Calling all Low End Gearslutz!!

[fross]

I typically do my own research, searchs etc. to answer my own questions, but in the interest of time, I'd like your help, if you don't mine. I'll try to keep it short.

I live here in NYC and have my own studio. (Mytek, Manley, TubeTech, API, Millenia, Vintech, Pheonix DRS-2 etc.
My cousin, who's a drummer and long time collaborator, lives in Michigan and I want to set him up with a more than adequate recording outfit, so we can file share and collaborate through the internet.

I need recommendations on all aspects, keeping in mind that he'll be a Low End Gearlut with High End ambitions. We need (6-8) channels of pres and conversion for him and I need to set him up with everything.

So, I need serious recommendations on:
pres
convertors
interface cards for his pc
basic specs for a good PC computer(and recommendations on where to go, if possible)
headphone distribution
active monitors
plugins
mic selection for his kit (snare, kick and (2) OHs for now)
a control unit with volume/input and output selectors for his monitors

I know you guys have alot more experience with this and I'd really appreciate the input. FWIW I'm interested in the sound quality of the RMEs, Presonus Firepod and Lucids. I've read good things about M-Audios, but I'm not sure they offer enough inputs. I use Nuendo 3 and I thought Nuendo would be good for him aswell. I could be wrong. What do you guys think? A unit that has pres and convertors in the same box is fine, if the sound quality is there. Otherwise, I don't have any problem getting seperate units for those duties.

Thanks.

[autodidactic]

What's the budget?

[fross]

I'm flexible with budget.

I did some in depth searches today in the Lowend and came up with some interesting suggestions.
The fireface 800 seems nice, but what's the concensus on the pres these days and has anybody had a chance to audition that 8ch. ad/da by Lucid?

[DrDeltaM]

Fireface is a great audio interface with very nice convertors for the money. The pre-amps aren't interesting tho, don't but it for them. They still can be ok for some extra pre-amps maybe tho.

Pre-amps: look at Sytek, 4 pre-amps in 1U, take the Burr Brown option on channel 3 & 4 for different sound options. That will give you 4 good pre-amps in addition to the 4 'not too special' RME pre-amps. Maybe save up and add a 2channel 'money-unit' of choice to this (now or later), then you'd have 6 good pre-amps, and 4 RME extra 'for in case'.

Convertors/souncard: Fireface800

Software: Nuendo 3 will be overkill probably. Cubase SX will do fine and works the same. And you'll have no problem loading his Cubase sessions in your Nuendo. The money you save here, you can spend on the more high-end 2channel pre-amp.

Of course, if you wanna start out cheaper, the Presonus Firepod ain't all that bad: decent convertors and pre-amps, plus it comes with a small version of Cubase which will be enough for tracking purposes.

Cheap computer: any PC is cheap and fast enough these days. Be sure to use quality components. Don't skip on those to save just a few 100's.

Headphone distribution: lotsa cheap choices here, even Behringer would work ;)

Active monitors: again, too much choice, depends heavily on his budget and taste.

Plugins: If he doesn't do mixing (ie, you mix his stuff), he don't really need the addition plugins.

Mics: get the usual suspects: D112 for kick, SM57 for snare (maybe also an MD421 for some options), 2 SDC's for OH (AudioTechnica 4041, Studio Projects, ...)

Monitor unit: Presonus Central Station or the SPL unit, or Mackie Big Knob if it ahs to be cheaper.

Not sure if this is all in the planned budget, but i hope it helped a bit

[Jules]

Perhaps he should get a Frontier Designs Tranzport - so he can set his rig rolling from his drum stool...

[drockfresh]

hi fross,

I have the RME fireface setup in my small NYC project studio. Its just a few blocks from grand central. If you want to stop by and have a listen, give me a call. I sent you a PM.

Also, don't forget to budget for cabling, rackmount power strip, headphones, furniture, wireless screwdriver, gaffers tape, and mic stands...

Cheers,

Dave

[Randall]

I haven't gotten to hands on one of these guys yet but I have been reading people raving about them... highly expandable as your Cuz wanted to grow.. the I/O possibilities are pretty impressive, and the price looks right

www.maxioxd.com

[Albert]

As far as the computer and software, the best thing you can do is do an identical setup to what you have. Troubleshooting becomes very easy, sending files back and forth is very easy. If you are using Nuendo, then he uses Nuendo.

Another thing you might consider doing is buying the computer, software, and audio interface yourself and putting it together for him at your location (your cousin would still pay for it of course). Then ship it to him once it's working and you've been able to use it succesfully, transfer files, etc. I set my brother up that way and it has worked out very well.

[fross]

Nice suggestions and I'm putting it together for him.
That 4 ch. Sytek's kinda pricey. I'd just assume go with a used True Precision 8.
RME looks nice. Now what about monitors? I know the list is endless, but I need help in this department. I sport S3As in my studio and I've thought of just getting him the smaller ADAMS, but perhaps there are others out there that don't require the huge $$$s?

[bannerj]

I am a huge fan of my Metric Halo 2882 DSP. It is so flexible. Multiple mixes for headphones and monitoring. the plugins for the dsp continue to develop. They have a beta program out that will have an all in one multi traker and mixing console.

I think the sytek is a great start too and had considered this myself, but I decided to be patient and go for the mp2nv and a UA 2108. that gives me four channels that are incredibly solid for every thing. For my purposes I only use four mics on drums. And if I am doing more for somebody else...I just borrow a Midas board from a friend.

I also went with a otari 5050 for drums too. that cost me about $800 to get it up and running and has been well worth the money for me as a novice. I find learning the difference between digital and analog is great training for my ears.

I went with a 414, but I hear amazing things about the ADK tube mics.

I also second the beyerdynamics.

The sound room matched pairs of oktavas are crazy too mk012s.

Finally, you may already have DAW figured out, but I love Digital Performer...and now it comes with Beat Detect...if you think your cuz might ever want that....

[s.d.finley]

[quote=DrDeltaM]

Headphone distribution: lotsa cheap choices here, even Behringer would work ;)

Holy snowflake batman, it must be freezing in hell!!

rock

sdf