Introduce Yourself

[trullero]

saludos
DaFlo, 25 in September, from the island of enchantment Puerto Rico
Been playing the Piano since I was five thanks to my old man!
Started interests as a DJ when the "THRILLER" album from Michael Jackson first came out. I started spinning records in 7th grade. For my 8th grade grad. my old man (my hero) bought me my first set of belt drive gemini turntables,(boy I thought I was the man).
Now about 12 years after I'm working fulltime in the world's best Navy and trying to do the music thing as much possible.
MY DJ equipment consists of:
2 Technics 1200, Gemini 4 channel mixer(it's so old I can't even remember the actual name to it) for when I feel going old school with vinyl
Numark cdn-88/zoom rfx-1000 gemini pdm 24 mixer (for small parties)
2 Pioneer CDJ-1000 (once you get them the vinyl just doesn't seem fun anymore)
Gemini sampler mixer
mackie 1400
crown ce 1000
3 JBL M pro 15" 2 way speakers
2 Cerwin Vega 18" subs
DOD crossover
korg EA-1, ES-1
bunch of lights, lazers fog machine.
Specialize in Trance, Hiphop/r&b salsa and latin jazz.

for my soon to be built studio:
Korg triton
Technics kn-920
alesis qs8-1
korg N364
three condenser mics
Congas, Bongos and various other latin percussion instruments

Cakewalk sonar 2.0
Delta 1010
windows XP as my NEW OS since windows ME.....

phonic 16 channel pre amp mixer
2 berhinger powered truth monitors and bdm monitors with alesis ra 100 amp
also use acid pro and fruity loops for remixing and making quick beats for my megamix cd's
I'm about to get a MAC G4 with pro tools cause all the pro's have recomended it, so happy recording and good luck to all who've recently taken the computer based .what I like to call the. " virtual studio" trend.
"There is a light at the end of the tunnel"

pardon my text as spanish is my first language

[SonicParadox]

Hey whats up my name is Ryan and im from Central California. Ive been getting into recording over the last two years very slowly(cash flow restrictions). Right now i have a Two sm-58's and a sm-85, running through a vs-880ex that runs to my computer that runs tons of software: nuendo, and reason mostly tho, and also a new mackie1402 and a pioneer rt-707 reel to reel. For midi i use my roland pc-300 into my 1.5 ghz athlon system with 512ddr and 45gb hard drive i have a sb live plat wich i use for the optical. im also building a portable recording station based on a ecs desknote at 2.2 ghz.

right now i work at a daycare but soon ill be able to start a studio (praying).

[pianimal]

Hello, my name is Phil, I've been playing keyboards for the last 30 years or so. I have lots of gear: Rhodes, Kurzweil K200R, K2500s, Roland D50, Kawai K5, Emu Emax, Hohner Clavinet D6, Yamaha PF2000, Yamaha KX88, Kork Prophecy, Hammond XK-2, 3 ADATs, outboard gear, etc....
I'm a full time keyboard player for sf bay area band New Monsoon. I've been constantly upgrading my Kurzweil library and others and recording with the band via MOTU DP 3.0 as well as PC based sound forge, sonar, etc
I use a Dell Dinsion 8100 for PC stuff and MAC dual G4 for MAC.
Its great to be able to share ideas online like this, since there is a jungle of gear and details to deal with....thank you

[Matthias Powerbomb]

Hello. My name is Matthias. I've been playing music for 13 years. I've been recording for over three years now. Here is a list of all the software and gear I use:
PII 450, 512 RAM, 14 gig 7200 RPM system drive, 40 gig 7200 RPM audio and video drive and another audio and video drive at 25 gig 7200 RPM, running Windows XP, Echo Darla 24 sound card and Event 20/20 monitors. It actually runs pretty good with Vegas, lots of tracks, and lots of FX, but I want to upgrade my processor speed soon to about 2 ghrtz or more.
Software: Sonic Foundry: Vegas Video 3.0, Sound Forge, ACID 3.0, CD Architect, Siren, Viscosity
Cool Edit Pro, FruityLoops 3.4 with Fruity Soundfont player, Reason 1.01, Magix Music Maker 7.0, Voyetra MusicWrite 2000 Pro, and all the DX plug-ins there are. I also have some freeware softsynths for filling in the gaps of what Reason and FruityLoops can't do (which isn't much)
Gear:Johnson's J-Station, Digitech RP-10, Zoom RythmTrak 234, Yamaha PSR530 keyboard, Yamaha PSR 220 keyboard, Crate GX-1200H full stack, 4 Jackson guitars: a King V, Kelly, and two Rhoads Flying V's, a Kort bass guitar, a few mics, and a Sony MDS-JE530 minidisc recorder.
I don't do it professionally right now, but I'm trying to get in some studios around town. I have done some stuff for my old band, my project, and a friends project. The stuff I did sounded better than any studio here in town that I've heard.
I also do graphic design and some video editing. For the graphics I use a Fuji digital camera, Photoshop and some plug-ins like Eyecandy, etc... For the Video I use a Sony super8, and Vegas Video 3.0. I plan on getting a true digital camcorder soon. To upgrade the DC10 plus (can't use it with XP) is really expensive. Digital video capture cards are cheaper than analog ones.

[Geoffthis]

Hi all,
My name is Geoff Thistlethwaite. I work at a casino in southwest Louisiana as an audio engineer. They call my position here "Sound and Lights Coordinator". I mix the bands here in the club at the casino, maintain the sound and lights system in the club, as well as work with the IT and Systems departments to maintain and upgrade the background music/announce systems in the complex. The casino will soon start construction on a 2k+seat showroom that hopefully I will have some input into the sound system design.
I've been involved with the music business since I was a teenager(I'm 45 years old). My first "professional" job was in 1978 when I went to work for a band called Louisiana's LeRoux. (see http://www.laleroux.com/krewe.html )
I've been a musician(bass), traveling trade show supervisor, recording and live engineer.
One of my jobs here at the casino is recording the on-hold phone music/advertising/announcements, which is what brings me to this forum.
I've been recording these announcements on a Fostex X-12 for the past six months and the VP of Marketing wants me to make them "better". So I'm looking at getting a computer based recording system. The IT department will provide me with a computer, probubly a Dell, but they don't know anything about using a computer to record, and I'm a bit of a novice myself. All the studios I've worked at in the past have been analog.
I'm thinking of getting the Digidesign M Box which comes bundled with Protools LE? Is this the right step? What OS will this work with?(98, NT, Win 2K, Win XP?)I'll try to post these questions in the appropriate forum but will take any advice y'all want to send me.....

Thanks In Advance
Geoff Thistlethwaite

[shaka]

Jusat checking out where to get gear advice for a friend

[bigfastsnails]

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[mgraffeo]

I run a home studio for my own songwriting purposes, though I hope to branch out to do some work recording singer/songwriters in the future.

I've got a PC-based setup, using an EZBus as my audio interface and MIDI control surface. Guitars include a Les Paul Custom, an ES-335, a Yamaha acoustic, and a Peavey bass. Amplification is a POD (with the 2.0 upgrade), and a Roland JC-120. MIDI rig includes a FATAR 39 key controller and a Yamaha QY-70. Mics include a RODE NT3 and several cheap dynamics. Miscellaneous instruments include Alto Sax, Digeridoo, kazoo, shaker egg

I've been into recording for about 3 years. Learned most of what I know at a much bigger project studio (Upstate Sound Studio, in Corning, NY). I caught the bug, and can't get enough.

Unfortunately, I'm only in it on my own time (for now...)

[Kenji]

Well, ket me introduce myself, my name is Julio Cervantes, but they call me KENJI. I own a very small DAW @ home. Consist of a PC (which right now it's on the works, consists of P4 2.4 Ghz, Asus PT4E Mobo, 1024 Mb Ram ECC, 120 Gb IBM Deskstar, running XP pro), MAudio Omni Studio Card, Midiman 2X2 MidiPort, Lexicon LP1 & LP5, DBX Preamp, BBE 262, Presonus Blue MAX, AKG Mic (which i dont remember the model), Roland JP8000, Roland MC 303, Maestro PH1, Roland SP808, and use diferent software, including Reason, Rebirth, NI virtual Synths. I'm located in El Paso Texas border city with Ciudad Juarez Mexico. I have been in the industry for a few years but i dont do it full time. Musically i do diferent things work with electronic projects (really enjoy movements as Nortec and Nopal Beat), R&R bands, jazz combos, ambient music and audio for FLASH files. I'm very interested in learning certain things that I've been looking for. Have tons of questions, which I will later post. Things like differences between Logic 5 and Cubas SX. I will like to concentrate in one software. I have jumped from Sonar to Logic to Nuendo, but need to stay with one to finish some projects. Also, whats the best configuration for my CPU. Such as which HD should i leave for my audio files. See I have heard tons of stories and opinions, but since everybody has one, it's hard to really get on the right track. I hope the FORUM can help me out, and I also can help, with my small knowledge. Well, nice meeting you, and hope i hear from you soon on the Forum....thank you...ciao.

Kenji

Be good to others.....

[SaxophoneMatt]

Hello to everyone here!

My name is Matt. I'm in high school right now. I play sax (all of 'em) and i'm currently learning guitar and piano. I'm hoping to get a good drum set some time. I have a lot of friends that are in bands and I am thinking of recording for them or maybe churches all around. I'm new to all this recording stuff (i'm trying to find out what i'm getting myself into) so right now I don't have anything other than my computer (laptop):

P-III 850
256mb ram
10gb
etc. etc.

I'm getting a new computer in about a month so i'm going to try and rig it for recording and playback.

So basically i'm trying to set up a mini-studio deal.

[movado242]

>What type of studio do you have?
Hello my name is john and i have the basement special studio - PC XP, AMD XP 1700 cpu, ASUS mobo, 512mb DDR, Sonar 2XL, MOTU 828, HR824 monitors, Carvin DC400, Fender Strat(2),Ibanez acoustic/electric, Trinton LE, Johnson Millennium JM150 amp, Midiman 2X2 MidiPort, Pinnacle Pro One video capture card, canon GL-1

>What type of work do you do?
Computer consultant

>How long have you been working in the Industry?
Too long to not make a living from it.

>Do you work in the Industry full time?
No

Would like to be able to make as professional sounding recordings as I can with the gear that I have. Been around computers for about 15 years now, just started recording with them about two years ago. Need to learn a lot more though.

[jeharris]

Well, I'm Jehjr . I'm a computer expert by profession (21 years). I've been writing songs since I was 12 years old. I learned to write scores when I was 15 in highschool. I have not done anything that's been published professionaly yet, but I certainly intend to.

I gave up music for a number of years because when I was trying to break through, it was analog and I know what I'm capable of and I like being able to have control over what I do. You can imagine how pleased I was once I realized that computers finally made the grade, especially PCs, which I've worked with all of my career.

My musical taste covers a wide span. You can see that from a summary of some of the artists that I like:
Stevie Wonder; Prince; Enya, Emenim, Jay-Z; Bee Gees; Fleetwood Mac; Paul Simon; Steely Dan; Cher; Billy Joel; Elton John; John Mayer; Norah Jones; Bruce Springsteen; Beck; Coldplay; Alison Krauss and Union Station; Composer John Williams; Composer Howard Shore(Lord of the rings);Andrew Lloyd Webber; James Taylor; Sting; Luther Vandross; Moby; Madonna; Santana; Quincy Jones; Celine Dion; Whitney Houston; Mariah Carey; Bob Dylan; Dire STraits; Elvis Costello; Josh Groban; Chicago, and the list goes on.

Now, for my gear and software:

NOTE: Things have changed and I will be updating this as soon as I get a chance. I've upgraded motherboards, added memory, upgraded tools, etc. 3/20/05 8:10 PM CST

I have three DAWs.

DAW1:
Based on the Tyan Tiger 2466N board with dual Athlon MP 1900+ processors, 3GB EEC Registered DDRRAM, 80GB Maxter UltraATA-133 drive for os/apps Windows 2000 Pro sp 2, RAID Array with Maxtor UltraATA-133 80BG drives for audio, M-Audio 1010LT audio interface, Midisport 2x2 MIDI interface, Audio Technica and Shure mics, Mackie 1202VLZ Mixer, Roland1010JV (Hardware sound module), M-Audio SP5B monitors, Midiman keystation61 MIDI keyboard controller.

DAW2
Based on the Iwill KK266 Plus R motherboard with Athlon 1.3Ghz processor, 1.5 GB PC-133 SDRAM, Maxtor 60GB UltraATA-133 for os/apps, Maxter UltraATA-133 120 GB drive for audio, Windows 2000 Pro sp2 OS, Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platium audio interface.

DAW3
Based on the Iwill KK266 Plus R motherboard with Athlon 1.3Ghz processor, 1.5 GB PC-133 SDRAM, Maxtor 80GB UltraATA-133 for os/apps, Maxter UltraATA-133 160 GB drive for audio, Windows 2000 Pro sp2 OS, M-Audio Delta Dio2496 audio interface.

SOFTWARE
Sonar XL 2.1, Cubase VST Score, Cubase SX, Reason 2, Acid Pro 4, Gigastudio 160, n-tracks audio, Ozone 2.1, CD Architech 5, Steinberg's Mastering Edition plug-ins, The Grand, VoiceMachine, Akai D.C. Vocorder, Akai DecaBuddy, Sebelius 2.1, Atares Mic Modler & Auto tune, Recycle 2, Soundforge 6, Live synth pro, LM7, Akai Rotator, and many other plug-ins, tons of Giga CDs, soundfonts, etc.

In closing, I'm having the best time of my life now and since I'm no longer twenty, It's even more thrilling because I'm more committed. I no longer think that I'm immortal!

[drummerjh]

I am a sound engineering student at a studio in my area. I have been playing drums ever since i can remember. Got into some guitar playing the last five years or so. I am in the process of building a home studio.
I am just starting out at this so i don't have much equipment yet.

My equipment includes-

pro tools 001
DW drums
Peavey wolfgang and Ibanez guitars
oktava and audio technica mics (dynamic mostly, have 1 or 2 condensers)
Boss BR8 recorder with 100mb zip disk drive(has some nice guitar fx on it)
Ernie Ball bass guitar
Behringer mx 2004A mixer
Korg effects pedal for guitars
Fender guitar amps
Amplitube plug-in for pro tools

My next class is all pro tools and starts at the end of this month. In the meantime, i'm looking to build or buy a pc capable of running pro-tools. I have some ideas for what I want to do but any suggestions would be useful also. Doing mostly rock music so i'm more concentrating on soundproofing the room and using good mic techniques at this point.

[jeharris]

drummerjh:

You're on the right track. I 've used Pro Tools LE before but no longer. Cubase is a better tool and it will not cost you an arm and a leg, etc. Speaking of ZIP drives, I have two, although I use my parallel port ZIP at work. I also have two JAZ external drives, which I always forget to mention, partly because I use them on my two business computers.

Insofar is a good PC is concerned, get the fastest one that you can afford and get as much memory as you can for the motherboard's specifications. I recently visited the Pro Tools web site and they have a beta version of an ASIO driver for Windows XP, which means to me that they've finally given in and will start supporting VSTi plug-ins, which is a great idea. If you think Pro Tools is great now, wait until you're able to use the virtual instruments that I've always had access to via Cubase, Sonar, etc.

On hard drives, get one for your operating system and a separate one for your audio. Get the fastest ones you can afford. I recommend Maxtor 7200 RPM UltraATA-133 drives and a UltraATA-133 PCI card for the interface. They're cheaper than SCSI and they more than hold their own for my setup and one of the reasons that I have a three DAW setup is because I'm also into lush scores, which can require MANY tracks.

As for the studio thing, once again, get what you can afford. Soundproofing is important but with the right tools, you can clean up anything. I do it all the time.

Good luck and the best of luck!

[Jag]

Hi everyone. My name is Dave, but my nickname has always been "Jag". I have purchased gear from Sweetwater in the past, but I actually stumbled upon this forum quite accidentally while researching some recording gear that I am considering. I found it to be so chock full of great info that I decided to join! I am primarily a guitarist/saxophonist/vocalist, but I also diddle on keyboards, drums, bass, and a few others. I guess I should answer the obligatory "new guy" questions now:

Originally posted by AcousticPro
What type of studio do you have?

I am in the process of converting half an unfinished basement into a dedicated music studio. Construction has stopped for the winter as it is about 33 degrees down there now (Brrrr). Just need to do the electrical wiring, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and some carpeting. (Oh yes, and I'll put a nice gas heater in there too!) Until that room is finished, I am going to be doing some computer-based recording using SONAR 2 XL.

What type of work do you do?

I am a professional technical writer. I used to work for software companies, but decided to start my own biz ~7 years ago and have been running that ever since. I do a lot of different document-related services, including conversions and such. I have always been a good creative writer, but that's a tough way to make a buck, so I ended up in the tech field. I am starting to do a lot of song writing now to (finally) appease my creative side. My goal is to someday be able to support myself as a song writer.

How long have you been working in the Industry?

I did a lot of live playing back in my late teens (mid-eighties), working with wedding bands, playing proms and such. I gave it all up when I went to college, and then got so busy working that I never got back into it. I desperately miss playing music and am making a conscious effort to get back into the game before mid-life comes crushing down.


Do you work in the Industry full time?

No. I am currently not in the industry at all, but hope to be in the coming years!