Band room
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 962
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From: Vancouver
Band room
I need sound media specialists/bands/musicians' advices....
I really want a small band room in my basement, for those who's experienced in sound media and bands, please help me out in buying equipments for a small band room...
Budget: under $1500
need to buy
- 1 set of drums
- speakers for output
- microphone(s) for vocals (and drums?)
- recording devices (on CD recorder? thru computer sound card?)
I just want simply a place for jamming songs and sound recording,
what do I need to buy (for the least money, assuming that i have all the musical instruments needed)?
within the budget?
anyone have experiences or suggestions?
I really need your help, Thanks very much for your smart advices
I really want a small band room in my basement, for those who's experienced in sound media and bands, please help me out in buying equipments for a small band room...
Budget: under $1500
need to buy
- 1 set of drums
- speakers for output
- microphone(s) for vocals (and drums?)
- recording devices (on CD recorder? thru computer sound card?)
I just want simply a place for jamming songs and sound recording,
what do I need to buy (for the least money, assuming that i have all the musical instruments needed)?
within the budget?
anyone have experiences or suggestions?
I really need your help, Thanks very much for your smart advices
Former Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,175
Likes: 0
From: Erock is da shizzle
Are you thinking live or recroding?
First off, keep an eye out for a couple Shure SM88's and 58's. They are a great value, and very true.
Secondly, if you have a computer you can spare, with some horsepower behind and a good soundcard, you can use cakewalk, or any other software available. Get your self a decent 8 channel mixer for the front end. From here you can record, live or individual tracks, go straight to MP3 or CD.
Now, if your talking PA speakers, Yorkville will get the job done, and are a good value. If yo uare thinking monitors, then save some money and just go to future shop and get some decent polk bookshelf's a lot cheaper then pro monitors. You ofcurse need an amp, any old stereo you have lying around. just make sure its perfectly flat, don't mess around with bass or treble, sinc eit will sound great when you listen to it, and crap on every other system.
The downside is drums are expensive. Buy used, otherwise you whole budget will be blown on this.
If you just want to record, Cakewalk has a built in drum machine that with a little patience can give you decent results. or you could buy a outside unit.
To mic real drums properly, you need at least 6 mic's this can really add to the cost. skimping here will just leave the drums sounding washed out, and a mile away.
The most important thing of all, use some area rugs on your walls to cut down on sound reflection. also consider a small isolation booth, and a decent pair of headphones. You will need these!!
Hope this helps
Mike
First off, keep an eye out for a couple Shure SM88's and 58's. They are a great value, and very true.
Secondly, if you have a computer you can spare, with some horsepower behind and a good soundcard, you can use cakewalk, or any other software available. Get your self a decent 8 channel mixer for the front end. From here you can record, live or individual tracks, go straight to MP3 or CD.
Now, if your talking PA speakers, Yorkville will get the job done, and are a good value. If yo uare thinking monitors, then save some money and just go to future shop and get some decent polk bookshelf's a lot cheaper then pro monitors. You ofcurse need an amp, any old stereo you have lying around. just make sure its perfectly flat, don't mess around with bass or treble, sinc eit will sound great when you listen to it, and crap on every other system.
The downside is drums are expensive. Buy used, otherwise you whole budget will be blown on this.
If you just want to record, Cakewalk has a built in drum machine that with a little patience can give you decent results. or you could buy a outside unit.
To mic real drums properly, you need at least 6 mic's this can really add to the cost. skimping here will just leave the drums sounding washed out, and a mile away.
The most important thing of all, use some area rugs on your walls to cut down on sound reflection. also consider a small isolation booth, and a decent pair of headphones. You will need these!!
Hope this helps
Mike
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver
thank you mike!
now i have an idea of what to buy, but can you explain more about the computer part (and 8 channel mixer for the front end)?
I'm really a beginner in sound recording and processing. ok, let me summarize my buy list:
1.) microphones for vocals
2.) mics for drums (6 of them)
3.) computer (i have a spare computer, my sound card is: creative 5.1 platinum, enough for multitracks?)
I've found this device for recording http://music123.com/Item/Item.asp?po=Zoo1213200110111 if I buy this, then i dont need a computer?
4.) 8 channel mixer
5.) speakers
6.) monitors (?)
7.) Drums (i'll probably buy a cheap one sharing with my friend, let's say 500 off my budget)
8.) walls (can you explain more, my place would probably be an open area.....rooms are all occupied in basement)
please explain more mike, from mics/wires to output(speakers) and recording.
since you live in Canada, where can I get those equipments? Long&McQuard, Tom Lee or some online stores?
in addition, i have an old sony stereo system
now i have an idea of what to buy, but can you explain more about the computer part (and 8 channel mixer for the front end)?
I'm really a beginner in sound recording and processing. ok, let me summarize my buy list:
1.) microphones for vocals
2.) mics for drums (6 of them)
3.) computer (i have a spare computer, my sound card is: creative 5.1 platinum, enough for multitracks?)
I've found this device for recording http://music123.com/Item/Item.asp?po=Zoo1213200110111 if I buy this, then i dont need a computer?
4.) 8 channel mixer
5.) speakers
6.) monitors (?)
7.) Drums (i'll probably buy a cheap one sharing with my friend, let's say 500 off my budget)
8.) walls (can you explain more, my place would probably be an open area.....rooms are all occupied in basement)
please explain more mike, from mics/wires to output(speakers) and recording.
since you live in Canada, where can I get those equipments? Long&McQuard, Tom Lee or some online stores?
in addition, i have an old sony stereo system
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Savannah
Please go here to buy your stuff. 
http://prosound.bigstep.com/ In no way am I affiliated with this website. The owner, Gary Butler, is a soundman/roadie for many famous acts and he just does this website to help other musicians out. His prices constantly beat the likes of Musician's Friend(more like Enemy
heheh) and he's a really nice guys that knows what he is talking about. He can help you with your budget.
Phi
http://prosound.bigstep.com/ In no way am I affiliated with this website. The owner, Gary Butler, is a soundman/roadie for many famous acts and he just does this website to help other musicians out. His prices constantly beat the likes of Musician's Friend(more like Enemy heheh) and he's a really nice guys that knows what he is talking about. He can help you with your budget.Phi
Former Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,175
Likes: 0
From: Erock is da shizzle
Ok, this is gonna be a long one.
First off DL a copy of Cakewalk Pro Audio from Kazza. For trial purposes ofcourse.
Your sound card will be enough to handle it. Second, make sure you have large harddrive. One song can take up to 1gig uncompressed before you finish, the more space the better, it uses a lot of hard dick caching as well.
This software is easier to use then then most. Maybe a 3 day learning curve. Check this site out, just for kicks. I did these 5 songs in one day, on cakewalk with the bulit in drum machine. King Friday Don't hack on me I was just having fun
Once this is set up, get a small 8 channel mixer. Doesn't need any amplification. From this you run the stereo outs to the input on your audio card. This does a few things, lets you adjust levels of mics independatly, saves you crawling behind your computer, and most have some built in EQ, and line / level boost.
Make sure it has at least 4 balanced or XLR mic inputs. its a large round adapter with 3 pins. This allows you to run longer cable runs, and over all better sound quality.
As I said eariler, The shure are good quality, very popular, and easy to find deals, even used.
The SM58 is best for miking instruments, the 88 is better for vocals.
Its niced to have matched mics, espcially if you have a decent drum kit so the sound filed doesn't change from left to right.
The hardisk machines like the link,are great, easier to use,and have great functionality, but are IMO too expensive, when you can just use a computer. Nice to have, but nowhere near a nessecity.
More to come...
First off DL a copy of Cakewalk Pro Audio from Kazza. For trial purposes ofcourse.
Your sound card will be enough to handle it. Second, make sure you have large harddrive. One song can take up to 1gig uncompressed before you finish, the more space the better, it uses a lot of hard dick caching as well.
This software is easier to use then then most. Maybe a 3 day learning curve. Check this site out, just for kicks. I did these 5 songs in one day, on cakewalk with the bulit in drum machine. King Friday Don't hack on me I was just having fun
Once this is set up, get a small 8 channel mixer. Doesn't need any amplification. From this you run the stereo outs to the input on your audio card. This does a few things, lets you adjust levels of mics independatly, saves you crawling behind your computer, and most have some built in EQ, and line / level boost.
Make sure it has at least 4 balanced or XLR mic inputs. its a large round adapter with 3 pins. This allows you to run longer cable runs, and over all better sound quality.
As I said eariler, The shure are good quality, very popular, and easy to find deals, even used.
The SM58 is best for miking instruments, the 88 is better for vocals.
Its niced to have matched mics, espcially if you have a decent drum kit so the sound filed doesn't change from left to right.
The hardisk machines like the link,are great, easier to use,and have great functionality, but are IMO too expensive, when you can just use a computer. Nice to have, but nowhere near a nessecity.
More to come...
Former Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,175
Likes: 0
From: Erock is da shizzle
Ok next Monitors, usualy higher end self powered speakers, with a very wide dynamic range.
Companies like Tannoy come to mind. Agian this is if you are really serious, if you just want to put some songs down, go with the stereo and speakers. Try and find the most neutral sounding ones you can find. all this playa a part to which I'll touch on in a second.
Also look for the widest dynamic range. Largest db span. So that you can hear what it's really sounding like.
Ok now for walls, The link I posted above was done almost eniterly electronic, so room acustics had nothing to do with the sound. When you use things like drums, acoustic guitar, or mic'ing an amp, you want the room to be DEAD, contray to things like theatre, where some sound reflection is good. By putting up throw rugs on your walls, it will absorb the sound, leaving a very quiet, no echo room. This is ideal for recording, so that there is no colourization in the sound. Either use the effests from the amp, or the ones built into the software.. Keep in mind this is for a small home studio. Recording in Carnegie hall, is a different story, certain rooms have a feel all to thier own.
You can get all this stuff at long@mcquade, or any other, there are so many choices its hard for me to reccomend one over the other.
For mixers, Mackie is the best, but huge money. Drums, Tama, are decently priced.
I'm sure I missed a bunch, so keep asking if you have any other questions.
Oh and one more thing, if you play guitar ( you do right? ) get the POD, by line 6. Its the only thing you will ever need to record with ever. I use it live to, 30 amp models, 30 cabinets, plug it straight into the mixer, and what yo hear is what you record, no screwing around with an amp at 11 just to get the right sound.
Companies like Tannoy come to mind. Agian this is if you are really serious, if you just want to put some songs down, go with the stereo and speakers. Try and find the most neutral sounding ones you can find. all this playa a part to which I'll touch on in a second.
Also look for the widest dynamic range. Largest db span. So that you can hear what it's really sounding like.
Ok now for walls, The link I posted above was done almost eniterly electronic, so room acustics had nothing to do with the sound. When you use things like drums, acoustic guitar, or mic'ing an amp, you want the room to be DEAD, contray to things like theatre, where some sound reflection is good. By putting up throw rugs on your walls, it will absorb the sound, leaving a very quiet, no echo room. This is ideal for recording, so that there is no colourization in the sound. Either use the effests from the amp, or the ones built into the software.. Keep in mind this is for a small home studio. Recording in Carnegie hall, is a different story, certain rooms have a feel all to thier own.
You can get all this stuff at long@mcquade, or any other, there are so many choices its hard for me to reccomend one over the other.
For mixers, Mackie is the best, but huge money. Drums, Tama, are decently priced.
I'm sure I missed a bunch, so keep asking if you have any other questions.
Oh and one more thing, if you play guitar ( you do right? ) get the POD, by line 6. Its the only thing you will ever need to record with ever. I use it live to, 30 amp models, 30 cabinets, plug it straight into the mixer, and what yo hear is what you record, no screwing around with an amp at 11 just to get the right sound.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Dallas
Mike, I want to thank you for taking you time out to give use some useful knowledge. I am in a band and was looking for a in expensive way to get quality recordings. Your effort has helped yet another in need. Thanks.
Former Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,175
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From: Erock is da shizzle
Guys, you're gonna give me a big head!!
I've been doing this since I was a kid, the only time I truely get away from things is when I'm playing guitar. More so then the S2K if you can believe it.
I should mention, as well, if you are looking at the best quality recording for a home studio, reel to reel is the best way to go. I have an 8 track system, that I have used quite a bit. The sound quality is excellent. I've flirted with selling it many times, infact listed it on ebay once, but back out. Its wonderfull, but now, I work out the songs on computer, and then go to a real studio to lay everything down.
You can't beat $80k worth of ADAT's and outboard effects.
I forgot to mention more about the isolation booth.
If you have the room, make one. A small room, fully sound insualted from the rest of the area. When you go track by track you need to hear what you allready did, having things like drums, or amps blaring when you are trying to listen is madening.
and with vocals its a given, Someone should be watching levels, while the vocalist is doing the track in a sound proof room, with headphones. Most obviously because the mic will pic up any ambient noise as well as the vocal track. You will solo the vocal track, and wonder, why can I hear the whole song???
Makes final mixing a real pain in the ass, and gives the whole song a washed out feel, with no impact at all.
and I say again, DO NOT take that link as a referance
Mike
Also, I feel the need to mention that the webpage is not the best representation of my music, but it gives you a good idea what you can do, entierly with Cakewalk, POD, and a keyboard.
I've been doing this since I was a kid, the only time I truely get away from things is when I'm playing guitar. More so then the S2K if you can believe it.
I should mention, as well, if you are looking at the best quality recording for a home studio, reel to reel is the best way to go. I have an 8 track system, that I have used quite a bit. The sound quality is excellent. I've flirted with selling it many times, infact listed it on ebay once, but back out. Its wonderfull, but now, I work out the songs on computer, and then go to a real studio to lay everything down.
You can't beat $80k worth of ADAT's and outboard effects.
I forgot to mention more about the isolation booth.
If you have the room, make one. A small room, fully sound insualted from the rest of the area. When you go track by track you need to hear what you allready did, having things like drums, or amps blaring when you are trying to listen is madening.
and with vocals its a given, Someone should be watching levels, while the vocalist is doing the track in a sound proof room, with headphones. Most obviously because the mic will pic up any ambient noise as well as the vocal track. You will solo the vocal track, and wonder, why can I hear the whole song???
Makes final mixing a real pain in the ass, and gives the whole song a washed out feel, with no impact at all.
and I say again, DO NOT take that link as a referance
Mike
Also, I feel the need to mention that the webpage is not the best representation of my music, but it gives you a good idea what you can do, entierly with Cakewalk, POD, and a keyboard.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver
mike, you are all i'm depending on now!
what a truly experienced studio musician~
now, I'm very happy and pretty clear of what I'm going to get and how to set up the equipments.
If you dont mind I have a few more questions:
my understanding so far is
1.) all the musical intruments and vocals cables go to the mixer
2.) 1 cable output from mixer to the sound card (for recording)
3.) sound card output to speakers or monitors
Q: mike, I'm thinking of stealing the speakers (5 pieces plus a sub) from my dad's TV room for my own use. Do they help alot in output? or do you recommend a pair of monitors?
Q: for my sound card, there are some inputs and outputs that might help in setting up, they are SPDIF, OPTICAL, AUX, or should I just use the normal line in and line out at the back of the sound card?
Q: can you explain more about the input and output both from mixer to sound card and sound card to speakers/monitor?
Buy list (for big iterms):
Drums: Tama (my friend is willing to pay half for it)
Shure mics: 88 for vocals, sm58 for drums (6 of them?)
cakewalk software: http://store.yahoo.com/cakewalkdirect/reta...l-software.html (which one?)
Mixer: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=02...l/base_id/57921
thank you mike for your time and sharing!
what a truly experienced studio musician~
now, I'm very happy and pretty clear of what I'm going to get and how to set up the equipments.
If you dont mind I have a few more questions:
my understanding so far is
1.) all the musical intruments and vocals cables go to the mixer
2.) 1 cable output from mixer to the sound card (for recording)
3.) sound card output to speakers or monitors
Q: mike, I'm thinking of stealing the speakers (5 pieces plus a sub) from my dad's TV room for my own use. Do they help alot in output? or do you recommend a pair of monitors?
Q: for my sound card, there are some inputs and outputs that might help in setting up, they are SPDIF, OPTICAL, AUX, or should I just use the normal line in and line out at the back of the sound card?
Q: can you explain more about the input and output both from mixer to sound card and sound card to speakers/monitor?
Buy list (for big iterms):
Drums: Tama (my friend is willing to pay half for it)
Shure mics: 88 for vocals, sm58 for drums (6 of them?)
cakewalk software: http://store.yahoo.com/cakewalkdirect/reta...l-software.html (which one?)
Mixer: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=02...l/base_id/57921
thank you mike for your time and sharing!