Home Studio Gear Question

[Tory Capman]

So I want to expand my home studio and really start learning to record and mix to have at least a semi-professional sound.
Currently I’ve got a Presonus interface to get the mics or guitars into the computer. I’ve got two mics: an Sm57 and a Sm58. I think this will suffice for instruments but I’m wanting to get more equipment for vocals.
I think the mic I wanna go with is the Shire SM7B Mic and a Warm Audio WA12 MkII Microphone Preamp. I cannot buy both at once, so which should I buy first? Should I get the preamp and use it with my current mics before getting the SM7B?
I’m also open to any different suggestions if anyone has some and I’d be very interested if Syn would chime in with any advice based on what professionals use in the studio. I wonder what mic/preamps Shads uses?

 

[idssdi]

I don’t even own an interface but someday I do kinda eant to start recording myself. I do prefer(at least I think so) mic infront of the amp instead of amp line in to interface or guitar directly to interface. So I really like the mic question!

 

[Tory Capman]

Thanks Ids! Yeah I think the current mics I have will do fine for instruments but I’m not sure about vocals. And I hear the SM7B requies a lot of gain to help it sound good which might make it pointless to buy without a preamp. But they’re both over $400 each

 

[Filip Tomiša]

Sm57 is a great mic for recording a guitar through amp or for snare, sm58 is a dynamic mic and it’s used for live performances, sm7b is a great mic that once you buy you will use it forever, some great bands like SOAD used that mic for their records, it’s also a great podcast mic. I would get shure sm7b but if you are happy with how sm58 sounds when you record it then get a preamp

 

[Tory Capman]

The suggestions I have read online say that I’ll need a preamp for the SM7B anyways. So I’ll eventually probably get both but maybe I’ll get the preamp first? Would he sm58 work alright to record vocals?

 

[Filip Tomiša]

Yes it would, that mic is a standard for live performances so it’s definitelly great for vocals. You should get decent recordings with that mic, but usually people use condenser mics for vocals because they capture a more detailed sound but like I said you should be satisfied with sm58

 

[Tory Capman]

That brings up another thought I had. Would I be better off getting a cheap condenser mic and the preamp while I save for the SM7B, or just stick with the sm58?
I plan to learn to record by making covers and then progress to writing my own stuff. I would cover anything from A7X to John legend

 

[Filip Tomiša]

I think it’s best to just stick with sm58 because you don’t want do buy some shitty condenser mic just because it’s condenser. I’m not saying that cheap mics are not good (sometimes the cheapest one sounds the best one for some vocalists) but it’s better to invest into something that you know it’s gonna last and that you are going to be satisfied using it. And you don’t need the best equipment to make a good recording, you’ll be just fine with 58

 

[Tory Capman]

Thanks man I’ve got some more reorganization to do before I start recording but soon hopefully! I’ve been watching videos on YouTube that teach how to use the software I’ve got installed and it looks pretty sweet!

 

[Calvin Phillips]

If you’re just starting out, I advise you download Audacity. It’s really easy, and the quality is actually pretty solid. Good place to learn basic recording.

 

[Tory Capman]

I think I tried using it once and didn’t really like it. I have Reaper on my desktop. I used it back in 2010 to make a super amateur recording of Second Heartbeat’s guitar parts so since I’m already somewhat familiar with its functionality, I’m going to try to use it again.

 

[Calvin Phillips]

reaper is another good one I hear. I downloaded reaper and didn’t like it. They are pretty much the same thing just different lay outs and maybe different effects.
I tried using pro tools and I couldn’t get a grasp on it at all. lol

 

[Calvin Phillips]

reaper is another good one I hear. I downloaded reaper and didn’t like it. They are pretty much the same thing just different lay outs and maybe different effects.
I tried using pro tools and I couldn’t get a grasp on it at all. lol

 

[Filip Tomiša]

All those softwares are great, just use the one that you like the best. I use FL studio 12 because it’s super easy and I can do anything I want there so that’s why I’m using it. On the academy we use Cubase but it’s not my cup of tea so like I said just use what you are most comfortable with

 

[Calvin Phillips]

never even heard of FL. I tried reaper and didn’t notice a difference from audacity. Just a different lay out. Never tried FL studio tho. Dont think I know cubase either.

 

[Tory Capman]

I don’t know much about Audacity, but what I like about Reaper is that the only thing you pay for is licensing. The “free trial” is the full version and doesn’t actually expire.

 

[Calvin Phillips]

Had no idea you had to pay for full reaper. I do NOT think thats the same with audacity. But I personally dont think I have the newest version. I cant remember if I updated it because I was mid recording, and didn’t want to mess anything up.
Depending on the price to liscence, I’d advise paying it for the extra effects if they are that good to pay for. But Audacity has a ton of effects that you can add on top of any effects you have in your recordings. Kind of adds a bit of flavour. Especially vocally.

 

[Tory Capman]

Reaper is free to try but the trial never actually expires. It’s only $60 for the license unless you generate more than $20k in revenue from the recordings I think. Then it’s $120 or something like that

 

[Martin Berg]

Depending on the style of vocal your current mics is actually often used. My advice is to rely on the Presonus interface pre’s as they are pretty good and if you want upgrade with a nice Røde or perhaps a AT2030 multipurpose mic.
But most important; learn your gear and room first! Use it, try it out and focus on recording… Visit http://www.recordingrevolution.com for usable tips. Remember you don’t get to be a great guitarplayer by buying a awesome guitar. It takes practice and need work. Same with recording…
Let’s hear from you