchasing them right now?
Soundcard - Delta 44?
Compressor - Behringer MDX4600?
Mixer - Eurorack UB1622FX PRO Input Mixer?
PreAmps - do I need one with this mixer?
2 simultaneous tracks would be suffice for now but I would like to be able to record up to 8 simultaneous in the near future for drum mic'ing.
Thanks
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Jason H.Jack of all trades master of ___Member
Since: May 28, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 11:47 am I'd vote soundcard...but check the compatibility between your surround and the card...I mean the connections...Will you be able to run a nice 'sound' connection between the the card, the surround and the potential mixer...
Compression is good...but AA1.5 has compression presets in it which you can modify...(Effects-->Amplitude-->Dynamics Processing)
but I would think an actual compressor is nice...
The Eurorack mixer series do have a pre-amps in them. Mine does and so should yours.
TowerofSongThe Skeletal Circus DerailsMember
Since: Oct 06, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 11:52 am So would you suggest I get the soundcard, hold off on the compression since I have one built in to my sofware, and purchase the mixer since it has pre-amps also?
Is this how I would set it up?
Instruments > Mixer > Delta 44 Sound Card > Sony Surrond Sound Amp > Speakers
Oct 13, 2004 12:06 pm That setup looks like it'd work fine. However, if you plan on recording vocals and you want a good result it would be wise to get some sort of hardware compression in between your mixer and/or preamp and your sound card.
And yes, get a mixer WITH pre-amps built in otherwise your s*** outta luck.
Goodluck!
-Al
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Oct 13, 2004 12:11 pm Just a note, a Delta 44 will not let you record 8 seperate tracks simultaneously, though you could record 8 tracks and end up with 4 seperate tracks because the 44 only has 4 inputs.
TowerofSongThe Skeletal Circus DerailsMember
Since: Oct 06, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 12:15 pm So basically I could record 8 tracks at once but those 8 tracks would only be on 4 editable tracks correct?
If I wanted a Sound Card that could record 8 simultanious tracks what should I get?
Oct 13, 2004 12:27 pm The Delta 44 also will not do any surround sound, as it has no digital outs.
The 1622 will not allow 8 channels at once, as it's got two main outs (a stereo pair) and two sub outs (a stereo pair) and no direct outs on the channel strips. With the aux busses you can have up to 6 at best. but the 44 still only has 4 ins...
However, that mixer does have decent pres, not the best but decent so the other preamp could be put on hold.
And the 1622 also has a built in compression effect, not the best in the world, but would be usable while saving up for other stuff...so I would say sound card and mixer first.
Oct 13, 2004 12:41 pm From my own experience, the card would have to be the most important link in the chain.
You can have a top quality mic, guitar whatever comin in via a top notch compressor and/or mixer and pre's - at the end of the chain, is the sound card which converts the analouge signals to digital....if this is nae good....its a waste of time.
Essentially, it will not do the job and waste all the effort you put in at the start. Bit like playing football, having a good defense, midfield etc - put the ball thru to the forward and he misses cause hes crap...wasted effort.
In short, card first, all else falls into place.
Good luck
Coco.
TowerofSongThe Skeletal Circus DerailsMember
Since: Oct 06, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 02:55 pm I have a question about the Delta 1010 you showed me DB Masters. It looks like all the inputs are 1/8 inch. Doesn't that degrade the quality compared to a 1/4 inch?
I think I have decided to order a mixer and soundcard tonight. Not to beat a dead horse but as long as I can record at least 2 simultaneous (mic'ing guiatars), I will be happy as long as the sound card has a good quality. So with that in mind should be good with the....
Delta 44
service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
and the Behringer UB1204 Pro service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Thank you all for your help and quick replies. This place continues to be great.
Oct 13, 2004 03:02 pm Ok, first I changed your links with affiliate links, so if you or anyone clicks thru these links, HRC gets some commission with which to pay for web hosting and such...HRC has bills to pay too ;-)
Anyway, the 1010 is RCA inputs I believe, they have a 1/4" version, but it's much more expensive.
That said, for two simultaneous tracks, the two pieces you mentioned above would work...
TowerofSongThe Skeletal Circus DerailsMember
Since: Oct 06, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 03:10 pm Thanks for all your help Mr. Masters. Sorry about the links. I will get it right next time.
TowerofSong
Oct 13, 2004 03:20 pm Glad to help Mr. TowerofSong
no worries on the links, it's hard for anyone but me to get the required links...I just wish I could find a way to automate the darn thing...
