MEGA THREAD: Are You New To Engineering? - Page 5

PettyCash · 7th June 2007, 09:20 PM

Djfather, If you can afford Pro Tools, and you want to use Pro Tools, then you should go with what you really want, If what you are refering to is Pro Tools HD.

If you are talking about a Pro Tools LE system then dont bother. The interfaces used to run Pro tools LE cant cut it, unless you dont mind picking up an apogee rosetta or lucid external converter to up your AD/DA quality.

Any program will do the job for you though, as long as you know how to use it properly.
There is no such thing as a starter software...... or wait maybe soundrecorder, or total recorder if you want to get that ghetto

.

As long as you know what you are doing engineering wise, you will have no problem getting into any program, if you decide to switch from one program to the next after you start.

They all generally work the same, each just has a different work flow, but the point couldnt be any clearer.

Peace

dame · 10th June 2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PettyCash

Djfather, If you can afford Pro Tools, and you want to use Pro Tools, then you should go with what you really want, If what you are refering to is Pro Tools HD.

If you are talking about a Pro Tools LE system then dont bother. The interfaces used to run Pro tools LE cant cut it, unless you dont mind picking up an apogee rosetta or lucid external converter to up your AD/DA quality.

Any program will do the job for you though, as long as you know how to use it properly.
There is no such thing as a starter software...... or wait maybe soundrecorder, or total recorder if you want to get that ghetto

.

As long as you know what you are doing engineering wise, you will have no problem getting into any program, if you decide to switch from one program to the next after you start.

They all generally work the same, each just has a different work flow, but the point couldnt be any clearer.

Peace

hey i read this topic all the way through and i have to say i really appreciate the advice givin on this site. now i hve a few questions of my own. if able explain the the rosetta. i know it analoge to digitial and vica versa but when is it used, before Protools le or after and what to expect out of it. Is this considered a "Finailizer" or is this a whole different unit.

also looking to for advice with the avalon 737 i understand the unit but i heard of it being used after the mix process. whats the results with that config. thanks.

Aotearoa · 18th June 2007, 10:57 PM

Sup.

Im just wanting general info on what i could do to better my quality and control over mastering.

Im currently running a Rode condenser through a M AUDIO FAST TRACK PRO, Im looking at getting Pro Tools, but currently getting tired of Cool edit pro 2.0.

Is there any rack gear and/or anythinbg else that I could do with to add to my control and quality?

Peace
Aotearoa.

eleviah · 25th June 2007, 03:19 AM

Tony,

sorry for not reading this before...

what are your thoughts on the reflexion filter form SE?

**TonyBelmont** · 25th June 2007, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleviah

Tony,

sorry for not reading this before...

what are your thoughts on the reflexion filter form SE?

They never sent me one... So, I can't comment from first hand experience.

But, a client of mine had it and hated it.

Until I have one to play with for myself I can't say either way.

Rascal · 29th June 2007, 02:36 AM

This is prolly a really dumb questions but what is the easiest way of droppin the beat for a couple seconds during a significant part of a rapper performance. For example the last 3 words of a bar. During the mixing stage.

Another question is say I don't make beats so what the people usually do is just bring their own beats on a cd. Say during a couple bars I just want to drop the kicks in the beat, what would be the easist way of doing that in pro tools?

A-List · 3rd July 2007, 09:01 PM

^^^^highlight the part of the beat you want silenced and press delete.

PettyCash · 4th July 2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal

This is prolly a really dumb questions but what is the easiest way of droppin the beat for a couple seconds during a significant part of a rapper performance. For example the last 3 words of a bar. During the mixing stage.

Another question is say I don't make beats so what the people usually do is just bring their own beats on a cd. Say during a couple bars I just want to drop the kicks in the beat, what would be the easist way of doing that in pro tools?

Thats hard to do if they are not bringing you the beat split up into different tracks for each instrument. There is nothing you can really do about it except for just dropping the whole beat for the last 3 words.

If these ppl are rapping on beats originally made for them, tell them to ask their producers to give them versions of the beat that have each instrument tracked out seperately. That will also give you even more flexibilty when mixing tracks.

Just a thought... If you are comfortable enough with your mixing skills, you should try collaborating with some local up and coming producers, and have them work with you in your studio.

You will then be able to offer your clients in house production, so those who dont have access to original beats can pay you extra to make beats for them, and then you just give the producer his cut.

It will really help to expand your skills and knowledge on mixing even further, than trying to layer record vocals over already mixed beats would.

tape-echo · 5th July 2007, 02:14 AM

I am new to this forum and I have found alot of useful information so far. I will soon be purchasing a laptop and I am considering using m-audio with a firewire interface. I have a few basic questions. I am under the impression that the firewire interface is a D/A converter, so that is taken care of right? Also, I have read several suggestions for using a pre-amp before the DAW. Why is that better than going from the mixer/sampler straight to the DAW? Thanks for any help in this.

Corleo0267 · 13th September 2007, 07:05 PM

I'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figuI'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figure out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?re out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?

PettyCash · 17th September 2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corleo0267

I'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figuI'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figure out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?re out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?

Wait until they get into the subject of dynamics and compression. You will learn all you need to know about keeping mixes at a consistently high level then.

Family Grind · 20th October 2007, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

It's preferable to run the MPC through a DI or preamp...

To put it another way, I would NEVER record an MPC or keyboard without a DI/preamp.

Hi Tony, what preamp would you recommend to use, and what would be the overall result for running through the preamp. (A NEWBIE question... hello to all by the way

).

Stitch333 · 22nd October 2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal

This is prolly a really dumb questions but what is the easiest way of droppin the beat for a couple seconds during a significant part of a rapper performance. For example the last 3 words of a bar. During the mixing stage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-List

^^^^highlight the part of the beat you want silenced and press delete.

Mute is a better way to do this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal

Another question is say I don't make beats so what the people usually do is just bring their own beats on a cd. Say during a couple bars I just want to drop the kicks in the beat, what would be the easist way of doing that in pro tools?

If you are trying to manipulate a 2 track insturmental (by, say, dropping everything but the kick), an automated LP filter and/or eqing is probably one of the only ways to go. But, in general, once a beat is printed/bounced/mixed thats the way it will be.

treason · 28th October 2007, 01:12 PM

Hi! Thanks for all the tips!

I got almost everything I´ve needed except the monitors.

I´ve listened to a couple of "Blue Sky" btw and they sound great! But I was more worried about hearing the dynamic while engineering the drums etc.

But I´m not shure if it was the isolation in the room that made the difference, and the level on the subwoofer.

I´m just looking for "reliable monitors" under 500, and I checked a couple of Event PS6 for a good price, but it´s weird I can´t find em in the stores!

pirell · 31st October 2007, 03:49 AM

hey guys, im somewhat new. i am battling with mixing in general, particularly with kicks, strings and synth. i am searching the forum for the trillions of topics on this probably, but if anyone one can give me a quick pointer to a really helpful thread on Eqing kicks strings and synths, or eq in general..then pls do.

i am confused as to wether to eq the kick as well as compress,

i use cubase SX 2 or 3, and i have waves Mercury.

im being extra hard on myself cos its probably not as bad, but i tend to expect my mix to be similar to whats hot out there right now..nothing wrong with that is there

.

thanks for your pointers

FreeToMIX · 12th November 2007, 03:17 PM

Man I really just got into this thread and now its morning **** gearslutz stole my life again Rock on peoples the info here is priceless i just took a crash course 101 on mixing and engineering in one night

CHEERS

ILL BE IN MY STUDY

lol

dirtyskillz · 15th November 2007, 05:15 AM

Hi Team at Gear slutz,

I find this website to be the most informative out of everything out in the web.

Thank you first of all for this.

I have a set up which I would like to run by all of you and describe what im trying to achieve and please let me know which part of the chain is the problem and I will try and correct it. My First goal is to get nice vocals.

Nice=professional

Equipment
Pc 3.2ghz ram 512.
Interface: Lexicon Omega
Microphone: Rode Nt1A
Preamp: Focusrite Twin trak Master Pro/Compressor/midscoop.
Boards: Korg triton, Fusion and Micron
Room: Untreated. Tiled floor's, Bed in the room, Rap against the microphone straight into the wall to prevent echo or much reverb.

Software:
Fl Studio
Cooedit Pro for Tracking/Recording.

The problem in this equation is the vocals. I seem to need too much Vst's coloring and Eq'ing the vocals I seem to get a sound which I'm unsatifisfied with.

The lexicon is not operating at all it's just the interface, it interacts directly to the preamp, the volume knobs are turned down and 48+ phnatom is not in use. Does this still mean the convertor's of the Lexicon is still in use. XLR jack from the Focusrite to Lexicon is carrying the signal to Cooledit pro.

I dump Vocals and align to when the verse starts. All Vst's are used are FL Vst's, 7band Eq/ for the vocals and Balance which increases the volume. Nothing Clips. Not one thing. I try not compress to much on the Master channel. Is the Software too primitive/Unprofessional?

Cooledit Pro? FL Studio? I don't believe software is primitive. I think I can get a good signal if the HARDWARE is right.

I just bought the Twin Trak from Focusrite and do not use any VST compressor's to ruin the dynamic's of the vocals because its already compressed when going in the Trak master.

I can get a nice sound but I do believe I can achieve more.

Would the purchase of a dynamic mic be more obvious here to prevent room treatment affecting my vocals? or the Preamp?

The whole purpose is to create a Home Album (Already created solely using the lexicon). Which will then be released and let's see what becomes of me.

Even with that said, Experimenting is the key, but I will eventually build a Home studio with this equipment, and just want to upgrade to the next best piece, next year.

I have been reading on the Rosetta Vs Neve 1073. Leaning towards 1073.

Please review and let me know which equipment will affect the vocals in a proffessional manner.

Edit: here is the link to one track on BEBO. Its called "How hot we are" Let me know what you think about this track, This was recorded using only the lexicon and a Legend axis 6 microphone which is basically a no name brand yet.

Iced'Out <icedoutindustries>

Thank you.

Keyflo · 13th December 2007, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

The puropse of this thread is to help all the newbies with the typical questions they might have... If you are new to mixing and engineering, please read through this thread for answers to the typical questions, and feel free to post your questions in this thread.... Please do not start a new thread until you read this. I know the urge to start a new thread is great, but to try and keep the clutter down, let's try to keep the beginner questions in this thread. This will allow new members to get lots of information in the future.

So, let's start with microphone choices...

If you are in the under $500 price range, and also don't have a proper vocal booth... Then there is 2 choices that you should consider first and foremost:

The Shure SM7

This mic has been used to record countless hits and is a great all purpose studio mic.

or....

The EV RE20

This mic is another great all purpose studio mic, and has also been used on lots of hits.

Try edited great for entry level producers/engineers they have tutorials for days
payce
keyflo

ZephyrostheGod · 14th December 2007, 04:35 PM

edited also has alot of free and good quality drum samples, just echoin keyflo

Minimo · 22nd December 2007, 10:29 PM

hello there
I've got a question about how to use several Preamps with 1 Mic without replugging cables the whole day.

Is it common to plug the Mic into a Patchbay?
If so - Can I hurt the Mic or the Preamps if I forget to turn off Phantom Power before 'switching' Preamps by rerouting the Patchbay?

If not I'd love your alternative suggestions, thank you!

djburnone · 14th February 2008, 03:18 PM

what do you think about the mackie 824.they are in my price range and heard they are good in the low end.your opinon and suggestions

comeupkid · 14th February 2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

The 414 is a good all around microphone.... There are other mics that I would typically recommend over it for hip hop vocals. And, if you don't have a vocal booth it's a waste to buy any of these condensers for hip hop vocals. SM7 & RE20 are typically the first choices.

I slightly disagree the SM7 and RE20 do work well with specific rap voacals (generally rough, raspy, in your face hard hip hop shit) if you have a smooth vocalist I wouldn
t recomend these two mics, lets not forget were these two mics initial home is, live radio broadcast not the studio

lb9000j · 8th April 2008, 06:45 AM

not at all, but your rules are the best!!!! (oh yeah i read that thread) i concur

thehighcouncilce · 11th June 2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy w

Hi Incongru,

I guess I just don't like to see high quality gear slated without a viable explanation given for doing it. There are many reasons why a desired result may not have been achieved from this mic. I have seen people singing into it before with a cardioid polar pattern selected and the brand name side facing away from them. Of course it will sound crap, or trying to record vocals with no pop shield or shock mount. It was not my intension to pxxx anyone off. I just said it like it was dude.
Sure there are microphones that I don't always favour as a first choice, but I would not say things like, well I would buy it if it was cheaper even although I don't like it.

Tommy

I just bought the c414 XLII and ran it through the Avalon 737 for Hiphop and the shit sounds amazing. I guess some people have harder times getting a good result than others. Check out hiphopgame.com and read Dr. No's blog and he talks about how to use that mic to its fullest with an avalon. He is a top Hiphop engineer! Check it out!

PEACE

staudio · 11th June 2008, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbangermany

hi i'm pretty new to recording, just curious as to how the booth turned out that i'm recording in right now.

i'm recording with a neumann tml 103 into the api 512c.

did i set every thing up correctly, is my booth too - anything?

Sounds pretty good. The booth is fine. Because there is no music I can't say whether the vocal is right for the song but you are off to a good start. You will find that there are many ways of positioning the microphone, each one will offer a different and possibly useful sound, experiment if you can to see what works best for your music.

Good Luck

SoundProofStudio · 12th June 2008, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comeupkid

I slightly disagree the SM7 and RE20 do work well with specific rap voacals (generally rough, raspy, in your face hard hip hop shit) if you have a smooth vocalist I wouldn
t recomend these two mics, lets not forget were these two mics initial home is, live radio broadcast not the studio

Wow.... Thats tough to say when one of the greatest albums of all time was recorded on the SM7 ( Thriller ).... But I guess opinions are like assholes..... Everybodies got em........

Brown Sugar · 23rd June 2008, 01:51 PM

thank you dude
i lernt something about the studios

sleepsnumb · 24th June 2008, 04:15 AM

hey first off i would like to thank you cats for sharing the knowledge,
i working with
compaq laptop 2 months old
m-audio axiom 49 key
reason4.0
recycle 2.1
audacity
m-audio MobilePre USB - USB Bus-Powered Preamp and Audio Interface
m-audio Nova - Affordable Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone
im recording in by bedroom its pretty small ,walls made of plaster,carpet and has 2 windows

i know this is kinda of a budget setup but im starting out, my question is
a)is the nova gonna cut it for my vocals,i have a style similar to atmosphere and sage francis,
b)when im recording to audacity using the mobile pre,vocals sounds kinda cheap
so im wondering do i need a new mic or do i need a new audio interface
also if you can give me some quick advice for setting up mics such as screens,placement in room etc any advice would be much appreciated thanks..brooks
ps any recommendations much appreciated for my setup etc.

urbangermany · 24th June 2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staudio

Sounds pretty good. The booth is fine. Because there is no music I can't say whether the vocal is right for the song but you are off to a good start. You will find that there are many ways of positioning the microphone, each one will offer a different and possibly useful sound, experiment if you can to see what works best for your music.

Good Luck

thanks a lot i'm glad you took the time out to have a look at my recording. it's good to hear that i'm on the right track.

with mic positioning you mean hanging it from the ceiling rather to it just standing? or you mean distance wise?

25th June 2007, 03:19 AM	#124
eleviah Gear Head Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Winter Haven, FL Posts: 34	Tony, sorry for not reading this before... what are your thoughts on the reflexion filter form SE? __________________ www.myspace.com/reformordinancemusic oPtiMus of Reform Ordinance

5th July 2007, 02:14 AM	#129
tape-echo Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	About D/A conversion and preamp I am new to this forum and I have found alot of useful information so far. I will soon be purchasing a laptop and I am considering using m-audio with a firewire interface. I have a few basic questions. I am under the impression that the firewire interface is a D/A converter, so that is taken care of right? Also, I have read several suggestions for using a pre-amp before the DAW. Why is that better than going from the mixer/sampler straight to the DAW? Thanks for any help in this.

28th October 2007, 01:12 PM	#134
treason Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4	Monitors Hi! Thanks for all the tips! I got almost everything I´ve needed except the monitors. I´ve listened to a couple of "Blue Sky" btw and they sound great! But I was more worried about hearing the dynamic while engineering the drums etc. But I´m not shure if it was the isolation in the room that made the difference, and the level on the subwoofer. I´m just looking for "reliable monitors" under 500, and I checked a couple of Event PS6 for a good price, but it´s weird I can´t find em in the stores!

31st October 2007, 03:49 AM	#135
pirell Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 26	hey guys, im somewhat new. i am battling with mixing in general, particularly with kicks, strings and synth. i am searching the forum for the trillions of topics on this probably, but if anyone one can give me a quick pointer to a really helpful thread on Eqing kicks strings and synths, or eq in general..then pls do. i am confused as to wether to eq the kick as well as compress, i use cubase SX 2 or 3, and i have waves Mercury. im being extra hard on myself cos its probably not as bad, but i tend to expect my mix to be similar to whats hot out there right now..nothing wrong with that is there. thanks for your pointers __________________ www.myspace.com/pigeo

12th November 2007, 03:17 PM	#136
FreeToMIX Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 105	Man I really just got into this thread and now its morning ** gearslutz stole my life again Rock on peoples the info here is priceless i just took a crash course 101 on mixing and engineering in one night CHEERS ILL BE IN MY STUDY lol __________________ With the power of the tongue war** was declared upon, With the power of the tongue peace was agreed upon.

7th June 2007, 09:20 PM	#121
PettyCash Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,407	Djfather, If you can afford Pro Tools, and you want to use Pro Tools, then you should go with what you really want, If what you are refering to is Pro Tools HD. If you are talking about a Pro Tools LE system then dont bother. The interfaces used to run Pro tools LE cant cut it, unless you dont mind picking up an apogee rosetta or lucid external converter to up your AD/DA quality. Any program will do the job for you though, as long as you know how to use it properly. There is no such thing as a starter software...... or wait maybe soundrecorder, or total recorder if you want to get that ghetto . As long as you know what you are doing engineering wise, you will have no problem getting into any program, if you decide to switch from one program to the next after you start. They all generally work the same, each just has a different work flow, but the point couldnt be any clearer. Peace

18th June 2007, 10:57 PM	#123
Aotearoa Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1	Sup. Im just wanting general info on what i could do to better my quality and control over mastering. Im currently running a Rode condenser through a M AUDIO FAST TRACK PRO, Im looking at getting Pro Tools, but currently getting tired of Cool edit pro 2.0. Is there any rack gear and/or anythinbg else that I could do with to add to my control and quality? Peace Aotearoa.

29th June 2007, 02:36 AM	#126
Rascal Gear Head Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 35	This is prolly a really dumb questions but what is the easiest way of droppin the beat for a couple seconds during a significant part of a rapper performance. For example the last 3 words of a bar. During the mixing stage. Another question is say I don't make beats so what the people usually do is just bring their own beats on a cd. Say during a couple bars I just want to drop the kicks in the beat, what would be the easist way of doing that in pro tools?

3rd July 2007, 09:01 PM	#127
A-List Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 108	^^^^highlight the part of the beat you want silenced and press delete.

13th September 2007, 07:05 PM	#130
Corleo0267 Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3	I'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figuI'm just starting out in a music recording course... and I'm just trying to figure out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?re out the best way to keep my mixes consistently at a high level?

15th November 2007, 05:15 AM	#137
dirtyskillz Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dirty HillZ Posts: 7	Hi Team at Gear slutz, I find this website to be the most informative out of everything out in the web. Thank you first of all for this. I have a set up which I would like to run by all of you and describe what im trying to achieve and please let me know which part of the chain is the problem and I will try and correct it. My First goal is to get nice vocals. Nice=professional Equipment Pc 3.2ghz ram 512. Interface: Lexicon Omega Microphone: Rode Nt1A Preamp: Focusrite Twin trak Master Pro/Compressor/midscoop. Boards: Korg triton, Fusion and Micron Room: Untreated. Tiled floor's, Bed in the room, Rap against the microphone straight into the wall to prevent echo or much reverb. Software: Fl Studio Cooedit Pro for Tracking/Recording. The problem in this equation is the vocals. I seem to need too much Vst's coloring and Eq'ing the vocals I seem to get a sound which I'm unsatifisfied with. The lexicon is not operating at all it's just the interface, it interacts directly to the preamp, the volume knobs are turned down and 48+ phnatom is not in use. Does this still mean the convertor's of the Lexicon is still in use. XLR jack from the Focusrite to Lexicon is carrying the signal to Cooledit pro. I dump Vocals and align to when the verse starts. All Vst's are used are FL Vst's, 7band Eq/ for the vocals and Balance which increases the volume. Nothing Clips. Not one thing. I try not compress to much on the Master channel. Is the Software too primitive/Unprofessional? Cooledit Pro? FL Studio? I don't believe software is primitive. I think I can get a good signal if the HARDWARE is right. I just bought the Twin Trak from Focusrite and do not use any VST compressor's to ruin the dynamic's of the vocals because its already compressed when going in the Trak master. I can get a nice sound but I do believe I can achieve more. Would the purchase of a dynamic mic be more obvious here to prevent room treatment affecting my vocals? or the Preamp? The whole purpose is to create a Home Album (Already created solely using the lexicon). Which will then be released and let's see what becomes of me. Even with that said, Experimenting is the key, but I will eventually build a Home studio with this equipment, and just want to upgrade to the next best piece, next year. I have been reading on the Rosetta Vs Neve 1073. Leaning towards 1073. Please review and let me know which equipment will affect the vocals in a proffessional manner. Edit: here is the link to one track on BEBO. Its called "How hot we are" Let me know what you think about this track, This was recorded using only the lexicon and a Legend axis 6 microphone which is basically a no name brand yet. Iced'Out <icedoutindustries> Thank you. Last edited by dirtyskillz; 15th November 2007 at 08:35 AM. Reason: LINK to Mp3

14th December 2007, 04:35 PM	#139
ZephyrostheGod Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: the garbage state, NJ Posts: 7	edited also has alot of free and good quality drum samples, just echoin keyflo

22nd December 2007, 10:29 PM	#140
Minimo Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 3	hello there I've got a question about how to use several Preamps with 1 Mic without replugging cables the whole day. Is it common to plug the Mic into a Patchbay? If so - Can I hurt the Mic or the Preamps if I forget to turn off Phantom Power before 'switching' Preamps by rerouting the Patchbay? If not I'd love your alternative suggestions, thank you!

14th February 2008, 03:18 PM	#141
djburnone Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 95	monitoring what do you think about the mackie 824.they are in my price range and heard they are good in the low end.your opinon and suggestions

8th April 2008, 06:45 AM	#143
lb9000j Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: brooklyn Posts: 57	not at all, but your rules are the best!!!! (oh yeah i read that thread) i concur __________________ console addiction

23rd June 2008, 01:51 PM	#147
Brown Sugar Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: libya Posts: 6	thank you dude i lernt something about the studios

24th June 2008, 04:15 AM	#148
sleepsnumb Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1	hey first off i would like to thank you cats for sharing the knowledge, i working with compaq laptop 2 months old m-audio axiom 49 key reason4.0 recycle 2.1 audacity m-audio MobilePre USB - USB Bus-Powered Preamp and Audio Interface m-audio Nova - Affordable Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone im recording in by bedroom its pretty small ,walls made of plaster,carpet and has 2 windows i know this is kinda of a budget setup but im starting out, my question is a)is the nova gonna cut it for my vocals,i have a style similar to atmosphere and sage francis, b)when im recording to audacity using the mobile pre,vocals sounds kinda cheap so im wondering do i need a new mic or do i need a new audio interface also if you can give me some quick advice for setting up mics such as screens,placement in room etc any advice would be much appreciated thanks..brooks ps any recommendations much appreciated for my setup etc.