Help me spend 25k on my new studio

[brownmouse]

Originally posted by trovador

Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary ST, Stereo Pair of TLM 103
Large Diaphragm Microphones w/EA-1 Suspension
Shure KSM 141/SL ST Pair, Stereo pair of KSM 141

Neumann M 149, Large Diaphragm, Multi-Pattern, Tube Studio Microphone
Millennia Media M-2B, Stereo Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier

i would go with something more like this in regards to mics and preamps...
mics...
*microtech gefell m-930 x2 (in lieu of the neumann 103's... not even close imo).
* josephson c-42 (or e-22s)x2 (for small diaphram pair).
* soundelux e-250/e-49/e-47 (i would definitely skip the m-149, i had it for awhile and it got boring really quick... there are mics out there for a bunch less that get more use around here- like the soundelux u-195, ymmv.)

as far as preamps go, a pair of pendulum quartets would be great, or if you don't need the eq/compression then go with the pendulum mdp-1a.
ymmv.
good luck,
joshua

[Albert]

brownmouse has some good mic suggestions.

Is there a reason why you are attached to getting a tube mic pre? I'd suggest something like the Millenia HV-3B, John hardy, a Great River pre, or Grace 201.

So if you get four preamps, then two solid state channels, and then something tube like the Pendulum could be a good thing in my opinion.

[trovador]

Is there a reason why you are attached to getting a tube mic pre?

My aim is to get the warmest vocal/guitar tracks I can. My vocals are always out of place when compared to the rest the mix. They sound thin and narrow. I'm going with a tube preamp only because, (a) it was suggested to me and (b) becasue I thought they would help me achieve my goal as far as vocal tracks go. Im not going by experience here, only by what i've read and by what I've been told.

Do you have a different take on that?

trovador

[chetatkinsdiet]

You could probably buy a lot of the stuff you need from me. I've got a nice little OSA pre that's going to be a lot better than an API for VO work as it's got a much nicer, open top end. Take one of them and the API lunchbox...that you can fill with more goodies as you need them.
I think my Neumann 103 is already taken, but I've got many others that might work for you. I'd look into a nice dynamic for the VO work. I've got an EV RE20 that would be perfect. Also, there's no need for super expensive compressors. Look at my RNC's that are dirt cheap here. They're dirt cheap new, but even cheaper used from me. Ask anyone...they're great.
Here's the link:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showt...threadid=28400
later,
m

[not_so_new]

Just because it has a tube does not mean it will fatten up your sound. That was all marketing crap that came about when digital was just getting rolling.

Some marketing weasels started spewing sh*t that because a tube is warm physically is was easy to "sell" the idea (in marketing terms) that the tube would warm up your sound, everyone ran with the it.

Tubes are cool (pun intended), I love them for some things but IMHO some tube stuff is cleaner than some solid state stuff.

If you are looking for something to make a vocal thick and "warm" then you should look at something Neveish maybe or a TG2 or something. Chandler, real deal Neve, Great River (from what I have been told) Phoenix (again so I have been told), etc are all great choices.

Don't fall for the "you need a tube to warm your sound up" crap, it's all hype.

[kudzu]

2 x ISA 430 MK11, 2 X PENDULUM QUARTET + BIG BEN....184i's...MD 441's
Should just about do it

[CorkyTart]

This isn't a fun answer but I'd allocate around $2k for cables and another $3k for tuning the room. Both those things will make a tremendous difference.

[C.Lambrechts]

Originally posted by CorkyTart
This isn't a fun answer but I'd allocate around $2k for cables and another $3k for tuning the room. Both those things will make a tremendous difference.

it's rather rare to see realy good advise in these kinda threads. And whenever one does, one feels like repeating it.

[Ernest Buckley]

Originally Posted by trovador

My aim is to get the warmest vocal/guitar tracks I can. My vocals are always out of place when compared to the rest the mix. They sound thin and narrow. I'm going with a tube preamp only because, (a) it was suggested to me and (b) becasue I thought they would help me achieve my goal as far as vocal tracks go. Im not going by experience here, only by what i've read and by what I've been told.

Do you have a different take on that?

trovador

It could be the instrument you`re recording or the voice. Tubes will not guarantee the sound you are looking for.

On another note: If you are doing voice over work, consider the Waves Plug ins which are very nice.

Much Success!

[mltamisin]

Definitely put around $1000-$1500 for treatment in the control room and about $800 for the 6x12 room. That should be fine. Why don't you get an ole trusty U87 for VO work. Maybe a Chandler tube mic pre since you want tube. Neve Portico's and some API's and you're good. Wanna make it simple? Get the new TL Audio tube mixer. For instances when you want a tube mic maybe get a Soundelux, Manley Gold, or CharterOaks or the likes. Get some really nice SDC pairs like Gefell M300's. Don't waste money on the cheap little mics. Get the best you can. One question, why do you need Pro Tools HD? If you're only tracking 2 instruments at one time then get the LE and save a sh*tload of money. Put in some UAD-1 cards and a Waves bundle and you're set. Get the Digi002 with the console thing and you won't even need the Yamaha mixer. Spend the money on nice compressors like TubeTech, Anthony Demaria, distressors, LA-2A or 1176....and nice equalizers like API or GML. There are so many options for you. I wish I were in your shoes with all the money at one time. You should definitely get the Genelec 8050's so you won't need a subwoofer. I think HD is overkill for your needs and it's not portable at all.
Good luck - Matt