I'll bet nobody ever asked this before!

[StripedByNine]

OK, so I am putting together this studio. I would like to list my equipment, and get opinions from all you gurus.

Pro Tools LE 7 on a Mac Dual G4
Digi 002 Rack (soon to be modded by Black Lion Audio)
Factory supplied Plug Ins
VoiceWorks from TC Helicon (outboard)
Digitech TSR12 (I know, very old unit- rarely used)
Mics: Audio Technica AT-3035
Shure SM57
Shure SM58
Powered Monitors from Yamaha - MSP5A's
MPC1000
M-Audio Midi Controller
MicroKorg
Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't)

First, a couple of questions...

(1) To help with production, I have Groove Agent 2 and can't for the life of me figure out how to get it to work in Pro Tools. I know this is probably an easy thing and I'd like to think I can handle myself in Pro Tools, but any insight would be welcome. The final project will include real life human drummers.

(2) When recording vocals, should I add an outboard mic pre before the Voiceworks and record the vocals wet, or should I record them dry and process after? (I think I know the answer - dry) If the latter, then I think the upgraded mic pres from Black Lion will be good enough.

I use the setup for producing. I am primarily tracking vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, etc. Drums are being tracked at another studio and I plan to have the final music mixed at another studio with better equipment and a better mix engineer (than myself which is not too hard). The processing is so I can provide "pitch fixed" vocals and harmonies.

I am new to this forum and I know this is a pretty long post, but any opinions, suggestions, criticisms - fire away. Thanks folks.

Peace,

Chris

[elwoodblues1969]

Since my (studio) is minimal,a Korg Triton Extreme,Samson 50a's and a RCA cd-recorder-I can't offer too much of an opinion,but I will say this;how can anyone rate your monitors if you don't even reveal the model # of your Yamaha's?Every company at one time or another has made a particular series or model that is shockingly bad.
Your question regarding the monitors is pretty much a non sequitur and I suspect you won't get any input until you post some details.:cool:

[StripedByNine]

They are MSP5A's. I must say that was a most informative and helpful reply. I inadvertently left off the model number but hey, thanks for playing. Anyone out there with something helpful, feel free to post.

[elwoodblues1969]

Some of the features I've read of these monitors seem decent,especially the low frequenct response,the front mounted controls are nice and the enclosure seems to be built rather well.
However though,I have a problem with two aspects with these monitors.
Yamaha does not provide any info on what the bass cone is made out of.
If they are not willing to list this info,then they have something to hide-which is not a good sign,especially since they brag about using the latest technology & materials,when more than likely,it is in fact,paper that they use for the cone.
The other thing I am sketchy about,is that typically the high end frequencies for monitors are between 20kHz to 24kHz for dome tweeters.
Yamaha lists as high as 40kHz,which I don't see how this is possible,considering that ribbon tweeters go as high as 35kHz.
Overall,they seem to be pretty decent for an entry level monitor,but a bit overpriced for what you get.:cool:

[Smithcok]

If I am not mistaken, I don't think Groove agent runs in RTAS. You might be able to "wrap" it with that 100$ program from FXpansion.

I would record dry and then patch through later.

Also, the yamaha monitors look just fine. I havent heard them, and it doesnt seem like elwood has either, but you have obviously heard them, and if you have no major beef with them, chances are they are fine. They seem like suitable monitors for your application, especially since you plan on mixing down at another studio.