Hi everyone,
TL;DR: Want to record a full band at rehearsal space. Need advice mostly on reasonably priced, decent 8-channel interface/preamps with ADAT + USB/FW.
Recently two things happened:
- we moved to a bigger rehearsal place
- my old Zoom R16 crapped out
So, I've got space and a need to get a new interface / recording solution. I've always fancied the thought of having a rehearsal space equipped for live recording with a full band - I've got no intention to get a pro level studio thing going on or to render services to others, so it's all for fun (even though with a more serious twist). Looks like now would be a good time to go for it, and I'd appreciate your thoughts on my plan. The usual setup is drums (two toms), bass, two guitars. Occasionally vocals + backing voc. + synth as well. Mainly rock/metal/pop stuff.
I'd like to go with a solution that's expandable, so I'm thinking rack gear + computer (Mac + Logic):
- Motu 8 Pre USB (or something similar, need help on this one)
- Behringer Ultragain ADA8200 for the ADAT expansion (at least for the start)
... should get me what I need. I can get the Ultragain from a friend for a good price and I've heard it's pretty decent for the low price tag. So, this should get me 16 channels with decent preamps and XLR/hybrid inputs.
As for the mics, I'm thinking (* = got them/getting them soon anyway):
- Overheads - Audix ADX51*
- Kick - Sennheiser e602ii*
- Snare - Audix i5 / SM57*
- Toms - Sennheiser e604
- Vocals - Audix OM3 (live), Rode NT2A* (solo, room mic, general use)
- a bunch of SM57's for guitars/bass etc.
These are mics that I'm familiar with (have used or have recommendations), and IMO this would provide me with set fit for both recording and live, if necessary. I already have some of the mics (ADX51's, Rode nt2a, some SM57's) and I'll be able to buy some of the missing ones (e602ii, some SM57's) from the guy mentioned above as he's moving abroad in a bit. The missing tom mics would probably be the last on the list to obtain, as would the OM3. In any case, my priority right now is the interface, I can expand the mic collection in a longer timeframe.
Here's the rub:
1. This is my first venture into rack gear. I know I need a primary interface with 8 XLR ins with decent preamps, ADAT and USB/FW, but I'm not familiar with my options. The Motu was a recommendation, but I'd appreciate your input here. The Motu is at the absolute limit of my budget with a price of 520e (new, Thomann). Something a bit less expensive would be great. Most of the interfaces on the local used market either don't seem to fit the bill, or are pro-level with a pro-level price tag.
One other option (if I'm not wrong) would be to get a mixer with the 8 inputs, ADAT + USB/FW and then the Ultragain, but I have no idea on those. Also, we already have a nice mixer (which lacks the adat + computer connectivity, tho), so adding gear vs. replacing it sounds a bit more tempting. Got a recommendation to stay away from M-Audio due to poor support / short product lifecycle.
2. Are there any obvious issues with my plan? Would I be better off with something totally different?
Thanks for the read, and for any advice as well
PS. Budget: the lowest you can get decent & reliable gear for
- main interface/pre: 300-500€, tops
- preamp expansion: will get for cheap
- mics: max. 150€ / mic, depending on mic. For reference, SM57's go for 70-80€ used here, 120€ or so new.
PPS. If it matters for gear recommendation etc., I'm located in Europe (Finland).
TL;DR: Want to record a full band at rehearsal space. Need advice mostly on reasonably priced, decent 8-channel interface/preamps with ADAT + USB/FW.
Recently two things happened:
- we moved to a bigger rehearsal place
- my old Zoom R16 crapped out
So, I've got space and a need to get a new interface / recording solution. I've always fancied the thought of having a rehearsal space equipped for live recording with a full band - I've got no intention to get a pro level studio thing going on or to render services to others, so it's all for fun (even though with a more serious twist). Looks like now would be a good time to go for it, and I'd appreciate your thoughts on my plan. The usual setup is drums (two toms), bass, two guitars. Occasionally vocals + backing voc. + synth as well. Mainly rock/metal/pop stuff.
I'd like to go with a solution that's expandable, so I'm thinking rack gear + computer (Mac + Logic):
- Motu 8 Pre USB (or something similar, need help on this one)
- Behringer Ultragain ADA8200 for the ADAT expansion (at least for the start)
... should get me what I need. I can get the Ultragain from a friend for a good price and I've heard it's pretty decent for the low price tag. So, this should get me 16 channels with decent preamps and XLR/hybrid inputs.
As for the mics, I'm thinking (* = got them/getting them soon anyway):
- Overheads - Audix ADX51*
- Kick - Sennheiser e602ii*
- Snare - Audix i5 / SM57*
- Toms - Sennheiser e604
- Vocals - Audix OM3 (live), Rode NT2A* (solo, room mic, general use)
- a bunch of SM57's for guitars/bass etc.
These are mics that I'm familiar with (have used or have recommendations), and IMO this would provide me with set fit for both recording and live, if necessary. I already have some of the mics (ADX51's, Rode nt2a, some SM57's) and I'll be able to buy some of the missing ones (e602ii, some SM57's) from the guy mentioned above as he's moving abroad in a bit. The missing tom mics would probably be the last on the list to obtain, as would the OM3. In any case, my priority right now is the interface, I can expand the mic collection in a longer timeframe.
Here's the rub:
1. This is my first venture into rack gear. I know I need a primary interface with 8 XLR ins with decent preamps, ADAT and USB/FW, but I'm not familiar with my options. The Motu was a recommendation, but I'd appreciate your input here. The Motu is at the absolute limit of my budget with a price of 520e (new, Thomann). Something a bit less expensive would be great. Most of the interfaces on the local used market either don't seem to fit the bill, or are pro-level with a pro-level price tag.
One other option (if I'm not wrong) would be to get a mixer with the 8 inputs, ADAT + USB/FW and then the Ultragain, but I have no idea on those. Also, we already have a nice mixer (which lacks the adat + computer connectivity, tho), so adding gear vs. replacing it sounds a bit more tempting. Got a recommendation to stay away from M-Audio due to poor support / short product lifecycle.
2. Are there any obvious issues with my plan? Would I be better off with something totally different?
Thanks for the read, and for any advice as well
PS. Budget: the lowest you can get decent & reliable gear for
- main interface/pre: 300-500€, tops
- preamp expansion: will get for cheap
- mics: max. 150€ / mic, depending on mic. For reference, SM57's go for 70-80€ used here, 120€ or so new.
PPS. If it matters for gear recommendation etc., I'm located in Europe (Finland).
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