(reposted - forum's screwing with my posts)
Kaos Kon Mort
I currently have a pair of KRK Rokit4 and Sony MDR-7506. Are these good enough? I read alot of reviews before I bought them(low budget) and I really like them both. I got a cheap microphone so that will probably be my next investment. What would be a good enough Focusrite to invest in? I will try to produce all forms of music genres to learn as much as I can.
First off, I'm making the assumption that you are a younger person getting into music production for the first time as opposed to an older person. So money isn't a plentiful thing. I'm also going to assume that you are a musical, creative type of person and haven't just randomly decided one day to get into this, try it out for a bit and then probably lose interest in it just as randomly.
KRK Rokits are fine on a budget and will do for now. The important thing is to get used to their sound by comparing your mixes on them with other speakers you have - hi-fi, car, phone/Bluetooth, ear buds etc. If you're happy with them that's great! When you have more money in due course consider getting some higher end monitors and keep the KRKs for comparison when mixing.
More important is replacing the cheap mic because that's the device that the sound goes through first. It doesn't matter how high end your gear is in the rest of the signal chain your sound will only be as good as that mic. You can not polish a turd as they say.
As far as the audio interface goes; that's the next several components in your signal chain - pre amps, ADC/DAC, ASIO interface etc. so it is many things in one. So don't skimp on it! I recommend Focusrite only because I have used their gear for many years, they have a great heritage and, well their sound cards and components are good. Which one you may choose depends on how you intend to use it. Their Scarlet USB range will probably suit you. It's really down to how many inputs and outputs you want. Two analogue inputs is generally the minimum and will allow you to record in stereo or record vocal and guitar at the same time for example. There may be times when you need more. Many audio interfaces only have one pair of analogue outputs that you plug your monitors into - that's quite limiting. The more ins and outs you have, the more patching and routeing options you have. However, if you never have use for them all and are on a tight budget, it's a waste of money having more than you need.
The Scarlet 2i2 is the absolute minimum I would recommend for you. It gives you 2 mic/line/instrument inputs and two balanced outputs (stereo monitors).
The Scarlet 2i4 adds four more unbalanced outs.
The 6i6 gives you two additional line inputs, four balanced outputs and digital in and out (SPDIF).
The 18i8 gives you four mic/line/instrument inputs, four line inputs, tow balanced outputs (stereo monitors), digital - optical and SPDIF in out.
Then the 18i20 gives you eight mic/line/instrument inputs, ten balanced outputs, optical in and out, SPDIF in and out. It also has segmented metering on the front.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the latest, cutting edge sound card you get today, will be superseded by something better next year. However, many of us are happily using sound cards that are ten years old.
Kaos Kon Mort
I have a Acer T272HL 27" Touch Screen Monitor which I can angle between 30-80 degrees. Do you think this will benfit me in my music production? I'm thinking as a substitute for a control surface.
Also I have a Yamaha ERG 121 with 5 mics and Joy Turner with 3 mics. As a beginner I feel that these are good enough? Any thoughts? I really like the Joy Turner. I have a cataluna acustic too.
I don't think I will invest to much in plugins as I feel I have to learn more of the basics on sound engineering first.
Thanks a thousand for all the help!
I don't use a touchscreen, but I imagine it would be useful if positioned in the right place/way to reduce fatigue from stretching across a load of gear to reach it
I cut my teeth in studios with analogue consoles and tape machines so I like to have tactile control of as much as possible. It just works better for me pulling faders or turning knobs while listening with my ears rather than looking at a screen and listening with my eyes. Having said that though I have got very used to doing things with a mouse too. I think a touch screen may be a good compromise providing you remember to listen with your ears and not your eyes! At the end of the day, touch operation is becoming the norm and mechanical faders and knobs are so last century.
As far as your instruments go, it's so subjective. If you enjoy playing them and like the sound you make with them they are perfect for you. Once you get into playing an instrument e.g. guitar, you will inevitably acquire new ones here and there, probably never get rid of your old ones and have your favourites for certain tasks and an overall favourite too. At which point you have a collection of guitars hanging on the walls and can definitely say you are a guitarist!
Don't completely overlook plugins. They are very useful. Sonar does provide a hell of a lot of useful instruments and effects, but not everything you will need on your journey.
Good luck.