Thanks for the thoughts guys - I have actually been a logic man for 4 years now (yes, the emagic days) - the main reason I am switching is because I work alot with a producer who has an HD system - so we will be going back and forth alot (he will bounce :D). I would like to eventually track drums - but right now I have a minimal budget - so I want to spend money on channels I can actually use takes from.
My studio space is actually really secure - but is just in a shitty area of town... good idea on the insurance.
I have great instruments already... I also have some decent KRK monitors. I am just really going for audio quality here... I honestly disagree about the acoustics of the room - I'm not trying to mix - just put great sounds down to tape (or something like it :D).
So assuming I go with LE... black lion mod?
That leaves me about 3500 for additional pre's, mics, and a distressor (no one mentioned that).
So 500 series with 2-4 pres (or whatever I can afford)?
And then mics... 2 great stereo condensers, 1 ribbon, 3 dynamic?
I like uncle duncan's thoughts on mics... but I could use some affirmation... come on, SLUTZ!!
rob