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View Full Version : Help me with setting up basic home recording package

cyb3rvampire
06-23-2007, 02:38 AM
Hey guys,

I'm looking to set up some type of recording interface for my computer. I have some expierence recording things, but not a lot of expierence with what gear to buy or what I need. I think I'm going to go with a presonus firepod for the interface. I'll probably use sonar for the software on my laptop. I know that I'm gonna need a sm57 too. I also have a lexicon mpx1 that I would like to be able to hook up to the computer for reverb and delays.

Some things that I see discussed here commonly are Mic preamps. Why do I need one? Do I need one for condensors and dynamic mics? What would be best for micing guitar cabs and amps? I'm on a budget so I'd like to get the most "bang for the buck" type of products. What do you guys suggest for mic preamps and a condensor mic?

help me out with figuring out exactly what I need for this recording set up. Thanks!
jisham
06-23-2007, 04:49 AM
I went with a Line6 Toneport UX2 and couldn't be happier.
cyb3rvampire
06-23-2007, 01:19 PM
anyone else?
RunBeerRun
06-24-2007, 08:43 AM
You definitely will want the mic preamp.

Once you A/B with and without one, I think you'll agree, it's a big deal.

Sorry I don't know how to describe it, I find any mike is useless for recording without one.:o:FM:nono
dan p
06-29-2007, 11:31 AM
the 8 mic inputs on your firepod have mic preamps and phantom power. so, you won't need to worry about preamps.
MattB
06-29-2007, 12:05 PM
the 8 mic inputs on your firepod have mic preamps and phantom power. so, you won't need to worry about preamps.

+1

Eventually you may want to venture into pre-amp land but for now you are set.

If you are going to be recording vocals and other instruments it wouldn't hurt to get a decent condenser too.
s2amps
06-30-2007, 06:21 AM
I would spend the extra 100 bucks and get the FireStudio. It has many more useful features (like a software mixer) and AMS has them right now with a free CAD condensor mic. That package is almost a no-brainer.

It's not a great mic, but it is certainly good enough to get you started. Use it to mic the room when recording guitar, for acoustic guitar, and for vocals.
Carlier
06-30-2007, 11:57 AM
I would think about
1 getting a studio condenser mic instead of just the shure. I'm happy with my Rode nt1 which was not too expensive

2 do you want to use midi or not? It's quite an important question to ask before deciding on software and the interface.
eru
06-30-2007, 10:33 PM
I would think about
1 getting a studio condenser mic instead of just the shure. I'm happy with my Rode nt1 which was not too expensive

2 do you want to use midi or not? It's quite an important question to ask before deciding on software and the interface.

I agree about the condenser, but make sure that it can handle your amp's volume (basically, that your amp is quiet enough). Or, you can use it for vocals.

As for midi or not...there is no good DAW out there that doesn't support it in some rudementary way and the new Sonar has been compared by several published musicians I know as being compeition for Logic and Pro Tools (we all hate cubase for some reason). And the Presonus card he talked about had it, the plugs are on the "dongle."

Also, do you use Vista? A lot of audio stuff really hates Vista. I talked to a Presonus rep the other day and he was talking about how much of a hassle it's been getting their stuff to work.