Start-up Studio

[At Home]

I'm looking for the perfect hardware for PC based, hard disk
Voice-Over recording enexpensively at home. I've done tons of them in the studio but, don't know much about engineering. Help!

I've got a great PC: Pentium II 400, Intel Chipset, 256 MHz RAM.
Got a desent Mic: Audio Technica 3035 and Cool Edit 2000.

The problem I'm having is deciding on a Pre-Amp and Sound Card.

Since I'm just recording voice, I only need "Two" Mike Inputs, but I need compression, etc for "Pro Sound".

I'm currently considering HHB's FatMan "Radius 5" Pre-Amp since it has compression, XLR mic input, etc. and the Echo "Mia" Sound Card for it's S/PDIF D/O interface and Cool Edit, mix/edit, then burn onto CD/R.

1). Is there a "Cleaner" way to do it or will this work ok?
2). Is it better to do your D/O conversion inside the pre-amp?
3). Should I consider USBPre 1.5 or M-Audio Quattro?

Thanks a bunch for any advise you can give. Craig

[shaneperc]

Craig,
You might want to check out the Focusrite Platinum series preamps. They're inexpensive, and they have 2 or 3 to choose from. The newest one, the Penta, has a slot for an optional a/d converter. Then you can just get an audio card with s/pdf-in and analog-out (for monitoring). (Then you wouldn't have to worry about getting an absolutely stellar audio card, since a/d/a conversion is the primary weakness of cards with onboard converters.) If you're in the price range of the MAudio gear, this might be the way to go.

Shane

[Clay Stahlka]

I would highly recommend getting one of the Aardvark DirectPro Series products for your audio interface. The big difference with the Aardvark hardware is their wonderful master clock. This will make your stereo imaging dramatically better as well as increase the clarity and detail of your tracks. Unless you prefer investing in an external master clock, you will notice the greatest improvement by getting an interface with a good built-in clock.

As for preamps, the HHB is fine, although I feel that Avalon makes the best sounding preamp for voice-over production work, in their M5 (single channel) or AD2022 dual channel preamps. Either way, you're only as good as your clock source.

I hope this is of help to you. -cs