Hobbyist looking to get some new toys

deadonarrival · 26th October 2005

This forum is probably still too high end for me but ill give it a shot. As of right now, my gear consists of a yamaha 16/4, 2 57s, audix fusion drum pack, and 2 audio technica 100$ SDCs. My computer and soundcard and software is all set, but my main concern is that a)im mixing on an aiwa stereo that i bought from a buddy for 150$ and b) I dont have any decent mics or even a LDC. Should my main concern be gettin a LDC or better monitors. Or a mic pre. My budget is around 250 but could get to 350 if necessary. Thanks for the help.

Brian Brock · 27th October 2005

hmm, how about a tascam vl-s21 monitor system for 100 bucks (these don't get loud, but sound very interesting, if not accurate or awesome or whatever, in my opinion), an audio technica at2020 for another hundred, and then like an rnc or a presonus 3 band parametric eq to screw around with?

warhead · 27th October 2005

Dude, by far the best bang for the buck LDC out there (that sounds great) is the CAD M179. Multi patterned...pad...hi-pass filter...and it sounds great on so many things from drums to cabs to vocals. If you're looking for a starter condensor mic...that'd be it in my book.

For monitors those KRK RP5 ain't bad for roughly $300 a pair.

War

deadonarrival · 27th October 2005

Thanks for the help! I will definetly look into that CAD mic, they seem to be a relatively good beginner company. The room i am tracking in is probably not the best. Im up on the second floor above the garage, and the ceilings are all angled at about 45 degrees (or maybe this is good?) Same deal with the room I am mixing in. Apoh, could you show me more about sound treatment? I have some of that sound foam stuff from a friend who ownes a real studio. Thanks again.

AdamJay · 27th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by warhead

For monitors those KRK RP5 ain't bad for roughly $300 a pair.

War

agreed! i actually think they sound better than the RP6's, a bit tighter and flatter response. and getting the RP5's instead of the RP6's allows you to save more $ to get the sub later.

AdamJay · 27th October 2005

deadonarrival,

45 degree angled ceilings absolutely rock for mixing down.
you lose less frequencies that get trapped in 90 degree corners.
my old control room did not need a bit of acoustic treatment because the angles (along with furniture placement) were just perfect.

but for mic'ing, they can be problematic without foam. so thats something to consider.

warhead · 27th October 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamJay

agreed! i actually think they sound better than the RP6's, a bit tighter and flatter response. and getting the RP5's instead of the RP6's allows you to save more $ to get the sub later.

When we shot the KRK line out recently (against itself) the RP6 was the clear loser. It has this pillowy bottom end thing that makes all kick drums sort of sound the same. I'd take the RP5 over the RP6 any ol' day of the week for a great budget monitor.

War

bannerj · 27th October 2005

Some people in your position have decided to mix with good headphones until they can afford a decent pair of monitors.

Also, I think there is too much hype around LDCs. So much hype that hobbyists like yourself spend their extra money on a cheap LDC to just say they have one when there are so many mics that have been used by engineers for years that cost less that 300 that are much better or at least much more interesting than a cheap LDC. Search through these forums for mics with a cheapness.

For example, if you want to satisfy and itch to have something new to play with...try a EV 635 a. It is an omni and lots of fun and useful. Or how bout a shure sm7 for $320 instead of a cheap $300 LDC?

Also, it might be more interesting to just sit on your money and save and decide to only buy the best stuff. Of course you are a hobbyist, but that doesn't mean your hobby can't be learning on a good piece of equipment. THe only thing that I get frustrated with is when guys go out and buy a $1500 guitar at GC on credit and they really don't even play that much. It is a different story if you are saving money and staying out of debt.

deadonarrival · 28th October 2005

Thanks again for the replies. I think I may actually skip out on the LDC now that I've looked into it more. There's a lot of talk about needing a nice preamp (which is out of the budget) along with a nice mic. I think Ill save up and wait for those KRK's. Thanks apoh for that mirror trick method. I'll be trying that this weekend.

hopeless_opus · 28th October 2005

I have the KrK Rp-5's at home and have been very happy with them. Great value!

26th October 2005	#1
deadonarrival Gear interested Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Thread Starter	Hobbyist looking to get some new toys This forum is probably still too high end for me but ill give it a shot. As of right now, my gear consists of a yamaha 16/4, 2 57s, audix fusion drum pack, and 2 audio technica 100$ SDCs. My computer and soundcard and software is all set, but my main concern is that a)im mixing on an aiwa stereo that i bought from a buddy for 150$ and b) I dont have any decent mics or even a LDC. Should my main concern be gettin a LDC or better monitors. Or a mic pre. My budget is around 250 but could get to 350 if necessary. Thanks for the help.

27th October 2005	#3
warhead Jai guru deva om Joined: Feb 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 12,253	Dude, by far the best bang for the buck LDC out there (that sounds great) is the CAD M179. Multi patterned...pad...hi-pass filter...and it sounds great on so many things from drums to cabs to vocals. If you're looking for a starter condensor mic...that'd be it in my book. For monitors those KRK RP5 ain't bad for roughly $300 a pair. War __________________ Warren Dent, Owner - ZenPro Audio: Gear Now & Zen

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27th October 2005	#2
Brian Brock Gear maniac Joined: May 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 223	hmm, how about a tascam vl-s21 monitor system for 100 bucks (these don't get loud, but sound very interesting, if not accurate or awesome or whatever, in my opinion), an audio technica at2020 for another hundred, and then like an rnc or a presonus 3 band parametric eq to screw around with?

27th October 2005	#6
AdamJay Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,825	deadonarrival, 45 degree angled ceilings absolutely rock for mixing down. you lose less frequencies that get trapped in 90 degree corners. my old control room did not need a bit of acoustic treatment because the angles (along with furniture placement) were just perfect. but for mic'ing, they can be problematic without foam. so thats something to consider.

27th October 2005	#8
bannerj Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 640	Some people in your position have decided to mix with good headphones until they can afford a decent pair of monitors. Also, I think there is too much hype around LDCs. So much hype that hobbyists like yourself spend their extra money on a cheap LDC to just say they have one when there are so many mics that have been used by engineers for years that cost less that 300 that are much better or at least much more interesting than a cheap LDC. Search through these forums for mics with a cheapness. For example, if you want to satisfy and itch to have something new to play with...try a EV 635 a. It is an omni and lots of fun and useful. Or how bout a shure sm7 for $320 instead of a cheap $300 LDC? Also, it might be more interesting to just sit on your money and save and decide to only buy the best stuff. Of course you are a hobbyist, but that doesn't mean your hobby can't be learning on a good piece of equipment. THe only thing that I get frustrated with is when guys go out and buy a $1500 guitar at GC on credit and they really don't even play that much. It is a different story if you are saving money and staying out of debt.

28th October 2005	#9
deadonarrival Gear interested Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Thread Starter	Thanks again for the replies. I think I may actually skip out on the LDC now that I've looked into it more. There's a lot of talk about needing a nice preamp (which is out of the budget) along with a nice mic. I think Ill save up and wait for those KRK's. Thanks apoh for that mirror trick method. I'll be trying that this weekend.

28th October 2005	#10
hopeless_opus Gear addict Joined: May 2005 Posts: 429	I have the KrK Rp-5's at home and have been very happy with them. Great value!