Is this good equipment to buy for my new home studio?

[Timbo8921]

Hey guys,
I am starting a studio business and am needing help finding the best stuff for my budget. i am hoping to spend 10,000.00 on the studio for now. This is my list below. Is there anything you would change? thanks!

Apogee Ensemble Interface- 2000.00
Focusrite MH441 ISA428 4-Channel Mic Preamp 2000.00
or
dual channel neve portico-1900.00
Shure drum mic package- 399.00
SM7B mic- 350.00
Logic Pro 9- $500.00
Reason- $300.00
Melodyne uno-200.00
Macbook pro- 850.00
Yamaha Ns-10 moniters-800.00
Cables- 400.00
Room adjustments- 600.00
empirical labs distressor -$1400.00
fix up macbook pro- 1500.00
Chris Lord-Alge plug ins- 830.00
=11,330.00


--Timothy

[Timbo8921]

---

[ThatSoundsWHAMMY]

If you'd like some advice then you'll have to be a bit more specific in regards to your needs for the studio.

[baskervils]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

Hey guys,
I am starting a studio business and am needing help finding the best stuff for my budget. i am hoping to spend 10,000.00 on the studio for now. This is my list below. Is there anything you would change? thanks!

Apogee Ensemble Interface- 2000.00
Focusrite MH441 ISA428 4-Channel Mic Preamp 2000.00
or
dual channel neve portico-1900.00
Shure drum mic package- 399.00
SM7B mic- 350.00
Logic Pro 9- $500.00
Reason- $300.00
Melodyne uno-200.00
Macbook pro- 850.00
Yamaha Ns-10 moniters-800.00
Cables- 400.00
Room adjustments- 600.00
empirical labs distressor -$1400.00
fix up macbook pro- 1500.00
Chris Lord-Alge plug ins- 830.00
=11,330.00


--Timothy

Do you already have a great studio mic like a Neumann u87? I'd put that at the top of your list.

I am not a big fan of the Yamaha NS-10 speakers. I find them harsh. I am searching for something more pleasant these days.

Reason is a great composition tool. In the end, you may end up replacing some of the sounds and Re-Wiring bits for more high end sounds.

You can probably save money on the Distressor if you buy it 2nd hand. Great piece of gear, though.

I own the Neve Portico 5012 pre and love it. It's very clean, which is handy with my Ribbons. You can't really push it to do anything weird, though.

You may consider getting an LA-610, which is very affordable 2nd hand. It's probably my favorite pre because it's creamy and the limiter is very cool. Like the Distressor, it has great character.

Good luck.

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by ThatSoundsWHAMMY

If you'd like some advice then you'll have to be a bit more specific in regards to your needs for the studio.

well.. Im not sure what you mean, but i have no equipment yet. I will be going full time into this business.

[ianvargo]

Shure drum mic package- 399.00
If you're going to be recording drums, I would stay away from these packages. Look into stand-by individual mikes, I don't know, maybe you have some already. Definitely budget some good SDC mikes in there. I have beyer MC930's. They are solid!

Focusrite MH441 ISA428 4-Channel Mic Preamp 2000.00
I don't know if you were set on this but I absolutely love my sebatron VMP-4000 4 channel tube pre. You can get one for about $1,300 around here. It is pretty colored, but still a great piece of gear.

Reason- $300.00
Do you have a good MIDI controller and interface?

Macbook pro- 850.00
Although laptops are getting stronger, I'm surprised you won't be purchasing at least a newer iMac.

Yamaha Ns-10 moniters-800.00
Will these be your only monitors?

Room adjustments- 600.00
Spend time and money on this, without a great room you've got nothing...Since you're using a mac, look into fuzz measure pro, it will help analyze your space. FuzzMeasure Pro 3

fix up macbook pro- 1500.00
Once again, are you sure you really want a laptop? They rock, I'm just saying.


I hear great things about Logic, but I would also suggest getting Pro Tools, it's the standard for a reason. It's a pain in the butt, but it's still the standard.

[G-Spot]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

well.. Im not sure what you mean, but i have no equipment yet. I will be going full time into this business.

I don't mean to be rude but what kind of experience do you have? Going into this business "full speed ahead" is a big risk if you don't have enough experience/knowledge and a (big) list of clients... A bunch of gear (which is actually a good list) is not enough to stay in the business.

If you are doing it for your own productions only, then you have to tell more about what you want to do.... trash metal? blues? hip-hop? dance or trance? Recording voice or guitars only? Drums? The gear list is defined through what you want to achieve...

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by ianvargo

Shure drum mic package- 399.00
If you're going to be recording drums, I would stay away from these packages. Look into stand-by individual mikes, I don't know, maybe you have some already. Definitely budget some good SDC mikes in there. I have beyer MC930's. They are solid!

Focusrite MH441 ISA428 4-Channel Mic Preamp 2000.00
I don't know if you were set on this but I absolutely love my sebatron VMP-4000 4 channel tube pre. You can get one for about $1,300 around here. It is pretty colored, but still a great piece of gear.

Reason- $300.00
Do you have a good MIDI controller and interface?

Macbook pro- 850.00
Although laptops are getting stronger, I'm surprised you won't be purchasing at least a newer iMac.

Yamaha Ns-10 moniters-800.00
Will these be your only monitors?

Room adjustments- 600.00
Spend time and money on this, without a great room you've got nothing...Since you're using a mac, look into fuzz measure pro, it will help analyze your space. FuzzMeasure Pro 3

fix up macbook pro- 1500.00
Once again, are you sure you really want a laptop? They rock, I'm just saying.


I hear great things about Logic, but I would also suggest getting Pro Tools, it's the standard for a reason. It's a pain in the butt, but it's still the standard.

thanks for all the input!
Drum mics- I will look into them!
preamp- im not really sold on anything yet, so i will check out the sebatron for sure.

reason- I do not have midi controller yet. I am looking around though.

Mac- Yeah, I have really been debating that. I am a student in college, and am in desperate need for a new laptop anyway, and had a friend offer me his mac for 850. So i thought i may be able to fix the pro up some and make it work fine. But maybe thats not the way to go...

moniters- yes. they would be.

room adjustments-- I have never heard of that! thats great!! thanks.

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by G-Spot

I don't mean to be rude but what kind of experience do you have? Going into this business "full speed ahead" is a big risk if you don't have enough experience/knowledge and a (big) list of clients... A bunch of gear (which is actually a good list) is not enough to stay in the business.

If you are doing it for your own productions only, then you have to tell more about what you want to do.... trash metal? blues? hip-hop? dance or trance? Recording voice or guitars only? Drums? The gear list is defined through what you want to achieve...

My whole life has been revolved around music. I know that has nothing to do with the knowledge of recording, but I know its what I want to do. I am getting training by a very accomplished producer. I am also a student with no debt, and no family, so its not like i will have the bills to pay, so i thought this would be the time to go ahead and get into it so ill be ready for the "bills and fam when they come.

I will be recording rock, indie, acoustic, Contemporary Christian, etc. I will be using whatever instruments the songs calls for. Mostly guitars, drums, bass, keys, vocals, cello, etc. Thanks for the concern, and i didnt take it as rude

[baskervils]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

I will be recording rock, indie, acoustic, Contemporary Christian, etc. I will be using whatever instruments the songs calls for. Mostly guitars, drums, bass, keys, vocals, cello, etc. Thanks for the concern, and i didnt take it as rude

You definitely need at least one great condenser mic. Perhaps you should ease into this with a good mic, computer, Reason, one good preamp and Logic / Pro Tools to start?

Drums are fairly complex to record and mix. Perhaps that should be step 2?

Go for it!

[shaddai]

These are just thoughts, do with them as you wish. Also, not exactly sure what you're doing with your setup, so I'm just talking about general ideas based on the list you have. I'm also assuming you're kinda new to this, so if I'm wrong, I don't mean to insult:

You're going to have to learn a set of monitors in your room anyway, so don't assume you won't get anywhere without a set of NS10's. I'd probably aim at something more pleasant to listen to for longer periods of time & add some NS10's later if you want a set of monitors that are tougher to please.

For the $2000 you have budgeted for fixing up your macbook pro & getting logic, you could build a beast PC with Sonar(or whatever) on it that'll run 100+ tracks & plugs without breaking a sweat. In Sonar's case (just as an example) it'll have V-vocal & a load of other decent plugins included, so you wouldn't need Melodyne, and the included synths might be enough to conquer the role reason plays in your setup. You're already looking at a non-PT setup with Logic anyway, can't hurt to check the idea out. Short version=more horsepower, less money, frees up $ for mics & pres.

I'd learn the stock plugs first. You might find out that the CLA plugs won't get you much farther than knowing the stock plugs well. After the cash starts rolling, then decide if you need something better.

I only see a max of 4 preamps? Are you recording drums?

Something you might think about: Swapping the ensemble for a StudioLive 16.4.2. It would pin you to 48k, and it might not have as pristine conversion quality of the ensemble. However, it does get you 16 more pres, comps & compressors, allows you to track with those comps & compressors, and with your macbook, it makes you mobile. You can go record live stuff at the club/church/park or whatever. Could help with cash flow in the beginning.

Again, just my thoughts...do with them what you will.

todd

[G-Spot]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

My whole life has been revolved around music. I know that has nothing to do with the knowledge of recording, but I know its what I want to do. I am getting training by a very accomplished producer. I am also a student with no debt, and no family, so its not like i will have the bills to pay, so i thought this would be the time to go ahead and get into it so ill be ready for the "bills and fam when they come.

I will be recording rock, indie, acoustic, Contemporary Christian, etc. I will be using whatever instruments the songs calls for. Mostly guitars, drums, bass, keys, vocals, cello, etc. Thanks for the concern, and i didnt take it as rude

Rock... guitars ... drums... sounds good

You are going to hear a lot of different opinions here...
Anyway, I think that your list is not bad but you must have a good Vocal mic. The SM7 will work for Rock but it would be advisable to also have a large-diaphragm condenser mic. I find the Neumann U87Ai over priced (I have one). I think that the AT4050, AT4047 are good mics and are affordable. I'm sure that people will suggest other stuff, but you can't go wrong with those.

Get a ribbon mic for guitars!!! (for everything actually). Royers 121 come to mind but you may want find something cheaper

You can't go wrong with the Distressor either it is a very good overall compressor. If you come across with a Daking FET it is also a good unit.

As for software, pic whatever you feel good about it... but if you want to go ProTools, go Pro-Tools M-Powered, get the M-Audio Profire 2626.

Mics for drums... you can be here for days discussing... but the affordable are:
Snare: SM57 (Audix i5)
Kick: Re20, D112, Shure Beta 52 (Audix D6 for Rock/Metal)
Toms: MD 421
Overheads: ATM450, AT4021, Akg 414
Room: AT4050

I think that the Audio Technica are affordable and do a great job...

All the best for your jump in this businees!

[audiostout]

Your cable budget should be bigger. It will creep up on your without you even knowing it. If you are good with a soldering iron, get yourself some neutrik gold connectors and a mogami bulk cables, and you'll save a lot of money.

Forget about the n10s, no need for those unless you have used them before and know how to compensate for their sound. Get yourself a decent air of monitors and a sub, then hire someone to do your room and get it flat.

[hazelmossobrien]

You'd be a crazed person to buy NS-10's for $800 when $800 can buy you new Adam A7's if you look hard enough.

NS-10's in mint condition I might pay $400 for. Maybe. And it would only be for novelty's sake.

[LouisD]

Go look in the used section, there are some stellar deals on analog boards right now. Pick one up if you got that amount of cash and forget about buying all those pres, comps and eqs.

[Oli_W]

From my (reasonably limited) experience....

I'd heartily recommend the audix drum mic kit (DP5a) - you'd save a bundle on stands with those clips, and the mics are all decent for rock.

Top up with a pair of Oktava MK012's, Rode NT5s, CAD M179s or similar for overheads/acoustic guitar.

And a ribbon for room mic (and elec guitars). I'm enjoying the Golden Age R1 Active a LOT at the moment, and I have no complaints for my drummers! (yet) It doubles up good on some voices too. The avantone CR14 is sweet on electric, combined with a SM57 or i5.

SM7b, YES.

U87 - maybe, a bit pricey really, so defintely look at the AT mics or the Joly modded LDCs. Advanced Audio CM47?

Get good mics before splashing out on too many pre's or a distressor. Maybe a couple of GAP 73's as they won't eat too much of your budget.

Spend as much as you can on room treatment!!

Beyer DT990s and DT770s for monitoring and tracking respectively (well, I like them, and they're dead comfy for clients)

If you get Logic I doubt you'd have so much need for Reason, unless you've fallen in love with it? I use PT with Reason, but thats cos of the lack of VI's (which has improved recently...)

I wouldn't bother with a sub - you can always check the sub freqs with DT770s... But look at Adam A7s or Dynaudio BM5as for monitors.

Good luck,
Oli

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by G-Spot

Rock... guitars ... drums... sounds good

You are going to hear a lot of different opinions here...
Anyway, I think that your list is not bad but you must have a good Vocal mic. The SM7 will work for Rock but it would be advisable to also have a large-diaphragm condenser mic. I find the Neumann U87Ai over priced (I have one). I think that the AT4050, AT4047 are good mics and are affordable. I'm sure that people will suggest other stuff, but you can't go wrong with those.

Get a ribbon mic for guitars!!! (for everything actually). Royers 121 come to mind but you may want find something cheaper

You can't go wrong with the Distressor either it is a very good overall compressor. If you come across with a Daking FET it is also a good unit.

As for software, pic whatever you feel good about it... but if you want to go ProTools, go Pro-Tools M-Powered, get the M-Audio Profire 2626.

Mics for drums... you can be here for days discussing... but the affordable are:
Snare: SM57 (Audix i5)
Kick: Re20, D112, Shure Beta 52 (Audix D6 for Rock/Metal)
Toms: MD 421
Overheads: ATM450, AT4021, Akg 414
Room: AT4050

I think that the Audio Technica are affordable and do a great job...

All the best for your jump in this businees!

wow this is some great info!

I really appreciate it. you seem to know your stuff.

I have been unsure the best way to mic the guitars.. so now I know!

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by Oli_W

From my (reasonably limited) experience....

I'd heartily recommend the audix drum mic kit (DP5a) - you'd save a bundle on stands with those clips, and the mics are all decent for rock.

Top up with a pair of Oktava MK012's, Rode NT5s, CAD M179s or similar for overheads/acoustic guitar.

And a ribbon for room mic (and elec guitars). I'm enjoying the Golden Age R1 Active a LOT at the moment, and I have no complaints for my drummers! (yet) It doubles up good on some voices too. The avantone CR14 is sweet on electric, combined with a SM57 or i5.

SM7b, YES.

U87 - maybe, a bit pricey really, so defintely look at the AT mics or the Joly modded LDCs. Advanced Audio CM47?

Get good mics before splashing out on too many pre's or a distressor. Maybe a couple of GAP 73's as they won't eat too much of your budget.

Spend as much as you can on room treatment!!

Beyer DT990s and DT770s for monitoring and tracking respectively (well, I like them, and they're dead comfy for clients)

If you get Logic I doubt you'd have so much need for Reason, unless you've fallen in love with it? I use PT with Reason, but thats cos of the lack of VI's (which has improved recently...)

I wouldn't bother with a sub - you can always check the sub freqs with DT770s... But look at Adam A7s or Dynaudio BM5as for monitors.

Good luck,
Oli

Thanks man! there are some unfamiliar names.. So now its time for research! haha thank you so much.

[G-Spot]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

wow this is some great info!

I really appreciate it. you seem to know your stuff.

I have been unsure the best way to mic the guitars.. so now I know!

Guitars?... rock/metal? for me the best combination is SM57 or Audix I5 with a Royer 121 and Chandler TG2 preamp... Killler!

[mattg082]

you got the money go for it! sounds like a cool setup imo

[Timbo8921]

Originally Posted by G-Spot

Guitars?... rock/metal? for me the best combination is SM57 or Audix I5 with a Royer 121 and Chandler TG2 preamp... Killler!

Sounds perfect! Can't wait to record some killer guitar tracks!

[toasteh]

Originally Posted by baskervils

Do you already have a great studio mic like a Neumann u87? I'd put that at the top of your list.

This is what I hate about this forum. You ask for help, and all people can do is suggest top of the line mics/mixers/instruments.

Yes its a great mic, but would you need an u87? No. Will it make all the difference to your music? Nope.

Think.

[baskervils]

Originally Posted by toasteh

Yes its a great mic, but would you need an u87? No. Will it make all the difference to your music? Nope.

Think.

The song is always king, queen, lord, master or god. I've heard lots of albums that have been recorded on cheap gear and they are better than anything that I've done in my career. I love a lot of stuff recorded at Abbey Road, too.

Artistry matters, Songs are paramount, Performance matters and gear is just gear.

That said...

I am a vocalist and I have always been happy with my Neumann u87, which I've owned nearly 10 years. It does justice to just about anything I stick in front of it, which is something that I can't say about cheaper condensers.

It has probably been my best all-around buy.

If all of my gear melted, it would be the first thing that I would replace.

[aj633]

Two words for you: BUY USED!

I had about the same budget when I started. If I had it to do today, here's what I'd do...

Buy an old Power Mac G5 for about $500-600.
Buy a used pair of good monitors like Mackie HR824s for $500.
Buy a used API 3124 for about $2100.
You could pick up a True Precision 8 for about $1600-1700, or there was a Digi Pre on here for $1000 that just sold. Or you could get something like the 4 channel Focusrite ISA 428 for about $1200-1300.
Buy a great condenser mic like a Lawson L47MP used for about $1400-1500.
You'll need an A/D converter. You can pick up an Apogee Rosetta 800 for about $1300-1400.
You'll need some sort of input to the computer. You could go with something like a Digi 003 Rack for about $700-800 on eBay, or I think Apogee may have something with converters and computer input...
That should leave you a couple grand to spend on drum mics, etc.
Go for a good compressor like the Empirical Labs Distressor for about $1000.
And then spend the rest on drum mics. A few (3-5) SM57s can be had for about $50 a piece. An AKG D112 or the Shure Beta 52 (I think that's the number?) can be had for about $120-125. SM81s are good overheads for about $200 a piece (you'll want two). Or you could get a pair of Audio Technica AT4033s, which are a good staple, for about $175 a piece.
Don't forget mic stands, mic cables, a snake to go from your preamps to your A/D converter.

It all takes a few things: patience, knowing where to look, being methodical, knowing what you can spend, and knowing when to pull the trigger on a great deal. Good luck!

[trompetfreak]

Originally Posted by Timbo8921

Hey guys,
I am starting a studio business and am needing help finding the best stuff for my budget. i am hoping to spend 10,000.00 on the studio for now. This is my list below. Is there anything you would change? thanks!

Apogee Ensemble Interface- 2000.00
Focusrite MH441 ISA428 4-Channel Mic Preamp 2000.00
or
dual channel neve portico-1900.00
Shure drum mic package- 399.00
SM7B mic- 350.00
Logic Pro 9- $500.00
Reason- $300.00
Melodyne uno-200.00
Macbook pro- 850.00
Yamaha Ns-10 moniters-800.00
Cables- 400.00
Room adjustments- 600.00
empirical labs distressor -$1400.00
fix up macbook pro- 1500.00
Chris Lord-Alge plug ins- 830.00
=11,330.00


--Timothy

Nice planns!
What I'd change is this:
Forget about the Distressor (I love it, don't get me wrong), the CLA-plugs and the NS10's. Get a nicer sounding pair of monitors instead (Genelec 1031A, Mackie HR826 or whatever you like. If you really know the ns10's and love em and can make great records on them it's cool, but I wouldn't want them as my main pair, only for reference!) and spend the rest on the acoustics. If you think $600 is enough, you either have a great room or made a mistake
Your listening situation is the most important thing, if your situation is not perfect for you (very personal), how do you know how it sounds what you're doing?
Oh and I love having a knob to controll my monitors. Either from a console of from a device like the Mackie Big Knob or something like that works great, as long as it has a volume knob and mono-function.

But that's just me and my personal thingy. Have fun!