next purchase....any advice???

DrewEpton · 27th April 2005

So I've once again tapped into my college money fund to get some gear. I've been recording my band in our practice room (or our rented 30 x 20 storage spot) using a G4 and my 001. I've got a D112 in the kick (and a AKG C3000B outside the kick for fun), a 57 on the snare, audix mics on the toms (a cheap set but they work), a pair of Octavas (not sure which model) as overheads and 2 SD condenser Audix mics (part of the Audix set) roughly 6 feet in front of the set. The kit is an excellent sounding DW set. The bass is DI straight out of a SWR. The mics are sent to a Carvin board (a live board, no direct outs) and out to Protools via the inserts. I have an Alesis AI-3 analog to digital interface allowing up to 16 tracks directly in. We record almost everthing we do. Vox and gtr are also recorded but being that I am the lone guitarist and vocalist, I always overdub those parts.

We are able to demo songs and work out ideas with the setup and it's a great way to better my mixing/recording skills and hear what weaknesses I have in my performances. Long story short, I have about 2500 to spend and I want to start getting better sounds. I'm particularly interested in the UA LA-610. Since I'm always overdubbing everything besides the bass and drums, I would run the bass though this unit and then into PT. Vocals would most likely be overdubbed using the unit later on. I'm also thinking about the Vintech 1272. Am I wrong in thinking this will help produce fatter kick and snare sounds? Lastly, I would like to add a tube condenser to my arsenal. (maybe a Studio Projects T3 or a Rode NTK?) I should add that I plan on selling the Carvin board for something a bit more flexible (a used Mackie 24/8 or dare I say the Behringer Eurodesk MX9000??? please, no death threats

) Monitoring is done back at my apartment using my mBox/iMac/HR 824s. I realize I'm still a fledgling. I will say I'm already making decent sounding demos but I want to get better. Will I notice much of a sound difference if I sold off my mBox and 001 for a 96k capable 002? All advice is appreciated!!!

HighKing · 27th April 2005

Yes, you would.

Better mics and preamps would be my next step.

I wouldn't get the Vintech, personally. You haven't said what sort of music you do, but I'd get a solid preamp (Vintech is not bad, but only good for certain uses).

For $2500, I'd get a Neve and an API clone from OSA Audio (Old School Audio)...this is $1500. I'd spend the $1000 on mics. I'd skip cheap tube mics (well, the MXL V69ME is good). I'd get something like a Soundelux U195 (~$1000), this is a good all purpose mic. Or, I'd get something like an AT4033, 441, and a Baby Bottle (all ~$1000).

DrewEpton · 27th April 2005

Thanks HK for the reply. I'll do a bit more research. I'll add that we are a 3 piece rock band with a sound similar to StoneTemplePilots/OurLadyPeace. What's the word on UA's LA-610? Thanks again...

HighKing · 27th April 2005

I haven't used it, so I can't comment.

Given what you said, I think my recommendations are perfect.

You definitely want to get the API and Neve modules. API (and well, Neve) are like the standards for rock. You can't beat them.

The Soundelux is a killer mic. Depending on other things (i.e. your voice, etc.) some of the BLUE mics may be for you or some sort of others. A ribbon mic might be a good thing to buy, too.

It's all preference. But solid preamps would be a great step, and you can't go wrong w/ API/Neve clones from OSA or Seventh Circle or Brent Averill, etc.

**DrDeltaM** · 28th April 2005

Your convertors (001 & Alesis AI-3) are a weak link as well... maybe upgrade them to a 002 indeed if you want ProTools LE (no need to run at 96khz tho). Or pick up one of the RME boxes is you can do without ProTools LE.

Don't get the Behringer mixer anyway

You're better of mixing inside the computer then.

The LA-610 was discussed in a few threads a while ago. Try a search.

rolo · 30th April 2005

OSA (old schoolaudio) all the way... BIG sound, totally modular, build as your budget allows, they have several types of pre's to offer, low price, it's in my opinion, the smartest thing to do. Nathan at Atlas Pro Audio sometimes sells demo units at discounts. also posted eariler... better convertors are a great way to go, you'll notice a big difference, only.... the pre's you can keep no matter what system you record on. cheers!

john grimshaw · 4th June 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighKing

Yes, you would.

Better mics and preamps would be my next step.

I wouldn't get the Vintech, personally. You haven't said what sort of music you do, but I'd get a solid preamp (Vintech is not bad, but only good for certain uses).

For $2500, I'd get a Neve and an API clone from OSA Audio (Old School Audio)...this is $1500. I'd spend the $1000 on mics. I'd skip cheap tube mics (well, the MXL V69ME is good). I'd get something like a Soundelux U195 (~$1000), this is a good all purpose mic. Or, I'd get something like an AT4033, 441, and a Baby Bottle (all ~$1000).

I am a uk rep for Brent averill u.s please get back to me to see if I can help

27th April 2005	#1
DrewEpton Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 56 Thread Starter	next purchase....any advice??? So I've once again tapped into my college money fund to get some gear. I've been recording my band in our practice room (or our rented 30 x 20 storage spot) using a G4 and my 001. I've got a D112 in the kick (and a AKG C3000B outside the kick for fun), a 57 on the snare, audix mics on the toms (a cheap set but they work), a pair of Octavas (not sure which model) as overheads and 2 SD condenser Audix mics (part of the Audix set) roughly 6 feet in front of the set. The kit is an excellent sounding DW set. The bass is DI straight out of a SWR. The mics are sent to a Carvin board (a live board, no direct outs) and out to Protools via the inserts. I have an Alesis AI-3 analog to digital interface allowing up to 16 tracks directly in. We record almost everthing we do. Vox and gtr are also recorded but being that I am the lone guitarist and vocalist, I always overdub those parts. We are able to demo songs and work out ideas with the setup and it's a great way to better my mixing/recording skills and hear what weaknesses I have in my performances. Long story short, I have about 2500 to spend and I want to start getting better sounds. I'm particularly interested in the UA LA-610. Since I'm always overdubbing everything besides the bass and drums, I would run the bass though this unit and then into PT. Vocals would most likely be overdubbed using the unit later on. I'm also thinking about the Vintech 1272. Am I wrong in thinking this will help produce fatter kick and snare sounds? Lastly, I would like to add a tube condenser to my arsenal. (maybe a Studio Projects T3 or a Rode NTK?) I should add that I plan on selling the Carvin board for something a bit more flexible (a used Mackie 24/8 or dare I say the Behringer Eurodesk MX9000??? please, no death threats ) Monitoring is done back at my apartment using my mBox/iMac/HR 824s. I realize I'm still a fledgling. I will say I'm already making decent sounding demos but I want to get better. Will I notice much of a sound difference if I sold off my mBox and 001 for a 96k capable 002? All advice is appreciated!!! __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

28th April 2005	#5
DrDeltaM Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Belgium Posts: 4,301	Your convertors (001 & Alesis AI-3) are a weak link as well... maybe upgrade them to a 002 indeed if you want ProTools LE (no need to run at 96khz tho). Or pick up one of the RME boxes is you can do without ProTools LE. Don't get the Behringer mixer anyway You're better of mixing inside the computer then. The LA-610 was discussed in a few threads a while ago. Try a search. __________________ Mathijs Indesteege aka Mathew Lane mixing - mastering - audio restoration - plugins http://www.mathewlane.com DrMS. Focus on your stereo field. - NEW v3.2 OUT NOW! DrMS spatial processor - native RTAS/AU/VST plugin » Digital Audio Product Support Joystick Audio - Benelux High End Distributor http://www.joystick.be

30th April 2005	#6
rolo Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas by way of Neptune Posts: 2,408	i'm with highking OSA (old schoolaudio) all the way... BIG sound, totally modular, build as your budget allows, they have several types of pre's to offer, low price, it's in my opinion, the smartest thing to do. Nathan at Atlas Pro Audio sometimes sells demo units at discounts. also posted eariler... better convertors are a great way to go, you'll notice a big difference, only.... the pre's you can keep no matter what system you record on. cheers!

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27th April 2005	#2
HighKing Gear nut Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 86	Yes, you would. Better mics and preamps would be my next step. I wouldn't get the Vintech, personally. You haven't said what sort of music you do, but I'd get a solid preamp (Vintech is not bad, but only good for certain uses). For $2500, I'd get a Neve and an API clone from OSA Audio (Old School Audio)...this is $1500. I'd spend the $1000 on mics. I'd skip cheap tube mics (well, the MXL V69ME is good). I'd get something like a Soundelux U195 (~$1000), this is a good all purpose mic. Or, I'd get something like an AT4033, 441, and a Baby Bottle (all ~$1000).