Toss the KRK 5" for some real monitors! The 5" are especially bad. 6" and 8" are much better, but still very hi fi. The 5" suffers from one note bass syndrome. Very distinct hump sound at 80Hz ish in an attempt to extend the perception of bass response.

But seriously, if he's getting started, I'd tell him to expect to want to save some money for a monitor upgrade in the future, but the KRK 5" would be fine to start out on for now.


Most important thing though is to get him and his Dad to head down town, get some 503 and build a vocal booth/guitar cabinet! This is what's going to take things the farthest.

Then of course the student version of SONAR (same thing but cheaper - just not licensed for professional $$ making use).


I'd probably almost suggest getting just a cheap mic for now. Just like an AT2020 or something. That way he can learn the limitations of it and learn to make the most of what he has. Then is he breaks it it doesn't matter. It's good to have a cheap condensor your don't care about for just recording demo parts. That way you can just leave it lying around wherever for quick idea recordings. Of course a 57 as well. Some mic stands. Pop filter. Don't need too much. Maybe a Korg NanoKontrol and NanoKey interface for some MIDI. Those things are like $60 each. Great prices!

Before you buy KRK..   Look what I totally stumbled on today

http://www.equatoraudio.c..._DSP_300_Pair_p/d5.htm

I have not finished researching these.  I suggest you research them.  Read reviews.  I am looking into them more.  Warning:  I have not finished reasearching; I am not making a recommendation.  All I am saying is, "look what I stumbled on today."

Sounds like they a serious about getting him setup and I try to keep in mind he is 13, but working hard for what he wants.

I wouldnt let him spend it all-I like the college thing as well

What ya do get, get quality and try and persuade to save some and not dump it all. 

Id start with enough to keep him busy and occupied then let him get more after that as he sees or is ready for it.

Well, he did do just that...cut his budget back to $2,000 and I'm going into London today to pick up a CM magazine for him. Seeing as how one can't find such a thing in the wilds of Atwood ON....

PLEASSSSEEEE!

Protect the youngster from the magazines.

;-)

Get him set up with free subscription to TapeOp... which is dedicated to speaking about the craft of making records.

All the other magazines are dedicated to the craft of shopping.

:-)




I'm curious... what sort of music is he interested in?

I'd hope to guide oe encourage him towards playing with other humans if he has even the slightest interest in that.

Does he have some buddies and is he playing some with them? Learning how to be creative in a small work group is a very valuable experience.


Anyways, just more of my personal opinions...

all the best,
mike

Guitarhacker


First... KUDO's to the kid for earning $4k working a summer job.

I would recommend that he start out with only what he needs to get started, and spend and add what he needs when he is ready to move to the next stage..... he will know when that happens.


The temptation to spend the $4k all at once to get "the ultimate bedroom studio" is very strong. But he should resist it.

Since he has a laptop, a guitar and a small amp..... here's what I would recommend.

1.  MC6 $40 or X1/2 essential $100?
2.  a decent USB interface  $250
3.  a POD for the guitar  $300
4. nice set of studio monitors 5" cones $350/pr
5. sub woofer  $300 to $400
6. head phones... between $100 to $200
7. good condensor mic  $400 or less

All that will set him back around $1500 to $1800 give or take. It will get him started and allow him to learn the basics and do some really nice recordings based on his experience level. 

Beyond that... as the need emerges, drum software and other things to make the recordings sound better can be bought..... 

I do not recommend that he walk into a store and announce that he wants to set up a studio and has $4000 to spend to do it..... they will sell him $4k worth of stuff....and he may not need it. With the list above he gets started and only spends half of what he saved. I think that is a reasonable way to get started. Heck I got started for much less than that and added what I needed as I realized I needed a better way to do something. 

 
 
Plus 1 to Herb's suggestion......it does not have to be that exact hardware BUT.....He makes perfect sense in his approach to what your student needs.......
 
Also as Herb mentions a few posts later............a Lava Lamp!
 
Clifford

Reddi DI $500 (bass, guitar, synths)
Apollo $1450 (All in one ADDA, multiple preamps, killer plugins)
Copper head U29 microphone - $1000 (used but just a great vocal mic)
Pair of pencil condensor $500
SM58 - $100
Protools $600
GIK Bass traps $ 500

Well, under the original budget I would have reccomended the above.

At $2000 I would get on ebay or CL to build out. Also GC used site.
Find a used Apollo and a $500 mic. You are set.