Power Packs:
Home Recording on the Cheap
Digital technology has been a boon for the home musician. Quality is going up and prices are going down in the world of audio. It used to be that one had to be independently wealthy to own a home studio, but that is simply no longer the case. Selecting the right equipment (and right price), though, can be a complicated process, with many musicians preferring a recording rig that they can easily set up. We’ve highlighted seven packages, ranging anywhere from $900 to $4,900, to give an idea of available options. Most of the packages listed are all-inclusive. However, comprehensive systems can be the proverbial tip of the iceberg — the number of choices and combinations within the pro audio realm are virtually endless.
While the vast majority of inclusive set-ups come with all the software and hardware you’ll need, they do not bundle perhaps the most vital piece of equipment — a computer. The question then becomes: Mac or PC? You decide, but bear in mind that a Mac will save you some headaches while a PC will save you some bucks. Both can easily support the packages listed, and no matter which computer you choose, the general rule applies that the more money you spend, the better system you’ll have. Minimum system requirements dictate that you will have to spend roughly $2,500 and up for a Mac, or $1,500 and up for a PC.
As with any major equipment purchase, do your research. Sit down and really take stock of your needs. Do you really need forty-eight channels to record your acoustic ballad? Talk to people. Call your friends. Bug your local music store guys. Just be sure to get professional answers before letting go of that hard-earned green. Now let the shopping begin!
M-Audio Pro Tools
M-powered 7/FireWire
1814 Computer Recording Production Package
List: $1,390
Let’s face it — it’s a Pro Tools world. Pro Tools has become the common language that all studios speak. If you want to record material that is easily transferable to other venues, you have to go Pro. The M-Audio package features Pro Tools M-Powered 7 software, which includes fully integrated MIDI sequencing and readily accepts ReWire output streams directly from applications like Ableton Live for further mixing and processing. It also includes the Beat Detective LE automatic groove analysis and correction tool for flawless time, as well as a host of other cool plug-ins. You will need a set of decent monitors and the requisite computer, upping completion of this package into the $3,500-$4,500 range. Boasting the industry standard for software and coming in under $5k, this system could easily be in your hands without emptying your pockets.
M-Audio Pro Tools M-powered 7/FireWire 1814 Computer Recording Production Package includes:
• M-Audio 1814 FireWire recording interface
• Pro Tools M-Powered 7 software
• AKG Perception 100 large-diaphragm
condenser mic
• 20’ mic cable
• Mic stand
• Sennheiser HD-280 Pro headphones
Roland VS-2000CD Digital Studio Workstation
List: $1,999 (around $2,500 with mics, etc.)
The VS-2000CD is the little brother of the Roland VS-2480, but packs nearly the same punch with a price tag that is $2,000 less. With 18 playback tracks and eight XLR inputs, the Roland VS-2000CD supports 16- or 24-bit recording with up to eight tracks of simultaneous recording at 16 bits. The workstation also features 18-track playback, 320 “virtual tracks,” and a stereo mastering track. Needless to say, the workstation provides plenty of room to explore your own musical limits. The internal 40GB hard drive allows for hours of reliable multitracking. Right out of the box, the VS-2000CD is loaded with essential effects such as reverbs, delay and chorus, plus dynamics processors, EQ and oodles more. You’ll have to pony up for mics, cables and the like, driving this package up to the $2,500 range. The Roland workstation is a well-equipped, self-contained unit. The learning curve on this machinery is steep, but entirely worth it.
Roland VS-2000CD Digital Studio Workstation features:
• 20-track digital studio with 40GB hard drive, CDRW drive, and plug-in support
• 18 playback tracks, 320 V-Tracks and stereo mastering track
• 8 balanced XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power for recording a full band
• 40-channel automated digital mixer with onboard effects and mastering tools
• 4-band EQ and dynamics on every channel
• New Harmony Sequence function adds realistic harmonies to vocals
• 3rd party plug-in support with optional VS8F-3 Effect Expansion Boards
• PCM drum sounds and sophisticated sequencer for creating backing tracks quickly
• VGA output and mouse-based editing using optional VS20-VGA
• USB 2.0 for hi-speed data transfer, plus V-LINK video control (V-LINK requires Edirol DV-7PR
with software version 1.50 or higher [sold separately])
Mackie Onyx Satellite FireWire System
List: $519.99
Mackie’s new two-part audio interface, the Onyx Satellite FireWire system, emphasizes portability and hassle-free recording. Consisting of a Satellite Base Station with a removable FireWire Pod interface, the system offers you all the benefits of a home recording setup, in addition to the ability to transport sessions and record on location without having to unplug the entire interface (after all, time is money). Encased in an aluminum and steel frame, the Pod features two channels enabled with Neutrik Combo connectors that allow you to use either 1/4” or XLR cables. The Pod can also provide phantom power to condenser mics. When inserted into the Base Station, the interface gains additional I/O capabilities, six analog outputs, and talkback. With Onyx mic preamps for excellent dynamic range and Tracktion 2 software built-in, the system saves you on additional studio costs. Add a pair of Mackie HR624 studio monitors, ideal for home recording applications. A compact version of the HR824, the studio standard for countless recording artists, the HR624 makes an equally loud statement with its wide frequency response. Combine with a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M40fs Precision studio headphones, or the new ATH-A700 Import Series headphones for ideal monitoring. With a trusty Shure PG58 or Sennheiser e825S mic in tow, you’d be lucky to break over $2,000 for the full package.
Mackie Onyx Satellite Portable FireWire Recording System features:
• Onyx mic preamps
• FireWire Satellite Pod:
• 48V phantom power
• Two Neutrik Combo-enabled channels with Instrument Select switch
• Stereo control room output
• Two stereo headphone jacks with separate level controls
• Satellite Base Station:
• Six channels of analog balanced line outputs
• Separate XLR connector
• Two 1/4” TRS line-input connectors
• Insert jacks on channels 1 and 2
• Talkback function
Marantz CDR300 Portable CD Field Recorder
List: $899.99
You won’t be tethered to a wall with this unit, as the Marantz CDR300 goes AC and DC. This portable rig can record live sound directly to blank discs with its built-in CD burner. It also boasts a mic preamp, 48V phantom power, an onboard limiter, and an RCA input/output. A backup battery system and hard case allow for serious field work and will keep your recordings safe. Add a reliable Shure SM57 (street price around $99) and steal a CD-R from your roommate, and you’re off and running for just under a G.
Marantz CDR300 Portable CD Field Recorder features:
• Built-in mic and speaker
• Stereo XLR and 1/4” mic/line inputs
• Stereo RCA aux input
• RCA line out
• Digital RCA (S/PDIF) I/O
• 3-band master EQ
• Programmable mic/line EQ
• Manual or automatic level control
• Onboard limiter
• CD-R/RW disc compatible
• AC power or 4-pin DC connection for
use with gel-cell battery packs
Yamaha AW2400 All-in-One Recording Package
List: $4,900
The Yamaha AW2400 24-track audio workstation includes everything you’ll need to produce professional recordings. It is a 16-input/24-track system that records top quality uncompressed 16-bit or 24-bit audio at 44.1 or 48kHz (only twelve tracks are available when recording 24-bit audio). This monster module offers eight virtual tracks per physical track (26x8 in 16-bit mode), and a 40GB hard drive provides plenty of capacity for alternate takes (for your inevitable “B-Sides” release).
Moving faders and a suite of powerful DSP effects offer pro-level performance, and USB 2.0 compatibility and a mini-YGDAI card slot will let you interface with the world. The MXL 992 large-diaphragm condenser mic, combined with the MXL 993 condenser stereo pair, gives a budding producer many recording options.
HD 280 Pro closed-back headphones are designed for professional monitoring applications and will provide excellent fidelity for your home rig, as will two Yamaha HS80M 8” powered studio monitors. A host of other useful goodies, such as cables and stands, round out this impressive package.
Yamaha AW2400 All-in-One Recording Package includes:
• Yamaha AW2400 24-track audio workstation
• MXL 992 large-diaphragm condenser mic
• MXL 993 condenser mics — stereo pair
• Sennheiser HD 280 Pro closed-back headphones
• 2 Yamaha HS80M 8” powered studio monitors
• BBE 362 Sonic Maximizer
• 3 black fixed-boom tripod mic stands
• 3 20’ Lo-Z mic cables
• 2 LiveWire 10’ Advantage Series 1/4” straight instrument cables
• 2 Monster Cable 3-meter (approx. 10’) Studio Link 500 Interconnect TRS cables
• ProMedia 80-minute 52X CD-R 50-pack
Fostex VF160EX All-In-One Recording
Package List: $2,710
Fostex led the way in the 4-track cassette days, and still remains an industry stalwart in this new age of ones and zeros. This mid-range-priced package sets you up with everything except talent. It even includes CD-Rs, and with its built-in CD burner, you’ll be spitting out demos faster than you could have ever imagined. And in the event you run out of CD-Rs, the system’s 40GB Maxtor hard drive will give you all the space you need to store your tracks. An MXL 990 cardioid condenser mic with a Nady CM90 cardioid condenser mic sets you up for recording anything from a whisper to a scream. Necessary cables and other essentials round out this fun little package.
Fostex VF160EX 16-Track Recorder with CD Burner includes:
• Fostex VF160EX 16-track digital recorder with CD burner
• AKG K 101 open-back headphones
• MXL 990 cardioid condenser mic with shockmount
• Nady CM90 cardioid condenser mic
• Fostex PM.05 powered monitors — pair
• 2 On-Stage tripod stands with booms
• 2 20’ Lo-Z mic cables
• 2 10’ Live Wire instrument cables
• Telex 48X CDR 50-piece spindle
TASCAM DP01
All-In-One Recording Package
List $965
The TASCAM DP01 can be put to work immediately and won’t set you back as much as other comparable rigs. Eight-track, CD quality 44.1kHz/16-bit recording lets your masterwork shine through, and the 40GB hard drive will give you plenty of storage space. In this magic box, you’ll find a fail-safe Shure PG58 mic with a cable, a tripod mic stand with boom, Audio-Technica ATH-M20 headphones, a pair of M-Audio Studiophile DX4 Powered Monitors and a six-foot AV Link Dual RCA-RCA cable, nicely rounding out this entry-level, yet professional-sounding package.
TASCAM DP01 All-In-One Recording Package includes:
• TASCAM DP01
• Shure PG58 mic with cable
• Mic stand with boom
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20 headphones
• M-Audio DX4 powered monitors — pair
• 6’ RCA cable
Parting It Out
We’ve listed some specific choices for home recording packages, but the ABCs to setting up your own little Electric Ladyland piece-by-piece are pretty straight-forward, however endless in possibility. Here’s a list of the basics:
A) Get a computer: PC or Mac, just get as much power under the hood as you can afford.
B) Get speakers: Unless you plan to run a full studio out of your room, there’s no need to spring for a pair of high-end monitors, as they can be extremely expensive. A good set of headphones will also be helpful.
C) Get software: Pro Tools makes varying level packages, and there are many other alternative software solutions as well. Make sure whatever package you choose is compatible with your computer.
D) Get a microphone: The Shure SM57 is always a safe bet for the penny-pincher. There are also many affordable drum mic packages on the market (and lots of cool mic tips in the Performer archives).
E) Choose an interface: Your pre-amp quality will hugely affect your sound, so take the time to research several brands. |
