Moderate/beginner... need advice on mics and monitors

[lagavulin16]

I don't have a ton of money, but I'd rather get decent mics and monitors. Unlike software, they seem to last longer and maintain more of a resale value if properly cared for... so here is my setup.

Basically, a Mac Pro with Logic, Kore 2, and Komplete 5. Want to record some acoustic guitar/banjo/other instruments and vocals. Hoping I can get a good vocal mic and a good instrument mic.

For monitors, I have a Motu ultralite and would like to plug them right into the outs. Don't know if I'll need an amp as well, if so, please let me know. I'm pretty new to this stuff.

I've been playing music for quite a while, but this is the first time I've tried to get serious about recording and composing. Any advice?

My current mic is an audio-technica PRO4L and my speakers are altec lansing costco computer speakers... so I really have no where to go but up.

Thanks!

[zimv20]

you don't mention a budget, but i love my shure ksm32 as an all-rounder mic.

[lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by zimv20

you don't mention a budget, but i love my shure ksm32 as an all-rounder mic.

Are those good for instruments as well as vocals? The guys at Leo's said I'd really need a mic for each.

They pointed to an instrument mic for 100 and a vocal mic for 300. They said both blew away the others in their price range, and to get similar performance you'd need to go up in to the 500-700 range. Granted, he's a sales guy but they're usually pretty honest and knowledgeable there. This is Leo's Pro Audio on Telegraph in Oakland.

I guess I'm looking at the lower end of the range (I know some of you guys spend thousands) but I'm looking for a good value bang/buck type of thing.

Thanks again.

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by lagavulin16

Are those good for instruments as well as vocals? The guys at Leo's said I'd really need a mic for each.

The Shure KSM32 is a great mic for instruments and most vocals. With a few rare exceptions there is no such thing as a mic that is designed for vocals and not instruments or visa versa.

[lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by rcm

The Shure KSM32 is a great mic for instruments and most vocals. With a few rare exceptions there is no such thing as a mic that is designed for vocals and not instruments or visa versa.

If a KSM32 costs 500-600, I guess I'm wondering if I'd be better off buying two 300 dollar mics, or a 400 dollar vocal/200 dollar instrument mic.

[FadersmakmeHappy]

Ronan would not steer you wrong. Buy the best mic you can afford and the KSM 32 is an excellent choice for a desert island mic. Guitars, vocals, banjos, etc will all sound good.

As far as powered monitors are concerned, I recommend the adam A7's. If you don't quite have that much loot the Yamaha NSP7's are pretty strong also in this price range.

Let me break it down......would you rather have 3 bottles of Cutty Sark or one bottle of Lagaluvin?

[lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by FadersmakmeHappy

Ronan would not steer you wrong. Buy the best mic you can afford and the KSM 32 is an excellent choice for a desert island mic. Guitars, vocals, banjos, etc will all sound good.

As far as powered monitors are concerned, I recommend the adam A7's. If you don't quite have that much loot the Yamaha NSP7's are pretty strong also in this price range.

Let me break it down......would you rather have 3 bottles of Cutty Sark or one bottle of Lagaluvin?

One bottle of Lagavulin, natch.

Will I be able to record the mics directly through the motu ultralite, and will I be able to plug the monitors in directly? Or will I need some sort of receiver in front of them?