Hi Fella’s

I have written some really nice R&B tracks, have been laying down the vocals today, its been a lot of fun. The problem I am having is there is no means of me EQ’ing my vocals to make the “brighter” so I’m thinking of buying a desk to make my mixes stronger and my vocals sound more crisp!!

My set up..

Cubase 4
Motif XS
MPC 2500
Shure SM58 mic
M Audio Fast Track Ultra (Audio Interface)

So too my questions!

1. What mixing desk would be most suited to the equipment I have. If anyone can make any recommendations.. £400 ($600) max

2. Should I invest in a condenser microphone....

Re: Mixing it up!

If you look at the specs of the SM58, whilst it is fab on the road, for detailed studio work you are often better off using a condenser Mic in the studio - ESPECIALLY if you want to capture the top end of the frequency spectrum. Ultimately you cannot boost what isn’t there and a standard 58 does not deliver much in the range above 15k where there is detail and presence and air.

Getting a condenser would be a much better purchase than a mixer in order to achieve what you are aiming for. That is not to negate the role of the mixer though!!

Within your budget, you could get a small but reasonably well featured mixer plus a decent sounding but basic Condenser mic by the likes of Rode or SE.

Of course, forego the mixing desk and get a much better mic is also an option to explore.

Cheers

Re: Mixing it up!

Thanks Wellie

I decided to do both, I have ordered the Yamaha N8 due to its ability to intergrate into my set up.. I am just looking for a good condenser mic now.. If anyone has any idea’s.

Budget £200

Re: Mixing it up!

Rode NT 1a

Re: Mixing it up!

You’re from UK? £13 more and you’ll get Rode NT2a: [url=http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product.asp?name=Rode-NT2-A&ID=3797]http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product.asp?name=Rode-NT2-A&ID=3797 [/url]

2>1 = better ;-)

Re: Mixing it up!

not really :P

NT1a is the most quietest microphone in the planet, whereas NT2a is not /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=
If you check the specifications, you can see.

A Quality Condenser does shine really nice, if used with a good preamp.
If all you are going to do is connect to a cheap mixer, then its of no use.
But the original poster had told about buying n8. If so, this mic will really shine with it. Not only this mic, but mostly all condensers, coz n8 has really first class preamps.

Re: Mixing it up!

It woudl be worth trying to compare teh NT1 and the NT2 side by side to see which works best for you /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=

Cheers

Re: Mixing it up!

Very true /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt= It all depends on the end user.

Re: Mixing it up!

Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

I ended up getting the N12 and Rode NT2-A mic. Just waiting for delivery now /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=

Re: Mixing it up!

Good choice. Have fun!

Re: Mixing it up!

Aaha ! the n12 eh ? lol /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=
You changed mind to increase budget huh.
Good

Re: Mixing it up!

Looking at the specs of the N12 I thought, what the hell, go for it!!!

I have to say that Im really excited as I have written a song that I am really looking forward to producting using these other pieces of equipment. I will post the song here when its finished!!

Anyway thanks again guys!!!

Re: Mixing it up!

Before starting to record anything, you will face trouble setting things up. I did /forums/images/icons/smile.gif alt=
So please feel free to post up if you encounter anything wrong.
I had troubles setting up coz n12 was the first digital mixer I faced.

Re: Mixing it up!

Thanks keith thats really very nice of you..

Im still awaiting delivery, hopefully it should all be here soon so I can start playing.

I will take you up on your offer to help if I have any queries.

All the best!!!