$250.00 Whats the best piece of equipment in your homestudio

0Dannyboy · November 2006

:?: Whats the best piece of equipment you have in your home studio that you got for under 250. I HAVE AROUND 250 DOLLARS BURNING A HOLE IN MY POCKET! My last purchase I thought rocked was a sonic maximizer. And it really kicked up my Garage studio recording sound. Now its a can't live without it peice of harware...so I need more ideas for my home studio that I may be overlooking. I have a horrible case of G.A.S :oops: :roll:

:twisted: Thanks guys.

thehootman · November 2006

Some nice drum mics. Thats what I would buy.

philflood · November 2006

A JoeMeek 3Q.

ACWild · November 2006

How about this?

http://www.bossus.com/?pg=1&tmp=157

I'm going to get it to catch ideas when I'm kicking back in my yard or anywhere else. 8)

shredd · November 2006

I LOOOOVE my BBE's, I have two.
As far as what I have that I got for under $250 - I have a Fostex MR8 that I got before my GNX that I just love; you can never go wrong with a really good vocal condenser mic (though judging by your postings, you already have one!); I also dropped $2 bills on a nice lower/mid level Ibanez bass, which I really like having. I also got my Peavey Special for under $250, and the thing just kicks BUTT.
Or you could send it to me to help me cover the cost of my phone bill, which I've run up hugely trying to get Elizabeth to come live with me and be my personal hot tub companion...

P.G.Shadow · November 2006

That looks pretty cool AC, might have to check one out myself 8)

P.G.Shadow · November 2006

Shredd :roll:

0Dannyboy · November 2006

Yea cool pre amp there AC ...would love to have one.
a bass would be great to have shredd good one.
I could use a signal splitter to come out stereo from the mixer and split out 4 more stereo outs for all my pa speakers as well as my studio monitors and stage monitor setup. I think Nady makes one.
:twisted: I really like that bass Idea too its :twisted:

growin on me

shredd · November 2006

\0Dannyboy\ wrote:

:twisted: I really like that bass Idea too its :twisted: growin on me

The one I have is something like this
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200-Bass-with-Gig-Bag-Package?sku=519713 only mine is all black. They also make it transparent or quilt topped, for better looks. I just don't care...the only thing I need to be beautiful is my (would-be) girlfriend!!! 8)

gtaus · November 2006

I would suggest a General Midi Keyboard to compliment your system. It's great for adding backing strings, brass, etc... for certain songs. Plus, you can download 1000's of free midi files from the internet to jump start the song.

My Yamaha keyboard sounds much better than the computer's midi sounds, but if you have a good soft synth I suppose an external keyboard would not be necessary for recording. Especially if you have no desire to compose on the keyboard or play live.

The last keyboard I bought was back in January during an after Christmas sale. I got it for less than half price. So my money went much further than normal.

By the way, and I know I am showing my ignorance here, what do you mean by G.A.S.? I also read a thread where someone was referred to as a GASer, which in the context of that thread did not sound very complimentary.

Dobb · November 2006

0db;

I agree with gtaus about a set of midi keys, I bought this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/EMu-Xboard-49-USBMIDI-Controller?sku=706284&src=3SOSWXXA

It came with over 1000 soft synth presets (proteus x software) and some decent drum sounds, too. 8) It's a heck of alot better than using your 'puters keyboard with soft synths.

gtaus;

I'm surprised you don't know...'cause I'm sure you've had it before...It stands for Gear Acquisition Syndrome...

Peace Brothers,
Dobb.

zap · November 2006

\0Dannyboy\ wrote:

I could use a signal splitter to come out stereo from the mixer and split out 4 more stereo outs for all my pa speakers as well as my studio monitors and stage monitor setup. I think Nady makes one.

That might be this one. http://www.nady.com/hpa4_headphoneamp_pg.html

Or for the same features and more, cheaper see the 3 Rolls models here. http://www.music123.com/Search/Default.aspx?Ntt=Rolls&N=64&No=0

The money saved can pay for cords to all your bandmember's headphones and monitors.

Dobb · November 2006

0Dannyboy;

I see that your BBE is sitting on your table...how's about one of these AND a midi keyboard;

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musicians-Friend-8Space-Rackmount-Stand?sku=450822

Peace,
Dobb.

Dobb · November 2006

...Or this...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/OnStage-Stands-SMS6000-Monitor-Stand-Buy-One-Get-One-Free?sku=452067

Dobb · November 2006

...Another inexpensive \"must have\"...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/CAD-EPF15A-6Inch-Flexible-Pop-Filter?sku=420373

Dobb · November 2006

This costs more, but is crucial if use electricity :roll: or you live somewhere where lightning occurs...'cause all your gear can be destroyed in less than a second...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Monster-Power-MP-PRO-2500-Rack-Power-Center?sku=182650

...Can I get an Amen...

iliace · November 2006

I have two of these: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Monster-Cable-MP-PRO-3500-Rack-Power-Center?sku=182651

It's awesome. I can tell you, it does make a difference. I have two cell phones that constantly refuse to charge. I'll have to replug them many times before it finally starts working. At first, I thought it was my older phone getting old - but no, the new one does that too from time to time. But once I plugged both chargers into the MP, it never failed to work on first attempt.

And it looks spiffy! That is a determining factor too.

gtaus · November 2006

\Dobb\ wrote:

I'm surprised you don't know...'cause I'm sure you've had it before...It stands for Gear Acquisition Syndrome....

I guess I have suffered from this disease \"G.A.S.\" before there was even a name for it. My wife has identified my affliction long ago and has done her best not to be an enabler - bless her heart. Trouble is, I spend too much time around other GASer's and they always encourage me and my disease.

shredd · November 2006

GAS is a tragic affliction affecting millions of Americans and it just doen't get talked about. I think it's 'cuz no one cares and it's way too much fun for for those of us who have it.

0Dannyboy · November 2006

Great stuff guys :!: :!:
OK I use a apc 1100 so all my power conditioning plus some is being handled. My dayjob as a Net Admin kinda helped out in the power conditioning deptment

I cant surf musicians friend from work ( darn routers upstream not my firewall) so I will check out the stuff when I get home tonight.

I am going to GC today to take a look at midi keyboards... heck that might give me cool bass sounds as well so I am pretty stoked about that... I just hope if I get one my tunes dont start sounding all ...Ok I'll say it \"phil Collins\" you know you can really water down an edgey tune with too many keys and I sound too mellow I think anyways. :? ... also on a laptop can i run a midi keyboard without crashing it?

My G.A.S is getting so bad I think I just $hat myself... :shock: :oops: :P

man I hope my wife doesnt see this thred....this moneys on the down low...women just don't understand
:twisted:

ACWild · November 2006

I got an M-Audio Oxygen 61 midi keyboard controller. The keys are velocity sensitive so you can do some expressive playing through the 61 keys. I talked the GC salesman down to two-hundred for it.

It depends on your laptop, but generally, midi data shouldn't put much of a strain on your cpu. It's the software synth itself that may tax the system. The keyboard should be like using a joystick or some other peripheral.

Who was that guy here who bought $5000 worth of gear and told his wife over dinner? That was classic! He's my hero.

grathan · November 2006

$5K over dinner, that's hilarious.

I'd keep saving for a bass. Your studio looks pretty complete and you'll never get good sounding bass from a keyboard.

ACWild · November 2006

I didn't realize that you didn't have a bass. In that case, it should be your top priority. You can get a used Fender Jazz or Precision for about $200-250. They're very well-rounded and can be sold for the same amount.

0Dannyboy · November 2006

:idea: hey guys thanks for the great ideas. :idea:

Went to GC with about 2bills and came out with a Presonus tubepre and a Behringer Pro XL HA4700 Headphone Amp. Now I will have a much better setup for monitoring and My acoustic willl sound alot sweeter.The tubepre might sound kool with vocals and bass too. Its a bit noisey with my GNX. Will have to test it out this week. New stuff rewlz :P

anyway wanted the Joe meek but wasn't instock and still pretty expensiveThe bass I would need the preamp for anyway so maybe thats next now. These GAS pains are killin me these days :roll:

and christmas is right around the corner. :twisted:

0Dannyboy · November 2006

hey thought I'd give a review of the new stuff I got in case anybody needed some GAS relief.

Behringer Pro XL HA4700 - This newer version is much more versital than the 8 channel version POWERPLAY PRO-8 HA8000 my buddy Greg has if you dont need 8 extra channels IMHO. It has trebel and bass controls for each channel in the front as well as 2 channels stereo or 2 mono (depending on what buttons you press) in the back. Also headphone ins in back as well as front. I dont have to unplug ANYTHING to get all kinds of diffrent mixes in my studio between the PA (Big JBLs) or the floor monitor (I can run mono at the same time) now or between my studio monitors. So I can dial in all of them or a combo at any volume I like! Also the extra channels leaves me room to keep my headphones plugged in too so I can effortlessly record with headphnes and hear the playback through any combo of speakers. This helps me dail in a good sound much faster. and it helps me mix the volume of my playback vs my input signal effortlessly now. That really used to bug my guitarist cause it took a while to get them in the mix for recording vs live stuff. you can't go wrong with this baby in your setup. GC sells it for 109.00 its a steal :!:

Presonus Pretube- Now this is not a 3000.00 pre amp and wont hold a candle to any of them including the Joe Meek stuff but for the price I think its great. For guitars its a matter of taste. this tube pre adds warmth to your sound. and that (Idunno whatcha call it) Tube saturation to your sound you can really hear it after it warms up in your pick attack. hope that makes sence . Its sounds great clean through my Tele but not so much with the SG dont really need alota warmth with those humbuckers they are pretty dark as it is. 99.00

Bass its a great boost the signal. With a little drive and gain you dont need much else to record straight to track.

Vocals it adds alot of reality to them they are warmer and punchier (yea thats the tech term haha) might skip the vx400 next time and just go straight in with the preamp.

Acoustic guitar it sound Awsome just plug in my ovation then straight to the board from ther this thing is a great DI box I will record a tune with it to letcha hear but its absolutly great for my cheap little ovation just what it needed.
Anyway thats my non-techie average guys opinion of these 2 very affordible toys

ACWild · November 2006

Aw jeez, now you're giving me gas.

guitar3456 · November 2006

I was turned onto these a while ago.. very vers unit for any studio work and they kick butt live!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-GI100-UltraG-DI-Box?sku=150934

Also don't forget on the HA4700 you get the \"More Me\" option in headphone tracking. Use the front input jacks to ADD an individual insert from your channel strip along with the main mix. There is an input mixer control on that unit that is great for those \" I can't hear myself\" players!! Insert from the ch strip and solve the MORE ME problem.

Slacker G · November 2006

A BIG BIG BIG DAW with good DA AD converters audio card.

I also have a Walnut SG. Yours looks nice. Mine is the old \"Les Paul Custom' Gold hardware 3 pickup 60's frettless wonder with Ebony FB. I like big fat frets now days, so I seldom play it anymore. Change the frets?

The last guitar I sent in to the Gibson Custom Shop for repair was a $$$$ Birdland. Gibson sent it back with a warped fingerboard and a lot of poorly seated frets. It never did play good again. It's in the closet with my SG. Long live the Gibson Custom Shop.

:evil:

guitar3456 · November 2006

Presonus pack that is an incred deal for starters: Should have waited about a year!!!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-Blue-Tube-DP-AT2041-Dual-Mic-Preamp-Package?sku=184135

shredd · November 2006

\Slacker G\ wrote:

I also have a Walnut SG. Yours looks nice. Mine is the old \"Les Paul Custom' Gold hardware 3 pickup 60's frettless wonder with Ebony FB. I like big fat frets now days, so I seldom play it anymore. Change the frets?

The last guitar I sent in to the Gibson Custom Shop for repair was a $$$$ Birdland. Gibson sent it back with a warped fingerboard and a lot of poorly seated frets. It never did play good again. It's in the closet with my SG. Long live the Gibson Custom Shop

So...you gonna send me that SG to be my new baby??? I'll trade you my DT RP3, my Oreos, and a Doc Gooden rookie card for it!

0Dannyboy · November 2006

\guitar3456\ wrote:

Also don't forget on the HA4700 you get the \"More Me\" option in headphone tracking. Use the front input jacks to ADD an individual insert from your channel strip along with the main mix. There is an input mixer control on that unit that is great for those \" I can't hear myself\" players!! Insert from the ch strip and solve the MORE ME problem.

:idea: what a great idea :!: I never thought of that and yes my buddy Paul is one of those \"more me guys \" another reason why this amp Kicks butt. :twisted:

$250.00 Whats the best piece of equipment in your homestudio

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