[Cazrolina]

Ok. So I'm currently working with Garageband on a Mac and I am about to buy my first mic, studio headphones, mic stand, pop shield and midi keyboard. Exciting stuff

I want to be able to record my voice with studio sound quality, poss some acoustic guitar - once i locate it in my parents attic, dust it off, and stop laughing at my rusty playing - and play keys from my old yamaha and through a midi keyboard. (An iPhone screen really doesn't cut it...)

Theres a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Vocal Studio Pack, (2nd Gen) bundle online for 241 pounds.
http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Focusrite-Scarlett-2i2-Vocal-Studio-Pack-2nd-Gen/1LGS

Comes with:
1. Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen) Audio Interface
2. HP60 (2nd Gen) Studio Headphones
3. CM25 (2nd Gen) Condenser Microphone
4. 3m XLR CAble
5. USB Cable
6. Mic Reflection Filter
7. Mic Pop Filter
8. Straight Mic Stand
9. Bundle code for free software
Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite, Softube Time and Tone Pack, Ableton Live Lit music making software, Novation Bass Station VST with AU Plugin-Synthesiser, 2GB of Loopmasters sounds and samples plus Pro tools First (First Focusrite Creative Pack). The addition of the Pro Tools First (First Focusrite Creative Pack) adds to its functionality, providing you with the Pro Tools First software and 12 free plug-ins.



My queries are:
- If i go for the scarlet focusrite bundle I'm recording my vocals via a different software, yes? Can i then import takes easily into current Garageband projects? I.e. will they be compatible systems and will this be straightforward?

- Can anyone recommend a decent cheap midi keyboard? And is it better that i get one that can connect to my mac via usb? Is anyone doing this and using Garageband?

- Can i record from my old yamaha keyboard via the scarlet focusrite 2i2? I think i can, but am looking for a double check on this too.


Just seen this too.  
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SEX1SSTUDIOBUNDLE/condenser-mics/se-electronics-se-x1s-studio-vocal-recording-bundle

- Whats best?

Thanks you lot. And can I apologise in advance if these are rather silly questions. It's shaky being a learner...

Any other thoughts/pointers gladly accepted.

Cheers
Caz

[Yodasdad]

Hi,

Just quickly,

You will be able to record straight into GarageBand with the Scarlett. You can use the software that it comes with but it will work fine with GB.

You will be able to record audio from your keyboard into the Scarlett, assuming the keyboard has a working audio output and if both the keyboard and Scarlett have a midi you can record midi too. You could even use this instead of a midi keyboard for a whil if you want to. The Scarlett should have a midi port, I know the 2i4 does and provided the keyboard is not pre 1980's, it should too.

Sounds like a good bundle, haven't had chance to look at the second one.

Hope this helps.

Yodasdad

[Yodasdad]

Just had a quick look,

I can vouch for the X1 as a mic, although mine isn't an s version.

This bundle doesn't seem to come with the interface and extras that the first one does though so presumably you'll need to buy those separately.

Yodasdad

[Yodasdad]

Really should have put this all in one post...

Looking at both of them, I'd want the Scarlettfrom th first and the X1 from the second. Personally I'd weigh up the price of getting them separately.

The mic in the first might be okay but I know the X1 has a good reputation.

The mic and the interface are the most important bits for getting a good sound in my opinion so this is where I'd focus your money. The reflection filter and pop shield are next on the list. If you want/need all the extra stuff that's fine but don't get drawn in to buying a bundle because of the ease and filler.

Try contacting a store, tell them what you want and see what 'bundle' they'll put together for you.

Oh and midi keyboard is easy straight in the Mac with usb. I've not used a midi kbd through the Scarlett but you can and I use my digital piano this way.

Yodasdad

[Boydie]

I agree with YODASDAD

Based on what you have said so far....

If you existing keyboard has a MIDI out (a small round socket with lots of pins) I would recommend not getting a separate controller keyboard and use the saving to get a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (which has a MIDI input you can connect your existing keyboard too - assuming it has a MIDI output)

I would then consider the sE mic if you are going outside of the bundle

I would suggest calling Andertons, DV247, and Gear4Sound asking for their best price for a custom bundle of what you want

I would also personally consider dropping the reflection filter from your spec and put the saving towards an even better mic (and just use the duvet trick until you discover whether a reflection filter would help

Here are some good "first proper studio mic" options I posted from another thread

I would say the Se x1 would be considered a "good enough" mic

Essentially a large condenser mic designed for recording vocals and instruments is what you are looking for

My recommendations for good value mics between £80 - £250ish would be:

sE X1A £80
A good entry level mic if your budget is under £100
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/X1A/condenser-mics/se-electronics-x1a-condenser-microphone

sE X1T £149
This mic has a tube in it to get a classic tube tone - I got the sE 2200T, which has a tube and I love the sound of it
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/X1T/condenser-mics/se-electronics-x1-t-large-diaphragm-tube-condenser-mic

sE 2200A II £179
This is a great quality mic for the money
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SE2200IIC/condenser-mics/se-electronics-se2200a-ii-cardioid-studio-mic

Aston Origin £219
I am hearing some great things about these mics - they look super kewl and are British made
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/ASTORIGIN/condenser-mics/aston-origin-cardioid-condenser-microphone

Rode NT1 with shock mount and pop shield £255
I really like the "all in" design, especially the pop shield which is ingenious
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/NT1KIT/condenser-mics/rode-nt1-in-black-w-rycote-shockmount-pop shield


When you call the stores you want to make sure you ask them to price the following bundle:
Audio interface (2i4 if you have a midi keyboard)
Mic + shock mount + pop shield (sometimes included with mic but not always so check)
STURDY mic stand - a really cheap one may start to "sag" after a while
An XLR cable

I would say this would be the perfect setup to get you going

Don't be scared to ask for a deal - and if you get a cheaper offer ask them to beat it!

[Yodasdad]

Just to add to what Boydie said, I've found a solid base mic stand to be superior to one with the tri-pod legs in this situation, especially where you are not likely to be moving it around that much.

My tripod suffered from the sagging that Boydie mentioned, I swapped it out for a solid base and I've had no issues. Also a much smaller footprint if you're tight on space.

Yodasdad

[Cazrolina]

You guys are amazing. Thanks for taking the time to yet again post some fab advice - and for the links too. You rock. IDST c x

[jacksimmons]

Guys above did all the important stuff but just wanted to add I heavily vouch for the Scarlett package if you're a beginner to production in general. It's still my current set-up.

[Cazrolina]

Hi All,

Well. I had myself an interesting battle with an iffy shock mount earlier today, but I'm almost there with the new equipment.

Andertons talked me into a sontronics stc3x rather than the rode mic, although I ended up getting everything on amazon and gax in the end. My old Yamaha keyboard must have been one of the first to have a midi output but oh yes. It's there. So I went for the focusrite 2i4.

I'm just in the midst of flattening a mac but should be in full home studio working order tomorrow. Whoopeeeeeeee!

Will come up for air and catch up on some reviewing tomorrow too. Happy days.
Squeak soon
Cx