Building Budget Studio - What To Get?, What should I get for a studio on a budget? Options

[menace23]

I'm getting some money in a month or two here, and was going to put together a little project studio. So far I've got some cheap (but usable) monitors, a Nord Lead 2x keyboard, and a 2 port motu midi interface. I'm going with Ableton live for the software (I've already got Reason 3, and the vanguard plugin). What software or hardware should I get? The presonus firebox looks nice; what do you guys recommend? thanks

[aportman]

You have excellent software to record with. I, too, use Ableton Live, along with Cubsae SX3 and Reason 3.0. Some of the most important components to consider, is decent mid-level powered near-field monitors, good quality mics, and, if possible, upper-end mic pre-amps. These items will make a world of difference in the results of the end-product. I have a home studio, which I have built over the last 5 years, using Presonus and Trident preamps. I have a small Presonus Tube-Prepamp, which I paid around a ~100.00 bucks for, and I use this preamp for when I need some amped-up quick. I used it today at a location away from my studio to record a B3 Hammond organ track for a project, and it sounded great. This is the preamp that is easy to pack-up and carry anywhere easy. I use it often for this reason, connecting it direct to my G4 Mac laptop. For the money, it is an incredible sounding preamp.

Near field monitors are a critical component of the final audio mix. I recommend the KR5's for a smaller studio. I do my final mixes on the dynaudio's, and they are fantastic. I also mix on Behringers (Truth B2031A) monitors, mainly to give me a different perspective on mixdowns. I do not believe these are available anymore, but they do offer a relative true mix for the money. May can find some used ones on ebay.

I also have a Presonus 600 ADL Pre Amp, which if you can afford, and are planning to do some serious stuff, I highly recommend. This is one bad news preamp. I run almost most everything through this preamp. I also have a Trident Preamp, but mainly use it for bass guitar and vocals. It has little more warmer, and a much more vnitage sound to it.

Mics that I use and have great success with are the following. These are all excellent mics, with only the 414 costing a pretty penny. The others coast around 200.00 to 350.00, and produce excellent results.

Rhodes NT5's
Rhodes NTK
Rhodes NT2's
Rhodes NT4 (Stereo)
ShureKSM 27
AKG 414's
AKG MD421 (Bass Cabinet & Toms)
Audix - Drum Mics
SM57 ( Never lets me down)


I hope this gives you some information to base future purchases on. Whatever you do, do not cut corners on these three (3) vital components when setting up your studio. I would have saved a ton on money, if I would have went ahead and spent a little extra money in the first place and started with higher-end recording equipment.

Good Luck!!!

Allen