What Recording Gear Should I Buy?
By: David Streit www.davidstreit.com
A lot of people ask me what recording / live-streaming gear they should buy. If you have a modest budget and you still want good sound, this article is for you.
Stand-Alone Recorder
Most people will use a computer to record, but for some of you a hand held recorder is just the thing for band rehearsals, live concerts, etc.
Recommendation: Check out units made by Zoom. Most of them have a good quality stereo mic and can double as an audio interface for your computer.
Computer
Making specific recommendations about buying a computer is beyond the scope of this article. However, if the computer you already have isn’t terribly old, it will probably be fine for basic situations that don’t require a lot of tracks. It’s easy to add an external hard drive and RAM upgrades usually aren’t very difficult. If you’re a Mac person, Other World Computing is an excellent resource for DIY upgrades and used machines. (If one of you has a similar recommendation for upgrading Wintel machines, let me know and I’ll include that too.) It’s often recommended to get a separate hard drive for audio files, but this isn’t necessary with smaller numbers of tracks. While we’re on the subject, you should get an extra hard drive and backup all of your important files frequently so that you don’t lose anything if your main drive fails.
Recording Software
There are a number DAW (digital audio workstation) programs out there, and the major ones can all work well for you. It’s a matter of preference. Double check to make sure the software you choose is compatible with the operating system on your computer. Some DAWs:
• Garage Band - If you’re using a Mac, you can probably get this for free from Apple. It might already be installed on your machine. It’s simplified and good for beginners.
• Pro Tools First - A free, stripped down version of the industry standard workhorse. Good for beginners and those looking to get their feet wet, but limited.
• Reaper - A very inexpensive, fully featured DAW.
• Logic - Apple’s pro-level DAW. Powerful and very reasonably priced. If I wasn’t using Pro Tools, I’d probably use this.
• Ableton Live - Popular for loop-based music.
• Pro Tools - This is what I use and it’s found in most major studios. Good for when you need to be able to exchange sessions with other Pro Tools users. (Note: If you want to send your tracks out to a professional mixing engineer, it’s pretty easy to export the track files from whatever DAW you choose to use.) Pro Tools is more expensive than most other DAWs.
Interface
This device provides audio input and output for your computer.
Think about how many inputs you need. If you’re recording a guitar and vocal, two inputs might be enough although you might need one more if you want to stereo mic the guitar or hook up a stereo keyboard. Four or eight or more might be required if you want to record individual inputs for several people playing at the same time. Consider getting a few extra inputs in case you want to expand later.
What to look for:
• Mic inputs - The mic preamps provide the gain necessary for the low level signals that come from microphones. Make sure they’re capable of providing phantom power (P48) which is required for most condenser mics.
• Instrument Inputs - Good for direct output from a guitar, bass, or keyboard.
• Line Inputs - You might not need these, but they can be used for additional outboard mic preamps as well as some keyboards.
• Headphone Output - For listening. A dedicated volume knob is preferable and multiple headphone connections are nice if you’re working with other people.
• Line Outputs - Good for hooking up monitor speakers (that have built-in or external amplifiers) or an outboard headphone amp with multiple outputs.
• Direct Monitoring - This feature allows you to hear the inputs you’re recording without distracting latency (delay.)
• Cable - You might need to buy a separate cable or an adapter to connect the interface to your computer. Make sure they’re compatible.
Recommendation: Focusrite Scarlett - These interfaces seem to be the best in terms of build quality and good sound at a modest price. Choose a model based upon how many inputs and outputs you need.
Headphones
You’ll want to be able to listen while you record without the sound bleeding into the microphones. If you don’t have a good pair of monitor speakers in a great sounding room headphones are a good choice for listening back to what you’ve recorded.
What to look for: Get closed-back headphones to keep the sound from leaking into the mics. Don’t get cheap ones. You want a realistic picture of the sounds on your tracks.
Recommendation: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro - These are a solid choice, but there are other good ones too.
Microphone Recommendations:
Dynamic Mics - Workhorse mics that are also good for live concert performance.
• Shure SM58 - Classic mic good for vocals and instruments. Avoid the Beta 58 which sounds a bit harsh in the high frequencies. If your SM58’s grille is beat up, get an inexpensive Shure RK143G replacement.
• Shure SM57 - Almost exactly the same as the SM58. Not quite as good at rejecting P-pops in vocals.
• Sennheiser e906 - Nicer for guitar amps. Also nice for brass instruments. Don’t confuse it with the e609.
• Audix D6 - A solid choice for kick drums.
Condenser Mics - Higher fidelity with a more extended, crisp high-frequency response. These will pick up more of the sound of the room which could be good or bad. Great on vocals and acoustic instruments. Usually require phantom power (P48.)
• Audio Technica AT2035 - Good for vocals and acoustic instruments.
• MXL 990 - Also good for vocals and acoustic instruments, but not quite as smooth. I’ve seen them on sale for $60.
• Oktava MK-012-01 - Great for acoustic instruments. Has interchangeable capsules. You’ll be fine with just the basic cardioid capsule, but you could also get a kit that includes other options.
Mic Cables
Used to connect your mics to your interface. Don’t get the cheapest ones, but you don’t need anything fancy.
Recommendation: GLS Audio makes good quality, inexpensive mic cables.
Mic Stands
You’ll probably want a boom stand. Good stands are a little spendy. A cheap stand can last quite awhile if you really treat it gently. Make sure you loosen the boom before adjusting the tilt, and then don’t over-tighten it.
Recommendation: The DR Pro mic stands are a good less expensive choice. Atlas and K&M stands are generally higher quality.
Mic Clips
Find out if your mic comes with a clip to attach it to the stand.
Recommendation: For the Shure SM57 or SM58, get a Shure A25D. They don’t break like cheaper clips.
Pop Filter
Hold your hand right in front of your mouth and say “pop.” Feel that little blast of air? That’s what causes the thump sound known as a P-pop. Get yourself a pop filter to keep this from happening on your vocals. You want the one that has a piece of fabric stretched over a hoop. (The foam ones that fit over the mic are good for wind noise outside.) Most of them have a gooseneck and a clamp that attaches to the mic stand. You should be able to get a decent one in the $20 range. You can also DIY a pop filter by stretching some panty-hose over a wire coat hanger bent into an appropriate shape.
Use what you’ve got
These are my recommendations, but there are other good choices out there. If you already have some gear (or a friend who will lend you something) see what you can do with that. You generally get what you pay for and more expensive gear can have a particularly nice sound, but there are less expensive options that will give you solid results.
Sourcing
New gear is pristine, but buying used can be a good option. Shop around to find the best prices and if you have a cool local music store, see what they can do for you.
Questions?
If you have more questions or there’s something I can help you with, don’t hesitate to contact me at www.davidstreit.com. Now, go make some music!
What gear would you recommend? Feel free to comment below (opinions vary, so let’s keep it civil please.) If you decide to get any of the things I mentioned, I’d love to know about your experiences using them. Please share this blog with anyone who could benefit from it.