Question About Right Starter Gear

Hello,

I am interested in setting up a home recording studio but cannot really afford the “take the plunge” approach so I've opted for a very basic setup involving a microphone, computer digital audio interface, a laptop with Sonar editing/mixing software and home stereo speakers.

Basically, I need to be able to record audio tracks (mostly vocal; one at the time is fine for now since I am yet to figure out how to play multiple instruments at the same time), mix then and burn them on a cd. Additionally, for some instant gratification, I'd like to be able to sing along with some pre-recorded accompaniment tracks and have the output play on my home stereo speakers.

After doing some research I have narrowed down my choices to the following:

Microphones (price range between $100-$150):

Studio Projects B1
Marshall Electronics MXL2006
Shure SM58

I know the last one is a dynamic and not a condenser microphone but I'm thinking it might give me some versatility. Specifically I'm not sure whether condenser mics can be used for playback as well. Also, I understand they require a phantom power: is this something that typically comes with digital audio interfaces?

Audio Interfaces (price range around $200-$250)

Edirol FA66 24 Bit 96kHz Firewire Audio Interface
FireWire Solo FireWire Audio Interface
Echo Indigo DJ PCMCIA Audio Interface

Any suggestions/comments from all you experts out there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks Sam, your comments were very helpful. Perhaps Audiophile 2496 card is what I consider Digital Audio Interface, I may have the wrong terminology though.

What is the Behringer mixing board used for? I assume it's for mixing, but I was under the impression that was done by Sonar software? I may need it for the Phantom power for the mic, but I'm hoping that can also be provided by one of those Audio Interface cards and/or my laptop.

Best regards,

Mihajlo

can't tell you what to do about your audio interface but i would definitely not go with the sm58 for vocals. having not used any of the other equipment you mention i really can't say although i've heard a lot of people seem to think the studio projects b1 is an ok mic. however it is a condenser mic so you will need a mixer with phantom power like the behringer. i prefer mackie mixers but they are a lot more expensive. i have a 1202vlz which works great but it was $300.

you will also need some cables and i urge you not to skimp on them because cables are one thing that you can use for a long time. i now use mogami cables for 1/4" instrument/TRS cable although i confess to not having replaced my older 1/4" cables with mogami (that is why you must get them from the beginning! ). as for microphone cable i'm sure mogami has the same quality there as well.

be sure to figure out what your audio interface uses as an input - usually it's either 1/4" or RCA unbalanced inputs (or both). 1/4" balanced (TRS) inputs are going to give you a cleaner signal.

Hi mihajlo

If you are on a limited budget then Sonar at £275 is an expensive option.
Try Guitar Tracks Pro3
Amazon.co.uk were selling it for £39.

I just moved from Sonar 2 to GTP3.
I've used Sonar 2 from new (about 5 years) but
Sonar had way too much learning and I didn't use 90% of the facilities.
so it was wasted on me.

I record predominantly on guitar with some keyboard,bass and vocals
GTP3 still uses the same audio engine as Sonar and records up to 32 tracks.
The beatles did it with 2 four tracks! for Sgt Peppers but then again they also had Sir George Martin lucky sods.

I use an Audiophile 2496 as my soundcard ,and a Soundcraft Compact 4 mixer both pretty cheap.
as for a mic I use an AKG C1000 condenser again fairly cheap.
There are guys on here with enough quality gear to run professional studios with Sonar as their main DAW but I am sure they will agree with me that if you are just starting out don't go mad with newbie fever.

Start small and if you find you need to.... upgrade whatever you think needs it.
I would however caution you that a small mixer is essential to give you a trouble free zero latency set up.
It will allow you to monitor without a hitch and allow you to use EQ,Phantom power,and have an insert point for any outboard FX or compressor you may have already or may want to borrow.

The best advice I can give is also to try the 2nd hand gear market for a decent mic.
Give GTP3 a go before buying Sonar it's a versatile and competent
piece of software to start out with.

I hope this is of some help to you.

L.

First, if I found myself on a very limited startup budget, the last thing I would buy would be a laptop. The ability to expand, upgrade, and/or repair your DAW is, in my opinion, too limited with a laptop. Of course, if you already have a laptop, then the cost of a new computer wouldn't make sense if your funds are restricted. What is your TOTAL budget, including a computer?

Second, microphones are like Significant Others. What pins the corners of your mouth to YOUR ears, might have others gagging at the thought of close proximity. Some fine vocal recordings have been made with SM-58s. You have included the SM-58 in your list of candidates for good reason. Over the years, many have recommended them. But, the microphone does have limitations. On the other hand, reasonably good condenser mics have come down so low in price, they have become not only viable options, but staples in many a project studio. My advice....take comments and recommendations, go to your nearest audio gear emporium, tell 'em you want to try out some mics, sing your guts out, and listen, listen, listen........

Third, I too think Sonar could be a bit much for you to start with (the again, maybe not). Have a look at Cakewalk's "junior" products. The upgrade path to Sonar from there is not bad at all.

Ciao

Thanks to all of you for very insightful comments. After much deliberation I've decided to go with M-Audio Firewire Solo interface and Studio Projects B1 mic just to get my feet wet. I am anxious to hear what my first recording will sound like!

I will probably also get a Shure SM57/58 mic soon...and will also be on the market for some Monitors...man this is an expensive hobby;)

ORIGINAL: mihajlo
I will probably also get a Shure SM57/58 mic soon...and will also be on the market for some Monitors...man this is an expensive hobby;)

yeah tell me about it. trust me when i say to get the sm57 first. my first mic was an sm58 and after getting a small diaphragm condenser and an sm57 i haven't touched it since. i suppose if i ever do any live work i would use it again.

Presonus has one studio package that will save you lots of time and money.

zzsounds.com is selling it for $349.95 with free shipping.

You can order it early and it is expected to be in by April 1 and begin shipping that day. All newbies shoud get this deal.

Looks at what's offered.


Look at the big picture ~~> HERE

The Presonus Inspire Studio Package Includes:

Presonus Inspire Interface
CAD GXL2200 studio condenser microphone
M Audio Studio Pro 3 powered monitors
20 foot Whirlwind mic cable
On Stage tripod microphone boom stand
Hosa dual RCA to dual RCA cable
Presonus Inspire Features

24-bit/96k A/D/A sample rate
Four simultaneous input channels
Two microphone/instrument preamplifiers
Switchable line input or phono input(with RIAA filter)
Software Control Panel and zero latency mixer
Window XP and Macintosh OSX compatible
FireWire bus-powered or powered externally
Cubase LE audio recording and production software

What’s Inside:

The INSPIRE 1394 is loaded with state of the art components and technology enabling the easiest computer recording experience ever. The INSPIRE 1394 installs effortlessly on both Windows XP and Macintosh-based computers and works seamlessly with virtually all popular recording software including Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Cakewalk, Logic, Logic Express, Digital Performer and many others. The microphone and instrument preamplifiers loaded in the INSPIRE 1394 are designed to deliver ultra-low noise, high gain preamplification for all types of microphones and instruments needed for professional quality recordings.

Ins and Outs:

The front panel of the INSPIRE 1394 features two custom-designed PreSonus microphone preamplifiers with +48V phantom power and two instrument Hi-Z inputs. The back of the INSPIRE features selectable line or phono (with RIAA filter) inputs great for all types of keyboards, samplers, drum machines and turntables. Outputs on the INSPIRE 1394 include RCA unbalanced and mini TRS jacks as well as headphone output.

Software Control Panel:

The INSPIRE 1394 is completely controlled by an easy-to-use software mixer interface called the CONTROL PANEL. Controls include, input gain, phantom power, limiter (off/on), preamp boost (off/on), sample rate, headphone volume, main output volume as well as zero latency input mixing with playback mixing. This software control panel also serves as a mixer between your computer playback and your inputs for zero latency recording.

Daisy Chain for More Inputs:

The INSPIRE 1394 is equipped with two FireWire connectors enabling the ability to daisy-chain up to FOUR INSPIRE 1394’s together for up to sixteen simultaneous inputs at 24-bit/96k recording rate..

A Complete System

The INSPIRE 1394 comes complete with Cubase LE recording and production software featuring 48 audio tracks, 96 MIDI tracks, VST plug-ins and full VSTi support. Cubase LE is upgradeable to Cubase SX or Nuendo, Steinberg’s premier audio production software.

CAD GXL2200 Features:

The CAD GXL2200 is a fantastic way to upgrade your studio or add to your mic locker.
The GXL2200 is a large diameter, fixed cardioid pattern, condenser microphone designed to deliver a high level of performance. High sensitivity and low distortion make the GLX2200 an ideal candidate for recording, broadcast, sound reinforcement including vocal and instrument applications. The capsule in the GXL2200 features a 1inch gold vapor deposited diaphragm for consisten sound quality over a long lifetime. The GXL2200 comes with a shock mount that will fit any standard 5/8inch x 27 threaded microphone stand. The GXL2200 is audio tested and inspected under the direction of CAD Professional Microphones, offering an exceptional level of value. The GXL2200 requires 48-volt phantom power.

M Audio Studio Pro 3:

M Audio StudioPro 3 active monitors bring reference-quality audio fidelity right to your desktop.
Custom-tuned cabinets, optimized speaker design, and advanced crossover technology combine with generous built-in amplification to deliver the best sound you can get in monitors this size. Complete with magnetic shielding to prevent interference with computer and video monitors, StudioPro 3 speakers deliver great audio experiences from your music and multimedia applications. They’re also great for traveling.

Recording engineers and music producers around the world rely on M-Audio reference monitors to insure that their mixes are accurate.

M Audio StudioPro 3 Monitors Features:

3.25-inch low-frequency drivers; 1-inch high-frequency drivers
Self-powered
Remarkably accurate frequency response and imaging
Advanced crossover design
Custom-tuned wood cabinet
Magnetic shielding prevents computer/video monitor interference
Vented port design for added bass
Transportable, compact design is ergonomic and flexible
Internal standing wave acoustic absorption for greater efficiency
Bass Boost switch
Factory programmed for worldwide use
RCA rear-panel inputs; convenient front-panel 1/8-inch inputs
Includes directional stands to optimize listening sweet spot


Get while it's being offered at such great price.

Peace