Recording Gear Advice

[Vier]

Hey KVR. I'm looking for some recording gear. I have around a $16oo budget. I'm wanting to record some bands around here ranging in size from 1-6 people. There's mostly more death metal/"Hardcore" and rap around here but I'll be making more electronic and rock on the side (which is more what I'd rather focus on.) I was thinking about getting
- Reference Headphones
- Headphone amp (kit?)
- Tascam us-1800
- Drum Mic Kit
- mic stand set

I've been looking at some Headphones online and I've been looking at the Sony 7520s, which I would like but I have concerns that the design of how the earpads are shaped would effect the comfort level. I've also looked at the DT-880s, but I've been reading that open headphones have less bass than a closed might.

Am I missing anything and any suggestions?

[DSPDiva]

1) For headphones, look at the Sennheiser HD 280's. I've used them a lot for recording and overall, they're pretty comfortable.
2) Headphone amp: will you be recording in the same room or a separate room? if you're in the same room, the headphone out of your interface should be enough.
3) Interface: there are plenty of other options out there that are better, even at that price. I'm not a fan of tascam stuff.
4) Drum mic kit: how many mics are we talking about? There are a couple of good kits out there like the shure kit and the Audix pack. For best results, look into an extra pair of overheads because usually the packs have crappy ones.
5) Mic stands are easy, there are tons to choose from.

And another thing you should look for are a set of monitors, unless you already have some.

[thecontrolcentre]

2) Headphone amp: will you be recording in the same room or a separate room? if you're in the same room, the headphone out of your interface should be enough.

If only this was true. In the last couple of weeks I've been recording drummers. The headphone out from my NI AK1 was completely inadequate. Even when using an electronic kit, the drummer (all of whom are deaf imho) needed more volume. I will be buying a headphone amp soon.

As far as mics go ... I have a set of Shure Beta drum mics including 2 x Beta 27, 3 x Beta 98A MP, 2 xBeta 181 (with 4 spare heads) and a Beta 91A boundary condenser mic. The kit includes a line to USB convertor. For vocals and acoustic instruments I use a Shure PG42.
Can't reccommend them highly enough.

[Vier]

2) Headphone amp: will you be recording in the same room or a separate room? if you're in the same room, the headphone out of your interface should be enough.
3) Interface: there are plenty of other options out there that are better, even at that price. I'm not a fan of tascam stuff.
4) Drum mic kit: how many mics are we talking about? There are a couple of good kits out there like the shure kit and the Audix pack. For best results, look into an extra pair of overheads because usually the packs have crappy ones.
And another thing you should look for are a set of monitors, unless you already have some.

2) Probably same room due to space limitations. Thought it would be nice for the people being recorded. The more I think about it, unless I got a pair of phones that needed boosting, it seems like a luxury. True?
3)Yeah, but they don't have as many inputs as I've seen, which is why I chose the tascam. Do you have any examples?
4) I was looking at some 7 piece kits, but to be honest a five piece set wouldn't be too horrible.

[xoxos]

at 1600 i wouldn't get too fancy with the headphones, they'll probably see some wear if you've got traffic. i've had a few pairs of akgs (current is k44 iirc around $50) that were sturdy and sound decent. perhaps some cheapies and one or two better pairs (different enclosures for different ppl? sometimes a singer has a cold and an over-ear gives them more confidence et c.) would be apt. maybe there are brands that have a trimmer on the cord which may save some stretching/communication.

mic stands, try used. helps to add that air of credibility

it's been ages since i bought mics, the way i remember it is in the late 90's there were lots of "chinese produced" knock-offs, the result was that it was suddenly possible to get decent mics for cheap. maybe things have changed in the last several years. having a good assortment of types would be an asset.. eg. a ribbon, a plate, some nasty electrets on hand. having different pres will give creative options.

heard the oktava paired mk012s are good for overhead.

[DSPDiva]

2) Probably same room due to space limitations. Thought it would be nice for the people being recorded. The more I think about it, unless I got a pair of phones that needed boosting, it seems like a luxury. True?
3)Yeah, but they don't have as many inputs as I've seen, which is why I chose the tascam. Do you have any examples?
4) I was looking at some 7 piece kits, but to be honest a five piece set wouldn't be too horrible.

2) Exactly, you can control the headphone mix from the interface and it'll be the same. It's not necessary
3) Look into a Focusrite 18i6. 8 XLR ins, headphone mix, etc. same price. Better pres and conversion.
4) I can mic a drum kit with 5 mics (mono overhead, kick, snare and 2 toms and many other ways too.) Like I said tho, might want to invest in a nice overhead mic so you can get a good overall picture of the drums.

[thecontrolcentre]

A decent kick drum mic makes a lot of difference too ...

[Vier]

at 1600 i wouldn't get too fancy with the headphones, they'll probably see some wear if you've got traffic. i've had a few pairs of akgs (current is k44 iirc around $50) that were sturdy and sound decent. perhaps some cheapies and one or two better pairs (different enclosures for different ppl? sometimes a singer has a cold and an over-ear gives them more confidence et c.) would be apt. maybe there are brands that have a trimmer on the cord which may save some stretching/communication.

mic stands, try used. helps to add that air of credibility

it's been ages since i bought mics, the way i remember it is in the late 90's there were lots of "chinese produced" knock-offs, the result was that it was suddenly possible to get decent mics for cheap. maybe things have changed in the last several years. having a good assortment of types would be an asset.. eg. a ribbon, a plate, some nasty electrets on hand. having different pres will give creative options.

I'm a little surprised at your suggestion for headphones sir xoxos. Wouldn't I need some reference headphones for mixing? I'd be using them more at home.

I've already tried looking for used around here, but it's just cheaper to buy a ten pack for ~$100.

Can you remember a brand name or anything for the knock offs? I wouldn't mind some chinese tech in my arsenal.

heard the oktava paired mk012s are good for overhead.

I might just have to buy these.

2) Exactly, you can control the headphone mix from the interface and it'll be the same. It's not necessary

Yes, but it would be for multiple people listening in on the same mix while playing. Any alternative to this?

3) Look into a Focusrite 18i6. 8 XLR ins, headphone mix, etc. same price. Better pres and conversion.

I'm not quite sure where those 8 XLR inputs are. All the pictures I'm looking at just looks like it has 6 1/4 in back and two on the front.



thecontrolcentre: Can you suggest any decent drum mics?


I think I have a pretty good idea what I'm going for now except for a kick mic and maybe a possible alternative for a tascam 1800 if there is one (If I'm not missing anything)

[DSPDiva]

3) Look into a Focusrite 18i6. 8 XLR ins, headphone mix, etc. same price. Better pres and conversion.

I'm not quite sure where those 8 XLR inputs are. All the pictures I'm looking at just looks like it has 6 1/4 in back and two on the front.
[/quote]

Sorry, I meant the Focusrite 18i20. 8 pres, not 4

[thecontrolcentre]

thecontrolcentre: Can you suggest any decent drum mics?

I already did in my first post ... the Shure BETA series. The kick mic I'm using is the Beta 52A. The overhead condensors Beta 27 can also be used for vocals, guitars, percussion, etc.

[bedjka]

For bang for the buck headphones,
[url]http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-hd668b/
the Samson SR850 is its clone with better confort.

[whyterabbyt]

For bang for the buck headphones,
http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-hd668b/
the Samson SR850 is its clone with better confort.

quoted because Im not seeing his post, in case its the same for other people (its an unclosed URL tag thats caused it I think)

[bedjka]

Quality low cost studio headphones, Samson SR850, SR950 for the closed version.

[DSPDiva]

Have you decided on anything yet?