recording packages

[labguitar1003]

hey guys im looking to buy a recording package to start out, ive been looking at this one.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-M-Audio-Studio-Pro-3-Monitor---MXL-990-991-Mic-Package-476487-i1471849.gc

I would like to know what you guys think, maybe suggest something else, im also getting a mixer to go with it but thats not in the package.
i run off a mac so i dont really need any new software, just peripherals.

Thanks, Labguitar

 

[mayfly]

Don't laugh, but I've gotten good results with a sampson USB mic straight into a MAC running garage band.

This album was recorded that way and it managed to get radio airplay at 10 stations:

http://cornflowerbluemusic.com/music/music.html

 

[richship]

That's a nice selection of stuff for the price. I'd consider it if I didn't already have some small monitors. Make sure the interface you get provides phantom power for the two mics.

 

[AndyG]

You'll only need a mixer if you plan on recording more than 2 sources at a time (most interfaces have at least 2 built-in mic pres).  If you do want a mixer, the Mackie Onyx series is good for the price.  Considering you record with a Mac, the Coreaudio drivers should recognise it, and all you need to hook it up is a firewire cable.

The MXL mics are alright, but nothing special.  However, they will do the job.

Speaker selection is HUGELY subjective.  The trick with speakers is you need time to get used to them.  Listen to you favorite albums over and over and over again to get a "feel" as to what the curve of the speaker is, then when you record or mix something with them, you shouldn't get a major shock when you listen to your recorded material on another system.  I personally have never used the M-Audio speakers, so I have no idea as to what they sound like.  However, a 3 1/2" woofer isn't going to give you a lot of boom.  I prefer monitors with 6" or larger bass drivers.  The bottom end will sound more natural.

 

[jackthehack]

"However, a 3 1/2" woofer isn't going to give you a lot of boom.  I prefer monitors with 6" or larger bass drivers.  The bottom end will sound more natural."

+100

Per the specs on those speakers: Frequency response: 100Hz – 20kHz ±3dB)

The frequency of a bass guitar open E string is 40-41 Hz, need I say more?

 

[tangent]

Yeah I would stay away from those M-audio monitors, the higher end M-audio ones are decent: BX-5 or BX-8

Yamaha are better in my opinion though and priced around the same as M-Audio, HS-80M are very nice.. they are a little bass heavy but that is easily adjusted

I would recommend checking ebay, you can find BX8 or Yamaha HS80m for very cheap compared to what they cost new.