Some help in setting up a home studio environment : )

[joshhoe]

Hey guys,

Been surfing around the forums, and everyone seems pretty helpful, so i thought i'd just ask a couple of questions : ).

I'm looking to improve my home recording setup somewhat. Currently i have a
- macbook as my DAW
- focusrite sapphire pro 24
- m-audio nova
- behringer c-1
- sm57
- behringer tube ultragain pre-amp
- oxygen 25 MIDI controller
- using garageband

I'm looking to get the following items and need some advice
- a small diaphram condensor for better detailed acoustic recordings. I was thinking sm81 but i can't seem to find it anywhere in singapore. Suggestions? KM 184s seem to be the mics after my own heart, except of course, the price
- some sort of percussion solution, so i can add percussion tracks to my songs. I do mostly acoustic stuff. Real drums are out coz my neighbours complain. I was thinking virtual drums vs cajon? I've heard virtual drums sound pretty synthetic, and a cajon is hard to mic... any ideas here guys? any suggestions appreciated. Also i've gone to sinamex, and they sell a midi drum solution called FXPansion BFD 2 - wonder if anyone's given it a shot and if its any good?
- a better large diaphragm condensor? Such as rode nt-1? Is there an appreciable difference between that and the m-audio nova?
- a bass amp + bass setup to record with. any cost effective solutions here?
- a pair of monitors? any cost effective solution? maybe range of few hundred dollars

and in general... where do you guys go for a well priced and reliable retailer of these kinds of professional audio stuff?

Thanks alot for your time!

 

[kongwee]

For a bit pricy mic, Oktava will be a contenter.
I like the flexible MK-012 system.
I buy a match pair of Oktava MK-012 with only small diaphragm cardioid capsule.
I think it cheaper than a pair of shure 81 by retail price.
When I got more money, I think I will buy a medium and a large diaphragm capsule.
For sample go:

http://www.oktava-online.com/sound.htm

To reduce your time and effort, you can go Hung Brother.
You can ask for suggestion and use.
There is one guy that is specialised about mics.
I only buy my pricy mics from him.
Dunno the name thou.

 

[blueprintstudios]

hi joshhoe , welcome to soft.

there're a number of pro audio shops but I usually go to Esden Trading at simlim or www.hungbros.com , there're some available at www.luthermusic.com and www.citymusic.com.sg as well but you already have your focusrite audio interface, so that's pretty decent. you seem to be more looking out for microphones.

what's your budget?

drumset problem - BFD / toontrack ezdrummer / addictive drums , many options out there. but recording a cajon, seriously you're better off just miking the real thing with your 57 , do some social soundproofing and be friendly with your neighbours. if you wanna find out more, you can google soundonsound reviews or youtube. usually ppl will comment/feedback there.

as for large diaphragm, no idea on the NT1-a, i'm using my trusty NTK for 8 years now. totally lovin' it.

 

[kongwee]

For monitor, just budget yourself.
I alway use Yamaha HS series as a guide line for pricing.
Of cos, you got better budget just go for Mackie,Adam,Genelece...etc.
Just go around and audit as many monitor as you can.
The most important part how you place your monitor.
A basic speaker placement info on the net is enough.
Next, you need to keep minimum things between you and the speaker.
After that is just room treatment.
Note find the best sound in your room.
You can placement anywhere in the room, and do room treatment.
In my experience, it is a lot more costly in treating the room if the speaker do not find the best spot.
Of cos, you need take account of your cajon or any spot you wanna do recording, and do a bit more treatment.
In the ending, you need to plan your room properly.

 

[blueprintstudios]

I'm more of a headphone monitors person so far I'm doing great for all my mixes that travels thru my earphones/iem/headphones/pc speakers/carstereo and clients' and their critics'.

If I had to get "more popular brands" monitors for starters, http://www.luthermusic.com/uat/luthermusic_class/category/recording_studio-monitors/adam-a3x , maybe save more for the adam sub, and the rest for room treatment./basstrap.

if you want something "cute" (but hey I do know a few people using this!) , it'll be the kurzweil one that's $100 hahah

http://www.citymusic.com.sg/webshaper/store/viewCat.asp?catID=64

 

[kongwee]

I still remember my ex-boss being offer and turn down the Adam Audio distributionship. Nowaday it come very big.

 

[blueprintstudios]

joshhoe - most of my friends are using adams/mackies if not KRKs. so your best shot is to go down to the shop and ask to test.