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- Thread starter Crown
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blueprintstudios
New member
basically what you lack now is something that would convert analog signals to digital signals to be recorded in your software..An A/D converter..most audio interfaces have preamps, converters, headphone jacks and digital input/outputs built into them..hence the cheapest route for you to start 2 or 4 channel recording would be to get a usb audio interface..if you're not going to be using it with a laptop at all you can get a pci sound card..also, depending on your budget for your outboard preamps, they may not be worth the extra dough over your mixer pres..
blueprintstudios
New member
nope preamps not the same, different brands different quality.
MarcusH
New member
No point in getting a mixer - just use the interface.
If you can afford a good mic, good preamp, and good interface, then yes that's the best way. But not if it means you buy a cheap interface, cheap mic and cheap preamp.
If your budget is fixed then split it two ways not three and get the best interface (with pre-amp) you can afford and the best mic you can afford.
If you can afford a good mic, good preamp, and good interface, then yes that's the best way. But not if it means you buy a cheap interface, cheap mic and cheap preamp.
If your budget is fixed then split it two ways not three and get the best interface (with pre-amp) you can afford and the best mic you can afford.
If your budget for a preamp is around $500, I suggest that you use the audio interface's preamps and not waste your money. In my experience the marginal gains don't justify the cost if your preamp is in that price range. To get a significant quality difference be prepared to spend $1k and up for a decent preamp.
blueprintstudios
New member
Crown : may I give a suggestion for your situation -
Your purpose in recording : Vocals / midi keyboards / possibly guitars/bass etc.
So what you need is a vocal mic + couple of inputs + midi support + fit within your budget at the same time.
an audio interface such as the presonus firebox comes with Cubase LE so that settles your "DAW" section and your midi area
a "highly affordable" large diaphragm mic like AT2020 has great reviews, personally this would be my next purchase since I heard it serves as a vocal mic / guitar cab mic etc. I've heard drum recordings with it too. cost efficient.
you can directly plug guitars/bass into the XLR/1/4jack inputs too and record DI.
now the only thing you gotta watch out for is ensure your PC/Mac has "firewire input" if you're using a laptop, check for a 4pin firewire port.
like what smurfpiss has said, preamp isn't going to make a huge difference unless you compare something like a presonus firebox's with a UAD/avalon/summit/neve range (i seriously dont' want to go there in this thread) .
Your purpose in recording : Vocals / midi keyboards / possibly guitars/bass etc.
So what you need is a vocal mic + couple of inputs + midi support + fit within your budget at the same time.
an audio interface such as the presonus firebox comes with Cubase LE so that settles your "DAW" section and your midi area
a "highly affordable" large diaphragm mic like AT2020 has great reviews, personally this would be my next purchase since I heard it serves as a vocal mic / guitar cab mic etc. I've heard drum recordings with it too. cost efficient.
you can directly plug guitars/bass into the XLR/1/4jack inputs too and record DI.
now the only thing you gotta watch out for is ensure your PC/Mac has "firewire input" if you're using a laptop, check for a 4pin firewire port.
like what smurfpiss has said, preamp isn't going to make a huge difference unless you compare something like a presonus firebox's with a UAD/avalon/summit/neve range (i seriously dont' want to go there in this thread) .
Hey thanks for all the replies so far , especially blueprintstudios.
i've borrowed a few books to read up , hopefully it'll help me understand more.
so if i get .. for example the "Presonus Firebox" , does it have a GOOD preamp inside? if not can you recommend me any good yet affordable vocal preamp ?
what's an Audio Interface ? is it just a name for a hardware?
for DAW , im considering Logic OR Pro Tool . which is better ? i read that Logic is better for MIDI . is it true or are they equally good ?
and how much is Logic and Pro Tools? i googled but can't find any price for it =/
thanks and sorry for asking so much . just really want to learn and know more.
i've borrowed a few books to read up , hopefully it'll help me understand more.
so if i get .. for example the "Presonus Firebox" , does it have a GOOD preamp inside? if not can you recommend me any good yet affordable vocal preamp ?
what's an Audio Interface ? is it just a name for a hardware?
for DAW , im considering Logic OR Pro Tool . which is better ? i read that Logic is better for MIDI . is it true or are they equally good ?
and how much is Logic and Pro Tools? i googled but can't find any price for it =/
thanks and sorry for asking so much . just really want to learn and know more.
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MarcusH
New member
But what me and others have been saying to you, is that good preamps aren't cheap - so don't waste your money unless you can spend $1,000
It's something like a Presonus Firebox. I use a TC desktop Konnect. The Apogee Duet is also good. Look for the reviews in online back issues of the magazine Sound On Sound.
Pro Tools is better for sound engineers; Logic is better for musicians - yes, because it has better midi editing and better midi instruments built-in.
The BIG difference is also that with Pro Tools you HAVE to buy their interfaces (Digidesign or M-Audio) Whereas with Logic you use the interface you want.
Finally Pro Tools isn't as up to date - e.g. it won't run on Snow Leopard
Logic is an Apple product, so try epicentre. The dealer for Pro Tools is Sinamex in the Parklane
No problem. Ask away. You live; you learn.
blueprintstudios
New member
Crown : you're welcome, I'm just sharing my experience of recording to newbies as I was once like you but unfortunately not as fortunate hehe. and of course, being helpful is contagious hopefully inspires more ppl to help out at soft forum because I've always regarded this place to be a hangout for friendly people.
you have read http://tinyurl.com/diyrecording right?
> i've borrowed a few books to read up..
borders@wheelock/ kinokuniya is your best friend , you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes.
> so if i get .. for example the "Presonus Firebox" , does it have a GOOD preamp inside? if not can you recommend me any good yet affordable vocal preamp ?
to me there's only "shit" "achieves its purpose" or "mid range" or "top notch" in grading something. so I'd say as a firebox owner myself, it lies between achieves its purpose + mid range. your mixing must be good too for your recordings to sound good. If I had to recommend your insistence for good+affordable, http://www.audio-pro-central.com/reviews/review_of_the_fmr_rnp.htm I would have gotten this myself. but like I said, I'd rather one shot bomb the topnotch range. otherwise keep working with the "achieve its purpose" preamps but rather put in effort to improve in mixing technique to make up for it.
> what's an Audio Interface ? is it just a name for a hardware?
my original logical perception of audio interface is "SOUNDCARD." but sort of an "External" one and "specially for RECORDING". you know your onboard soundcard on your mac or those realtek ones for PC laptops ? those are "PLAYBACK" soundcard. recording on them will be high hiss/noise whatever. so if that helps...
>for DAW , im considering Logic OR Pro Tool . which is better ? i read that Logic is better for MIDI . is it true or are they equally good ?
see what MarcusH said. but personally for me, protools also support midi. which means it's the user not the gear/daw. I moved on from amateurish cool edit pro > cubase le cos it didn't support ASIO + midi. it's a must for today's productions.
> just really want to learn and know more.
people who are willing to help themselves will find people who are willing to help.
you have read http://tinyurl.com/diyrecording right?
> i've borrowed a few books to read up..
borders@wheelock/ kinokuniya is your best friend , you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes.
> so if i get .. for example the "Presonus Firebox" , does it have a GOOD preamp inside? if not can you recommend me any good yet affordable vocal preamp ?
to me there's only "shit" "achieves its purpose" or "mid range" or "top notch" in grading something. so I'd say as a firebox owner myself, it lies between achieves its purpose + mid range. your mixing must be good too for your recordings to sound good. If I had to recommend your insistence for good+affordable, http://www.audio-pro-central.com/reviews/review_of_the_fmr_rnp.htm I would have gotten this myself. but like I said, I'd rather one shot bomb the topnotch range. otherwise keep working with the "achieve its purpose" preamps but rather put in effort to improve in mixing technique to make up for it.
> what's an Audio Interface ? is it just a name for a hardware?
my original logical perception of audio interface is "SOUNDCARD." but sort of an "External" one and "specially for RECORDING". you know your onboard soundcard on your mac or those realtek ones for PC laptops ? those are "PLAYBACK" soundcard. recording on them will be high hiss/noise whatever. so if that helps...
>for DAW , im considering Logic OR Pro Tool . which is better ? i read that Logic is better for MIDI . is it true or are they equally good ?
see what MarcusH said. but personally for me, protools also support midi. which means it's the user not the gear/daw. I moved on from amateurish cool edit pro > cubase le cos it didn't support ASIO + midi. it's a must for today's productions.
> just really want to learn and know more.
people who are willing to help themselves will find people who are willing to help.
Wow , thanks alot MarcusH and blueprintstudios ! i'm starting to know more and more , thanks to you guys.
and MarcusH : "But what me and others have been saying to you, is that good preamps aren't cheap - so don't waste your money unless you can spend $1,000" .
yeah i'm sorry , i guess i was making myself so confused i can't even get that yesterday. LOL . yeah now i read it once and i understand.
and thanks for the recommendation for the DAW , i guess i'll put that aside for now.
also , blueprintstudios , my favourite tip from you so far would be
"you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes." hahaha .
i'm just kidding , but thinking about it , maybe you're right . i should just go "top notch" , but im afraid i'd spend too much money on it yet in the end giving up due to how difficult all these is.
ANYWAYS , ignore those negative thoughts , how much would your "top notch" cost ?
at least i can know how scary this world of sound gear is .
and MarcusH : "But what me and others have been saying to you, is that good preamps aren't cheap - so don't waste your money unless you can spend $1,000" .
yeah i'm sorry , i guess i was making myself so confused i can't even get that yesterday. LOL . yeah now i read it once and i understand.
and thanks for the recommendation for the DAW , i guess i'll put that aside for now.
also , blueprintstudios , my favourite tip from you so far would be
"you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes." hahaha .
i'm just kidding , but thinking about it , maybe you're right . i should just go "top notch" , but im afraid i'd spend too much money on it yet in the end giving up due to how difficult all these is.
ANYWAYS , ignore those negative thoughts , how much would your "top notch" cost ?
at least i can know how scary this world of sound gear is .
blueprintstudios
New member
"you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes." <-- this is efficient circulation of blood between 2 heads at its best. lol j/k.
$2000 and above. the one i'm saving for is $3K+
but I can either choose to continue working on my own for it. or improving my works, get myself recognised by a studio who has it and work there or something.
and this is just the "preamp". and i'm in no rush to get it. it's not like my mixes would rot and die without it or anything. mixes, like music, comes from effort. purchasing a topnotch vintage collection guitar while you play like a 4 powerchord kid doesn't make you a better player. it's the user not the gear.
but recognise your priorities. you didn't mention you were a musician (vocalist? keyboardist?) or anything. how much time and effort do you wanna inject ? I mean personally I was an IT guy, I don't play a single instrument, and my voice is as flat as my feet (yes i'm flat footed). so I spend all my lifetime focusing on audio only rather than a balance between musician/audio engineer/and the commitments of being singaporean (work,wife,reservist etc).
my advice is , go "cost efficient" first, should you realise your true talent as an audio engineer, like you discovered you got a knack for this , then start pumpin in more cash/effort.
$2000 and above. the one i'm saving for is $3K+
but I can either choose to continue working on my own for it. or improving my works, get myself recognised by a studio who has it and work there or something.
and this is just the "preamp". and i'm in no rush to get it. it's not like my mixes would rot and die without it or anything. mixes, like music, comes from effort. purchasing a topnotch vintage collection guitar while you play like a 4 powerchord kid doesn't make you a better player. it's the user not the gear.
but recognise your priorities. you didn't mention you were a musician (vocalist? keyboardist?) or anything. how much time and effort do you wanna inject ? I mean personally I was an IT guy, I don't play a single instrument, and my voice is as flat as my feet (yes i'm flat footed). so I spend all my lifetime focusing on audio only rather than a balance between musician/audio engineer/and the commitments of being singaporean (work,wife,reservist etc).
my advice is , go "cost efficient" first, should you realise your true talent as an audio engineer, like you discovered you got a knack for this , then start pumpin in more cash/effort.
"you can read books there or you can check out em bookworm babes." <-- this is efficient circulation of blood between 2 heads at its best. lol j/k.
+1
"purchasing a topnotch vintage collection guitar while you play like a 4 powerchord kid doesn't make you a better player. it's the user not the gear."
true , agree with you , and i'll keep it in mind .
"you didn't mention you were a musician (vocalist? keyboardist?) or anything."
i'm sorry , yes i realised i havent said much about me . well i do play an instrument , but it's the drums . which i guess has nothing much to do with all those electronic gears.
even for my current plan about building the studio , i don't intend to add real drums in it.
by the way , may i know if "blueprintstudios" (this account) is used by people of blueprintstudios , like alot of people are answering me now , or is it just ONE user (you) ?
if it's only you , how do i address you ? you've been a great help .
+1
"purchasing a topnotch vintage collection guitar while you play like a 4 powerchord kid doesn't make you a better player. it's the user not the gear."
true , agree with you , and i'll keep it in mind .
"you didn't mention you were a musician (vocalist? keyboardist?) or anything."
i'm sorry , yes i realised i havent said much about me . well i do play an instrument , but it's the drums . which i guess has nothing much to do with all those electronic gears.
even for my current plan about building the studio , i don't intend to add real drums in it.
by the way , may i know if "blueprintstudios" (this account) is used by people of blueprintstudios , like alot of people are answering me now , or is it just ONE user (you) ?
if it's only you , how do i address you ? you've been a great help .
blueprintstudios
New member
crown : thanks to marcusH too, I'm assuming he's a mac user so you'll be able to relate with the same platform as his. mine are more "general" tips only la.
I'm Ron , www.blueprintstudios.org / gigvideos.com (all in my signature), some sort of one man army , i do location recording hehe. my email software pops up notifications upon autocheck thats why I seem to be able to reply on spot.
do update us when you start recording let us check it out
I'm Ron , www.blueprintstudios.org / gigvideos.com (all in my signature), some sort of one man army , i do location recording hehe. my email software pops up notifications upon autocheck thats why I seem to be able to reply on spot.
do update us when you start recording let us check it out
MarcusH
New member
May I ask what you're saving for Ron?
"do update us when you start recording let us check it out"
sure thing , but it probably won't be so soon , i've got more learning and researching and comparing to be done , want to ensure that i avoid buying unneccesary stuff.
and like MarcusH said , what is that 3k preamp you're saving for ?
anyway should i just get started with the Presonus firebox ? want to ensure im okay with the basic before i go for the few thousands dollar equipments. have you used it before as a preamp ?
sure thing , but it probably won't be so soon , i've got more learning and researching and comparing to be done , want to ensure that i avoid buying unneccesary stuff.
and like MarcusH said , what is that 3k preamp you're saving for ?
anyway should i just get started with the Presonus firebox ? want to ensure im okay with the basic before i go for the few thousands dollar equipments. have you used it before as a preamp ?
blueprintstudios
New member
actually I no longer remember what exactly I was saving for, this was a goal like 2,3 years ago but I kept spending on my life commitments like new wife new flat lol those more impt.. but it was UAD something. either 2610 or 6176. but I'm checking the prices out i think it dropped. in any case when I save $3K to spare, I could get anything "good" that I want right? by then things would have changed and something better/cheaper would have been invented. even if I don't get a killer preamp , I may get the FMR-RNP + like maybe a Rode Classic II mic or something.
Crown : I use the presonus firebox preamp all the time. http://www.myspace.com/stellastoryband I used firePOD for vocals but the box preamps are same as POD (at least in my opinion). but don't let it represent firebox accurately though, alot of mixing work involved haha.
Crown : I use the presonus firebox preamp all the time. http://www.myspace.com/stellastoryband I used firePOD for vocals but the box preamps are same as POD (at least in my opinion). but don't let it represent firebox accurately though, alot of mixing work involved haha.
MadWerewolfBoy
New member
hey crown, there are much simpler setups for recording. may we ask what u plan to record? demos / eps / youtube vids / myspace clips?
are u gonna do multi-track recording and mixing?
are u gonna do multi-track recording and mixing?
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