Minimum Gear Requirements for a starter studio?

zachoff · #1 01-17-2011, 12:06 PM

Thinking something where you could record a demo for your band or for others. Don't need a list of brands or anything. Just components (monitors, 5 piece drum mic set, etc.) Thanks!

thombo · #2 01-17-2011, 01:07 PM

my band has a small demo setup. it's pretty much things we've thrown together over time; nothing amazing, but we've gotten better results than some studios i've been to. from what i can gather (and i am not an expert), it seems to be more about know how to use what you have.

cheap software- reaper... www.reaper.fm
presonus 8 input firestudio
sure sm57 & sennheiser e609 (great for high volume) for guitar
di for bass (either from my head, or bddi pedal), and occasionally mic a cab (still haven't found a good mic for this)
AKG big 2 drum mic pac & an sm57 on the snare
we also have a few sm58 for vox if we ever use them
for monitors, we have some good headphone, and two mackie srm350's... they are just our rehearsal monitors, but they get the job done.

MNAirHead · #3 01-17-2011, 01:12 PM

USB interface (with live/recorded mix)
Microphone
old laptop with audacity.

------

I own very expensive gear.. my last band demo was done with only the stuff above, turned out nicer than my $2000 demo....

We had it done in about 3 hours tops...

Much of it is in the technique.. more of it is in the planning.

Tim

zachoff · #4 01-18-2011, 12:41 PM

I already have Reaper, a TonePort and a couple mics... I'm thinking something along the lines of a bare minimum pro setup.

Kipaste · #5 01-18-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachoff

I already have Reaper, a TonePort and a couple mics... I'm thinking something along the lines of a bare minimum pro setup.

Bare minimum pro setup? That doesn't make much sense to me as to me pro would be something way abowe bare minimum. Also there is no telling what the bare minimun is for your group as that depends completely on the group. Three piece rock trio or a gospel choir? Do you wan't the audio processed when it's going in (or by re-amping) or do you wan't to do it with software? There are just too many variables.

Unless you're rich, I wouldn't recommend aiming for pro at this time. That would run you waaayyyy past just a couple of grand and if you aren't professional with the gear it still wouldn't do you much good.

Just do your research when buying budget gear, there are some gems hidden in there. If you know what you're doing, you can get great results.

And when recording instruments, do not overlook the room. In fact, it's one of the most important factors. Same goes for mixing the instruments. There is not much point having great studio monitors if the room messes up what the speakers pump out.

But to give some recommendations on what you might possibly need, you could answer these:

What instruments are to be recorded?
Group or single takes?
Software or hardware processing?
Budget?

zachoff · #6 01-19-2011, 09:28 AM

The budget is what I'm trying to figure out & all of the gear will be gotten piece by piece. I'm basically just looking for a list of stuff that I'll need to record bands.

Probably rock bands.
Probably no more than 5 members.
I'd rather not do the processing/eqing/etc with software.
Both group and single takes.
Rock instruments.

BassesForTheWin · #7 01-23-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thombo

my band has a small demo setup. it's pretty much things we've thrown together over time; nothing amazing, but we've gotten better results than some studios i've been to. from what i can gather (and i am not an expert), it seems to be more about know how to use what you have.

cheap software- reaper... www.reaper.fm
presonus 8 input firestudio
sure sm57 & sennheiser e609 (great for high volume) for guitar
di for bass (either from my head, or bddi pedal), and occasionally mic a cab (still haven't found a good mic for this)
AKG big 2 drum mic pac & an sm57 on the snare
we also have a few sm58 for vox if we ever use them
for monitors, we have some good headphone, and two mackie srm350's... they are just our rehearsal monitors, but they get the job done.

Im actualy think about getting Reaper (insted of FL or Garage Band), now could you plug in your instrument (bass, guitar, electronic drums) into the laptop and record those instruments on Reaper and use them?

prd004 · #8 01-23-2011, 10:29 AM

Buy the book "Musicians Guide To Home Recording" the best piece of gear you can purchase.

Endless, simple information on recording methods/techniques for all the instruments plus all the basics on room acoustics tricks.

All simple, basic, and helpfull! It will help you more than any mic, software, or hardware.

zachoff · #9 01-24-2011, 09:36 AM

Awesome, thanks.

Standalone · #10 01-24-2011, 10:02 AM

I use a firepod (aka older firestudio).

The firewire allows me to take 8 simultaneous tracks.

1- 3 ( or 4) on drums- Kick and 2 OH's equidistant from the snare and kick (snare mic is last to add-- with well placed OH's and a good drummer, you can get very listenable drums with 3 mics.

4 Vox / Sax one or the other recorded first time through, or both mixed to same input down to one track and split later. -- in Jazz, vocals and sax can take turns.

5 Bass DI

6 Guitar direct from pre

7&8 Stereo Keys

Sax or Vox behind some moving blankets to keep out of the drum mics

One headphone amplifier with everyone on 'phones.

http://www.waterfrontjazzproject.com/songs_.html