Hi illuminae,
Thank you for your question.
As a sound engineer for the last 10 years with a rich repertoire in
the music industry of recording, editing, mixing and mastering,
production and promotion, I'm well aware of the best digital recoding
solution you're seeking for. I will guide you to the best equipment
(hardware & software) ? one that will we give you a clean,
professional recordings (as long as you'll use it wisely).
{Remark: The prices shown here are advised only. In most cases you'll
be able to find those products for less (especially from the internet,
you can purchase them aswell in reduced price through ebay or any
other auctions website).}
Hardware:
In terms of Audio interfaces there are several options, each and
everyone of them have its own pros and cons (it's all really depends
in what you're expecting from your setup and would you go for a good
setup that will suit your current scenarios, or looking for future
expansion).
There are 2 types of audio interfaces which will be suitable for
recording along with your G5:
USB or Firewire.
Firewire audio interfaces:
1. M-Audio Firewire Audiophile - 4 in 6 out FireWire Audio Interface-
A compact, FireWire-compatible audio/MIDI interface that takes the
legacy of M-Audio?s award-winning Audiophile line to the next level.
Price: $181.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=308548&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
2. M-Audio Firewire Solo - The FireWire Solo is designed from the
ground up as an easy-to-use, high-quality interface for songwriters to
record guitars, vocals and more on the computer. Compatible with most
popular music software, this compact bus-powered unit is small enough
to go anywhere you want to take your music. In addition to the 1/4"
guitar input right on the front panel, a professional XLR microphone
input also lets you record vocals and acoustic instruments. There are
also dual line inputs for effects, drum machines and other outboard
gear. FireWire connectivity, up to 24-bit/96kHz sample rate support
and digital I/O all add up to outstanding sonic performance.
Features:
? 6 x 4 24-bit/96kHz audio interface
? front-panel microphone in (XLR) with: -48v phantom power
-gain control
-clip LED
? front-panel guitar input (1/4? unbalanced) with: -gain control
-clip LED
? 2 line inputs (1/4? unbalanced) on rear panel
? front-panel switch toggles front/rear inputs
? 2 line outputs (1/4? TRS balanced/unbalanced)
? S/PDIF digital I/O (coax) with 2-channel PCM
? digital output also supports pass-through of AC-3/DTS surround-encoded content
? stereo headphone output (1/4? TRS)
? level control for headphone and analog outs
? flexible software-based routing/mixing with near-zero latency monitoring
? dual FireWire ports for easy device chaining
? FireWire bus-powered (+12VDC power supply included for use with
4-pin FireWire PCs)
? ASIO2, WDM, GSIF2, MME and Core Audio compatibility
? rack-mountable metal chassis
? Kensington lock port
? Mac and Windows compatible
? FireWire cables included
Price: $199
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353766&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
USB audio interfaces:
1. M-Audio Audiophile 2496 USB
Product Description:
Audiophile USB is the affordable, no-hassle USB audio and MIDI
interface for Mac and PC. The Audiophile USB builds on the success of
our popular Audiophile 2496?awarded Best Soundcard by Computer Music
magazine?delivering 24-bit/96k quality with great dynamic range and
noise specs. That?s because it uses AC-powered components that deliver
better fidelity than bus-powered circuitry. The included Mac and PC
drivers let you independently scale bit depth and sample rate (up to
96k) to deliver the lowest USB latency anywhere?whether you?re on
stage or in the studio.
Features:
? Simple USB connectivity for audio and MIDI
? 2 pairs of analog line-level audio inputs (1/4" unbalanced or RCA)
? 2 analog line-level audio outputs (RCA) with level control knob
? S/PDIF in and out (coaxial)
? Support AC3 for surround sound setups
? MIDI in and out
? Headphone output (1/4") with level control knob
? High performance 24-bit/96k ADCs (109dB dynamic range)
? High performance 24-bit/96k DACs (107dB dynamic range)
? Low latency
? External power supply allows higher-fidelity AC-powered components
Price: $190
http://www.dv247.com/invt/22616
2. Mackie Spike
Product Description:
Recording music on a Mac or PC just got exponentially easier with
Spike, a complete digital recording solution from Mackie. Spike
consists of the XD-2 USB 24-bit 96kHz Audio/MIDI Interface with clean,
high-headroom Mackie mic preamps and onboard SHARC dynamics
processing, incredibly easy-to-use Tracktion multitrack audio
recording software with unlimited track count and VST plug-in support,
and the Nomad Factory Blue Tubes Warmer Phaser plug-in. Quite simply,
this is the easiest open-ended system for computer music production.
The XD-2 is a two-channel, mic/line/instrument USB audio and MIDI
interface with 24-bit, 96kHz resolution, high quality internal effects
for tracking and monitoring, and support for ASIO 2.0, WDM and OS X
Core Audio. Its footprint may be small, but this compact interface
offers great sound, channel dynamics & EQ for tracking and monitoring,
and comes with enough software to get up and running right out of the
box. Since the XD-2 has an onboard SHARC processor, it allows things
like low-latency monitoring and powered dynamics processing?all
controllable via an intuitive on-screen graphic display.
Features:
Features
? 2-channel 24-bit/96k USB audio and MIDI interface for Mac or PC
? 2 mic/line/instrument inputs with high-headroom Mackie mic preamps
? Onboard SHARC chip for full channel dynamics & EQ with intuitive
computer-based control - all without a drain on the host computer
? Low-latency monitoring with effects
? DSP available for mixdown
? Easily fits in a laptop bag with unique, "swivel foot" design
Price: $249.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=327042&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
There's a great bundle deal you can purchase which will give you both
high quality USB audio interface and professional
sequencing/recording/editing program which I believe is a great value
for money.
Steinberg Cubase System 4 (PC/Mac)
Product Description:
Exceptional value for money bundle from Steinberg. Cubase SL 3.1* with
4-Channel USB Audio/MIDI interface Offer. Cubase System|4 is
Steinberg?s first integrated music production system, featuring MI4, a
powerful and versatile 4-channel USB Audio and 16-channel MIDI
interface, and Steinberg?s world-class sequencer Cubase SL. Designed
as a cross platform music production and audio editing solution, it?s
one of the most feature-rich systems of its kind, setting a new
standard for USB audio hardware and software integration.
MI4 Feature Highlights:
? 4 audio I/O high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz USB Interface
? 2 professional quality microphone preamps
? 16 channel MIDI I/O
? S/PDIF stereo I/O
Cubase SL Feature Highlights:
? Unlimited number of MIDI and Audio Tracks
? New VST 2.3 audio engine with pristine 32-bit floating point audio
? Up to 16 virtual instrument slots (VSTi?s)
? Includes complete Set of VST Audio and MIDI plug-ins
Features:
PC Version:
Processor:
Pentium / Athlon 800 MHz (Pentium / Athlon 1.4 GHz or faster recommended)
RAM:
384 MB (512 MB recommended)
Operating System:
Windows 2000, Windows XP Home or XP Professional
Graphics:
Display Resolution 1024 x 768 pixels (Display Resolution 1152 x 864
pixels, dual monitor setup recommended)
Other Components:
USB component connector required. *The Cubase SL version included in
Cubase System|4 requires the MI4 audio interface to be attached to the
computer
Mac Version:
Processor:
PowerMac G4 867 MHz (PowerMac G4 Dual 1,25 GHz or faster recommended)
RAM:
384 MB (512 MB recommended)
Operating System:
Mac OS X 10.2.5 or higher
Graphics:
Display Resolution 1024 x 768 pixels (Display Resolution 1152 x 864
pixels, dual monitor setup recommended)
Other Components:
USB component connector required. *The Cubase SL version included in
Cubase System|4 requires the MI4 audio interface to be attached to the
computer
Price: $399.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=392210&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
Cabling+Connectors:
1. Hot Line 20-foot Mic Cable - XLR to 1/4-inch Microphone cable. Made
by Hot Line. (MC.HOT20H)
High-quality Hot Line cables give you pro-quality sound at affordable prices!
All Hot Line cables are shielded to reduce noise and to prevent shock
and feature 24K gold-plated plugs, special rubber PVC jacket that
allows for variations of temperature and minimizes hum and noise.
20-foot microphone cable. High impedance, Female XLR-to-1/4" Male
phone plug w/gold-plated tip connectors. O.D 6.7mm clean two-conductor
braided shielded cables.
Price: $15.99
Remark: You'll have you buy at least 2-3 of those (maybe another 1-2
cables for backup situations)
2. Hot Line 30' Low Impedance Mic Cable - XLR-XLR
Microphone Cable. Made by Hot Line. (MC.HOT30L)
3. Comprehensive RCA Female to 3-pin XLR Female Cable - 10 ft
Price: $11.99 x2
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=133659&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
Affordable, high-quality mic cable -- perfect for jamming, recording, performing!
Terminated with female XLR and male XLR Connectors/O.D 6.7mm Conductor
braided shielded Cables
Price: $19.99
Microphones:
Dynamic:
1. Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Vocal Microphone. Made by Shure. (MC.SM58-LC)
The world standard professional vocal mic! Consistently the first
choice of performers around the globe, the SM58 vocal microphone is a
genuine world standard and a true audio legend. The Shure SM58 is a
unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for
professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and
studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter
minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A cardioid pickup pattern
isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background
noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a
world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shock mount system, and
a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58
will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing or speech --
the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals worldwide.
? Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff
? Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and
minimizes background noise
? Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
? Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter
? Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180 degrees
? Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
? Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic
? Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
? Microphone cable sold separately
Price: $99
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=MC.SM58-LC&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
Condenser:
1. Samson C01 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Studio Condenser Microphone. Made by Samson. (EM.SAC01)
Great for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and for use as
overhead drum mics, the new Samson C01 large diaphragm condenser
microphone is accurate, detailed, smooth with warm bass and extended
top end. This sturdy microphone has a large 19mm diaphragm that
produces a smooth flat frequency response. It features a heavy gauge
mesh grill screen, a gold plated XLR connecter and an LED indicating
48V phantom power. The unit includes a swivel stand mount and an
optional SP01 shock mount is available.
Features:
? Cardioid Pickup Pattern
? Large 19mm Diaphragm
? Heavy Gauge Mesh Grill
? Gold Plated XLR Connector
? LED Indicates 48V Phantom Power
? Smooth, Flat Frequency Response
? Swivel Stand Mount
? Optional SP01 Shock Mount
Price: $69
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.SAC01&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
2. Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Studio condenser mic. Made by Rode. (EM.NT1-A)
The World's Quietest Condenser Microphone
The RoDE NT1-A. Winner of the Electronic Musician 2004 Editors Choice
Award and the world's quietest studio condenser microphone. This
redesigned version of RODE's classic NT-1 has only 5 dBA of
self-noise.
The NT1-A has become an industry standard providing the warmth,
extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability usually only
found with some of the most expensive microphones. Finished in durable
satin nickel, the NT1-A is supplied with a shock mount and zip pouch.
? Zip Pouch, SM-1 Shockmount, 3/8"- 5/8" Thread Adapter included
Price: $199
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.NT1-A&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
3. AKG C1000S Dual Pattern Condenser Microphone
Microphone. Made by AKG. (MC.C1000S)
Owing to its versatility, the C 1000 S is immensely popular as an
excellent recording and performance microphone
The C1000S is an excellent choice for almost any recording
application. It's an excellent vocal microphone which gives great
sound even from a greater distance, e.g. for picking up choirs. It
also offers outstanding performance when used for instruments. Ideal
for performance and home recording applications.
If no phantom power is available you can power the C 1000 S from an
internal standard 9 V battery, which makes it ideal for mobile use.
You can change the polar pattern from cardioid to hypercardioid simply
by mounting the supplied PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter on the
capsule. Also supplied with the C 1000 S is the PB 1000 Presence Boost
Adapter that adds 3 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 kHz and 9 kHz
for better intelligibility and makes dull sounding instruments sound
crisp and punchy again
Specifications:
? FREQUENCY RANGE 50 Hz to 20 kHz
? POLAR PATTERN Cardioid, Hypercardioid with PPC 1000 mounted
? SENSITIVITY 6 mV/Pa (-44 dBV)
? IMPEDANCE 200 ohms
? MAXIMUM SPL FOR 0.5% THD: 137 dB
? EQUIVALENT NOISE LEVEL 22 dB-A
? SIZE 34 ? x 220 mm (1.3 ? x 8.7 in.)
Price: $199
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=MC.C1000S&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
* Adam Tripod Microphone Stand with Boom
Microphone Stands. Made by Adam. (MC.AMS209BK)
Adam mic stands give you sturdy, reliable performance at prices that
can't be beat!
Adam Tripod Boom Stand. Screw type height adjustment. Cable clips included.
Price: $39.99
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=MC.AMS209BK&nav=p-simt&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E
Mixer:
Behringer Eurorack UB802 8-Channel Mixer
Ultra Low-Noise Design 8-Input 2-Bus Mic/Line Mixer with Premium Mic
Preamplifiers. Mixer. Made by Behringer. (EM.BHR-UB802)
A shade larger than the UB502, the UB802 features 2 INVISIBLE MIC
PREAMPs (IMPs), 6 balanced high-headroom line inputs, 1 post fader FX
send per channel for external FX devices and 1 stereo aux return for
FX applications or as separate stereo input. There is also an
effective, extremely musical 3-band EQ on all channels. The UB802 is
well-suited for use with fixed audio and video installations as well
as keyboards, samplers and computer application.
FEATURES:
? Ultra low-noise ULN design, highest possible headroom, ultra-transparent audio
? 2 new state-of-the-art, studio-grade IMP ?Invisible? Mic Preamp with:
- 130 dB dynamic range for 24-bit, 192 kHz sampling rate inputs
- Ultra-wide 60 dB gain range
- Lowest possible distortion 0.0007% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
? Effective, extremely musical 3-band EQ on all channels
? 6 balanced high-headroom line inputs
? State-of-the-art 4580 operational amplifiers provide lowest noise
and distortion?better than 4560 op amps
? 1 post fader FX send per channel for external FX devices
? 1 stereo aux return for FX applications or as separate stereo input
? Peak LEDs on all mono channels
? Main mix outputs plus separate control room, headphones and stereo tape outputs
? Tape inputs assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs
? Switchable +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones
? High-quality sealed rotary controls from ALPSŪ for long-term reliability
? External power supply for noise-free audio and superior transient response
? Extremely rugged steel construction ensures long life even under the
most demanding conditions
Price: $49
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.BHR-UB802&nav=p-goest&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E
Headphones: (Can replace studio monitors, although not recommended)
Sennheiser HD280Pro Dynamic Stereo Headphones
Closed Dynamic Stereo Headphones. Made by Sennheiser. (EM.SEN-HD280PRO)
The HD280 Professional is Sennheiser's most significant closed,
circumaural headphone to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed
the demands of the professional environment, the HD280Pro boasts
extremely robust construction combined with extensive features that
meet the requirements of today's most demanding applications. The
unique collapsible design combined with swiveling ear cups, offers
maximum flexibility in any application.
Features
? Closed, dynamic stereo headphones
? Accurate, linear sound reproduction for critical monitoring applications
? Optimum impedance ensures universal compatability
? Space saving design features collapsible, rotating earcups
? Up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation
? Neodymium magnets for high maximum SPL
? Single-sided, coiled cable with 3.5 mm mini jack with locking 1/4" adapter
? Very comfortable, even if used for long periods of time
? Rugged construction with user-replaceable parts
? 2 year warranty
Headphones Specs
? Transducer Principle: Dynamic
? Frequency Response: 8 Hz - 25 kHz
? Nominal Impedance: 64 Ohms
? Weight W/O Cable: 285 grams
? Characteristic Spl: 102 dB, (at 1 kHz/1Vrms)
? Ear Coupling: Circumaural, Closed
? Distortion: <0.1%
Connector: 3.5 mm mini-stereo with 1/4? adapter
Price: $99.99
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.SEN-HD280PRO&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
Monitors:
1. M-Audio DX4 Desktop Monitoring System - Pair of Monitors
Studio Monitors. Made by M-Audio. (EM.US51110)
M-Audio Studiophile monitors are used by top recording engineers and
producers in studios around the world. Now you can enjoy the same
professional standard of audio quality right on your desktop. The
Studiophile DX4s match custom tuned cabinet design, optimized drivers
and advanced crossover technology with plenty of power to insure the
highest-fidelity sound available from audio monitors of their size.
M-Audio?s proprietary OptImage wave guide technology also assures
improved stereo imaging. The Studiophile DX4s are the missing link for
bringing your computer-based music, games and DVDs to life.
Features:
? brings high-fidelity to desktop monitoring
? perfect for desktop music, games and DVDs
? 4? low frequency drivers
? 1? high-frequency drivers
? advanced crossover design
? OptImage wave guide technology improves imaging
? front-panel volume control
? 1/8? stereo headphone jack
? mid-cut switch optimizes tuning
? 18 watts per channel
? custom tuned cabinet
Specifications:
? HF driver: 1" mylar cone with OptImage dispersion-controlled wave guide
? LF driver: 4" coated paper cone
? dynamic power: 18 watts/channel
? dynamic range: >95dB
? crossover frequency: 2.8kHz
? signal-to-noise ratio: >90dB (typical, A-weighted)
? SPL: 101.5dB
? input impedance: 20K Ohms balanced, 10K Ohms unbalanced
? input connectors: 1/4" TRS, RCA
? attenuation: mid-cut switch
? weight: 12 lbs
Price: $149
http://www.activemusician.com/store/product.asp?sku=EM.US51110&sn=30&c=C13E12AF787C47E2B52204ED0E60CF5E&s=1&nav=sd-it
2. Alesis Monitor 1 MK2 Studio Reference Monitor ? Pair
Studio Reference Monitors. Made by Alesis. (EM.MONITORONEMK2)
Greater accuracy than ever before.
Just a few short months after its introduction, the Alesis Monitor One
Studio Reference Monitor was a winner of the prestigious TEC Award,
and on its way to becoming one of the most popular near field speakers
on the market. The reason was as clear as its own crisp flawless
sound, super-flat wide frequency range, clear imaging, high-power
handling and excellent bass transient response. These features add up
to a unique ability to create incredibly accurate mixes that translate
perfectly to every playback system. Monitor One became an instant
favorite among professional engineers and studio owners, as well as
earning it a place in countless home studios.
Obviously, there was only one thing left to do -- make it even better!
With such a successful platform to build on, Alesis? engineers came up
with improvements designed to coax even better performance from their
monitors. They started with a new 6.5? polypropylene low-frequency
driver for tighter, more accurate bass response. Then matched it with
a newly redesigned, 1? pure silk-dome, high-frequency transducer for
even smoother, more accurate detail and response, and a broader sound
stage. They improved the overall frequency response (changing from 45
Hz ? 18 kHz, to 45 Hz ? 20 kHz +/- 3 dB) and coupled it with more
efficient power handling. They also provided magnetic shielding to
allow use in close proximity to video and computer monitors.
The cabinet was redesigned for a new and more attractive professional
finish, and they are now mirror image; left/right pair for symmetrical
speaker placement. More than just cosmetic improvements, the new
Monitor One also features radiused edges for reduced edge diffraction,
along with improved porting.
It all adds up to a spectacular next-generation of a popular standard
- the new state-of-the-art in affordable, high-quality studio
monitors.
Features
? Critical reference monitoring for recording and mixing
? Excellent bass transient response
? Flat frequency response for accurate mixes that translate to other
playback systems
? High power handling, high output
Specifications
? Drivers: Magnetically shielded, 6.5" low frequency drivers with a
mineral filled polypropylene cone and a damped linear rubber surround;
magnetically shielded, 1" silk-dome tweeter
? Crossover: 2 kHz, 2nd-order fillers, (12dB per octave)
? Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3dB
? Power Handling: 120 watts program, 200 watts peak (using EI4-426A method)
? Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
? Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL @ 1 watt and 1 meter on axis
? Construction: Front baffle: powder coating on 1? MDF.
? Cabinet: Vinyl laminate on 5/8? MDF
? Connectors: 5-way binding posts on 0.75" centers - can accept
heavy-gauge speaker wire, banana plugs, spade plugs
? Dimensions: 8.5"W x15"H x10"D
? Weight: 15 lbs each.
Price: $239.99
Recording and editing software:
Audacity:
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing
sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux,
and other operating systems. Learn more about Audacity...
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Price: FREE
Various MAC audio recording/editing software:
http://www.bias-inc.com/
http://www.pure-mac.com/audio.html
http://www.synthzone.com/digaudio.htm
http://emusician.com/editing/
Various Mac Audio software & Plug-ins:
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/mac/
http://www.bigbluelounge.com/
http://macaudioguy.com/
http://www.macmusic.org/home/?lang=EN&vRmtQjpAznOhMaS=1
OK, Now after this detailed information, let's bring all the pieces
together and build the perfect recording solution for you:
The following setup will be suitable for all 4 scenarios you stated in
your question. They setup can be changes, depending on your budget and
preferring.
M-Audio Audiophile 2496 USB - $190
or
Mackie Spike - $249.99 (Which gives you an audio recording/editing
software + plugins to begins with)
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone - $99
and
C01 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - $69
Adam Tripod Microphone Stand with Boom - $39.99 X2
Behringer Eurorack UB802 8-Channel Mixer - $49
Sennheiser HD280Pro Dynamic Stereo Headphones - $99.99
Total of: (Price differs according to audio interface)
$587 (M-Audio Audiophile 2496 USB)
$637 (Mackie Spike)
For higher quality of your final mixes I'd suggest to buy any of those
monitors (you can purchase the first pair which will be enough for
you):
M-Audio DX4 Desktop Monitoring System - Pair of Monitors - $149
or
Monitor 1 MK2 Studio Reference Monitor ? Pair - $239
A sound engineer will always use decent monitors for his recording,
editing & mixing, although as you mentioned you're not a professional,
I think you can get good results with the M-Audio monitors or the
headphones (which are less qualitative and comfortable in terms of
use, although will give you good results)
The setup I'll advise is as follows:
M-Audio Audiophile 2496 USB - $190
or
Mackie Spike - $260 (Which gives you an audio recording/editing
software + plugins to begins with)
Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone - $99
and/or
C01 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - $69
connected to the Audio interface using 20-foot Mic Cable - XLR to
1/4-inch Microphone cable. Made by Hot Line. - $15.99
And placed on an Adam Tripod Microphone Stand with Boom - $39.99 X2
Another way is to connect the mix to the Behringer Eurorack UB802
8-Channel Mixer - $49
using Hot Line 30' Low Impedance Mic Cable - XLR-XLR $19.99 X2
And a Sennheiser HD280Pro Dynamic Stereo Headphones - $99.99 which
will be connected to the Mixer/Audio interface's Phones output for
monitoring purposes.
Your can record and edit using the FREE MAC audio editing/recording or
any other software from the links listed above(Cubase SL is an
excellent option if you consider advanced tools, versatility and
higher quality).
Then? After you finished recording, you can go back home and connect
you G5 to the mixer which will be connected to the monitors (if you'd
choose to buy) using Comprehensive RCA Female to 3-pin XLR Female
Cable - 10 ft X2
If you decide not to purchase a pair of studio monitors at this stage,
you can use the studio headphones or use other speakers you've got
(although not recommended if you want to get professional/high quality
results)
Another information:
http://emusician.com/tutorials/emusic_build_personal_studio/
Hope this information will help!
If you have further questions, feel free to ask.
Best Regards,
Bernard L. |
