What would Brandon do?

[aladinsane76]

Dear Brandon,

Thank you for your help in advance. I am a beginner in the true sense of the word... my mind shuts down when I try to read and understand all of the technical gibberish. Basically, I want to set up a "simple" home recording system for "contemporary folk" style music. Acoustic guitar, vocal harmonies, maybe a couple of instruments like a mandolin, fiddle or stand up bass. Can you give me a recommendation of EVERYTHING I would need? In other words, "what would Brandon do?"

I am NOT a professional musician. More of a hobby. I just want some decent recordings to share with friends... maybe sell a few CDs at gigs I play once in a while. To get an idea of the type of music, you can go to myspace.com/thequons

My budget is open... just don't want to overspend for my level. I'd like to spend the minimal to get the job done.

4 inputs would suffice.

[brandondrury]

In other words, "what would Brandon do?"

Th only problem with this is I have to figure what I would do if I was you. I need 20 simultaneous inputs, a slew of different mics, and a whole of grap you would have no use for.


In response to your email, I'm assuming you mean this package:

Buy PreSonus FIREPOD Studio Package online at Musician's Friend

That package is great if it meets your needs. The MXL mics are going to be a little bright and a little brittle sounding. If it was me, I would go with a Kel HM-1s instead of the MXL mics. (You can't get them at Musician's Friend, unfortunately). They are $120 a piece and don't have near the hype in the end that the MXLs do.

The Firepod can record 8 simulatenous channels. If you don't need that many simulatenous inputs, you could save cash by going with the Firebox or Inspire. Then again, it never hurts to have the extra inputs of the Firepod.

The rest of the package is solid. The studio monitors aren't going to go very deep, but they should do very well for you otherwise.

Brandon