How to Improve?

[novak73]

Hi one and all

I am new to this forum and wanted a little advice

I have 1500 sterling to upgrade

My set up is as follows:

G4 733 640 ram 2 x 40 gig harddrives
2 X external 120 gig Lacie drives
Logic 6 Pro
Motu 828
Focusrite ISA220
Audio Technica 4060 and 4033a
MAckie 24VLZ
Dynaudio BM6a

Also have access to a U87 and ADK CE.

I just need a clean signal path into my computer as i will not be doing any mixing here just vocal and some acoustic recording.

Where do you think it would be best spent?

DIgi card for ISSA 220?

I want to get a better audio interface any suggestions. Dont need loads of in and outs.


Many thanks

Nikki

[Jules]

The digital card for the ISA sounds to me like a cool direction.

My guess is that by the time you've done your album MOTU might have come out with ANOTHER interface that you want! So if the 828 ain't broke why fix it?

If you do get the digital card make sure you learn how to 'clock' Logic & the 828 to the cards clock (via user paramiters in MOTO & Logic's software)

Perhaps, see if you can get an engineer with more experience to give the vocals you have recorded so a far at home - a 'health check' / listen - just to make sure you are heading in the right direction technically.

[novak73]

Jules

Yes the digital board is definatley a good addition and i am planning to get this. thanks for the reply its comforting that someone with more experience can put us with less knowhow in the right direction. or just reassure!!!

IF I were to upgrade the MOtu 828 bearingin mind that i will probably be doing a ot more recording at home in the future. what would be a good recommendation?

Thanks

Nikki

[Renie]

Hi Nikki

How is the sound you are getting?

Do you feel the mic and mic pre suit you?

You might want to consider hiring some kit with your £1000.

What are your goal priorities:
to record the best album you can now
or to build up your studio for the future
or a bit of both!?

Rene

[novak73]

Hi Rene

In an ideal world a bit of both but to be honest getting the best vocal and acoustic sound for the album. The Album is the priority.

I am still experimenting with the sound with the AT4060 which is a new addition. When track laying I tried the U87 which was not very exciting and the U47 didnt sound right either. My voice has rich low mids when recording upfront vocals but when I put a bit of welly into it there is a slight nasal tone inherent to my voice.

I recorded one particular vocal that has a great vibe that was recorded with the AT4033a I dare not change it! That was a close vocal recording intimate!

I have thought of hiring in a few mics as an alternative option.

I have an engineer friend who will be recording the sessions.

Any thoughts welcome


Thanks

Nikki

[Renie]

Nikki

I personally would steer away from the digital option on the ISA. If you feel the convertors are an issue, looking into a replacement for the MOTU is worth exploring, for your budget, I'm not sure whether it's worthwhile at this stage. Apogee have some interesting new units though. You could also hire some great convertors for the recording sessions.

I think it could be helpful to experiment with a couple more mic's and mic pre's, voice channels..

Has your engineer checked out the space you're recording in?
They might have some suggestions for optimizing the sound at source there too...screens, acoustic tiles etc etc..
It might be worth spending some of your budget getting that as good as you can first.

Rene

[novak73]

Rene

Yes your probably right with regards to spending the money on better Convertors! As to what I am not sure and will be relying on feed back on this!

Ihave been on to the Apogee site and checked out 's a good 2 channel would be great and hopefully within my budget.

I have my studio in the loft and will run cables down to a room below to record the vocals, i have invested in some acoustic tiles already and will be putting dare I say it quilts up on the walls to help with reflections.

So being that the main concern is the convertors in the motu 828 which by all accounts ok for demo but for the real macoy and for this album which deserves it i need to get something else with my budget of 1000 sterling . I will probably hire in some mics to try out and then hire for the sessions.

DO you think the ISA 220 is not up to the job? I thought they were pretty good.

Thank you so much for your replys am very grateful that you have taken the time to help.

All the best\
Nikki