Recording gear

[TheLesPaul101]

Can someone tell me what I need to get in order to get a home computer based recording studio (i.e. software, interface, monitors...) I'm also open to any suggestions on any brands or products to get. I'm only looking to spend about $2500 on this studio so take that in mind when posting suggestions. Thanks guys.

[surfnorthwest]

$2500 will do it for good quality stuff. Tell me what it is you are going to record, guitar, bass, keys. vocals, ect. Also tell me if you are going to be like me as a one man band or you will have multiple folks over to record.

One last thing I need to know, I cannot tell you how important a good computer is going to be. What computer do you plan on using, I need to know operating system and the power of it.

-- Sat Nov 13, 2010 8:29 pm --

OK you are going need the following gear

Computer. By something that runs on Windows 7 it will be the most stable and have the latests drivers for hardware and software. I would recommend a quad core with at least 6-8 gigs of RAM, last thing you want when recording is drop outs and latency, a shit computer will give you both and you will loose time in the studio. Of course a good MAC is always another option. Do not use a laptop!

Software - Better known in the recording world as DAW. Many on the market. Pick one and stick with it because the learning curve is hard going from lets say SONAR to Pro Tracks. I have been using SONAR for 10 years and wouldn't use anything else because of how well I know it. Lots of good stuff out there though, really its personal preference.

Studio Monitors - These are amplified and one of the most important pieces to any studio. They are calibrates to have a flat response and without them you will never get the mix and eq right.

A/D converter - This is what all your mics and instrument will plug into to get the signal into the computer and on the track. Lots of options here but spend wisely on quality.

Mic's -will need a good condenser mic for vocals and a good dynamic or ribbon mic for guitars and bass. Another option is to simply do what I do and that is to use a Radial JDX box and bypass using Mic's all together. The box goes between your head and cabinet then runs a XLR to your A/D converter, excellent gear.

I can make product recommendations if you wish.

-- Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:17 pm --

OK I am going to assume you already have a good computer. Take everything off of it you do not absoltly need and DO NOT connect it to the internet. Don't want the PC to do a windows update while recording.

DAW - I would start off using SONAR Home Studio. It is really good and will give you everything you need. You later can upgrade to SONAR Producing with more bells ans whisltles if you wish.


Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio 7 XL $89
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=710004

Hal Leonard SONAR 8 Beginner/Intermediate Level (DVD) $39
http://books-videos-music.musiciansfrie ... sku=502179

Studio Monitors - Don't skimp here, I will give you a less expensive option then a recommendation.

KRK Rokit Powered 5 Generation 2 Powered Studio Monitor (less expensive) $300 pair
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=482825

JBL LSR 2328P 8" Bi-Amplified Powered Studio Monitor $600 pair
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=580378

A/D converter - Again I will give you a less expensive option, this ones really good for the money. $499

Mackie Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface (good for the money but not great)
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=H14106

Guitar amp capture - you can use a SM57 or try this Radial JDX box. I love them.

Radial JDX Reactor Guitar Amp and Cabinet Direct Box $199
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=150453


Vocal mic - You pickit

-- Sun Nov 14, 2010 8:35 am --

Ok for a studio vocal mic you will want a condensor mic which can get its phantom power from the Mackie or Presonus audio interface. A great bang for the buck is the MXL MXLV63M Condenser Studio Microphone. About $70.

I recommend you read the reviews on all the gear I listed, you might decide to go more High End on some of it depending on your budget. However the gear listed will get you on your way to quality recordings. You can click on my gear in my signiture to see what I am using.