Setting Up A Studio, Questions, please help Options

[DannyMac]

Hello to everybody on the forum at first. I'm very glad that I found this site.

I'm currently working as a Dj and want to set up a private recording studio for myself to produce mainly electronical music (UK Garage/ 2 Step, House, Downbeat...a little bit of Bhangra).

I haven't had any experiences with a mac but definalely want to get one for producing because I've heard from many sides that mac's the only choice for proper media- quality.

So what do I exactely need for a good private studio?

- Mac (which one?) Is the 1,8 GH enough?
- Logic? Or is Garageband enough?
- Do I need something else? Like Keyboard, Mixer, Interfaces...

I would be very thankful if someone could help me because I've currently no idea because there are so many opportunities if you're getting started.

Cheers
Dan

[lepetitmartien]

The G5 will do fine (I've got he first generation mono 1,8). Plenty of power. Check second hand, there are some deals right now (collect and verify the G5 in person, no money till you've seen the G5 and tried it).

If you have the money, I'd stay away from M-Audio/Edirol stuff if I were you, we have regularly people coming in for setting up problems.

Now, if you're tight… prefer M-Audio. Check about the 410 here for eventual problems.

Evolution (even if property of M-audio) seems to work fine (controller keyboards)
RME makes great audio interfaces
MOTU MIDI just works (even if after-sales/upgrade policies on software s…s)

The trouble with audio interface is you need to touch the semi-pro/pro market to meet some next to/no fuss peripherals

Be aware that the fact a product is sold on the Applestore doesn't mean it'll work perfectly, it's a trade deal. And sometimes it's less expensive elsewhere…

One thing you don't have to bother too much are preamps, you'll have one on most interfaces, and they are at least decent now. If you need something better, you'll use a separated preamp to match the mic.

For mics: it's better to have a few, but you can start with one, it you treat mics well they will endure. SM57 are general workhorse, and there's plenty of cool mics from Rode, Studio Project (C1) and SE Electronics (SE2200) to start with. Start with one or 2 all rounder. Buy a stand and a pop shield! (especially for condenser mics)

You must be able to monitor too… think about it (avoid M-audio and similar)

There are some threads here in the getting started and other other forums which could help you too.

(btw, nice avatar