Please think for me, I can't bear to

[samwinston123]

I'm about to finish up a project, and I am planning on spending all of the revenue ($1500) on gear in preparation for another big project that starts at the end of this month. I'm already terrible at making up my mind, and the plethora of upgrades available is making my head spin. My current tracking set up is:

Mics:
Rode NT2000
AKG D112
AT 3035 x2
Oktava MK012 x2
SM57 x2

Pres:
Trident s20 x2
Chameleon 7602
Joe Meek VC3Q
Digimax FS

Right now the only thing I've decided on is a pair of CAD m179's. I would like to get a new vocal mic, as the NT2000 is only passable (at best). I've been torn between getting a Peluso P12 or an SM7 (and something else). Part of the allure of the P12 is that it would also be a good drum room mic. I've recently been noticing a lot of praise for the Avant CV12, but I haven't found any good comparisons to judge it by. I have also been thinking of upgrading my pres, such as getting a second 7602. At this point I'm further from a decision than I was when I started. So give me your suggestions as to how I can spend my money most effectively. And before anybody gives me the ubiquitous "treat your room" response: The room I will be tracking in is already treated, and it isn't mine.


Here is one of the tracks from the project I am finishing up: The Oregon Donor - Pointer Finger (FYI - The drums were tracked in one of the worst possible environments, which is why they have no life)

[deda]

Is the compressor on the VC3Q the only compressor you've got? If so you might try for a another channel strip with a compressor. If you like the Joe Meek stuff, which is not bad, then maybe a VC6Q British Channel about $300.00 bucks and is basicly the same compressor as the VC3Q. I'm not the only one on this forum that thinks that a Avalon 737 is also a very usable piece. Good pre, better eq and a decent compressor and about $1.250.00 on ebay and some slutz will give you a bargin as well. Another piece that your looking for is a good vocal mike and a well thought of mike for as low as $300.00 is a AT4050. They are also very versatile and make for a great room mike or a pair for drum overheads and sound great on guitars. Your right you have to ditch that damn NT2000 for vocals, you'ed be better off with a SM58 for about $75.00 on slutz or Ebay. A SM58 is not sexy but don't be embarrassed by sticking it out there, they have captured more great performances, live as in LiveAid, Saturday Night live, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and no telling how many recording studios have ended up with it as the go to because of a massive screaming spitter vocalist, think of Joe Strummer of the Clash on London Calling the mic of choice on arguably one of the best albums of all time. You asked and now you have recieved my honest opinion on some good choices to add to your gearlist. Good luck in all of your endeavors, regards ,,deda,,