Upgrading my "studio" rig

[jmone]

So I'm doing a lot more home recordings lately and thinking of upping my game.

I've preferred the tone from micing my Aguilar DB112 with a Shure SM57 and have that blended with the DI out of my Aguilar DB751.

I'm thinking I'll keep a similar setup with Micing + DI unless specifically asked not to, but I'm wondering if I should look to upgrade either the DI or the Mic or both? I'm assuming the SM57 is the weak-link but is it better to have a good solid DI?

I've heard demos of the Reddi DI and it sounds fantastic, but I would have to A/B it to the DB751 to actually see if it's a noticeable upgrade. There's too many factors to take into account from a demo online.

In terms of mics, I really don't know what else is out there, I've only really ever tried the SM57? Happy to look at some recommendations or even on a more broad level like mic type, or manufacturers.

 

[And I]

Depending on your audio interface, the mic preamp and A/D converter is probably the weak link, but it may not be worth upgrading, as a significant upgrade to either of those means big bucks. If you like the tone and it blends well with the things you need to mix it with, you're good.

An SM57 blended with a DI is a completely legit way to go. The 57 starts to roll off at about 100hz, but the proximity effect will help reinforce that low end if the mic is close to the speaker. not to mention you have all the low end you need from the DI out on the amp. The sm57 will get you the sound of the speaker cab to mix in. Would a different mic sound different? Sure. Will it be better? Maybe, maybe not.

 

[jmone]

Depending on your audio interface, the mic preamp and A/D converter is probably the weak link, but it may not be worth upgrading, as a significant upgrade to either of those means big bucks. If you like the tone and it blends well with the things you need to mix it with, you're good.

An SM57 blended with a DI is a completely legit way to go. The 57 starts to roll off at about 100hz, but the proximity effect will help reinforce that low end if the mic is close to the speaker. not to mention you have all the low end you need from the DI out on the amp. The sm57 will get you the sound of the speaker cab to mix in. Would a different mic sound different? Sure. Will it be better? Maybe, maybe not.

Thanks for the reply! I’m using an Arturia Audiofuse for my interface which I’ve heard is “good” from reviews but it’s really hard to know because I don’t have a way to compare it to any other interfaces - same goes for the rest of the gear.

 

[And I]

I haven't heard of that brand but it looks like somewhere between high end pro-sumer and entry level pro gear. I think you can apply the rule of "sounds good = is good" and keep on keeping on.

 

[DirtDog]

Thanks for the reply! I’m using an Arturia Audiofuse for my interface which I’ve heard is “good” from reviews but it’s really hard to know because I don’t have a way to compare it to any other interfaces - same goes for the rest of the gear.

If Arturia's intefaces are built anything like thier Brute series of synths, you're definitely in "pretty good" territory. The defining quality features of any audio interface is the preamp and AD/DA converters. You may be able to detect the quality of the preamp with your ears, but you'd be guessing on the converters.