First Home Studio

Rexsblues · #1 12-11-2018, 08:42 PM

Hi all. I'm looking to put together my first home studio. I don't need anything elaborate, as I'm simply a folk singer/songwriter looking to make some recordings to put on Bandcamp. What gear would you recommend I start with? I need a basic interface so I can record acoustic guitar/banjo and vocals at the same time, as well as microphones. I'm looking at both the MXL 990/991 pack and the Shure SM57. The only computer I have is my laptop, which is a 2017 Macbook (not the macbook pro). I have no problem using Garageband. All advice and suggestions welcome!

MikeBmusic · #2 12-12-2018, 07:28 AM

What's your budget? There are several audio interfaces with 2 inputs in the $150 price range.
Nothing wrong with an SM57, and if you are tracking both guitar and vocal at the same time, it will have less bleed than a condenser mic, but there is a loss of high frequency definition compared to most condensors.

JakeStone · #3 12-12-2018, 08:19 AM

I have been "dabbling" in recording in my home for a few years.. Below are some of my ideas and product picks.

Be sure to check out the All-In-One recorders... Like the Zoom H4n Pro ... Very versatile and compact unit.. with built-in mics, Usb interface, SD Memory Card, 2 inputs for external mics or instruments. ($200).

For interface - I use the Behringer UMC204HD ($90).. This is comparable to the popular Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($149). Can't go wrong with either model.

Monitors... Headphones.. You may already have or budget $ will dictate what to get. I use the JBL 305 small studio monitors $200) and Tascam headphones that I bought on sale at GC for like $30.

Mics... Again your budget and recording technique will help choose. I have the MXL 990 (got years ago when I started ). But recently, I bought a Audio-Technica AT2035 (They run about $130 on sale). It sounds noticeable better than the MXL.. So again if budget allows.. consider better mics. Also the Audio-Tech AT2020 for $99 gets lots of positive reviews.

Johnny K · #4 12-12-2018, 08:38 AM

I've done pretty much what Jake above me has said. I have a 404 instead of a 202. It was an upgrade from a Scarlett Solo which has pretty decent preamp and it came with a register-able version of Ableton Live Lite 9 Daw. For what i use it for it does well and has for about a year now.

You might want check this out...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...BR6zGgZBERGktx

You can do a lot with one pre-amp.

I did this with just a guitar cable directly plugged into a Scarlett Solo. My 90's vintage Seagull Spruce Deluxe (aka Scarface) has a Fishman piezio bridge pickup. Forgive the sloppy play, I'm still trying to get this under my fingers.

https://soundcloud.com/john-krawczyk...o-clip/s-MmZsn

You can see how nice the free DAW is. Live lite gives you up to 12 channels and 2 sends. More than I need. And they give you some good compression, EQ and some modulation plug-ins. I used a little reverb and delay on this thru the sends so I get dry and wet output to the master.

I need to really learn about gain staging.

KevWind · #5 12-12-2018, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexsblues

Hi all. I'm looking to put together my first home studio. I don't need anything elaborate, as I'm simply a folk singer/songwriter looking to make some recordings to put on Bandcamp. What gear would you recommend I start with? I need a basic interface so I can record acoustic guitar/banjo and vocals at the same time, as well as microphones. I'm looking at both the MXL 990/991 pack and the Shure SM57. The only computer I have is my laptop, which is a 2017 Macbook (not the macbook pro). I have no problem using Garageband. All advice and suggestions welcome!

'
Unfortunately " I don't need anything elaborate" is too vague to answer the real question ( because simple basic and stark can still run anywhere from a few hundred $ to upwards of $ 10k - 20 k ... as Mike B asked what is your budget range.
Also what are the actual specs of your Macbook (which may be just fine )

DCCougar · #6 12-12-2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexsblues

....so I can record acoustic guitar/banjo and vocals at the same time....

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

...Be sure to check out the All-In-One recorders... Like the Zoom H4n Pro ... Very versatile and compact unit.. with built-in mics, Usb interface, SD Memory Card, 2 inputs for external mics or instruments. ($200)....

So no multitracking? Then Jake's suggestion makes sense. I'm sure plenty of folks record guitar and vocals at the same time, but I'd get the interface and record them into garageband (or cubase elements, in my case) separately. Gives you more control over the mix.

Mooh · #7 12-12-2018, 10:20 AM

I did a reasonably presentable CD this year with nothing more than a Blue Yeti microphone and Garageband for recording gear. Mind you, I've got a good home studio room, great instruments, and some experience with recording in larger studios. Mic placement, arrangements, and making the best use of Garageband's abilities (NO pitch correction) is key. The Yeti mic has four diaphragm options, which makes it more versatile than most mics in its price range.

jschmitz54 · #8 12-12-2018, 11:05 PM

Hi Rex
I’m doing the same thing you are. I’ve made my first purchases based mostly on reviews, recommendations and my own research. Then I waited for sales. I was able to get a Steinberg UR22 mkII for $99 on a cyber Monday deal at MF.
I also purchased a pair of JBL 305P studio monitors for $89 each also cyber Monday at MF.
Steinberg is owned by Yamaha and this 2 in 2 out interface seems to have good pres and also a midi. Scarlets and Presonus didn’t offer the midi feature at this level of interface. Even though I won’t use the midi feature immediately it seems like a very good option to have available for the future. It also comes with cube software and will work well with an iPad, MacBook or a Mac desktop I’m told.
The JBLs were the best reviewed monitors in the price range that I found so I thought they were a bargain at the price I found.
I’ve yet to decide on a mic but have decided to go with a condenser. I’m thinking of stepping up from the $100 starting price point to something in the low $200 range. It seems like you get a product that will sound better and maybe save me some dollars in the long run because I won’t be looking to upgrade.. Looking at the Rode NT1 and the Roswell Mini k47. The mic thing could change because I’m a bit of a bargain hunter and will take a good deal to get more value for my dollars.
The final piece for me to get started will be a set of headphones and I’m not settled on anything there yet.
In addition there are mike stands, cables and soundproofing material for the studio.
My approach is to focus on one thing at a time, be patient and look for the best value. Delayed gratification I guess. I enjoy the reasearch and the bargain hunting.
One thing another recommended here is the Zoom all in one recorder. I didn’t go that route but many really seem to like the simplicity of the all in one unit. Easy to use and seems like good quality.
Good luck in your search.