Good way to spend my money? You tell me!

[Ticker]

Hey everyone, I just joined this forum and just started doing some reading regarding home recording. I've been scrolling through musicians friend and have decided on some equipment choices for my setup (subject to change), though I would really appreciate criticism and opinions. Well, here they are:


Rode Microphones NT1-A Anniversary Model Microphone
Buy Rode Microphones NT1-A Anniversary Model Microphone | Condenser Microphones | Musician's Friend

Mogami Silver Series Microphone Cable(25 Foot)
Buy Mogami Silver Series Microphone Cable | Microphone Cables | Musician's Friend

Nady Pop Filter
Buy Nady Pop Filter | Pop Filters | Musician's Friend

DR Pro Tripod Mic Boom Stand
Buy DR Pro Tripod Mic Boom Stand | Microphone Booms | Musician's Friend

Still unsure of what to look for in these departments:

- Firewire Interface
- Studio Headphones

I will be playing mostly acoustic guitar with possibly some harmonica and bongos. Thus I don't think I will be needing more than four inputs on my interface. I will continue to look into more equipment options, but in the mean time, would really appreciate some opinions regarding the equipment I've chosen thus far and what you think of the prices at musicians friend.

Thanks in advance!

Ticker

[Rakie]

While headphones aren't the best thing to mix on, I understand sometimes thats all you have the room / money for.

For headphones I would go with Beyerdynamic DT770's. They're pretty accurate, but with all headphones they're not perfect, id really suggest you make sure to hear your mixes on several other sets of speakers (Regular speakers, not monitors) including your car before your mix is finished.

[Ticker]

Originally Posted by Rakie

While headphones aren't the best thing to mix on, I understand sometimes thats all you have the room / money for.

For headphones I would go with Beyerdynamic DT770's. They're pretty accurate, but with all headphones they're not perfect, id really suggest you make sure to hear your mixes on several other sets of speakers (Regular speakers, not monitors) including your car before your mix is finished.

Thanks for your response Rakie, its much appreciated. I took the time to check out the DT770's and they've got some great reviews. The only thing is the price of $200 USD is a little higher than I was hoping for. I'm wondering if I can get a decent set for under $100? Though I'm more than willing to buy quality gear up front if it is really needed to save me from going out and buying an upgrade in a few months time.

Did you get the chance to check out the other equipment I'm interested in? And any ideas for an Interface (preferably one that uses firewire as I hear its the fastest)?

Ticker

[Rakie]

Well people here seem to generally like Rode microphones. I've heard the NT1 used for a screamer, and it was decent.

A pop filter is a pop filter, A stand is a stand.

mogami cables are some of the better "off the shelf" stuff you can get, but because the shielding isn't woven... So eventually it will let in noise and contaminate your signal.. Most all cables are like this.

IMHO and In my experience, the best sounding cables are made from Canare cable and Neutrik connectors. You can't buy them like this off the shelf, they have to be made for you by somebody.

[Ticker]

Thanks again Rakie for your response.

My price range for a firewire interface is $200-$300 and I'm really stumped. The presonus firebox has caught my attention as well as the Edirol FA-66, except it doesn't seem to have an input for an electric guitar or bass, etc. Would someone mind checking this out to make sure I'm not mistaken, cause I really like this interface.

Buy Edirol FA-66 6X6 FireWire Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces & Convertors | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend



Ticker

[Ticker]

b-u-m-p.

[fivewest]

except it doesn't seem to have an input for an electric guitar or bass

I took a look at the picture, and on the second input,l the Edirol has a button to switch it to a Hi-Z input, which is what you need to plug an electic guitar or bass without the need of a direct box. You're good to go!

[Ticker]

Originally Posted by fivewest

I took a look at the picture, and on the second input,l the Edirol has a button to switch it to a Hi-Z input, which is what you need to plug an electic guitar or bass without the need of a direct box. You're good to go!

No way! That would make my day lol. Are you sure? Because that input sure looks like a mic input. How does a electric guitar or bass cable fit in there? Does it fit right in the middle?

Ps. What is Hi-Z?

Ticker

[brandondrury]

Still unsure of what to look for in these departments:

- Firewire Interface

Home Recording Soundcard Wizard / Audio Interface Search Tool

[fivewest]

That is a XLR/TRS combo jack. You can plug either a XLR or 1/4" cable into the jack. The 1/4" would plug right into the middle.

I don't know too much technically about the Hi-Z, but I know that it stands for 'high imedance.' A microphone is low impedance, and plugging a guitar into a microphone jack would degrade the signal. Switching on the Hi-Z button would allow you to plug int your guitar without the degradation.