To be fair, every Pro-studio I was in including the Kohlekeller Studios had cubase as their first daw :D Other than that: Reaper is free to use for 60 days and can be downloaded even as a portable version for your ssd etc. so you can technically work at every place that has wifi and about 50mb for Reaper free on their harddisk.
I’ve found a condenser mic in combination with a dynamic mic works great with thick sound on heavy guitars. Saw Black Sabbath engineer say they used on Tony Iommi’s guitars so I tried and liked it.
I find myself working on plenty of projects where the mix has already started and the buffer size needs to go up whilst tracking. That’s where UAD Console is super handy, so agree on the DSP thing. But that’s precisely why amp sims don’t cut it for me. For latency free monitoring a Kemper, Fractal etc or a load box is essential.
Truly depends on the music though. many bands have no or just 2 toms. Or they have a bit of PA equipment and can run 2 snare mics into a mixer and then use just one channel. Yes, less flexible, but the setup suggested in this video is only for dentists anyways, so most will need to compromise.
Great list!! I opted for a Kemper and I have to say, the day of physical amps/cabs is gone...at least when it comes to recording and studios. I love my amps and cabs, but I moved them all to storage after getting the Kemper. It just makes more sense in terms of space usage when space is limited. I also have delved into the world of 500 series gear and love it. I think that might be something worth looking into for anyone who is looking to shave some money off of analog gear and/or save some space in their rack.
Ive used mixcraft pro 9 for long time. Also zoom L20 board. Weve recorded some amazing work with these 2. We run a LIVE stage recording studio. It's a unique set up that is rarely seen or done.
I think this is all good stuff but the only thing I would add is an external hard drive for back ups. You did mention lots of space on the mac computer but still it will save your skin.
I can't understand why you would want to track through plugins ever. Track through real preamps, of course. Carbon is a really limiting choice and I would rather use UAD with the unison technology. But I still don't think any DSP is really necessary. I think you're better off getting something from RME, MOTU or maybe even Focusrite rednet. Much less money with way more flexibility. I think protools only matters for 2 reasons: you're used to it or you have to work in pro studios in LA, NYC, or Nashville. Otherwise, just use whatever you want to mix. I like your microphone choices. I would probably add a solid outboard bus comp to the list.
why the compressor? Seems like a weird investment for a home studio. You can probably get really good simulations of 10 analog pieces for the price of one real unit.
I like Beta 52A for kicks too. And Electro-voice RE-20 is a another nice, less warm, but more articulate alternative to the SM7b, that can work on vocals, cabs and kick. SM7b sound nice on small tube bass amps like Ampeg B-15 / PF-20T/ PF-50. Speaking of which, an Ampeg PF-20T does great quadruple duty as a bass amp, clean pedal platform tube guitar amp and bass / guitar DI with transformer. And something like a GAP Pre 73 is good both for vocal mic pre, kick pre and bass or guitar DI. When starting out, things that can be used in multiple scenarious are most useful. For example Line Audio CM4 Stereo SDCs, or Oktava MK-012s are good for overheads and for acoustic guitar, at about 250 a pair. I also like Austrian Audio OC16 414-style LDC mics for vocals, spoken word, guitar cab, bass cab and for toms, strings, piano, at about 650 a pair (which is still cheaper than the more limited Sennheiser MD-421-II's). The new Warm Audio WA-19 clone could be cool for drums / guitar cab duty too, at 200 each. The new SSL Quad Pure Drive is another good option. And yeah, 4 channels for starting out you can even the use 4 mic, 4-channel drum kit recording methods, which can sound great. I think a good affordable ribbon mic, or ribbon mic pair is good to have, and I like the GAP R1-A and the Cascade Fatheads. I think you probably want one good tube amp around, or at least a head with a Torpedo captor. Something Fender Deluxey, Vox AC-ish or Marshall JTM or Plexi ish (the 20 watt mini-heads are great studio tools). I like something like a Gretsch Brooklyn as an all round studio drum kit, or a Broadkaster if you want . With a set of Zildjian K's. Never NS-10s, I prefer what more modern monitors can do, and love my APS 2020 Klassiks but Hedd Type 07s are great too. Skimping on monitors, drum kits or amp is not a good idea. Vintera Tele/Strat/P-basses are good classic type guitars and basses. Les Paul Specials are good all-rounders that aren't as expensive as Standards too. Sire V5/V7 Jazz-bass style are good.
Hey Jordan, thank you so much for everything you do here for us!!! just showing some love to your page... BTW The CRANBORNE AUDIO ADAT500 is so good for outboard gear!!!
@@michaelyolch79 The current PC I'm using hasn't crashed since I bought it which was about three years ago. I'm just comfortable with PC's and Windows. Whatever works for you is great!
@@michaelyolch79 I'm a software engineer, if your PC is unstable that's a you problem. Build/optimize your own PC and it'll run over anything you put in front of it.
Mac?? Avid?? Api?? UAD??Guess we could see this coming - soooo very typically USA based & biased. 😂🤦🏻♂️ Also, any studio & DAW in the world nowadays are compatible for further work/mixing/overdubs - we have AIFF or WAV exports, stem exports, and even cross-platform compatible session files. Also, no cables, interconnects, stands, clamps and even more glaringly no at least minimal room acoustics treatment solutions & materials??? Also, NS10s or CLAs for TRACKING a live band, and NO headphones for anybody, seriously?? Ehhhhhh, at least the mic choices were pretty safe (& sound) advice. And so was the tambourine.
i run studio one pro, presonus interface and 8 channels of adat so i record 16 channels, and record with zero latency, 16 channel presonus controller ,warm audio la2a,1073
That's so funny. I've had those exact same mics on my list (excluding the C451s) for years. One of these days I'll finally have all my stuff together. I've been looking at the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 for a while. 8 inputs is plenty for me for necessary drums; kick, snare, four toms (on my kit), and two overheads. I've not found hat to be super necessary to spot mic, but I do like a good room mic.
I really appreciate this video. Keep up the great work. You always come across honest and genuine.I have the Neural DSP plugin Nolly and I only wanted to try it because I saw that you recommended it. It works perfectly for me. Neural DSP may have other plugins that are great but Nolly does the job for me. This video was what I had asked. This video was made for someone like me. Thanks for sharing your recommendations. I really appreciate it. I may still stick with my favorite DAW that never crashes but this has some great info. Thanks
I'm thinking about upgrading my mics, getting a nice preamp, and some nicer instruments just because I bought a bunch of cheap ass pawnshop mics and gear and i've pushed it as far as I think it can go. At some point there's just an extra 10% of clarity, depth, and polish that I'm missing out on. But what he said about getting an insanely nice piece of gear and still being at the same skill level is 100% true. I feel like I've paid my learning dues on the cheap shit now.
If you listen to what he says, it's good to start with gear you can keep and not sell and loose your ass and have to spend more to get the good stuff. My grandfather always told me to save a little longer for what you really want and don't skimp where you shouldn't. Happy recording!!!!
@@adamphillips6747 it wasn't meant as criticism but just as a simple summation. Quality always over quantity. Just a hard reality check for many illusionists out there thinking they will ever have a legit setup completely.
I think the best thing to take away from the video is not necessarily the products; but the functions he’s describing. Essentially what he’s saying is you want to allow yourself to have: •A good computer •A decent quality Audio Interface with enough inputs to track drums •Additional equipment if you want to separate your mixes more (The preamps •An Outboard compressor to help with minimizing clipping for intense tracks (FX loops, vox, meaty/experimental guitars, anything giving you a headache) •Enough decent quality microphones to do what you need, that will also last you long enough to make your records Overall you want to think of the challenges you have recording, and find out what’s the bare minimum to circumvent those challenges, and finally build from there. Don’t worry if You don’t need something afterall, you can always sell it and get a little money back. Take care of all of your gear! Happy Shopping!
I agree with what ur saying. Except for ur suggestion of using a mac and neural dsp. Since ur using Protools, it really doesn't matter whether its a mac or PC... and the prices are massively higher. Also, neural dsp has shit on actual guitar gear bro. How are u not aware of that?
He did say that you can get away with cheaper alternatives, but this will help take what you have with your skills and push that further. In my tiny home studio, I live in the Universal Audio and Audient system and it was definitely worth every penny. You'd be surprised as to how many awesome home studios there are with really well thought out gear. Invest in the best possible setup you can and it'll serve you for a long time as opposed to "buying it twice" if you will. 🙂
Where I would differ: get an M2 Mac mini since the apple silicon is incredibly strong. Go no less than 16gb ram. Go for Cubase over pro tools because 99.999% of people will never enter a pro studio and Cubase is way more user friendly. For the interface, if you ever plan on being in a band just buy an X32 rack. Amazing for a live rig, band practice and for recording. For the condensers just get a matched pair of se7s. Incredibly cheap and amazing for the price. Paying $1500 for a pair of condenser mics isn’t going to be the difference in getting you pro results. You’d be better off using that on some decent fab filter plugins or just saving it.
Mac because “it just works”. What year is this, 2002? PCs are flawless and cheap. Spend twice as much as you need to if you want, nice logo. And DAW reaper is $60 and awesome. I had cubase for years, cost me $1500 once, ditched it, never looked back. Save on computer and daw and spend on good gear.
Keep your eye on American Musical Supply's outlet zone. They have brand new but non factory sealed Distressors that they sell for dirt cheap fairly often. I'm pretty sure they have payment plans without credit check, but I've never used it so I don't know how flexible they are about it. I'd tell everyone who wants to use payment plans to buy carefully, though. I've found a ton of great deals through AMS over the years that has saved me loads of money.
Computer should be 32 gig ram minimum or your projects probably have few tracks. Protools is way behind the times. Protools carbon is a waste of money. Focusrite octopres are junk with poor SNR. Properly engineered, good value interfaces are Audient and SSL or Apollo Twin. They have the highest quality built in preamps and proper line in preamp bypass plus the largest real world dynamic range measurements. You don't need extra preamps at all, nevermind something stupid expensive like API. If you must, Seventh Circle Audio or Cranborne Audio are as better engineered than API for a fraction of the price. You don't need an artist mix at all that's a luxury item. Don't get me started on those mic choices.
The hardware suggested totals to +$25,000.... And, does not include an acousticly treated room, cables, audio snakes, patchbay, misc tools... Better get the credit card out boys and girls! (P.S. Please don't use your CC. you can get 95%+ quality for 1/8th the cost)
You have to talk with computer nerds for it. However UAD is finally running strong on latest thunderbolt 3 connection. I’m not a fan of those pre’s, so I would suggest to buy something from steinberg, rme or apogee (focusrite is also great) in relation with drivers fo pc
I know you addressed cost but this video is stupid. This set up will cost thousands to build not to mention a studio sized space. Anyone with the money for this set up does not need to go on RU-vid to get tips from you. Who did you think you were pithing this video to - Rick Ruben?
Dont go with a mac. M4 seems to have some problems and pc have more options in hard and software for less money. For those on a low budget, look at the Beringer x18. It is unbeatable performance for the price. Amd if you grow beyond it, just hook it up to a mini pc and run dante via. That gives you all the connections of the interface over the network to your main machine. That is the cheapest way to go from usb to Dante anyway. Glue the two together and you made a digital snake 😂 Also x18 can be used with the x-touch, and the x-toich can slso control your daw. And controls the x18 over the network, control your "snake" from the control room.. my that sounds professional, looks it too, and on a low budget Monitor.. Adam Audio t7v... Dislike the ns10 for long sessions. Only used them to check against the t7v and after a bit that wasn't needed anymore Also look on the second hand sites. Gear like microphones are really nice to buy used. Just scored a Sennheiser md21u for $140.. 😊
although I like most of the mindsets in your videos, I'd politely disagree with almost all the picks in this video, here in Europe, prices and studios are perhaps different than in US, so here's the thing: 1) base model Mac Studio costs 2500$ and any cheaper Mac doesn't give you sufficient connectivity and features, when you add USB-C adapters, Apple CD burner, USB hub(s), video adapter(s), ethernet adapter(s), thunderbolt dock etc.. that's easily another 1000$ extra which simply isn't a justifiable long-term value given the planned software obsolence Apple is pushing; 2) new/current ProTools is the worst DAW pick, it's mandatory subscription paid without any meaningful improvements, lacks backward and forward OS compatibility (especially on Mac) and most studios aren't using it anyway here in Europe, many of them do have old PT10-12 era, but they're phasing it out, maybe except TV studios which can't get rid of it that easily 3) AVB interface such as Carbon by design is clunky, requires another ethernet port on the computer, being AoIP has very uncertain lifespan and upgrade paths (just see new AVID expansion preamps for the Carbon), doesn't offer any superior sound or functionality (compared to RME for example); similarly thunderbolt interface as UA has very limited if any support on Windows, effectively locking user to Mac platform, with a very uncertain lifespan and driver support especially now when Intel flagged thunderbolt 3 as dead, no longer producing chips, quickly moving onto TB4 and TB5 4) dedicated preamps are overrated, any decent audio interface is capable of providing that on its own, flavour being optional easier achieved in post, 5) hardware outboard gear, again overrated, although it can be more convenient in live situatiions, it's so much limited compared to plugins there isn't even a comparison to begin with, especially for a home studio without any specific need for certain famous analog gear sound 6) controller, again very overrated, ArtistMix is also no longer produced, so support is basically gone or phased out soon, recommending ethernet-based one (so you need 3rd ethernet port on your computer by now) with very limited if any configurability, in a home studio maybe 1-fader motorized controller like Faderport may be handy, but using mouse+keyboard or smart plugin riders does that much quicker nowadays 7) NS10's are overrated for what they offer, mediocre monitors do help achieve better mixes, but it makes much more sense to buy good monitors and just set some EQ filters on your master buss monitoring when you need and disable that when you don't need, also saves studio space later and costs on monitoring systems when you can have only one set of versatile monitors
DO NOT go with a mac. They are overpriced and you can spend the money on things far more important. Do NOT go with a mac just because people think it's better it is not; I built a PC that destroys the latest M2 chips for a FRACTION of the cost. I never crash, Windows 11 is incredibly stable these days. Mac keeps updating and breaking plugins. PC Builder website, choose your parts (it's quite fun). Build it! Then the 2k that you saved, get a piece of equipment that actually matters.
Playing devils' advocate here... I grew up on macs and most all macs cost twice as much as a PC and half the speed so why bother. Pro Tools is fine in you are working on other peoples stuff. But if you just work on your own music F' Slow tools. its one of the worst daws ever for being creative! People daw choice should really genre specific. I like most of your other recommends, I just think we need to get off of avid being a studio standard because it just doesn't hold true anymore.
You don't need a controller, preamp or any external hardware. Get a decent midi-keyboard and an interface with decent preamps. You are STILL "legit" don't let this dude fool you into believing otherwise.
He's definitely not "fooling" anyone. He did say that you don't need all of it to be a pro producer, BUT being able to track live bands with the best possible investment in gear can definitely help elevate you to a higher caliber. Otherwise, yeah you can get away with midi software and keyboards.
I've never found a transformerless preamp that has the flexibility that I need. Almost all interfaces have the same circuit typology that is weak on their native DB handling that will ultimately define the usability and limitation. There is almost always a workaround when it comes to interface preamps; always needing a plugin to achieve any character.
I spent most of my time troubleshooting my PC instead of recording music. I made the investment in a Mac I haven’t had to troubleshooting it once. It just works.
@@jondaniels3774 yes, Windows is not perfect but it may also depend the version software your DAW running. Newer DAW versions require faster processing speed, memory, etc. The number of tracks, plug-ins, unnecessary applications running in background can also effect.
@@christhembones8244 yes. I understand all of that. I’m just speaking from my own experience. I’m a computer guy. I’ve built many a PC. As for DAWS. I’ve tried Reason, Cubase, Adobe Audition, Studio One (and they were all legit purchases/not cracked) time and time again I ran into issues. I shutdown every background task, scanned constantly for viruses/adware/malware, kept checking registry settings, firmware updates for any and all connected devices, checked drivers to make sure they were up to date, researched if anyone had issues with the various components I had, such as sound cards, etc. as well as software. In many cases it was difficult to find an answer due to the fact that PCs have an endless variety of potential configurations / the odds of finding someone with my exact (or even similar) configuration who was also recording and mixing audio with it was slim to none. I wasted an enormous amount of time troubleshooting issues (when I’d fix one problem, another would randomly pop up a week or two). As a PC owner at the time, I resisted for many years using macs because I thought they were just way overpriced. If a person is just going to use their computer to do the basics such as email, web browsing, etc: PC is the way to go. But for anyone who doesn’t want to be bothered fussing with maintenance and instead wants to focus on music (especially if time = money) Mac is the way to go. Personally, I envy guys who have studios that run PCs.
Your argument for Pro Tools is all major pro studio are using it... but purpose for having a 'legit' home studio is, you don't need a pro studio anymore. So why pay for PT, there are more affordable options out there, which can give you even more then PT.
Hate Macs. Had one years ago and it kept having to go back to Apple for repairs and they kept billing me to fix it despite it actually being a design flaw that they got sued over. PC ever since and never had any issues. DAW: You can install Reaper on a USB stick and take it wherever you go.. No need to have DAW compatibility if you can take your DAW wherever you go.
"... only things that you need ..." like a $2000 Mac (for next to no good reason) and Protools... you don't NEED either of these. I run my studio on a refurbed $400 Lenovo Tiny Windows PC, with Reaper as a DAW and no problems. Don't blame the tools.
I use a PC, Reaper DAW, Behringer PHORIA UMC1820, Focusrite Solo, AKG Drum Set Session I, AT2035, Fluid Audio F4, ATH M20 x, ATH M30x, AMT Reincarnator, Plugins from Waves and iZotope. And yes, I have a tambourine.
Pro Tools is GARBAGE today. The 90s are over and that tired ass company has done nothing to retain it's status. Patchwork coding mess at best. Reaper alone smokes PT 6-ways south. You're buying THE DEVS when it comes to the DAW.
Mac Studio - expensive and not that great. Buy a Mac mini (base model) and put in your own ram (nit that difficult but make sure you know what your are doing). Logic is the best. Its plugins can essentially do everything from mix to mastering. Also, with Logic only DL and apply AU - it doesn't need VSTs and will save you heaps of disk storage. Focusrite is a good choice, but other are great too, although focus rite give you nice freebies now as they have created a bigger collective. The rest I agree with except of course Logic has those wonderful AI drums so as a songwriter out of a band, you don't need anything but guitar and vocal mics.
Good thing you wrote LEGIT in caps. Cause way under 1% of home studios will have this kind of gear. I like most vids of yours, but this is delusional. The whole setup is basically 10x as expensive as necessary, just so you can record super high end drums. Going with an SM7 or C214 or so for vocals, one of the standard interfaces from Motu/Focusrite etc and you'll be able to do almost everything this does, for less than the price of one mic. Minus drums. But who has a good space to record drums anyways? I'd use edrums and programmed drums, and then potentially rent a studio for a final drum tracking session, it'll be better than anything at home, and still come out cheaper unless you're renting out your space for others to record (at which point it's not a "home studio").
Class video. Great job. Would love to hear your thoughts on the use of e drums triggering programs like superior vs recording drums in an "ok-ish" sounding space.
You didn't ask me but e-drums and a really good VST like Superior Drummer gets my vote. They take the best recording engineers, put them in the best sounding rooms, with the best drums, and record them with the best mics, then let you use those uncompressed audio files for like $200. It's much better and way less hassle than spending all that money and time on setting up, micing, and mixing a kit in a not-so-great room and trying to make it sound professional. Just my opinion
Hi! Love your videos! Computer-yes Mac or Windows just preference both are OS and they're both PC = Personal Computer. The minimum in RAM I'd say 16G since everything the PC uses is mostly run by the RAM and at least Quad-Core. USB port 2 it's fine why? Because you can run up to 127 USB in 1 USB. The DAW and interface it's the person's preference and what do they want to achieve like recording lots of ins and outs, for mixing don't need that much same as mastering. Plugins and outboard gear same as above. Controller and/or midi controllers depends. Studio Monitors also depends on what the person wants to achieve. Keep up the great job 👍
I’m a live sound person who wants to get into studio recording. How do you feel about using a Behringer X 32 as the main console? I ask because that’s the one I know most about
What about a cello ? Haha just kidding. 8 inputs would be enough for me. For non-metal, the LDCs may become more essential, or maybe not. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hey Jordan! Great vid! I would love to see a Little Labs Red Eye video of you setting it up and using it for re-amping guitars, and then using those in a mix. Would be cool to see how you’d nail a mix with this tool.
8 gigs of RAM is the minimum, but so is a UAD Apollo? I’d prefer a better computer with a slightly less intensive interface, but then again I’m not making pro records
Oh god the 1st point is held up with "Macs are able to run DAWs" and "I had problems with my Windows machine" While both are valid points, the inverse is just as likely to be true, but neither results in a structurally valid argument.
