bass264's studio build

[bass264]

So music has always been my passion and I've played various different instruments, but it wasn't until recently that I decided that I'm going to actually record and produce music. So in this thread I will post my progress so far and I'll provide updates as I get more equipment. I will post pics as soon as I get my hands on a camera.

 

[bass264]

So far I've only gotten a pair of M-Audio BX5a Deluxe and a livewire 1/8 to 2 1/4 cable, paid about $240. Next I plan to either buy a IKEY Audio M-10S V2 Active Studio subwoofer or a microphone. These monitors are amazing! Here's a quick picture from my iPhone 4:

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Wow, not bad, not bad! It really differs with what you play. For an electric instrument, you can just plug it in without a mic. Also, you will want nice room acoustics too.

 

[tlowr4]

Mmm, I must make a thread like this. I'm moving into my new house soon, and I'm doing basically exactly the same thing.

Might I make the suggestion if you have the money, buy a MacBook Pro and Logic Studio. That's the best recording program I have ever used. I do all my effects pre-program, using the effects from my mixer and other pedals and effect racks etc (I hate effects on programs). But as for editing and mixing, Logic makes it easier than ever.

 

[bass264]

Mmm, I must make a thread like this. I'm moving into my new house soon, and I'm doing basically exactly the same thing.

Might I make the suggestion if you have the money, buy a MacBook Pro and Logic Studio. That's the best recording program I have ever used. I do all my effects pre-program, using the effects from my mixer and other pedals and effect racks etc (I hate effects on programs). But as for editing and mixing, Logic makes it easier than ever.

I might be able to get a used macbook pro but I haven't decided how much I'm going to charge my friend for my instruments. I've used Logic Pro before and I really like it, but since I'm broke at the moment I might not be able to get a macbook pro.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

With music, its all what you prefer. Its a personal preference. For recording, the industry mainly uses Pro Tools. If you want help on these sorts of things, its best to ask MistaX.

 

[bass264]

I want Protools, but it costs too much. When I get a job though, I'll buy it for sure.

 

[Sach]

Do NOT get ProTools! It is utter garbage. The ONLY reason people continue to use it is because it's been around for so long.

Logic is superior in every possible way. Once you get decent at working in Logic and then try literally just about ANYTHING on ProTools, you will know exactly what I mean. I cannot think of a program that is more cumbersome or questionably designed.


Can you tell that I don't like it?

 

[bass264]

Do NOT get ProTools! It is utter garbage. The ONLY reason people continue to use it is because it's been around for so long.

Logic is superior in every possible way. Once you get decent at working in Logic and then try literally just about ANYTHING on ProTools, you will know exactly what I mean. I cannot think of a program that is more cumbersome or questionably designed.


Can you tell that I don't like it?

Haha, at the moment I'm using Cubase 5, Abelton Live, and Finale 2010.

 

[Sach]

Seriously man, ask around. See how people compare Pro Tools and Logic. They are both so expensive. I can't tell you how mad I would be if I had spent all that money on PT only to discover Logic later on.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Ask MistaX.

 

[Bigbazz]

Quite a bit of misinformation here, damn! Pro Tools is utter garbage? that is about as relevant is saying GT5 is utter garbage when you're a Forza fan. If you're already using Cubase 5 then neither Logic nor Pro Tools will really give you anything you don't already have.

Really your only limitation is your own imagination (at I suppose your collection of effects and instruments). In almost every single case the aftermarket midi instrument products (for example, Superior Drummer) are more desired than what you will get with the programs and all of the base stuff (compressors and time based effects like delay and reverb) are superb quality but the aftermarket products you want will be the same regardless of what DAW program you use.

I've used Pro Tools HD (in top of the line studio we rented in 2009) + a few versions of both Cubase and Logic. A few years ago apple bought Logic and thus it is exclusive to that platform (Cubase and Pro Tools are available on both), since I prefer using a PC and I generally really like Cubase, I use Cubase.


My advice is save your money for important things like the sound interface and the microphones you want to use, not mess around wasting money on a different DAW program that is going to do exactly the same thing as what you already have. I've used most of the ones on the market and have been to a few studios and ultimately they are all the same with different trimmings.

FWIW at home I currently run a Presonus Firestudio into my PC (I7 2600k, 16GB DDR3 ram) on Cubase 5. Most of the vocals and guitars I record with a Shure SM7B, with some vocals going through a Rode NT-1. I definitely recommend you check out Waves plugins and Superior Drummer.

 

[Sach]

Not already owning a Macbook is the only reason to get ProTools instead of Logic, imo. Seriously, how can a program (PT) that costs that much only allow bouncing in real time?! One-hour film scores that spoil so much time just bouncing to audio file.... Like I said, it's atrociously cumbersome on the interface level as well. Cubase would be the better way to go, imo.

 

[Bigbazz]

Part of the reason Pro Tools is still using only real time bounce is because most studios have it hooked up to external hardware compressors and other units that are integrated in the system, the audio goes through them in real time. Modern home studios using Logic or Cubase (perhaps the 2 most popular) are rarely going through external hardware processors and are done with software plugins in the DAW.

The last Pro Tools based studio I was at had it running hooked up to valve/tube compressors that were worth more than many peoples complete studios, not to mention a whole array of other external hardware equipment connected up to the system, without realtime export(bounce) none of this hardware would actually work. Though in most cases these things are used in the actual recording part of a track (and thus not needed therafter), if you're using post process effects through this external hardware then you have to export it realtime.

As to why they don't add an option for it I'm not sure, but in the area of the market where Pro Tools is most used (medium-high end pro studios) there will often be external hardware processing being used meaning that real time bounce is necessary anyway.

 

[Sach]

Here's a pic of my rig(s).

 

[bass264]

Here's a pic of my rig(s).

Nice! I plan on getting a midi keyboard and a Tascam US-1800 audio interface

 

[Sach]

I use the Presonus Firestudio and I really like it. I would need more inputs/outputs though for ensemble/band recordings. For now I'm happy. Also happy with the midi keyboard, all except the limited range. It's good for semi-portability though. I can take it with me on flights and such and get some work done while I'm traveling.

 

[Bigbazz]

Just to be nosy, but isnt that a "Firebox" I see in the video, the Firestudio is an 8 input (expandable) rackmount unit.

Your setup makes me laugh because of the G27 you got there, which is exactly the same as my setup is at the moment. Though I don't actually have any keyboards, I do everything manually within cubase, though my other guitarist does most of the synths for our music using a basic midi controller keyboard (similar to the one you have on your computer desk).

I see a sexy PRS (not sure which model, Hollowbody II?), I also can't make out what amp you're using. Can I ask, why do you have your monitors down so low? I would find it really strange trying to mix with the speakers down there.

 

[Sach]

I think they recently changed the specs on what defines the Firestudio and Fireboxes. Mine is the Firestudio Mobile, with two mic/line inputs on the front, and 6 line in's on the back, firewire connection.

 

[Sprite]

I would also recomend Logic, Ive been using it for some time now and wouldn't go to another platform. Using re-wire to link it to Reason is a great thing and works flawlessly and the mastering software that comes with Logic is very nice.

 

[Bigbazz]

I think they recently changed the specs on what defines the Firestudio and Fireboxes. Mine is the Firestudio Mobile, with two mic/line inputs on the front, and 6 line in's on the back, firewire connection.

Fairplay, I've never seen that version, looks very similar to the Firebox from afar.

 

[bass264]

I would also recomend Logic, Ive been using it for some time now and wouldn't go to another platform. Using re-wire to link it to Reason is a great thing and works flawlessly and the mastering software that comes with Logic is very nice.

If I end up getting the Mac mini I will use Logic for sure.

 

[MistaX]

With music, its all what you prefer. Its a personal preference. For recording, the industry mainly uses Pro Tools. If you want help on these sorts of things, its best to ask MistaX.

Ask MistaX.

Bumpin' this thread because my name is in it so many times.

Do NOT get ProTools! It is utter garbage. The ONLY reason people continue to use it is because it's been around for so long.

Logic is superior in every possible way. Once you get decent at working in Logic and then try literally just about ANYTHING on ProTools, you will know exactly what I mean. I cannot think of a program that is more cumbersome or questionably designed.


Can you tell that I don't like it?

Try recording a band in Logic and then tell me it's better than Pro Tools. Seriously. Go do it.

Logic is better for arranging and composition using samples and synths, if you can't actually play anything.
Pro Tools is beyond far superior for live sound sources, or DI instruments, or vocals.

Pro Tools is also beyond far superior in terms of mixing and mastering, especially combined with a real control surface like a C24.

Note that mixing and mastering are more dependent on the plugins you're using than the DAW itself, but I just find the workflow much more straightforward in PT.

The most important part of any modern studio, be it home or a professional level are your plugins, and the knowledge of how to apply them and use them properly. And also, the processing power to run them.

Waves are the only real "must have" and they also have the largest learning curve. L1 on every track and L3 on the master herpderp.

End all statement: Any decision you make should be based on the kind of music you want to produce. If you have a band, Protools and mics and a slick interface with a billion inputs (Preferably two Focusrite ISA828's, and Apogee AD/DA-16s) and a lot of soundproofing in your recording space. You want to make dubstep? Cubase/Logic/Reason/Whatever DAW floats your boat, a midi keyboard with some assignable knobs, a decent sample collection and some solid synths and you're good. You could even blow the few thousand you saved by not buying the two Focusrites and Apogees on a Nord Stage 2 and still be under budget)

Also, Sach, your monitor placement is horrendous.

 

[Sach]

Try recording a band in Logic and then tell me it's better than Pro Tools. Seriously. Go do it.

Logic is better for arranging and composition using samples and synths, if you can't actually play anything.

I personally use it more for the arranging and composing you speak of. However, I have a friend who very successfully runs a full time recording studio and he doesn't touch Pro Tools, so he'd be the one to tell you. He's also had certified training in Logic.

Pro Tools is beyond far superior for live sound sources, or DI instruments, or vocals.

Pro Tools is also beyond far superior in terms of mixing and mastering, especially combined with a real control surface like a C24.

Can you please explain why? I honestly don't know why you would say that.

but I just find the workflow much more straightforward in PT.

I think you are just more familiar with it, because I have tried Pro Tools, Cubase, Digital Performer, and Logic, and PT is by far the most clunky of the lot in terms of workflow.

Also, Sach, your monitor placement is horrendous.

Not for room aesthetics. Obviously I make adjustments when working.

 

[MistaX]

I'm not any more familiar with either one. I've learned everything I know from trial and error, or watching three different multi-platinum producers work.

There is nothing wrong with Logic. It is not my "go-to" DAW for anything though. I've used Nuendo, Mixcraft, StudioOne, Reason, Cubase, Ableton, FL Studio, and Garageband at one time or another. Honestly once you're fluent in one DAW it takes about 5 minutes to be fluent in any other. They all do the same thing and it's just a matter of where the "buttons" are.

The only thing god awful about Logic is how MIDI is routed. Try using StutterEdit with a MIDI controller in Logic and you'll see how much more effort it takes than any other DAW.

Now to the point of why PT is better in this situation:
It's faster. With a control surface.

A studio is run by clients booking time. If you're paying for 3 hours of recording time, you should reasonably expect 2 hours of actual recording, with a half hour of "set up your stuff and get comfortable" and a half hour of "Hold on I forgot to push record" errors, or "Hold on I have to add tracks" from the engineer, over the course of the three hours.

In Protools with a control surface I can record enable 10 tracks in about 2 seconds (running my index finger across the board).

How long would it take in Logic? Well I have to click on the R icon next to every track. That's probably two seconds each track. Sure there's a hotkey for it and you can speed up the process, but even then you are not coming close to the speed of having a board.

Which means the client gets more recording time for what they spent. And that's what it's about. The less time the engineer is fumbling around trying to accomplish something, the more time your guitar playing client is fumbling around trying to play properly.

They make boards that work with Logic. I've never used one. Every studio I've ever been to has a Digidesign board. Surely if it's similar in design the speed of working would be similar. But you aren't mentioning hardware as much as the person using it.