My first home studio...need advice!!

[seveneleven247]

Thanks for the heads up though, and keep up the good work on that blog, I'm seeing useful info already!

I really appreciate the feedback! I've bought most of those "sell beats fast" programs when I was first starting out and they don't dive nearly as deep as they should, I'm glad that I could bring some real value to your life, and best of luck with that studio- keep us updated!

[krushing]

Actually...there's a bunch of reasons against mixing with headphones. They're good for checking details, but not fo r bigger mixing decisions, even though it feels like they're more accurate.

As for the preamps, I wouldn't worry about them at this point too much - the differences between the pres in these entry/mid-level interfaces are really, really subtle.

Other than that, sounding good.

[Bad_ooki]

Appreciate the feedback!!

If you personally had to choose one of the two interfaces though which would you pick?


Based on reviews I'm reading people are making it seem like the interface is either a huge success or the worst equipment decision they have ever made, help!!

---------- Post added 06-25-2012 at 11:38 AM ---------- Previous post was 06-24-2012 at 10:09 PM ----------

bump! ttttt

[fataltone]

Hey guys so within this week I will be beginning to build my first home studio. I plan on using it to record vocals and some guitar/bass/violin/miscellaneous instruments i get my hands on. I use FL studio 9 and make mostly hip-hop beats and some dubstep every blue moon, so simply put, bass heavy music. I have an Akai MPK25 which is amazing and I highly recommend. I've been narrowing my list of basic components down with a tight budget in mind and here is what I've got:

MICS: MXL 990/991 package - $80

when you can look into getting it modified
go from a $80 mic to a $1,500-$2,000 quality mic
Award-winning microphone engineering from Michael Joly

MONITORS: Yamaha HS50M x2 - $350.00 (174.99 each)
- My biggest concern for monitors was getting the best possible set for mixing and mastering. Everywhere I've read I've heard these are the flattest "truest" sounding monitors available in my price range. I debated getting some KRK's but I've heard they are too "colored" and compensate for the bass too much so not the best for mixing. My biggest concern with these monitors are the fact that they have 5" woofers so the bass response might not be what I need. I'm thinking that for the price I'm getting them at I'm just going to have to adjust my ear and mix knowing they lack on the lower end until I save up for a sub.

nice start but if I was you I'll save up $350 a possible continue using headphones to make beats don't worry about mixing now
this is double what you have have now from $350 to $700
or you can do this payment plan of 3 payments

Sweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!
Today's Payment: $126.33
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $116.33
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $116.33
In approx. 60 days

INTERFACE/PREAMP: fOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2i2/ PRESONUS AUDIOBOX 2x2 $150

- OK so this is where I need help the most. I'm undecided between these two (but am open to other recommendations). I'm leaning more toward the focusrite because i've read that they have better preamps. The downside however is no MIDI ports (which I don't need now..but you never know right?). The audibox seems to be the most popular for it's price and seems like a good product, but apparently it is not meant to be used with line in instruments which seems like kind of a big drawback.

Any advice??

so you're looking at $150 budget right
so you need a audio interface with the highest quality a/d and d/a converters with the cleaniest/most pristine preamp
which in this price range
the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is perfectly fine and plus you get their plug-in suite
what I would do is upgrade the preamp by buying an outboard preamp soon as possible suggestion is
Daking Mic Pre One | Sweetwater.com and once you have that MXL microphone modified you have some sweet tracking gear
and
you're right you probably never really need MIDI ports just USB for your MIDI keyboard

TREATMENT:

TBA

I'm not handy with tools but if you're or you have dad,brother,uncle who can help you
build some bass traps for your front wall and your first reflection points on the side walls and the ceiling which should be right above your desk pretty much(you're need a mixing cloud check this video for that)
the folks over at Gearslutz.com forum have tons of tutorials on building acoustic treatment stay away from foam please don't make the same mistake I did when I first started 10 years ago

Miscellaneous: 2-4 XLR cables, one 1/4" cable, ?????

- any small factor I'm missing?

don't worry too much about cords standard mic cords according to your audio interface and mic needs

you'll need a mic stand and mic popper

blessings in your adventure


http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/christ-handles
http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/holy-ghost-rider-work-in
-Coach Antonio
"Let Me Handle your next Praise Party"

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[B Side Producer]

A pop filter comes in handy when you have a very sensitive condenser mic for instance. They tend to pick up every little thing. Some have some cut off function on it or pick up less on certain sides. But imagine tapping your feet on the floor or a buss passing by shaking the floor, that kinda stuff. That get's picked up by your mic and that's something a shock mount can seriously reduce. You can still buy a mic stand second hand, no problem, just check out if it's a bit of quality. Those cheap stands they usually don't sell second hand anyway though.
I don't have a vid layin around on how to build a booth. Watch that vid of Amber Rubarth to see what they did in the home recordings and try googling and/or youtubing to see if they have tips around on how to build a soundproof booth or recording booth.

Meant a shock mount there, too late in the night I guess. But apparently you understood me. A pop filter filters the hard "P"s and such. The pops!

[fataltone]

Meant a shock mount there, too late in the night I guess. But apparently you understood me. A pop filter filters the hard "P"s and such. The pops!

I suggested a mic stand and mic popper already in my post and most mics come with a shock mount key word "MOST"


http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/christ-handles
http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/holy-ghost-rider-work-in
-Coach Antonio
"Let Me Handle your next Praise Party"

Make Money from Your Music New Money Marketing Forum
Music Business Professionals Read Their Tips
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The Walking On Water Media/Ent. Business Coach Antonio

[B Side Producer]

I suggested a mic stand and mic popper already in my post and most mics come with a shock mount key word "MOST"


http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/christ-handles
http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/holy-ghost-rider-work-in
-Coach Antonio
"Let Me Handle your next Praise Party"

Make Money from Your Music New Money Marketing Forum
Music Business Professionals Read Their Tips
Elite Services for those Who Want to Attain their Goals
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The Walking On Water Media/Ent. Business Coach Antonio

Was just making right a mistake I written in the 8th reply on this topic
Bought an AKG perception 120, didn't gave me a shockmount with it so I bought one, now the damn mic doesn't really fit the shockmount well Doesn't really matter. If you press a bit hard on it it does hold it on the bottom of the mic. There's so much stuff I bought and still want to buy, gotta make priorities somewhere.

[fataltone]

Was just making right a mistake I written in the 8th reply on this topic
Bought an AKG perception 120, didn't gave me a shockmount with it so I bought one, now the damn mic doesn't really fit the shockmount well Doesn't really matter. If you press a bit hard on it it does hold it on the bottom of the mic. There's so much stuff I bought and still want to buy, gotta make priorities somewhere.

that's what's up and I owned the AKG Perception 420 but had to sell it when I went through some hard time

I think that's what you meant the Perception 420

and when I brought mines from sweetwater it came with a shock mount

from the sweetwater's site

This mic is ruggedly constructed and includes a spider-style shockmount and aluminum carrying case. AKG means quality, and the Perception 420 is no exception!

and you should for sure check this out for your mic
read the whole page
Award-winning microphone engineering from Michael Joly
and Michael does great well amazing work


http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/christ-handles
http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/holy-ghost-rider-work-in
-Coach Antonio
"Let Me Handle your next Praise Party"

Make Money from Your Music New Money Marketing Forum
Music Business Professionals Read Their Tips
Elite Services for those Who Want to Attain their Goals
Research and Information Gathering Expert
Building Relationships to Build Success
Get the Information and Direction You Deserve
The Walking On Water Media/Ent. Business Coach Antonio

[Jmo (Jmofficial1)]

Get protools!! For ya vocals, its the best I've used..

- Jmo

[fataltone]

Get protools!! For ya vocals, its the best I've used..

- Jmo

wrong..wrong..wrong

when it comes to recording vocals
this is what is important
1.the performer knowing studio ettiquette, having a good performance
2.the tracking engineer knowing what they are doing
3.having a quality mic
4.having a quality preamp
5.having a quality a/d converter on the audio interface
6.99.9% of all DAW have the same audio engineer
7.and one of the most important thing is the enviroment where you are tracking vocals,guitars,voilins,saxophones which is an acoustic tamed environment
these are great if you're just tracking vocals at a small home studio or on location
Screen Panel : GOBO : GIK Acoustics
there is no best when it comes to DAWs only what is best DAW for your workflow

this is something newbies are misled about

at one time Pro Tools was the best because their hardware allowed audio engineers to track easily when computer power was limited back in the late 1990's and very early 2000's
now Logic,Cubase,Acid Pro,and even FL Studio is perfectly fine to track vocals in
I been using Cubase for 10 years now for tracking and love my workflow
I love my workflow in Acid Pro and FL Studio for making beats some love Reason and it's all about workflow

not clowning anyone just want to make it clear and get rid of the myths when it comes to tracking and DAW audio engines/sound quality


http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/christ-handles
http://soundcloud.com/antonio-baugh/holy-ghost-rider-work-in
-Coach Antonio
"Let Me Handle your next Praise Party"

Make Money from Your Music New Money Marketing Forum
Music Business Professionals Read Their Tips
Elite Services for those Who Want to Attain their Goals
Research and Information Gathering Expert
Building Relationships to Build Success
Get the Information and Direction You Deserve
The Walking On Water Media/Ent. Business Coach Antonio