tips on home studio anyone?

[wastedpolly]

Hey There, Im an acoustic artist wantin to set up some kind of home studio nothing too expensive (I have a budget of about £500) or too big I only have a small room I was wonderin if you could give some kind of advice or maybe tips on what to buy if you could Id be really grateful :) thanks

[Seafroggys]

nothing worth having.

[poeticdrums]

I'm lazy and don't want to do the conversion. How many dollars is £500?

[Moseph]

This is actually pretty easy, assuming by "acoustic" artist, you mean voice and either piano or guitar.

I think about things in USD, but you can investigate the prices in GBP by checking out the same gear at UK websites.

For starters, I'm going to assume you have a computer. Since this is a minimalistic project, a cared-for PIII or PowerMac will be enough for the basics I'm going to recommend.

A 2 channel USB interface will be sufficient for simultaneous voice and guitar. A 4 channel USB or Firewire device will be sufficient for voice and piano. I'm going to suggest a 2-channel, and that you also overdub vocals for a cleaner sound if possible. I'm also going to suggest you invest in MIDI connectivity, which can make your life easier down the road. Some choices for USB 2-channel devices with MIDI are the Lexicon Lambda, E-mu 0404, or Tascam US-122L.

Mics are the next issue to tackle. I'd recommend a stereo pair of large diaphragm condenser mics. Note that condensers will require phantom power, but all of my suggestions above supply phantom power.

Some good mics to look at are the Shure KSM-27, Rode NT1-a, Studio Projects C-1, or Audio Technica AT-2020. If your budget is too small for a pair of any of those, look into the MXL 990.

Most of the interfaces should come with some sort of software, but if not you can either find a beginner version of pro software, such as Cubase SE. Alternatively, you can work with freeware alternatives, like Kristal Audio Engine, Maize Studio, or Audacity.

Don't forget about cables and mic stands.

Depending on what you want to be recording and how tight the budget is, you should also look into a pop filter for vocals, a DI box for guitars/bass, and/or a small keyboard MIDI controller.

[poeticdrums]

Or I could just wait until Moseph posts and then my job here is finished haha

[wastedpolly]

Well it all work out to be roughly, nearly £1000 just under... you just double it really. And yes it is voice and guitar sorry

I'm just after something simple because Im really sorry but I havent got a clue what some of those things are Im new to recordin on my own :confused:

Is there anyway, to just get software (probably cubase) and a something to plug my guitar and mic's into, maybe a mixin desk?

[poeticdrums]

Yes there is. In fact, a heaping majority of people that are just getting into recording are doing that. It's the easiest way (though sometimes not the best sounding) to record into your computer.

What you can do is buy a decent mixing board off of ebay, musicians friend, wherever, and then take the main outputs out of the mixing board into the line input that your computer's sound card has to offer. Unless you've got a higher end card with RCA composite inputs, you'll probably need a Y-adapter that takes the RCA (the red and white plugs) and turns it into a 1/16" connector (it just looks like a simple headphone plug).

As for the recording software, there are many ways to ... *ahem* acquire the recording software that you want. If you don't want to pay for the software, or don't like taking risks, there are a slew of free recording programs available for consumers. Audacity is one of the the most popular, open source recording programs available, and it isn't too bad at all.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to IM me on AOL instant messenger (if you have it):
screen name: emptyvanillasky

or send me an email:

poeticdrums@gmail.com

[Moseph]

As for the recording software, there are many ways to ... *ahem* acquire the recording software that you want.

You have to be kidding me. It's not like you're some newcomer who has never seen the site before. Let's keep the conversations above ground, shall we?

On top of that, this is actually a prime time to buy software: Steinberg is phasing out Cubase SE, so it can be purchased for like $50 USD, which is roughly half of its former market price. energyXT now comes with the eXT2's beta for free, and buying it will automatically transfer your license to version 2when the final stable release is available. Tracktion 3 just came out, meaning that most copies of Tracktion 2 are being sold at a loss for phase out. All 3 are good options with way more features than a genuine neophyte will probably understand much less feel the need to use.

That being said, even with the increased budget, I'm still going to suggest my original setup, but more strongly recommend nicer mics (the Shure KSM27 and Rode NT1-a are my favorites from the list). It'll get you started working on your material, and you'll have options to play with production techniques as you feel you need to learn. You honestly just need to set up to play, hit the record button on the computer and go.

[fishbulb]

What's a KSM 23? I can't find it anywhere. There is a KSM 32, if that's what you meant.

[Moseph]

What's a KSM 23? I can't find it anywhere. There is a KSM 32, if that's what you meant.

Whoops, that should be "KSM 27" instead. Don't know why I typed 23. I'll edit my original post.

[poeticdrums]

I've been hearing good things about those MXL 603 condenser microphones, especially for acoustic guitar. You can read a reivew of them at mojopie

http://www.mojopie.com/603.html

Also, those Audio Technica at2020 microphones have been well received since they came out, and are also fairly inexpensive. Look into those two microphones if you're looking into keeping your budget fairly low but want decent enough results.

You have to be kidding me. It's not like you're some newcomer who has never seen the site before. Let's keep the conversations above ground, shall we?

Of course, Moseph. It was just a slip-up, I'm sure.:smoke: I love you:naughty:

[cadencethefire]

i'm going to have to second moseph's suggestion for th mxl990

it's an incredible mic for the money. I read how the threadstarter said he wants it simple which is why i'm about to recommend pro tools above cubase...

here's a bundle for a good start:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Digidesign-Pro-Tools-Mbox-Mini-Package?sku=702525

i'd suggest some better monitors than the package though these should be all you need if you're doing acoustic recordings m-audio bx5a

this is what i would get in your situation
MXL990 with preamp:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-TubePre-MXL990-Condenser-Microphone?sku=270354

Monitors:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-BX5a-70-Watt-Active-Studio-Monitors?sku=603707

Mbox2 Mini:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Digidesign-Mbox-2-Mini-?sku=700498

[Moseph]

I read how the threadstarter said he wants it simple which is why i'm about to recommend pro tools above cubase...

I wouldn't call either one more or less complicated than the other, just different.

However, you're neglecting that Pro Tools has an increased cost, reduced hardware functionality, and neglects the very handy VST standard.

In terms of preamps/converters

I contend that the stronger investment of the budget would be mics, rather than the software package.

[cadencethefire]

I wouldn't call either one more or less complicated than the other, just different.

However, you're neglecting that Pro Tools has an increased cost, reduced hardware functionality, and neglects the very handy VST standard.

In terms of preamps/converters

I contend that the stronger investment of the budget would be mics, rather than the software package.

i personally thought pro tools was easier to use. Plus the mbox2 mini is pretty friggin cheap :)

[The Chemist]

Pro-Tools has ups and downs.
Cubase has ups and downs.

It's personal preference. I would have suggested a SADiE or a RADAR, but thems are crack prices.

[Moseph]

i personally thought pro tools was easier to use. Plus the mbox2 mini is pretty friggin cheap :)

Yes, but compared to a Lexicon Lambda or Tascam US-122L? When you consider the VST benefits?

I'll even go so far to say that the hardware comparable. I get that Pro Tools is pretty much the standard, but unless you're going to be working with other (professional) studios, that's sort of irrelevant.

[Moseph]

Pro-Tools has ups and downs.
Cubase has ups and downs.

It's personal preference. I would have suggested a SADiE or a RADAR, but thems are crack prices.

That's just foolish. There's no need to buy a hardware-integrated turnkey system for a project studio. The extra $5k could be spent on improving the monitoring situation and still have enough left over for a couple of hobbyist level mics.

[The Chemist]

I don't really like using a computer's resourse for DSP. That's what I like about turnkey systems.

[Moseph]

I don't really like using a computer's resourse for DSP. That's what I like about turnkey systems.

I wasn't aware that a turnkey system necessarily required that DSP be handled on seperate cards. In fact, it was my understanding that SADiE systems made a point to include software-based DSP as a feature. Regardless, this has nothing to the with the TS questions, as any turnkey system is well out of his price range.

[The Chemist]

I know.

TS: Look for the ESI maxIO XD. 8x8 interface with clock in, ADAT, 4 S/PDIF, and it's pci. and its only $1500.

[Akira]

I know.

TS: Look for the ESI maxIO XD. 8x8 interface with clock in, ADAT, 4 S/PDIF, and it's pci. and its only $1500.

Not only is that way over his budget, but why in the world would he need an 8x8 for recording guitar and vocals? That's just stupid. Instead of $1500, he can spend $150 and get a 2 channel USB interface that will let him record both at once.

[fishbulb]

i'm going to have to second moseph's suggestion for th mxl990

This is a little off topic, but how is the 990 on drums? I am looking into a pretty cheap but "good sounding" condenser for a stereo pair for drum overheads. Obviously cheap and good don't go together, but as far as $70 goes, 990 picks up cymbals/toms on a drumkit pretty well?

If not, what are other alternatives that will be long lasting, cheap, and "good"? And yes, i know that that is an oxymoron, just bear with me.

[Moseph]

This is a little off topic, but how is the 990 on drums? I am looking into a pretty cheap but "good sounding" condenser for a stereo pair for drum overheads. Obviously cheap and good don't go together, but as far as $70 goes, 990 picks up cymbals/toms on a drumkit pretty well?

If not, what are other alternatives that will be long lasting, cheap, and "good"? And yes, i know that that is an oxymoron, just bear with me.

The 990 is a pretty warm mic (bordering on dark, depending on placement). I like it on toms, but haven't really tried it on cymbals. I imagine it'd be alright, but a small diaphragm would probably handle the transients of cymbals better. I don't really like it on snare, at least not compared to my other mics.

[fishbulb]

What's the difference between a large diaphragm and a small diaphragm, namely the 990 and the 991?

And where is the cheapest place to get two 990's in the US? Musiciansfriend had them for $50 with shockmount and case, but now they're $70.

[Moseph]

What's the difference between a large diaphragm and a small diaphragm, namely the 990 and the 991?

Simply put, the diameter of the diaphragm. Larger diaphragms tend to have a stronger response in the low-to-middle range of audible frequencies, and also tend to have a lower self-noise. Smaller diaphragms tend to have smoother reproduction of transients, and also a smoother response in the higher frequencies.


And where is the cheapest place to get two 990's in the US? Musiciansfriend had them for $50 with shockmount and case, but now they're $70.

$70 is the normal street price, though sometimes retailers will drop this to $50-60 for the purpose of a sales event (the last two years most retailers did this before Christmas time).

[cadencethefire]

This is a little off topic, but how is the 990 on drums? I am looking into a pretty cheap but "good sounding" condenser for a stereo pair for drum overheads. Obviously cheap and good don't go together, but as far as $70 goes, 990 picks up cymbals/toms on a drumkit pretty well?

If not, what are other alternatives that will be long lasting, cheap, and "good"? And yes, i know that that is an oxymoron, just bear with me.

it's a pretty bright mic and has a lot of low end response too. I haven't tried it on drums but from what i have used it on... it's a badass