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Production setup for Mac

B

bueller

Guest
I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and am wondering what people recommend as far as software and also for a good quality mic that would work with the system. I'm not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any advice.
 
> I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and am
> wondering what people recommend as far as software and also
> for a good quality mic that would work with the system. I'm
> not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any advice.
>

I use the Digidesign 001 system with Pro Tools LE 6.1 and I love it. They don't make it anymore but I expect that the 002 system that replaced it is probably even better. I see both systems on Craigslist for pretty cheap all the time.
 
> > I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and am
> > wondering what people recommend as far as software and
> also
> > for a good quality mic that would work with the system.
> I'm
> > not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any advice.
You might want to look into the Mbox, which comes bundled with Pro Tools LE. Two mic/line/instrument intputs, S/PDIF in, two inserts (these are good if you want to use a hardware compressor, for example, while you're recording).

If you prefer software other than PT, there are various USB and firewire interfaces available (Pro Tools will only run with Digidesign hardware); check places like Musician's Friend, etc., then do a search at a site like gearslutz.com to see what actual users have to say about them. I can only vouch for the Mbox, and I've been very happy with it.

As far as mics, there are plenty that will match both your voice and your budget - but PLEASE stay away from the RE20 and RE27; they're air studio junk that isn't suited to making you sound like a pro VO guy. Go more for Sennheiser 421, Shure SM7, almost anything in the audio-technica 30 and 40 series or the RØDE NT-1. Got lots of bucks? Try an AKG C414.
 
> I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and am
> wondering what people recommend as far as software and also
> for a good quality mic that would work with the system. I'm
> not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any advice.
>

Question...do you already have this mac? Are you about to buy a new one? The reason why I ask, is you could always, for the sake of BASIC production...use the very nice little Garageband Application.

In fact, i would HIGHLY recommend it.

Why? Because, if you're buying a new mac, they throw it in anyway.

If you already have a mac, then it's only like 70 or 80 bucks...

You said that you're unsure of how to set the thing up, and all that jazz...

You can use Garageband with almost any audio card...even the ones built into most macs.

if yours is one that doesn't have an audio input...you can go with a griffin iMic.

I'm only advocating this route, because if you're not going to be doing imaging work or commercial production at home, then this is a really inexpensive way to play with the thing and get used to it.

If you ARE planning on a more extensive amount of production...then by all means, kick out the jams on Pro Tools...however, these days, you can get into Pro Tools M-Powered...that way, you're not saddled with buying the Digi hardware.

M-Audio is a wholly owned subsidiary of Digidesign / Avid...and they make really nice, REALLY inexpensive audio cards...both internal, and external...

So, suddenly, you can get the M-Powered Pro Tools software ( which is virtually identical to LE software ) and a decent sound card for pretty cheap...

around $300 for the whole shootin' match...

I like M-Audio stuff, because it plays really well with other software...

The Digi hardware will work with other software, but only the stereo ins and outs...you can't make use of multiple ins and outs ( I have the 002 ) in another piece of software such as LIVE or LOGIC...

So, taking all that into consideration...

What is it exactly that you're wanting to do?

If you want more info...email me...

[email protected]

Take care!

Mike Bratton
Voice Guy

www.mikebrattonvoice.com
 
If I could throw in my 2 cents, I'll agree with the Rode NT1. Excellent mic. I will agree with the RE27, but I think the RE20 is great mic! Much better than the Shure SM7 in my opinion.

As for mac software... Pro Tools is about the only thing really you can use on a mac. The garage band software is clunky to work with if you are doing intensive editing. I keep hoping Adobe will realize they need to make a mac version of Audition. To me, that'd be perfect!

> > > I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and
> am
> > > wondering what people recommend as far as software and
> > also
> > > for a good quality mic that would work with the system.
> > I'm
> > > not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any advice.
>
> You might want to look into the Mbox, which comes bundled
> with Pro Tools LE. Two mic/line/instrument intputs, S/PDIF
> in, two inserts (these are good if you want to use a
> hardware compressor, for example, while you're recording).
>
> If you prefer software other than PT, there are various USB
> and firewire interfaces available (Pro Tools will only run
> with Digidesign hardware); check places like Musician's
> Friend, etc., then do a search at a site like gearslutz.com
> to see what actual users have to say about them. I can only
> vouch for the Mbox, and I've been very happy with it.
>
> As far as mics, there are plenty that will match both your
> voice and your budget - but PLEASE stay away from the RE20
> and RE27; they're air studio junk that isn't suited to
> making you sound like a pro VO guy. Go more for Sennheiser
> 421, Shure SM7, almost anything in the audio-technica 30 and
> 40 series or the RØDE NT-1. Got lots of bucks? Try an AKG
> C414.
>
 
I don't think Adobe will be doing that any time soon...The market just isn't large enough. Most Mac owners are plenty happy using ProTools...Not enough users would switch to Audition to justify the cost of coding the program for Mac.

Anyhow, the RE20, RE27, Sennheiser 421 and the SM7 all sound pretty bad. I despise the RE20 and the SM7, and I don't care for the other two. Most of the mics from the RØDE line are good, as well as the 30-40 series from Audio Technica, mentioned above...The AT4040 is probably the best buy of the bunch. Studio Projects C1 and C3 are great too.

As for software, the Mbox w/ PTLE is going to be your best bet for serious production. On the other hand, you could also try Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net). Not a bad little program and you can't beat the price...It's free, by the way.

> If I could throw in my 2 cents, I'll agree with the Rode
> NT1. Excellent mic. I will agree with the RE27, but I think
> the RE20 is great mic! Much better than the Shure SM7 in my
> opinion.
>
> As for mac software... Pro Tools is about the only thing
> really you can use on a mac. The garage band software is
> clunky to work with if you are doing intensive editing. I
> keep hoping Adobe will realize they need to make a mac
> version of Audition. To me, that'd be perfect!
>
> > > > I'm wanting to do some basic production on my Mac, and
>
> > am
> > > > wondering what people recommend as far as software and
>
> > > also
> > > > for a good quality mic that would work with the
> system.
> > > I'm
> > > > not sure how to set it up, and would welcome any
> advice.
> >
> > You might want to look into the Mbox, which comes bundled
> > with Pro Tools LE. Two mic/line/instrument intputs,
> S/PDIF
> > in, two inserts (these are good if you want to use a
> > hardware compressor, for example, while you're recording).
>
> >
> > If you prefer software other than PT, there are various
> USB
> > and firewire interfaces available (Pro Tools will only run
>
> > with Digidesign hardware); check places like Musician's
> > Friend, etc., then do a search at a site like
> gearslutz.com
> > to see what actual users have to say about them. I can
> only
> > vouch for the Mbox, and I've been very happy with it.
> >
> > As far as mics, there are plenty that will match both your
>
> > voice and your budget - but PLEASE stay away from the RE20
>
> > and RE27; they're air studio junk that isn't suited to
> > making you sound like a pro VO guy. Go more for
> Sennheiser
> > 421, Shure SM7, almost anything in the audio-technica 30
> and
> > 40 series or the RØDE NT-1. Got lots of bucks? Try an
> AKG
> > C414.
> >
>
 
> As for software, the Mbox w/ PTLE is going to be your best
> bet for serious production. On the other hand, you could
> also try Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net). Not a
> bad little program and you can't beat the price...It's free,
> by the way.

When I don't feel like going into the station to work on airchecks and files I use Audacity on my Powerbook. It's a POWERFUL tool and a great value for being 100% free. I've gotten very nice compliments on my airchecks from GMs and PDs who have no idea the file was made with a free program. hehe<P ID="signature">______________
Album 88 - 88.5FM
Psychobilly Freakout Mondays from 8-10pm</P>
 
> I don't think Adobe will be doing that any time soon...The
> market just isn't large enough. Most Mac owners are plenty
> happy using ProTools...Not enough users would switch to
> Audition to justify the cost of coding the program for Mac.
>
> Anyhow, the RE20, RE27, Sennheiser 421 and the SM7 all sound
> pretty bad. I despise the RE20 and the SM7, and I don't
> care for the other two. Most of the mics from the RØDE line
> are good, as well as the 30-40 series from Audio Technica,
> mentioned above...The AT4040 is probably the best buy of the
> bunch. Studio Projects C1 and C3 are great too.
>

I'll toss in two cents on mics...

If I had to choose one EV RE mic...it would be the RE27 over the RE20. The RE27 has more high end. Isn't as boxy.

Try the RODE NT2. It's no longer in production, but can be had via eBay.

Under $1000...a wide array. There's everything from a Marshall MXL V63M ($80) to the Sennheiser 416 P48 shotgun ($1000).

You can get a Neumann TLM103 for under $1000.

My station VO, Scott Fisher, uses the MXL V63M over his Apex 460 AND a U87! Into a UA M610 tube pre. Sounds great!

I prefer the Sennnheiser 416 for radio work. It cuts thru real nice. But it's pricey.

Another mic that I hear good things about is the Shure KSM32 (retails for $650). Another Scott Fischer (different last name), www.superfisch.com, uses this mic with a Symetrix 528. Great sound. If you have DirectTV then you've heard Scott.

Just b/c a mic sounds good with one voice doesn't mean it will with another. And IMO more important than the mic is the mic pre.


A pretty decent little mic pre for the $$$ is the FMR RNC (Really Nice Compressor). Retails about $150. Great little pre!
 
Secret weapon mic:

For a BIG, clean sound, try an Audio-Technica ATM 25 ($160)
with a Stedman metal pop screen...and you'll thank me.

(any pre will do nicely with this dynamic mic)



> If I had to choose one EV RE mic...it would be the RE27 over
> the RE20. The RE27 has more high end. Isn't as boxy.
>
> Try the RODE NT2. It's no longer in production, but can be
> had via eBay.
>
> Under $1000...a wide array. There's everything from a
> Marshall MXL V63M ($80) to the Sennheiser 416 P48 shotgun
> ($1000).
>
> You can get a Neumann TLM103 for under $1000.
>
> My station VO, Scott Fisher, uses the MXL V63M over his Apex
> 460 AND a U87! Into a UA M610 tube pre. Sounds great!
>
> I prefer the Sennnheiser 416 for radio work. It cuts thru
> real nice. But it's pricey.
>
> Another mic that I hear good things about is the Shure KSM32
> (retails for $650). Another Scott Fischer (different last
> name), www.superfisch.com, uses this mic with a Symetrix
> 528. Great sound. If you have DirectTV then you've heard
> Scott.
>
 
I highly recommend Pro Tools. If you won't need a bunch of simultaneous inputs then mBox is the way to go. If your needs are different then move to 002 and on up the line until you have to dip into the home equity line! :)

As for microphones, I have a non-traditional route for you to try. If you are doing station imaging or anything that needs a little more bottom I highly recommend the Rode NTK (with or without a high quality mic pre). For spots I like... believe it or not..are you ready for this...the Samson CO2 microphones. They are sold in a stereo pair but you only need one. Use the little windscreen/pop filter included and your set. Don't laugh until you try it! I bought them for a project because of the price and tried them on vocal one day for fun and was impressed. You will need to EQ it a little and apply 48v. Also the Rode NTG2 Shotgun micrpohone is an excellent choice with a metal pop filter! How about mixing the two mic's together and recording to one track or two? That's always fun!
 
Mr. Tanner_Boyle is right. The M-Box is a swift little system, and the Pro Tools version that comes with it is just fine. Also he is right on the mics. I love the Sennheiser 421..workhorse, and can be found cheap. I accidentally ran a Ford Expedition over one of mine..still sounds great! And believe it or not those MXL condenser mics are very very good..and dirt cheap!

For all PC afficionados..it's a fine idea to become at least familiar with the MAC and Pro Tools..you may decide you like it, or you may learn enough to step to the plate and use it if that's the system you see facing you one day.
>
 
> I highly recommend Pro Tools. If you won't need a bunch of
> simultaneous inputs then mBox is the way to go. If your
> needs are different then move to 002 and on up the line
> until you have to dip into the home equity line! :)
>
> As for microphones, I have a non-traditional route for you
> to try. If you are doing station imaging or anything that
> needs a little more bottom I highly recommend the Rode NTK
> (with or without a high quality mic pre). For spots I
> like... believe it or not..are you ready for this...the
> Samson CO2 microphones. They are sold in a stereo pair but
> you only need one. Use the little windscreen/pop filter
> included and your set. Don't laugh until you try it! I
> bought them for a project because of the price and tried
> them on vocal one day for fun and was impressed. You will
> need to EQ it a little and apply 48v. Also the Rode NTG2
> Shotgun micrpohone is an excellent choice with a metal pop
> filter! How about mixing the two mic's together and
> recording to one track or two? That's always fun!
>


On the recomendation of my station VO, www.scottfisher.com, I bought a Marshall MXL V63M condenser. Musician's Friend has it on sale for $79! (retails for $249).

He uses the Marshall over his u87! Scott runs his Marshall thru a UAM610 tube pre (big warmth) to a Symetrix 528 (gate and EQ only).

WOW! I was quite surprised when I hooked it up, not altering my pre-amp settings from my Apex 460.

I also have a Sennheiser 416...I think I MAY like this MXL V63M better...jury's still out though, lol! I do love my 416.

I'm running the Marshall to the 528 with 3:1 comp, then to a Mackie 1402 pre amp (barely any gain). A little EQ (very little) and C1...Incredibly surprised!

Heck, for $79 you can't go wrong. Buy and not like it, it can always go in the mic locker for an emergency or give to you kid for karaoke, lol!<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by bigwoody on 02/24/06 05:09 PM.</FONT></P>
 
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