Big Surprise Newbie needs gear advice:

[mediocre]

Hey Folks. I've been doing music for years now and I'm finally using a PC for my home recording. Before I start my new home recording endevours, I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for one or two pieces of gear that might make my life easier and recordings better in the future. I'm running the old Mbox through a simple PC. For preamps I've got a Focusrite Penta preamp/compressor, mics are merely an AT 4047 and the usual Sure stuff. I've got a POD for direct guitar stuff for when I'm too lazy to mic an amp. If I need keyboard sounds I've got an older Yamaha S30...I'd prefer a Triton but what are ya gonna do?

Any help or tips would be much appreciated. Thanks

[stanislaskasava]

I think that having a good set of monitor speakers in a 'control room' that has been properly treated would be a universal necessity and would help you to fully utilize the gear that you already have or will buy.

[mediocre]

Thanks, I forgot about those. I'm so used to just sitting in a room with headphones. Studio monitors are on the list for sure.

[manning1]

my fav pick for value for money monitors are yorkvilles.
demo a pr sometime.

[Reggie Love]

As already mentioned:- Monitors, treated listening room. (Rockwool and 2by2 are cheap - rememeber to wear gloves and a mask and cover with a sound tranparent cloth to keep it all in).

Also:- Referencing cans, at least on decent mike stand, Duck tape, definitely consider improving your pres and possibly you mike - (sorry, I really don't like Platinum stuff), decent DI box, don't use the Pod except as an audio effect or as a musical scratchpad.

Although the absolutely best way to make good recordings is to get good instrumentalists, it makes everything else alot easier to get right.

[mediocre]

The mike stands and everything else I have. I only use the POD for ideas. I don't get the same punch without micing an amp. I was just wondering about analog to digital converters, etc..

What would you suggest for a preamp?

[Reggie Love]

Originally Posted by mediocre

The mike stands and everything else I have. I only use the POD for ideas. I don't get the same punch without micing an amp. I was just wondering about analog to digital converters, etc..

What would you suggest for a preamp?

Well the MBox1, (I guess we can call it that now), AD is not stellar, but there are things you can sort out first before reaching, frankly rather deeply, into your pocket for two channels of quality AD....

I would strongly suggest just getting your general setup working as is before scooping out any serious cash and working on tracking a few things just so you can get an ear for the whole process. If you are going to shell out some hard earned wedge, you'll need to have your ears ready to do some comparative listening to kit and frankly make your own mind up about what works well for you and the kind of sounds you like to make. Tehn try before you buy. Anyway, with all that said, to answer your questions...

I guess it would be best to look for two pres to go with the MBox1. Pres that really deliver in their price band are DAV BG1 - 2 pres for around £470 UK, cheaper in US dollars. There are alot of fans of the FMR really nice pre on this forum. I dislike the wallwart power supply and think the BG1 kills them on quality. The Apogee Mini MP is crystal clear, big and very nice although the money for two pres is beginning to build now. The Raindirk Twin RM4 channel is very nice but as a pre / EQ is probably a bit above your price range. (I should also note for clarity of interest that I am involved with Raindirk in the UK).

Now to begin to tinker with the AD subject. Another two channel you might want to consider the Apogee Mini-Me. Pres plus conversion in one but only at low sample rates.

If you are looking to upgrade AD on a serious level without rupturing a vital organ, I would suggest a hard look at RME and Lynx. Their two channel cards arn't cheap but both deliver very well in their class.

Anyway, there's my 2p... oops! 2c!