Let's talk (budget) home recording setups!

[DSOP]

It's because stand alone units just can't touch what a digital recording interface and a computer can do. Stand alone units will probably cease to be made shortly. The number of units manufactured now has dropped pretty significantly as is.

True. Their days are definitely numbered. But it's a far simpler (and cheaper) setup, and you can still work with the files in post if you want. When it comes to capturing live drums, transportability, and speed for setting up, it's really as good as it gets.

I managed to transport my drums, mics, stands, and the recorder to a few gigs and got amazing results (though everyone choked 'cause they knew it was being recorded). I also recorded a friends band with the unit and they were blown away. Setup is fast and easy.

Steve, next time you guys do a gig, I'll record a set for you and you can see for yourself.

[Josiah]

True. Their days are definitely numbered. But it's a far simpler (and cheaper) setup, and you can still work with the files in post if you want. When it comes to capturing live drums, transportability, and speed for setting up, it's really as good as it gets.

I'd have to respectfully disagree. Example, for $400 brand new I can use a FireStudio Project, have 8 simultaneous inputs to my laptop/computer with killer pre's. A visual display that is 13" instead of 3", the ability to use anything in the wide word of DAW's, VST, ReWire, etc, infinite storage space...

It's by no means as good as it gets, they wouldn't be a dieing breed if that were so.

When you are talking about recording live shows, that is only an option in extremely low volume gigs where sound reinforcement is not being used.
Otherwise you just take a feed from FOH. Setting up two sets of mics for everything is just silly.

[matthughen]

Another thing If you are still recording in the Blue room. Is you should get some blankets or something to kill the room wash... That will help alot even with you current setup..

Lots of mics in a shitty room. is worse than 1 mic in a shitty room haha.. ...

This is probably the cheapest way to get the most bang for your buck. Blue room or new room, you would benefit from some bass traps and diffusers - right angles and straight lines are bad! If you got a few power tools and some glue you can make some stuff pretty cheap. Gain control of your room and even 57s will sound greatly improved.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks again for all the info guys, and the offer to record DSOP!
I would rather have the option of using more mics later if I want to. That Presonus looks sweet. This guy has it going on:
http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelcurtisjr

Also
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end- ... 18vsl.html

[DSOP]

When you are talking about recording live shows, that is only an option in extremely low volume gigs where sound reinforcement is not being used.
Otherwise you just take a feed from FOH. Setting up two sets of mics for everything is just silly.

Correct. I'm talking about jazz gigs with minimal sound reinforcement. I still say it's way simpler and more bang for your buck. Comes with built-in mastering effects and CD burner.

[chris perra]

The best thing about stand alone recorders is the learning curve is way,.. way easier..
And they do less, but they do it for the most part flawlessly...

The downside is,.. some of them use a data compression algorithm to write the data,.. so the fidelity is not as good as computer based recording.
I had a roland VS1680 and 1880 for a couple years.. and for what they did they were awesome..

I used to record with them and transfer the data to my computer via spdif back when I had only 2 inputs on an maudio 2496..

Nowdays it's much easier..

But, seeing as Steve has a computer and is tech savy.. He should bite the bullet and get something with 8 ins.. It's double the money.. but double the fun haha..

[Juan Expósito]

Very good explanation...
http://www.youtube.com/user/michaelcurt ... VY-pN_8-Vw

[chris perra]

That rig is around 3 grand not including the computer..

Earthworks are great but pricey mics.. .. Bout 1500 to 2 grand for the overheads,, a grand for the rest of the mics.cables.. and 500 interface.

Most of the sound an vibe from his drum sound is the earthworks mics... (To my ears)

Sounds great

[sturla]

Chris - do you see which Earthworks mics has? Wonder if those are ribbon mics too?

[Clint Hopkins]

Michael's full gear list:

http://www.michaelcurtisjr.com/content/ ... &Itemid=27