cranksandbeans

[cranksandbeans]

Yo! Not really "new" to recording, but I'm about to drop a lot of cash on a whole bunch of stuff so's I can record stuff at home. Very excited. Can't wait. Money burning hole in pocket.

I'm in a band, and I just mixed our album. It was my first experience and now I'm hooked. I did everything in Logic Express through a home stereo. I had it mastered by a friend and was really happy for my first try at such a big undertaking. So, like I said, now I'm hooked and about to spend lots of money on some equipment so I don't have to mix on a home stereo anymore.

[uab9253]

Good luck. The good news is if you spend your money "correctly" you won't have to spend a lot. This is a great place to see what others use and how they like it. Also, anything you are thinking about buying, google for reviews and search for it on YouTube. There is likely someone out there who has done a video demo/review. Mostly that is closer to true than manufacturers or magazine reviews.

[cranksandbeans]

Thanks for the advice! I've googled the hell out of everything I'm planning on buying, but I hadn't thought of youtube. Great idea!

[brandondrury]

So what are you planning on buying?

Brandon

[cranksandbeans]

Well, here's what I bought ... ... I agonized over this stuff as only the wealth of information the internets provides can cause one to do. Some items I bought because I've had experience with them and was happy with the outcome/performance, some I bought because I felt it was a good deal, and some I bought because, well, what the hell, right? Anyway, here goes (bear with me as I justify my purchases as well ... it will help me cope with the gash in my checking account):

-For the computer/DAW I'm using a 17" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Due iMac with 2 GB of ram and Running Logic Express (my band recorded on a similar system at a friend's garage studio and then I mixed everything at home). Although I might try the version of the Cubase that came with my Audio Interface. I already had this ... it's my home computer.

-For the Interface, I picked up a Presonus Firestudio Project (never used one, but it seems solid).

-Monitors: KRK Rockit 6's (The aforementioned garage had Rockit 5's. I liked them a lot.)

-Mics: I picked up a set of Audix Fusion 6 drum mics (used them in the garage and was very happy with the results, seems like good bang for the buck, and i'll play around with other applications as well) and added a D6 kick mic to that. I was torn between the D6 and an AKG D112 (who isn't?), but found a good deal on a slightly used D6. So, what the hell? I figure I could pick up a D112 down the road. I also grabbed 2 Audix i5's and I have an SM 57 as well. For vocals and other instrumental applications I picked up an Audio Technica AT3035 (this is the purchase I'm most nervous about ... although this mic gets good reviews and I got a good deal on a brand new one, I might have gone a bit more up-market if I had the budget for it ... oh well, what the hell?)

-Other stuffs ... I bought a Behringer powerplay 4 headphone amp and some Senheiser phones; a real basic Furman Power conditioner (seemed like the right thing to do ... ) and a gator case to mount the rack gear. My goal is to be portable. Maybe a macbook pro is in my future ... I'll have to ask the wife.

I'm really excited. I've always wanted to get into recording since the band I played in high school recorded an e.p. in a studio built into a guy's basement. It was like, the coolest thing I'd ever seen at the time. So, 15 years later and here I go. I've already got a couple projects lined up and I can't wait for the damn UPS guy! I should have everything by the middle of next week.

[brandondrury]

I was torn between the D6 and an AKG D112 (who isn't?),

Me. I went with a Shure Beta 91 years ago and I don't see myself ever going back.

I picked up an Audio Technica AT3035 (this is the purchase I'm most nervous about ..

There is no need to be nervous. You'll buy more down the road!

I've got an old blog around here somewhere that says your first condenser mic is kinda like your first girlfriend.


It sounds like you've got a solid rig put together. It's just time to go to war now!

Brandon