Some questions

[Rapishorrid]

Hello all this is my first post here.

I'm starting a "home recording studio" (really just to record my electric guitar) and plan on using a mic setup. Obviously I will need a preamp for this but I can't seem to find a guide with recommendations.

My budget is probably as low as could be, so somewhere around $100 give or take for the preamp. I've been looking at beginner basic models like the M-Audio Audio Buddy but am wondering if it is going to sound like crap. :P I only need the preamp to get it into my computer, I don't even need the two inputs (I will be recording one mic on my guitar amp) so no fancy effects and what not.

Any recommendations for this price range? or should I expect to pay more..

While I am here I also have a question about the soundcard I plan on getting. I am looking at the M-Audio 2496 as a soundcard. It says on the comparison chart that it has no preamps (for inputs), I can still hook my audio buddy (or whatever preamp) up to it though right? Because the preamp sends out a signal in 1/4" outs and the soundcard has 1/4 ins?

Thanks in advance

[brandondrury]

Welcome to the forum, dude.

I've been looking at beginner basic models like the M-Audio Audio Buddy but am wondering if it is going to sound like crap.

Listen to the difference between a $1,000+ per channel preamp and a Mackie. Then make your decision.

Preamp Shootout

Mic preamps is about the last thing a home recording guy should worry about in my opinion. I'd be shocked if any clients of yours (assuming you record for money) could ever hear the difference between a Mackie and Neve.

While I am here I also have a question about the soundcard I plan on getting. I am looking at the M-Audio 2496 as a soundcard. It says on the comparison chart that it has no preamps (for inputs), I can still hook my audio buddy (or whatever preamp) up to it though right? Because the preamp sends out a signal in 1/4" outs and the soundcard has 1/4 ins?

The M-Audio Audo Buddy preamp should do just fine with this sound card. It looks like the 2496 uses RCA inputs, so you may need an adapter in between the preamp and souncard. I don't see any 1/4" inputs on the soundcard.

If you are on a robo budget, there are a few sound cards with built in preamps that may save you a few bucks.

http://www.recordingreview.com/sound...t=Submit+Query

Brandon

[Rapishorrid]

Thanks for the reply!

The built in preamp soundcards have perked my interested (I really am on a budget).

My main concern now is on the first 6 soundcards listed in the link you gave if sorted by lowest price first, is the interface. I'd like to go for USB 2.0 and the US-122L, but if I won't notice a difference than I can save $50 and get the FastTrack and USB 1.1. I'm only recording one channel here so I'm mainly worried about latency and sound quality. Is there actually a difference?

I don't see any 1/4" inputs on the soundcard.

My bad

After looking at all the products I like the Tascam US-122L the best. However it is $150 which would bring my total purchase (a shure sm57 too) to $250. There is this "TNT Bundle Box" which has the US-122L as well as an LD74 mic (stand and cable) for $200. It even comes with some free yamaha cans

I just don't know if the quality of the SM57 vs. the LD74 is worth paying $250 total or $200 total.

[brandondrury]

My main concern now is on the first 6 soundcards listed in the link you gave if sorted by lowest price first, is the interface.

I'm not sure what you mean here. Could you restate your sentence?

I'm only recording one channel here so I'm mainly worried about latency and sound quality. Is there actually a difference?

I've heard that latency can be higher on the USB 1.1 units, but this is a generalization (which may mean it's bullshit). In other words, you should research a specific unit you are considering to find out about latency.

Sound quality is the same regardless of whether Firewire, USB 1.1, or USB 2.0 is used.

I know you only plan to record a single channel at a time, but I've got a feeling there will be a day in the not too distant future where you want to use two mics on acoustic guitar or something. I understand you are on a limited budget (I know the feeling!!!) but just don't limit your future too much.

I just don't know if the quality of the SM57 vs. the LD74 is worth paying $250 total or $200 total.

I've never heard of the LD74. For this reason alone, I'd recommend the SM57. However, don't buy a brand new one!!! Just hop on Ebay and snag one for $70. I've bought 6 on Ebay over the years and they've all been just fine.

Brandon

[Rapishorrid]

I've never heard of the LD74. For this reason alone, I'd recommend the SM57.

Exactly what I was thinking.

I'm not sure what you mean here. Could you restate your sentence?

I just meant I have to choose 1 unit out of the 6 cheapest on that list.

So with your help I've come down to the final list of what I am going to buy for my pseudo-studio.

-$75- Shure SM57 (used)
-$150- Tascam US-122L (new)
-$10- 15ft XLR cable (new)

Grand total of $235 and it probably won't even sound like total crap!

[brandondrury]

Grand total of $235 and it probably won't even sound like total crap!

This rig is capable of awesome results in the right hands. Fair warning, it'll probably sound like crap for a while. When you start tearing your hair out, post on the forum. I'll help you out.

Brandon

[Rapishorrid]

My only problem now is I am running Vista..

I don't really want to dual boot because that would be a pain switching back and forth. Either I spend my money on a new strat now or I wait for Vista support from places like M-Audio (I think I am going to get the fast track pro since the US-122l has crappy reviews).

I'd really like to record though so hopefully they get going with Vista or I find another solution.

[brandondrury]

That's weird that you have brand new computer and a micro recording budget. I'm guessing the computer is for more than just recording.

Well, Vista is brand new. From what I hear, it has several recording advantages to it, but those mean nothing until the sound card companies make appropriate drivers.

I don't really want to dual boot because that would be a pain switching back and forth.

It may be less of a pain than using a single installation, however. That's your call.

I'm not sure what to tell you. Jumping on the brand new bandwagon has its downsides. If it were me, I'd check out the manufacturer forums and see if anyone has gotten a given sound card to work with Vista. You may run into some luck even with an XP driver.


Brandon

[Rapishorrid]

That's weird that you have brand new computer and a micro recording budget. I'm guessing the computer is for more than just recording.

Yeah I do some web design, graphics, a little movie editing, and a bunch of other stuff. Can't forget gaming too!

Apparently there is little if any support or compatibility for a lot of audio stuff especially interfaces with Vista right now.

Either I switch back to XP (I got my Vista serial for free so it's not like a waste of money or anything) or I do what I originally planned and get some pedals and possibly a new guitar instead of recording gear.

I really want to record though, what's the use of new pedals and a guitar if I'm not in a band (yet) and can't record?

Then again I am hesitant to switch back to XP and kind of want some guitar stuff.

Either way I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do. Thanks for the help

[sp4585]

Your situation sounds, well basically identical to mine all the way down to some web/graphic design and lack of a consistent band.

I literally just got my little laptop/basement operation going, like a week ago. Here's what I'm using:

Program: Cool Edit Pro 2.0 someone gave me a copy a while back... it seems to be a pretty usable program so far.
Mic: MXL V63 ($80-90)
Mixer: Behringer Xenyx 802 (I got one new on ebay for $55)
I'm using my stock soundcard still which is my next upgrade.
You'll definately need a mic stand too and eventually you'd want a pop filter and a shock mount.

By my calculations, I've put in somewhere between $140 and $160.