Need advice noobie set up for home studio

[MrCrowbar]

Originally Posted by djkitty

should I invest in 16gb ram or will 8gb be sufficient?

8 is plenty. You can work very comfortably with 4 GB if you're not using huge sample based MIDI instruments all the time.

Originally Posted by djkitty

I run up to 8 audio tracks at the most.

You can work with the built-in hard drive then. I'd go for 88.2 kHz especially if you're using extreme effects that involve pitch shifting or timing changes.

Originally Posted by djkitty

1.Should i invest external fw hard drive to store my logic sessions? or get imac w upgrade 2tb drive.

I would get a USB drive for backups (Time Machine). I like the Western DIgital MyBook essential. Very quiet and they go off automatically when in standby (= no noise at all). I wouldn't go firewire because the drives are more expensive and you need to get an extra cable (firewire 800 to 400) to connect it to the Mac. USB is plenty fast for copying large files around.

Originally Posted by djkitty

2.Is soft synths the way to go and use no outboard midi gear for sounds samples?

Logic 9 has lots of great synths built-in. Maybe get a MicroKorg so you have something that feels and sounds old school. Having real knobs to turn is just so much more pleasing and it sounds pretty nice too. If you already have good outboard MIDI gear, I'd keep it because you know those devices well and nothing will sound just like them.

Originally Posted by djkitty

3. what would be the best midi audio interface if i keep my outboard midi gear?

I found the MIDI interface in MOTU interfaces to be rock solid on the Mac. The MOTU Micro Lite might be what you're looking for: 5 MIDI ins and outs, up to 80 MIDI channels.

For the Microphones and connecting the speakers to, I'd go for the EMU 0404 USB. The preamps and digital converters are excellent.

Originally Posted by djkitty

Here is my gear what would be the best setup?
Yamaha csx2 keyboard controller midi
MACKIE CFX 20 MIXER
Kurzweil K2000R Rackmount SAMPLER/Synth
Alesis RA100 Studio Reference Monitor Power Amp
(2) DBX 166A Dual Compressor Limiter
Lexicon MPX 100 Dual Channel Processor
Alesis DM5 Drum Module
E-mu Orbit 3 Synth Dance Module
E-mu • Carnaval.
THANKS

I'd plug all the MIDI stuff directly into the aforementioned MOTU interface.
Connect the analog outputs of your synths and sound modules to their own mixer channel and plug the compressor in via the mixer inserts.
Put the Lexicon on a post-fader AUX send of the mixer.
Connect the audio interface outputs (EMU 0404 USB) to a stereo channel of the mixer or an AUX return. Chances are the mic preamps in the interface sound much better than those in the mixer.

[adamboon]

My Thoughts.

Logic 9 is great (even express is great, if your on a budget), 4Gb is enough, get a good external HDD (IceCube - Firewire - with a good, fast WD {with lots of cache} HD) and use this to store your session files and audio files on. RME Babyface (or RME FireFace) is an awesome interface. I'd use the outboard you already have, and get some of the free (Great) softsynths (Like Crystal, etc - Do a search).

Even the i5 would be fine, but if you can afford it the i7 is a bloody good chip!

[aof21]

Originally Posted by djkitty

should I invest in 16gb ram or will 8gb be sufficient?
I do nothing live except vocals and primarily remix existing dance pop house music for dj purposes.I run up to 8 audio tracks at the most.

more ram the better, but 8gb should probably do.

unless you are already in love with Logic, I would consider looking at Ableton Live as it is very suited to that type of production. But Logic is also great.

1.Should i invest external fw hard drive to store my logic sessions? or get imac w upgrade 2tb drive.

you can only have one internal drive in an imac right? 2nd internal drive (one for OS one for sessions is ideal). but performance with an external FW may or may not outperform just one internal drive. If you do go external drive make sure its FW 800. 400 might be ok, not sure.

2.Is soft synths the way to go and use no outboard midi gear for sounds samples?

Yes. Hardware synths can be good if you get real analog ones or vintage digital ones that have some real character, but the outboard you have sounds like relatively low-end stuff that is easily outperformed by software these days.

[djkitty]

Originally Posted by djkitty

Hi Everyone, I'm setting up my home studio again it's been awhile.1997
I was using logic 5. So now I'm getting back into this and would appreciate recommendation for my set up. I want to buy a Imac i7 2.8. 27"..
should I invest in 16gb ram or will 8gb be sufficient?
I do nothing live except vocals and primarily remix existing dance pop house music for dj purposes.I run up to 8 audio tracks at the most.

1.Should i invest external fw hard drive to store my logic sessions? or get imac w upgrade 2tb drive.
2.Is soft synths the way to go and use no outboard midi gear for sounds samples?
3. what would be the best midi audio interface if i keep my outboard midi gear?

Here is my gear what would be the best setup?
Yamaha csx2 keyboard controller midi
MACKIE CFX 20 MIXER
Kurzweil K2000R Rackmount SAMPLER/Synth
Alesis RA100 Studio Reference Monitor Power Amp
(2) DBX 166A Dual Compressor Limiter
Lexicon MPX 100 Dual Channel Processor
Alesis DM5 Drum Module
E-mu Orbit 3 Synth Dance Module
E-mu • Carnaval.
THANKS

THANKS EVERYONE! for your feedback.

MrCrowbar....your advice was great..
I never used time-machine is that a program to back up to external drive.
I don't mind paying more for firewire external drive.
I only have 1 firewire input on imac. so if I get anther firewire device is there hub or something to get more?


I didnt understand what 88.2 kHz means if you can clarify.

I just bought a used MOTU Micro Lite USB MIDI Interface on ebay.

You said EMU 0404 USB for audio interface.
will this support up to 8 lines audio.
(I use to run emagic pci card with 8 outs spidf.)

I was looking at apogee duet but its only 2 lines.
Will the EMU 0404 USB continue to support drivers.
what do you think about RME audio interfaces?

what would better firewire or usb for audio interface?
I will have only 1 firewire port on imac.

Should i keep my mackie mixer or sell to buy better software sounds?

Should I keep my Kurzweil sampler?

should I keep my compressors and processor if I don't keep my Mckie Mixer.

What is advantage of going all digital vs outboard gear that I have?

Do I still need my rack amp for power to speakers

adamboon....thanks I want to go with fw as well.
the RME interface is comparable to Emu 0404 or Apogee Duet.

aof21 thanks for info.. I will use internal drive for now.
yes I love Logic but haven't used it since logic pro 5.
I hope it's still great.
My outboard gear isnt vintage or high-end but was great at the time for the music i was making. If I do go all software to replace my Emu modules and alesis drum module what would you recommend?

[dustyreels]

I would consider getting a really good vocal chain in addition to all these great suggestions from everyone else. Don't skimp in this department. I would attempt to buy a mic, pre, and maybe a compressor that you won't hate in a year's time. Sounds like you got lots o' fun ahead of you...

[aof21]

Originally Posted by dustyreels

I would consider getting a really good vocal chain in addition to all these great suggestions from everyone else. Don't skimp in this department. I would attempt to buy a mic, pre, and maybe a compressor that you won't hate in a year's time. Sounds like you got lots o' fun ahead of you...

+1 all the way, and as everyone on Gearslutz will love to tell you invest in either room treatment, or put some careful consideration into where and how you record vocals to minimize all noise from CPU and other outboard gear. Another great reason to minimize outboard gear that isn't helping you.

Originally Posted by djkitty

THANKS EVERYONE! for your feedback.
I only have 1 firewire input on imac. so if I get anther firewire device is there hub or something to get more?

yes you can easily buy firewire hubs at radioshack or any compUSA / microcenter type store or just google and buy on the internet.

I didnt understand what 88.2 kHz means if you can clarify.

88.2 is a sampling rate. Refers to 88,200 samples per second of audio. It is the "resolution" of your audio. "CD Quality" digital standard is half of that -- 44.1khz. The sampling rate is also related to the frequency response of your recording. The reason why 44.1 became the standard is that you will be able to record up to 1/2 of what your sampling rate is in terms of your frequency response. Since the reported range of human hearing is only up to 20k, 44.1 is more than double that and in theory should capture everything perfectly. In recent years since the cost of technology has come down, many people are choosing to record at higher sample rates, under the theory that capturing frequencies higher than 20k may have some subtle but audible affect on the frequencies that we can hear. You will have to determine for yourself whether or not you can hear the difference. It will start a huge debate anywhere on Gearslutz to claim one way or another, but for what its worth, I continue to work at 44.1 and am fine with the fidelity of my recordings. Recordings at 88.2 will also take up much more hard drive space which may or may not be a concern.

I just bought a used MOTU Micro Lite USB MIDI Interface on ebay.

You said EMU 0404 USB for audio interface.
will this support up to 8 lines audio.
(I use to run emagic pci card with 8 outs spidf.)

I was looking at apogee duet but its only 2 lines.
Will the EMU 0404 USB continue to support drivers.
what do you think about RME audio interfaces?

what would better firewire or usb for audio interface?
I will have only 1 firewire port on imac.

FW800 is superior to 400 and USB
FW400 vs USB shouldn't make a huge difference, but apple has been phasing out FW400 so USB may be preferable as it might be supported longer into the future. People on GS love Apogee Duet. I do not. Search to find threads on it and you will see the reason why. But want to keep this thread on topic.

Should i keep my mackie mixer or sell to buy better software sounds?

Should I keep my Kurzweil sampler?

should I keep my compressors and processor if I don't keep my Mckie Mixer.

What is advantage of going all digital vs outboard gear that I have?

These questions are all sort of related. Its really up to you. One piece of advice I would have it just start using stuff right away. Hook everything up in a quick fashion and just start using it. Get a feel for it. One mistake I've made and I've seen others make is to make assumptions about what gear you will and won't use and how you're gonna use and how it should be set up. I spent a few days making custom cables and mapping out racks etc. It took me about two hours of using that set up to realize it was all wrong. Ergonomics and workflow are really big for me. But everyone is different. For me, I work faster with hardware synths and software samplers, rather than software synths and harware samplers. Part of the reason I work faster is because I think the sound "out of the box" of hardware synths is preferable and requires less tweaking to get me where I want to be, that allows me to work faster. For samplers, since the industry has gone so software over the past few years, it just makes sense to stay in the box as the latest sample packs are optimized for software in mind. Not to mention programs like Logic and Reason come pre-loaded with just tons of high quality samples, easily surpassing most of what's available on any hardware sampler.

However, there are exceptions to this and you might find that you just love the sounds on all the hardware ROMplers you have right now. If you like the sounds you have and you like the workflow, then no need to change.

Do I still need my rack amp for power to speakers

depends on whether you get powered speakers. However, many of the monitors on the market today in the low end range are powered. I wouldn't get rid of it though because it might be nice to hook up a 2nd set of passive reference speakers (like NS-10s)

If I do go all software to replace my Emu modules and alesis drum module what would you recommend?

Honestly I'm pretty sure if you buy the new version of Logic, the built in content will already surpass everything available in all of your hardware pieces! However, I'm sure there will be a couple areas that will be lacking, but that will be more dependent on your specific tastes and style of production. You can then invest in those areas specifically. A good, all-around upgrade that will give you more drums, sampling, and sofsynths would be Native Instruments Komplete. I would also recommend just waiting and seeing what you need more and buying individual sample packs where you find you are lacking.

But wait to sell the hardware until you see what you have in software. Maybe you'll find for what you're producing, what they offer is perfect. But if I were in your position, for both simplicity's sake and for money's sake, I would eliminate all redundant hardware (i.e. the low end compressors and ROMplers) and invest in good monitors, room treatment, vocal mic and pre and maybe a few extra softsynths or sample packs and you're good to go.

Sorry for the long answer!!!

[djkitty]

Thanks!! That was great advice . thumbsup
I will hold off on selling outboard gear for now until I get everything up and running.
I also decided to get emu 0404 it's sound like it will be a good option.
Hopefully it will be ease to use.

I have a mic I bought in the 90's it a cad equitek 100 condensor mic.
If this mic isnt a good option for today please let me know.
I will use my closet for vocal recordings.

Should I use my pre amp from mackie board or Emu 0404?

I haven't looked at room treatments yet. How much do they run?
The room size is 12x10. Thanks again guys

[aof21]

Originally Posted by djkitty

Thanks!! That was great advice . thumbsup
I will hold off on selling outboard gear for now until I get everything up and running.
I also decided to get emu 0404 it's sound like it will be a good option.
Hopefully it will be ease to use.

I have a mic I bought in the 90's it a cad equitek 100 condensor mic.
If this mic isnt a good option for today please let me know.
I will use my closet for vocal recordings.

Should I use my pre amp from mackie board or Emu 0404?

I haven't looked at room treatments yet. How much do they run?
The room size is 12x10. Thanks again guys

Equitek is not bad for the price. Still very relevant today.
Check Ethan Winer's site for advice on Room Treatment. Basic Room Treatment runs anywhere from $200-$2,000. Check Realtraps or GIK Acoustics. Avoid Foam treatments except for Early Reflection spots.

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by aof21

Equitek is not bad for the price. Still very relevant today.
Check Ethan Winer's site for advice on Room Treatment. Basic Room Treatment runs anywhere from $200-$2,000. Check Realtraps or GIK Acoustics. Avoid Foam treatments except for Early Reflection spots.

I would agree. That estimate seems about right.
I would also make sure you are set up correctly in the room. It is always best to sit facing the short wall and start by sitting back around 38% of the room length.
See the following for set up.
GIK Acoustics: Room Setup

[djkitty]

Originally Posted by aof21

Equitek is not bad for the price. Still very relevant today.
Check Ethan Winer's site for advice on Room Treatment. Basic Room Treatment runs anywhere from $200-$2,000. Check Realtraps or GIK Acoustics. Avoid Foam treatments except for Early Reflection spots.

Thanks.. I will check those out..

[mikethedrummer]

What kind of music will you be producing? Do you plan on recording other artists or just yourself? Will there be any real instruments involved?

[aof21]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

What kind of music will you be producing? Will there be any real instruments involved?

This was in the original post

Originally Posted by djkitty

I do nothing live except vocals and primarily remix existing dance pop house music for dj purposes.I run up to 8 audio tracks at the most.

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

Do you plan on recording other artists or just yourself?

This has not been answered yet.

[mikethedrummer]

Originally Posted by aof21

This was in the original post





This has not been answered yet.

After the 1000th "what should I do" post I started skimming gear lists. Maybe I miss a key line or two, maybe I dont..

Almost never changes the answer too...Invest in a good listening environment as in, decent room with great acoustic treatment and great monitors. Have a computer that will never cause you stress or cause you to slow down during a session. Have a money chain i.e Great mic, great compressor, great pre. And have fun.

[aof21]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

After the 1000th "what should I do" post I started skimming gear lists. Maybe I miss a key line or two, maybe I dont..

Almost never changes the answer too...Invest in a good listening environment as in, decent room with great acoustic treatment and great monitors. Have a computer that will never cause you stress or cause you to slow down during a session. Have a money chain i.e Great mic, great compressor, great pre. And have fun.

yes +1 to that.

[djkitty]

Hi everyone. I Hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend. I finally hooked my gear up amd will be running Imac i7 and logic 9. I wanted advice on hooking up my synth modules keyboard and effects. I installed my midi gear to my motu usb microlite and bought the emu 0404 interface but not to sure the best way to set this up. I sold my mackie mixer to get a newer one. I see alot of mention of in box mixers but, wouldn't I have to buy a audio interface with more inputs to get midi and audio into my imac? I think I'd prefer the hardware mixer for easier tweaking but realize i have to convert back into the imac digitally.
How do I plug in the emu 0404 interface to mixer to record all my channels if I go hardware mixer?

What hardware mixer should I get for 6 midi devices and 8 stereo channels for audio recording?

I'm running Imac i7 and logic 9

What is the best way to plug up all this gear?
Thanks!

[aof21]

Originally Posted by djkitty

I sold my mackie mixer to get a newer one.

what mackie did you get? then I can begin to answer the rest of the question.

[aof21]

FWIW (and this is only an opinion) unless you are really willing to shell out serious money and go the fully analog route on mixing, I would strongly recommend that you mix "in the box" (ITB) and use your mixer primarily just to route signals to and from the interface.

The reason I say this is because unless you drop serious dough on an interface, you're gonna be looking at 8 channels of i/o. That's not really many tracks to work with. I'm sure you'll exceed 8 channels very very quickly. So then you would be in a situation where you would have to mix partially in the box and partially out and that will just be confusing and impractical.

I think I said it in an earlier post, but I would avoid buying the new mixer right away. Start working first, see what your workflow is, see what makes sense. it would be a shame to drop $500 on a new mixer when you could spend that same money on a better vocal mic pre, or a nice hardware or soft synth to really give you some good sounds. Or upgrade your interface.

I do very similar style production to you and I have just stereo i/o everything routes through a patchbay and I have no mixer. The stereo output from the computer feeds a central station which allows me to listen on different monitors and have a nice volume control.

Yes, I'm biased because of the way I work, but having set up quite a few studios now for friends of mine doing similiar production work to me having an a cheap analog mixer just seems like a waste of space and money and a time-waster. You can create much faster and better sounding signal paths with a patchbay or just pre-amps hardwired to the interface. Just my 2cents.

If you already got that mixer, let us know which one you got and we can offer some advice on how to hook it up. If you want to upgrade to an 8 in / 8 out tell us what the budget is and i'm sure some folks can offer suggestions.

[djkitty]

Thanks!! I just sold my old mackie cfx 20. I bought the Emu 0404 but returned it and I picked up the m-audio ultra 8. I have enough inputs to get me started. Now I dont have my serial for my logic 7. I hope Apple will help me with this. I have garageband i can use now. .
It's 199 for upgrade vs 499. I registered back when it was Emagic with logic pro 4. It will be a learning curve for me to mix in the box but I'm sure it will get easier.