Small Budget for Gear!!! what to get?

[jessdan]

Hello guys,
I' m thinking of building a little mix room, with the possibility of doing vocals, acoustic guitars or small overdubs and VO.
Music wise would be mainly alt. rock and hard rock/metal, but also singer/songwriter stuff. I guess the VO work would be typical agency stuff.
Ok, so you must know; there is no such thing as a high-end store or rental facilities at the location I'm planning of building at. So I must buy all I can within my gear budget which is $30.000 dollars.
Now I know is not a lot of money but It’s just a starting point, I will be getting more gear very soon!!!
So I would like to ask for you guys opinion on witch pieces of gear, from the list, are an absolutely must have for my purpose.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

This is the gear I own:
Mac dual 2Ghz G5
Blowtools (Waves diamond, Sony Oxford, Sound toys, Autotune, Altiverb)
Command|8
UAD -1 (1176, LA2A, Plate 140, Dimension D)
SSL Duende
ATC SCM20ASL
ADAM A7
NS-10
JBL LSR25
Aurotones
KRK Rokit 10 SUB

This are the options I have:

Pre's:
API 3124
Portico 5032
TG Channels Chandler LTD-1
TG Chandler TG-2
TG Germanium
TG Chandler MKII
A-Design Pacifica
GTQ2
Vintech x 73i

Compressors:
LA3A (re-issue)
Distressor
Chandler Limited LTD-2
Chandler Limited TG 1 Abbey Road
Purple MC77

Microphones:
Telefunken AK 47
Soundelux U195
Peluso 22 251

This mics I'm getting for sure:
Royer R121
AT 4047
Studio Projects C1
Sennheiser MD-421
Shure KSM44
Shure SM7b
Shure SM57

FX:
TC electronics M3000
Sony DPS-V77
Lexicon PCM-91
Eventide H7600
Kurzweii Rumour

EQ
Massive Passive?

[Mark Warren]

Here ya go, I saved you a dollar. (You can thank me later).

Anyways, some of the things you mentioned are definites, others I changed your lists.

API $2400
Pacifica 1800
LTD-1 $2350
LA-2A $2800
Purple MC77 $1650
Smart C2 $3000
Pearlman TM-1 $1800
Schoeps CMC6MK4 (pair) $2500
Royer R121 $1100
Gefell umt70s $1100
Sennheiser 421 $350
Shure KSM44 $799
Shure SM7b $300
Shure SM57 $50
H7600 $4000
GML 8200 (used) $4000


TOTAL $29999

[jessdan]

Thanks for the suggestions and the savings Mark.
I'm already doing research on the new gear you suggested: Smart C2 ,Pearlman TM-1, Schoeps CMC6MK4 and Gefell umt70s.

Any one else care to chime in?

Thanks.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by jessdan

Thanks.

Mix room you say?

Build it around a console you can both mix and track with.

Fill in the rest with what ever is left over.

[Reptil]

30K small budget? quite reasonable IMO. Start with a good set. one clean one character of everything. and build from there.. don't get everything inmediately, but spread over time, this way you can put new experience (new gear) into your range of options.

oh don't forget some mixer in your setup. or router, patchbay, cables. don't forget good cables. they are not cheap, but, as a friend just mentioned to me (he's building a mastering room), the "hidden gear".

Building a room is fun! enjoy

[imaverysoundman]

SHIT DUDE WAS GONNA RECOMMEND A FF800 BUT NOW IM DEPRESSED

THATS FALSE ADVERTISINGfuuck

[jessdan]

Thrill, what would you recommend console wise? and also from the original list, what would you think is a must, should I consider other options?
Like reptil said, I need a good set and one of everything. The 30K is just to start out.
Tracking wise (basic tracking) I kind of worked a deal at what it used to be Sony Studios Central America back in the day.
They don't have a lot of gear left (2 API's, 1 Pultec, 2 1176, 1 DBX 160) but recording space is there.
Mixing wise is not happening, that is way I want to build a room for mainly that purpose.

[Deadmeat]

Originally Posted by imaverysoundman

SHIT DUDE WAS GONNA RECOMMEND A FF800 BUT NOW IM DEPRESSED

THATS FALSE ADVERTISINGfuuck

What's with several of your posts being in all caps? Kinda like yelling all the time.

just wondering.......

[Thebassist]

In your budget you might be better off for functionality buying a console- Everyone seems to have a h*rdon for the Toft ATB. At your level it doesn't make sense to buy a ton of pres and have no console... for a mix room!

We get so concerned about impressing clients with pres and compressors, but at the end of the day a big board full of knobs and faders tells the client that they have stepped foot into a real recording studio! (But you should buy an 1176... NOW! And a pair of distressors. And...and...and...) An analog board gives you pres and EQ's. Add up the price of buying 24 good pres and EQ's. A board is a bargain alot of the time!

If you get short on bread, there's tons of great used digital consoles out there. I have an old Tascam DM24 in my home production room, and it kicks all sorts of butt for the bread you can find it for on Ebay. But then you need pres... Don't underestimate pieces like the TRUE P8. Remember there are 1'000's of albums recorded with one type of pre throughout... Diversity doesn't always equal quality.

And finally, I second the notion that you don't need every mic under the sun. 4 57's, 3-4 421's, kick mic, U87, Peluso tube, Peluso R14 pair (kicks ass, 1/2 the price of Royer...) and maybe a pair of pencils, even the Pelusos! Can't say enought about his mics. You could outfit your whole room with Pelusos and dynamics and get a great product day in and day out.

Bottom line- get a setup that works great from the getgo, shop smart (Peluso,) and deliver better sound.

[jessdan]

Thanks Thebassit, great points you make.
I will look into that console as one of the options.
Also I only read good things about the Peluso mics.

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by jessdan

Hello guys,
I' m thinking of building a little mix room, with the possibility of doing vocals, acoustic guitars or small overdubs and VO.
Music wise would be mainly alt. rock and hard rock/metal, but also singer/songwriter stuff. I guess the VO work would be typical agency stuff.
Ok, so you must know; there is no such thing as a high-end store or rental facilities at the location I'm planning of building at. So I must buy all I can within my gear budget which is $30.000 dollars.
Now I know is not a lot of money but It’s just a starting point, I will be getting more gear very soon!!!
So I would like to ask for you guys opinion on witch pieces of gear, from the list, are an absolutely must have for my purpose.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

This is the gear I own:
Mac dual 2Ghz G5
Blowtools (Waves diamond, Sony Oxford, Sound toys, Autotune, Altiverb)
Command|8
UAD -1 (1176, LA2A, Plate 140, Dimension D)
SSL Duende
ATC SCM20ASL
ADAM A7
NS-10
JBL LSR25
Aurotones
KRK Rokit 10 SUB

This are the options I have:

Pre's:
API 3124
Portico 5032
TG Channels Chandler LTD-1
TG Chandler TG-2
TG Germanium
TG Chandler MKII
A-Design Pacifica
GTQ2
Vintech x 73i

Compressors:
LA3A (re-issue)
Distressor
Chandler Limited LTD-2
Chandler Limited TG 1 Abbey Road
Purple MC77

Microphones:
Telefunken AK 47
Soundelux U195
Peluso 22 251

This mics I'm getting for sure:
Royer R121
AT 4047
Studio Projects C1
Sennheiser MD-421
Shure KSM44
Shure SM7b
Shure SM57

FX:
TC electronics M3000
Sony DPS-V77
Lexicon PCM-91
Eventide H7600
Kurzweii Rumour

EQ
Massive Passive?

I know you need everything to make up a good team and everything does count, my advise would be to invest the most bucks in great preamps, they are the soul of the studio and difference between thick and thin with character apart of the issue as well.
API makes great pres for the buck and U cannot go wrong , however i would tell you to buy any Studer preamp that comes up on ebay but thats my job...lol....... I have not tried them all but Studer is a huge favorite over API, Pacifica and some others, these guys are here to stay right below my API 3124s. Naw for real listen the other gear sluta guys as well as im only ONE of the odd ball ones.
As far as monitors, KRK will get you buy until you can do better, ive been using them for many years but i would like better, however ive been spending my money on pres, as far as mics, thats a big ball park, GT is the best for the buck however i have had great vocal tracks with a simple MXL 990 ( with a great pre). Try to go at least 44.1 24 bits are a recorder or PT <<< Im not a user BTW. TC Electronic makes great effects if you can keep the damn lcds on..lol Sintefex is a great tool for the buck as well, you have many compressors that sound super good w/o buying one of each, that will work digital or analog. Good luck im sure i left o whole bunch out.

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by jessdan

Hello guys,
I' m thinking of building a little mix room, with the possibility of doing vocals, acoustic guitars or small overdubs and VO.
Music wise would be mainly alt. rock and hard rock/metal, but also singer/songwriter stuff. I guess the VO work would be typical agency stuff.
Ok, so you must know; there is no such thing as a high-end store or rental facilities at the location I'm planning of building at. So I must buy all I can within my gear budget which is $30.000 dollars.
Now I know is not a lot of money but It’s just a starting point, I will be getting more gear very soon!!!
So I would like to ask for you guys opinion on witch pieces of gear, from the list, are an absolutely must have for my purpose.

Thanks in advance for all the input.

This is the gear I own:
Mac dual 2Ghz G5
Blowtools (Waves diamond, Sony Oxford, Sound toys, Autotune, Altiverb)
Command|8
UAD -1 (1176, LA2A, Plate 140, Dimension D)
SSL Duende
ATC SCM20ASL
ADAM A7
NS-10
JBL LSR25
Aurotones
KRK Rokit 10 SUB

This are the options I have:

Pre's:
API 3124
Portico 5032
TG Channels Chandler LTD-1
TG Chandler TG-2
TG Germanium
TG Chandler MKII
A-Design Pacifica
GTQ2
Vintech x 73i

Compressors:
LA3A (re-issue)
Distressor
Chandler Limited LTD-2
Chandler Limited TG 1 Abbey Road
Purple MC77

Microphones:
Telefunken AK 47
Soundelux U195
Peluso 22 251

This mics I'm getting for sure:
Royer R121
AT 4047
Studio Projects C1
Sennheiser MD-421
Shure KSM44
Shure SM7b
Shure SM57

FX:
TC electronics M3000
Sony DPS-V77
Lexicon PCM-91
Eventide H7600
Kurzweii Rumour

EQ
Massive Passive?

I know you need everything to make up a good team and everything does count, my advise would be to invest the most bucks in great preamps, they are the soul of the studio and difference between thick and thin with character apart of the issue as well.
API makes great pres for the buck and U cannot go wrong , however i would tell you to buy any Studer preamp that comes up on ebay but thats my job...lol....... I have not tried them all but Studer is a huge favorite over API, Pacifica and some others, these guys are here to stay right below my API 3124s. Naw for real listen the other gear slutz guys as well as im only ONE of the odd ball ones.
As far as monitors, KRK will get you buy until you can do better, ive been using them for many years but i would like better, however ive been spending my money on pres, as far as mics, thats a big ball park, GT is the best for the buck however i have had great vocal tracks with a simple MXL 990 ( with a great pre). Try to go at least 44.1 24 bits are a recorder or PT <<< Im not a user BTW. TC Electronic makes great effects if you can keep the damn lcds on..lol Sintefex is a great tool for the buck as well, you have many compressors that sound super good w/o buying one of each, that will work digital or analog. Good luck im sure i left o whole bunch out.

[jessdan]

Ok fellas, first of all thanks for the suggestions.
so far it' boiling down to:

Pre's
Chandler MKII
A design Pacifica

compressors
Purple MC76
Distressor
LA2A or Chandler TG 2. Wich one would it be more versatile? or should I think something more like an Allan Smart C2?

FX
Ok on this one is ether going to be an Eventide H7600 or a TC M4000
or should should I consider an Eclipse and M3000? (to have different options and flavors)

What do you guys think?

[Thebassist]

One more thing-

Genre has ALOT to do with gear choices. Look around and you'll see an entirely different set of gear for classical/ jazz and rock/hip hop. For all purpose bang for the buck, the distressor is hard to beat, as is the Pacifica. But again, for a primary mix room, a console with decent pres is going to go a LONG way. The Toft+ 1 Pacifica will give you everything you need. Also, consider your console's lack or presence of dynamics. A board like the toft will leave you wanting alot of outboard comps, and some dbx 160's and RNC's will fill alot of the void that your plugs leave empty.

And as people say here over and over, try before you buy! You wouldn't buy a car without driving it, so why buy something that costs as much...

[Reptil]

Originally Posted by Thebassist

One more thing-

Genre has ALOT to do with gear choices. Look around and you'll see an entirely different set of gear for classical/ jazz and rock/hip hop. For all purpose bang for the buck, the distressor is hard to beat, as is the Pacifica. But again, for a primary mix room, a console with decent pres is going to go a LONG way. The Toft+ 1 Pacifica will give you everything you need. Also, consider your console's lack or presence of dynamics. A board like the toft will leave you wanting alot of outboard comps, and some dbx 160's and RNC's will fill alot of the void that your plugs leave empty.

And as people say here over and over, try before you buy! You wouldn't buy a car without driving it, so why buy something that costs as much...

Good point. I'd like to add to that, that you (or anyone) needs to sort out what works for you. That is essential, cause it will determine if you can get quickly to where you want to be. You know, let the gear work for you, not fight with it. that works best if you love your setup, and know it inside out. The character and ideas of manufacturers are in the gear that they make. That makes it interesting for me.

There are some things that are universally usable, IMO.

As for "try before you buy" - sometimes you'll know inmediately some machine is not made for you, even if it looks mega slutty and you crave it. But sometimes the true identity of a machine reveals itself after a year, on something you don't expect.
I like to follow my gut feeling, and value some opinions here a lot. They turned out to be truthful and applicable for my situation.

sorry for the flowery post LOL

[Thebassist]

I knew for sure within the first five minutes that it wouldn't work out with my last girlfriend. She just couldn't tighten up the bass the way the last girl could...



Couldn't resist.

[imaverysoundman]

Originally Posted by Deadmeat

What's with several of your posts being in all caps? Kinda like yelling all the time.

just wondering.......

yo dead meat....
nah man, just normally use caps,find it better when naming trax etc...
do it when im txt'n too..
but will take the point.....
ROCK ON!!!!!!