NEED ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD GET NEXT....

[MEM-NYC]

Hey all, just need some good, experienced input on what direction I should take my set up.

I have a Dual 1.8 GHz G5, 1.5 GB RAM + 20" Cinema Display.
DIGI002 Mixer
Fantom-S Keyboard
Oktava MK-219 Mic.
Acoustic Guitar & Electric Guitar
Pro-Tools 6.2.2
Reason 2.5 + refills


I make hip-hop music and work on some student film soundtracks. I want to sound on the next level and be on the next level, I know that probably starts with equipment (and of course talent)...

I was thinking that I need to get a Compressor and an EQ or a cobo like the AVALON, but it's over $2000.

I was also thinking that I may need a vasy=t variet of sounds...so maybe get some good synth racks (any suggestions).

Or maybe an MPC of some sort, but does that go with my set-up..I mean, does it only work with a PC?


How would you do it, given the set-up I have?

[dubaifox]

Well the obvious thing, that maybe you forgot to mention, are your monitors.

Do you have great ones? Do you have a room that does not colour your mixes?

You will never get good mixes if you can't hear what you are trying to mix, or are correcting your mix for faults in the room.

[mersisblue]

When it comws to saying " But it's 2,000 dollars " well sometimes the money's worth it .

I myself have never used the Avalons , but i bet you most engineers would say they want the quality

a unit like this will bring . You have a G5 ( and after this avalon ordeal I'd get a nice mic , I own that Oktava as

well but it only alright and stepping up tp Blue would be next ) It just makes more sense to me after you

got a couple pieces , in other words I'd rather have An avalon an 1176 ( or distressor ) then 4 DBX 1066




ps - monitors are a must though

[MEM-NYC]

What are a good pair of monitors that I coudl get under $400? Or generally speaking in a decent price range???

(also, thanks for the advice.)

[lambro3]

along with upgrading your mics, a better A/D D/A converter will help as well, and of course mic preamps.

I did a comparison using the digi 002 stand alone, then bypassing it using a higher end mic preamp and A/D converter and the difference was considerable.

a top notch audio input path may preclude your need to tweak the sound (as much as you might think you need to), but if you want the capability on a budget you might try plug-ins, like Waves Gold...

[mersisblue]

I like the alesis MK II powered or unpowered

powered goes for 399 a pair

I use the nonpowered and they are great

[gracejames]

If you don't need monitors then how about...

Brent Averill
TLM 103/127

[The_Communist]

Sup Bro.. You said your thinkin of getting a MPC? If your Roland got a sampler/sequencer then dont bother. Most mistakes I see is that people dont stick with "1" piece and master it. I seen a fool with a SP 1200/MPC 2000/Korg Triton/Roland Fantom and his talent got washed away with endless manuals of music equiptment and they all basically did the same thing! If you want a rack with Hip Hop sounds look for EMU'S Planet Phat and Mo Phat, they have some fat sounds in them, you wont be dissapointed! But Monitors are a MUST........ You already got a pretty awesome set up man.......

[dubaifox]

What are a good pair of monitors that I coudl get under $400? Or generally speaking in a decent price range???

If you read the other current post in this forum "and the best near-fields are...?" You quickly learn there is no answer. You need to go somewhere with a CD you know and love, and compare,listen, critique for yourself."

Having said that, I have a pair of Mackie 824's, and my next purchase will probably be a smaller pair of Alesis MK II's to give me another angle on my mixes.

[MEM-NYC]

Thanks man, and thanks all you guys... it's a lot of help. Please keep informing me.

Which plug-ins are best to doing vocals...singing and rap??? And keyboards?

And what abotu overall mastering....?

Any concepts you guys can name off the bat abotu panning...etc?

You can see my plug-ins on my site: www.mastereverymoment.com

(not sure if my Waves are gonna last...i have a demo with a reset...[K]... I just dont have any money to get 1500 dolla' plugins, even here in NYC.