Mobile Songwriter Setup (What do you think?)

[BlueFireStudio]

Hey Folks
So I've been looking at recording mobile for some time, and as far as a Rig this is what I came up with. I will be recording mainly acoustic instruments and vocals. Take a look and let me know what you think and any suggestions are welcome.

MacBook Pro
Logic Studio
MyBook (1TB via eSATA)
Apogee Duet
AKG Headphones
Mics
-SM57 (All purpose)
-AT2020 (Vocals/Guitar/etc..)
-AT2021 (Acoustic Guitar/Mandolin/Ukulele)
or
-SM57
-Rode NT-1A
-Rode NT-5
Guitar Tuner
Mic Stand w/extra extension for second mic
2 Mic Cables
2 Instrument Cables
Pop Filter

*All neatly contained in a Pelican Case (minus the Mic Stand) *Trying to keep the gear down to a minimum for mobile purposes.

I figure this will allow me to record myself and my buddy so we can lay down some decent tracks.

[KFMG]

Looks great, I use a similar set-up. Just thought that I would let you know that you don't need a Mac Book Pro for what you're wanting to do. A Mac Book would be just fine. The last generation (black) Mac Book has the same specs as the Pro-just to save you a few bucks. Also, I suggest you check out the Shure SM7, MXL V67 and Audio Technica AT4050 as alternatives to what you've listed. Check out Other World Computing (OWC) drives. They come highly recommended and have excellent warranties. You can get one with a quad interface (USB, Firewire 400 & 800, and eSATA). You can also fit all of this into a backpack if you like. Take a look at Namba studio bags at nambagear.com

Hope this helps or at least gives you a few alternatives.

Good luck.

[BlueFireStudio]

Thanks for the reply.
This is gear that I currently own, so no worries on the purchase department.
I will check out the bag thanks.

[BlueFireStudio]

So I think one of the crucial elements was an Multi-pattern Mic.
I checked out a few and I think I've decided on the CAD Trion 6000.

So for mics I will now use...
1. CAD Trion 6000
2. Rode NT-5
3. Sure SM57

[Daniel Stark]

Get a pair of mics instead of a multipattern so you can do drums or piano! Maybe just another AT-2020?

or check recent threads about cheap condensers. i had a pair of ADK SL that were clean, not too harsh, and cheap. Shure ksm131 get recommended a lot.

Save those $$ for a vintage 414 or something like that to make your Duet really shine. otherwise you can stack cheap mics for years when one or two really good mics would have put you ahead of the game

My 2 cents

[mixedupsteve]

I don't think the MBPro has a e-sata port so you'd need a card for that. Or just use a firewire or USB external HD. I do 8 to 16 tracks with a USB HD and never had a problem.

[_Morph_]

I have some of the equipment you listed, so I guess you could do well with the following for mobile recording gear:


MacBook Pro
Logic Studio
Apogee Duet
AKG Headphones

Mics
-SM57 with A2WS windscreen (All purpose)
-Oktava MK012 (pair)
-AT4050(multipattern)

Guitar Tuner
Mic Stand w/extra extension for second mic
2 Mic Cables
2 Instrument Cables
Pop Filter

[cortisol]

I think you've got lots of Mac bling bling and sh1tty mics. LOL

If you want to get killer vocals and acoustic guitar then you need very good mics.

It is audio you are capturing! You are not photoshopping the freckles off of a supermodel for a billboard.

In your situation I would leave your computer at home and buy an Edirol R44. It's much smaller than a laptop - quicker to set up - can track 4 tracks at once so you can have a nice mic on your voice, 2 sdc's on your acoustic and a mic on your mates amp as he twiddles over the top.

Then take out the SD card and put it in your desktop computer at home.

Save your money and buy some nice mics because they are like the camera lense that truly makes for a great picture.

Peace,
cortisol

[_Morph_]

Originally Posted by cortisol

Save your money and buy some nice mics because they are like the camera lense that truly makes for a great picture.

Better microphones make the job easier, that's for sure.

Originally Posted by cortisol

If you want to get killer vocals and acoustic guitar then you need very good mics.

Fortunately, this is not true.
Good engineering makes for better recordings rather top notch microphones.