hey guys, probably not a usual topic here on bit, but I'm pretty interested in the whole studio side of the music business, and I'd like to really get some equipment properly that will let me try out what I want in a home studio. got a computer, as I will want this to be computer/digital based, so really looking at some suggestions as to what recording desk I'd be looking at, as I'm sure I'd be able to make up the rest of the studio from stuff I have here at home. I'll probably be recording my own band to begin with so really only an 8 track recorder unless there's not much difference in the next one up, and looking at bout £150 to spend on the desk alone as that's what I'm getting for that. any help guys? thanks, c.u.later
First thing you want to sort out is your sound card. You can have a £2k desk but with decent ADCs it'll sound crap on your computer. I'd suggest something like an M-Audio Delta 44 or 66 to get started. As far as desks go, you need to consider how many instruments you'll be recording simultaneously when deciding how many channels you need- 8 is a good number, especially if you're gonna go for a 3/5 piece drum mic kit. Although many people slate Behringer, I've never had too much problem with them and they're incredibly good VFM as far as starter desks go, although Mackie might be worth the extra few quid. Another important factor to consider when purchasing the mixing desk is the amount of outputs- most desks around your price range will be 4 bus which is ideal, just don't settle for anything less. Can't really offer much more advice atm but if you've got any other queries just ask.
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Another key component to not scrimp on is the mics. No point in having a great rig and crappy mic's. Make sure to have a good mix of Condenser and Dynamic mic's to get the best sound in all situations. If your recording instruments individually then an 8 track recorder should be enough. The drum kit will be the one that uses the most lines. I've had a fair bit of experience working in a multi-million pound studio, whenever we mic'd up a kit it was always, Dynamic for the kick, individual dynamic's for the toms, condenser for the snare, condenser for the high hat, condenser for the cymbals (1 each) and then two condenser orbitals high up on either side of the kit. Assuming a standard 5 piece kit with a crash and a ride that would be 10 channels, you could easily cut this down to 8 and still have the ability to mix the kit really well. Got to play with these. The studio had 2 main recording rooms each with 5 small orbital rooms and 1 main room. All the rooms had 1 desk like that plus a dual screen MacPro with protools and various other fancy bits of hardware.
