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Post by fishbeiner on Dec 16, 2018 11:29:29 GMT -7
I’ve dabbled in music production over the years and now I’m looking into getting a more permanent setup at my home.
I’ll be setting everything up in one of our spare rooms. This will be a dedicated studio/office space. The room is approximately 12x10.
Music will be mainly guitar oriented rock.
I’ll be working with an iMac. Have been using GarageBand but looking into other options. Most likely it will be either Logic or Reaper.
I started years ago with an old Tascam 424, moved to a basic M-Audio interface, and most recently to an Apogee Duet. The Duet is now gone, so an interface will be my first step. Have done some audio production back in the late 90’s in college as well, mostly using 1/4” reel to reel.
As far as mics, I’ve got an SM57 and an AT4040 at hand, so I will need at least two mic preamps. I’d like to have the ability to expand, as I’d eventually like to be able to use the equipment to record a band.
I’m willing to spend a little bit more to have better equipment that will see me through some growth and expansion.
Interfaces I’ve been looking at includethe following:
- Focusrite 8pre - Focusrite 8preX - PreSonus Quantum - PreSonus Quantum 2 - Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII Quad
As I’ve been mainly using a set of headphones for recording, I’d also like to get a good set of monitors as well. I’ve been considering these:
- Adam a5x - Eve sc205
I think that’s all I’d need for the time being. I’d like to stay within the price ranges of the mentioned products for now. I know growth is inevitable and I’d like to consider that in my choices as well.
Looking for thoughts, advice, perspective and/or guidance from anyone willing to share.
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Post by GuitarZ on Dec 16, 2018 14:50:15 GMT -7
My old maudio delta 1010 is still chugging along, so I'm more interested in the advice that you get (if it dies) vs being able to provide advice. However, I did a few quick internet searches on your gear, and I'd say you're on a good track. Those interfaces are all good quality along with the monitors. You should have some fun. Good luck!
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Post by fishbeiner on Dec 16, 2018 17:58:55 GMT -7
I’ve done a lot of hunting online and it’s made my decision very difficult.
At first I was thinking hard about the UA Twin, but all of the talk about the UA ecosystem makes me a bit nervous. Especially with what I feel is a high cost for what you are getting. Maybe I’m wrong, but it just seems that you get a bit more with the other interfaces.
Once I started branching out on my search, I really liked the Clarett. Lots of functionality for the price. The air function is enticing, and the channel controls on the front of the 8preX seem to be very convenient. The only thing I didn’t care for at first was the fact that there was only one Thunderbolt port, which became a bonus on either of the PreSonus pieces. As I read on, I saw that a few people mentioned some noise/popping issues, along with a customer support service system that didn’t seem all that helpful or successful in solving certain problems.
While researching the Clarett, I started to read about the PreSonus Quantum and Quantum 2. I really liked the Quantum 2, as this gave me most of what I wanted at a much lower price point. Only downside for me seemed to be only one set of headphone outs on the unit. I know, an issue with a workaround, and it really shouldn’t bother me.
That was when I really started to bring the Quantum into consideration. Not that the one set of headphone outs was a dealbreaker, heck, I may be recording myself solo for a while and that may not come into play for some time. Either way, the Quantum seems to be similar to the Clarett 8pre, but it covers my concern with the second TB port. I believe there is some extra functionality not available on the Clarett as well.
I did have a conversation with my Sweetwater rep. He seemed to imply that the UA was somewhat better quality with better support and better software. He suggested that PreSonus, being a smaller company, might not be able to follow through or keep up with drivers and support for software in the future. He did say that the “air” function on the Clarett was nice, but nothing much else about it. In a way I felt pushed towards the Apollo Twin, but I’m not so sure. Is it really that much better? Are his points valid, or should I not care about the points he mentioned.
One comment I read really sticks with me. It was something to the effect of what recording tech we have available to us now is better than most of what we had available that recorded a majority or records 20 years ago. If that truly is the case, then I should be able to choose any of these and it will give me plenty of space to learn and grow for the foreseeable future.
Feel like I’m rambling. I hate being indecisive...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 19:04:08 GMT -7
I upgraded the speakers in my home rig last year. We have larger ADAMs at my recording studio (link in signature) that I really love. EVE Audio and HEDD are both companies that were started by former designers from ADAM.
I ended up getting the EVE sc205s for my home and they have been terrific.
I help people with home studios a lot. The Focusrite stuff is a good value and works pretty good/sounds good but it does not compare with what you can do once you are in the UA platform.
The UA interface is much more than just that. It's got a processor to run their plugins (rather than them running off of your computer) which are my favorites in the entire industry. They are a great company. I have an Apollo at home and a Octo card at the studio.
The UA is about the only rig that lets you apply plugins as you are recording. That's huge.
Can't really compare the Focusrites to the US interfaces because all of the UA ones have so much more power.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Dec 16, 2018 19:17:45 GMT -7
I think a big driver in selecting recording equipment these days is having a good understanding of what and how you anticipate you’ll be recording. That is, what instruments, how many and what kind of vocals, will you do a lot of overdubs and/or layers, etc. This will give you an idea of how many simultaneous inputs and pre’s you’ll need, and how many tracks you may have per song. I think for any DAW (Logic, Protools, etc.) the key is how many tracks you’ll be using and how many plugins you’ll use. These criteria will often drive you to the right DAW. Choosing mics is a little like choosing amps - you’ll get tons of opinions. I think a couple good dynamic mics (sm57/58), a couple large diaphragm condensers, and maybe a ribbon or other more “specialty” mic will cover the waterfront. If you’re going to record live drums you’ve got a whole other mic and input issue to deal with.
It is true even average gear today is light years better and more versatile than what was used for all the “classic” records. Knowing HOW to use the gear is now the real key, IMHO. I’d start looking at key interviews with engineers on records you like and see what they do. There’s lots of great info out there.
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Post by fishbeiner on Dec 16, 2018 20:39:59 GMT -7
Eric, would you suggest saving some cash and starting out with the Twin MkII, or splurging for the next step and get the Apollo X6?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2018 6:21:58 GMT -7
Eric, would you suggest saving some cash and starting out with the Twin MkII, or splurging for the next step and get the Apollo X6? The X6 has their new processor and new convertors. If your Mac has Thunderbolt 3 it would really deliver a whole lot of power. You can't really go wrong either way. If you buy their plugins they are transferable if you upgrade later and you an also plug in extra boxes but, yeah. As with most computer based stuff, in the long run it usually works out to get the best one you can afford. If you are buying from Sweetwater it's worth it to ask your guy if he's got an "open box" deal there. UA has sales on the plugins often during the year. They give you 14 days to try out any plugin and the demos are full function.
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Post by fishbeiner on Dec 18, 2018 15:04:46 GMT -7
I ended up opting for the Apollo x6. Figured I’d take the next step up from the Twin. That should suffice for a while with plenty of room for expansion.
As far as monitors, I chose the Adam a5x set. I was feeling the Eves, but Sweetwater does not carry them and I was trying to take advantage of their financing offer. Still not sure if I should have gone with the a7x. Room is small and basically untreated, so I figured the 5’s would best suit me, however, I’ve been reading about bass response with the speakers and that the 7’s give a bit more. My other option would be to get the set that has the two Adam a5x’s and the Sub8 woofer (At a $300 discount packaged together). These would be my first “real” monitors, and I’m sure I’ll have them for a while, so I don’t want to make a regretful choice. Wondering if the 5’s will be enough? Will I even need to consider the bass response enough in my spectrum of music to to consider the other options?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2018 15:11:49 GMT -7
I ended up opting for the Apollo x6. Figured I’d take the next step up from the Twin. That should suffice for a while with plenty of room for expansion. As far as monitors, I chose the Adam a5x set. I was feeling the Eves, but Sweetwater does not carry them and I was trying to take advantage of their financing offer. Still not sure if I should have gone with the a7x. Room is small and basically untreated, so I figured the 5’s would best suit me, however, I’ve been reading about bass response with the speakers and that the 7’s give a bit more. My other option would be to get the set that has the two Adam a5x’s and the Sub8 woofer (At a $300 discount packaged together). These would be my first “real” monitors, and I’m sure I’ll have them for a while, so I don’t want to make a regretful choice. Wondering if the 5’s will be enough? Will I even need to consider the bass response enough in my spectrum of music to to consider the other options? I'm sure you'll like the a5x's. They will be plenty. My partner at the studio bought the 7's for his home rig and ended up bringing them back 'cause they were too overpowering. I'm sure you won't need the subwoofer in a small room either. I've never seen the need for a sub with any of the ADAM speakers. When I was going back and forth between the ADAM, EVE's and HEDD's they were very, very close. All 3 have the same great ribbon tweeters. When you get the monitors make sure you set them up in an equilateral triangle to the spot you'll actually be working in (not the spot with your chair pushed back a little). Listen to a few of your favorite records for a few days with the trim controls on neutral before you mess with anything. Let me know if I can de-code some of the plugins for you after you get going. Congrats, that's a heck of a rig!
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Post by fishbeiner on Dec 18, 2018 16:30:14 GMT -7
Thanks again for all of the info, help and support. This has been sort of a dream for me since I was a kid. I’m going to say that now is the time.
The a5x set will stay.
I know there are a couple of plug-ins that come with the interface, as well as two additional ones as per their promotion. Very interested to see what else is available. Heard they do a bundle discount when you register. I guess we’ll see.
Everything should be here by next week.
I’m very excited about it.
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Post by GuitarZ on Dec 18, 2018 17:28:40 GMT -7
Enjoy Man! You'll have some fun!
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Post by "Z" Steve on Dec 18, 2018 17:35:01 GMT -7
I ended up opting for the Apollo x6. Figured I’d take the next step up from the Twin. That should suffice for a while with plenty of room for expansion. As far as monitors, I chose the Adam a5x set. I was feeling the Eves, but Sweetwater does not carry them and I was trying to take advantage of their financing offer. Still not sure if I should have gone with the a7x. Room is small and basically untreated, so I figured the 5’s would best suit me, however, I’ve been reading about bass response with the speakers and that the 7’s give a bit more. My other option would be to get the set that has the two Adam a5x’s and the Sub8 woofer (At a $300 discount packaged together). These would be my first “real” monitors, and I’m sure I’ll have them for a while, so I don’t want to make a regretful choice. Wondering if the 5’s will be enough? Will I even need to consider the bass response enough in my spectrum of music to to consider the other options? I'm sure you'll like the a5x's. They will be plenty. My partner at the studio bought the 7's for his home rig and ended up bringing them back 'cause they were too overpowering. I'm sure you won't need the subwoofer in a small room either. I've never seen the need for a sub with any of the ADAM speakers. When I was going back and forth between the ADAM, EVE's and HEDD's they were very, very close. All 3 have the same great ribbon tweeters. When you get the monitors make sure you set them up in an equilateral triangle to the spot you'll actually be working in (not the spot with your chair pushed back a little). Listen to a few of your favorite records for a few days with the trim controls on neutral before you mess with anything. Let me know if I can de-code some of the plugins for you after you get going. Congrats, that's a heck of a rig! For some reason I got a chuckle out of this - talking about buying new digital gear but listening to your favorite records to evaluate. Worlds collide Post some pic's once your are done with the studio!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2018 17:41:16 GMT -7
They are all still "records" to me
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2019 12:40:58 GMT -7
Did you do anything with your room? Treatment? If so, what did you use? I am looking at doing some more home voice work and want to get my room a little more suited to that application. It's just a small 10x12 bedroom that I house all my guitar gear in as well. It's decent in that there's not a lot of reverb in the room and I can get decent recordings but all I read and watch is articles on room treatment and the importance of having it done vs not.
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Post by fishbeiner on Jan 9, 2019 13:17:14 GMT -7
I haven’t done any type of treatment to my room at all... yet. Our house is a complete renovation, so I’m planning on something once I get to that point. I’m doing a majority of the work myself, so it might take some time. Should be enough to allow me to research a bit. Whatever I do will most likely be minimal, as the room will also function as an office as well.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2019 13:29:02 GMT -7
Right on! My room is sort of an all purpose space too...I store my music gear in there, PA, other odds and ends and my desk is in there too for recording. Too much stuff! haha.
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Post by juanka78 on Jan 9, 2019 16:09:21 GMT -7
Don’t know the prices in the U.S., but here in Europe Audient offers terrific quality for the money, check their audio interfaces, especially ID22 and ID44.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2019 13:05:19 GMT -7
GIK Acoustics and ATS both have a variety of good, effective, inexpensive treatment products that are backed up by real test data. Just remember, foam is for pillows!
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