Topic: New computer or new mics?

[Bdifr78]

Ok guys, my birthday is coming up and my mom recently came into some money!

I think she will be willing to spend a decent amount this time because she has some extra dough and untill I started taping I almost never had anything that I really wanted from her for bdays in the past few of years.  So, she has mentioned that she really wants to get me something kick ass.

I'm gonna be honest with her and just ask how much she would be willing to spend, but I am thinking in the $1500 range.  Plus I could convince her to go that high because she is so generous and she loves to see me so passionate about music(and she loves the hell out of my tapes I give her).

So here is my dillema, all be it a great one to have.   My computer sux balls for processing my recordings.  It takes like 15 minutes to load up a 2hr show into Sound Forge or CDwave and a hell of a lot longer to run processes like normalization or saving a huge file like that.  One great example of my computer suckieness is that it only takes maybe 5-10mins to transfer a long show from my jb3 to my computer, but then it takes the computer another 20minutes to transfer it from a temp location to the actual folder.  However, I get by with it and I usually am doing this while watching tv or listening to music anyway, so no biggy.  If I did get a new computer I would use it strictly for musical purposes.

Or...

I could get some better mics and have better sounding recordings and a real slow computer. 

What is YOUR opinion?  Mics or Computer?

If you think I should go with the mics, then give me some suggestions/opinions for the $1000-1500 price range.

Thanks,
Joe

[Nick Graham]

Both!

You can get a decent enough PC w/a good soundcard (like an Audiophile 2496) for $500 or so. That's another grand for mics, which puts you in the AKG 480/Neumann KM184/MBHO range.

[neumannkid]

laptop, for that kind of maney you could get a nice one.
Then you could use it to record and process your recordings. you already have the UA-5 so why not exploit your rig fully before you upgrade it.

[Ray76]

i say both.

double your pleasure. +T for the good luck. money is nice.

Ray

[F.O.Bean]

both

i agree w/ nick on thisd one! get a decently cheap comp and spend the other 1k on mics, id say 480's

[neumannkid]

both

i agree w/ nick on thisd one! get a decently cheap comp and spend the other 1k on mics, id say 480's

of course you would

[Bdifr78]

both

i agree w/ nick on thisd one! get a decently cheap comp and spend the other 1k on mics, id say 480's

I do really want the 480s! 

But keep these suggestions coming, I lover hearing eveyone's opinion.  And it takes me like a million years to make up my mind.

[neumannkid]

If your going to get mics you should start listening to recordings of the possibilities already mentioned. Try to find recordings with the digimod UA-5>JB3 in it, so you have a good idea of the sound you would be getting. Just my .02$

[Burnt]

Go for mics.

A computer that is used only for transferring concerts can be had for dirt cheap these days.  My DAW (digital audio workstation) is only a 1GB processor and works great, no real need to upgrade it.

[Nick Graham]

Or you could take the $1500, sell $1000 worth of blood/semen/plasma and join Team Schoeps...

[neumannkid]

Or you could take the $1500, sell $1000 worth of blood/semen/plasma and join Team Schoeps...

Dont go to the Darkside, it will swallow your soul

[Nick Graham]

Or you could take the $1500, sell $1000 worth of blood/semen/plasma and join Team Schoeps...

Dont go to the Darkside, it will swallow your soul

You'll never have to upgrade  ::evil smiley::



No comments from Team DPA...

[F.O.Bean]

If your going to get mics you should start listening to recordings of the possibilities already mentioned. Try to find recordings with the digimod UA-5>JB3 in it, so you have a good idea of the sound you would be getting. Just my .02$

hell, or save some $$ and buy the ADK TL's, i think they sound GREAT going into a digi-modua5

[neumannkid]

I agree the TL's are a great option and you would have a set of sd and ld mics. Not a bad combo to have. You could also pick up a nice laptop with the change. Good spot Bean +T.

Oh yeah that comment about not wanting to upgrade from schoeps, dont pay any attention to it Nick is just another puppet of the darkside

[Nick Graham]

Oh yeah that comment about not wanting to upgrade from schoeps, dont pay any attention to it Nick is just another puppet of the darkside

+T ya bastid...

[Bdifr78]

I could always clear the savings account and mutual funds that I have been using to save up for a down payment on a house and just go for some schoeps and a 722!!! I nearly shit my pants saturday night when I was listening to Nedstruzz's pull through some head phones for sam bush.  He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

But...I don't like the idea of renting all my life.  So I am starting to think that you guys are right...if I can work my mom up to that $1500 range I could throw a little in and get both a computer and new mics, and not have to tap in to the savings.

Wait a second...an hour ago I was not even considering tapping the savings...what the fuck did you guys do to me...I'm screwed!

Edit: Ok so I just talked to my mom.  It's looking like I can easily get the $1500 for my bday.  Wow!  I used to get like a couple of sega games for the birthday...I better take advantage of a rich mom while it lasts.

So, I can definately add another $500 to that.  NOW...what should I do.  Opinions on upgrading the pre amp too might be valuable at this point...

[Nick Graham]

He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Schoeps: for it is the number of a man; it's number is MK21...

 

Come to the darkside....

[neumannkid]

He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Schoeps: for it is the number of a man; it's number is MK21...

 

Come to the darkside....

LMAO,t+

[creekfreak]

He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Schoeps: for it is the number of a man; it's number is MK21...

 

Come to the darkside....

HAHAHA, breaking out the Maiden reference, perfect +T

If you mom is getting you something nice, I vote nice mics...you will keep them longer (unless you slut out like 98% of this board ) and probably enjoy them more...lappies are fun and all, but a few years later it will be outdated and you will want a new one...and you can't go wrong with the schoeps with the mk21 and mk41 being the best caps IMO

[itook2much]

Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Schoeps: for it is the number of a man; it's number is MK21...
 
Come to the darkside....

Careful, Bdifr78, this is next

[Sanjay]

I've got your exact rig, or did before I upgraded to the T+mod and found myself in much the same spot.

I was running a 900mhz Duron as a DWS and it took pleanty long to process the shows.  Sounds like yoiu have it even harder.  I spent a little under $700 on a Shuttle XPC/SN4162 v3 box with an Athlon XP 3000 processor.  The difference in the time it takes to process the shows is obviously great but I didn't realize I'd have so much more fun doing it.  I actually look forward to converting a gig of data to 32bit, addressing the rare clip  tweeking some EQ if needed (my B rig normally does benifit) and saving back... all in an hour's time.  Plus this box has digital coax and optical in/out decent audio and video chip sets (IMO) and other nice features, the form factor being one I really like... sits on top of one of my old 900'ds    http://global.shuttle.com/Product/Barebone/SN41G2%20V3.asp

They can be had through independent computer vendors or on line I'm sure.

If it were me, I'd tell Mom that a computer is what would help the most and that you'd help her out by waiting till next year... where she could contribute towards your savings that is earmarked for those MK21's

 

shuttles are really nice boxes, i made a bunch of them and people who bought em from me love em.  I however love macs, get a mac

[Bdifr78]

How much should a pair of AKG 480's with ck61 and ck63 run me? 

[Nick Graham]

the bite of the upgrade bug is a subtle, but potent.

skip the whole mid-entry level Schoeps thing and get ya some DPA's!

You evil, evil man....

[Nick Graham]

How much should a pair of AKG 480's with ck61 and ck63 run me?

New they'd run you a little over 2 grand, you can get them used in the $1200 - $1500 range.

[Bdifr78]

the bite of the upgrade bug is a subtle, but potent.

skip the whole mid-entry level Schoeps thing and get ya some DPA's!

I could always clear the savings account and mutual funds that I have been using to save up for a down payment on a house and just go for some schoeps and a 722!!! I nearly shit my pants saturday night when I was listening to Nedstruzz's pull through some head phones for sam bush.  He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

But...I don't like the idea of renting all my life.  So I am starting to think that you guys are right...if I can work my mom up to that $1500 range I could throw a little in and get both a computer and new mics, and not have to tap in to the savings.

Wait a second...an hour ago I was not even considering tapping the savings...what the fuck did you guys do to me...I'm screwed!

Edit: Ok so I just talked to my mom. It's looking like I can easily get the $1500 for my bday. Wow! I used to get like a couple of sega games for the birthday...I better take advantage of a rich mom while it lasts.

So, I can definately add another $500 to that. NOW...what should I do. Opinions on upgrading the pre amp too might be valuable at this point...

Doesn't seem too subtle to me!  Damn!  I see all my money disapearing soon

[Ray76]

the bite of the upgrade bug is a subtle, but potent.

skip the whole mid-entry level Schoeps thing and get ya some DPA's!

I could always clear the savings account and mutual funds that I have been using to save up for a down payment on a house and just go for some schoeps and a 722!!! I nearly shit my pants saturday night when I was listening to Nedstruzz's pull through some head phones for sam bush.  He was running some schoeps into a V3 and it sounded like he had Sam Bush's mandolin miced directly somewhere on the body...Damn that was sweet.

But...I don't like the idea of renting all my life.  So I am starting to think that you guys are right...if I can work my mom up to that $1500 range I could throw a little in and get both a computer and new mics, and not have to tap in to the savings.

Wait a second...an hour ago I was not even considering tapping the savings...what the fuck did you guys do to me...I'm screwed!

Edit: Ok so I just talked to my mom. It's looking like I can easily get the $1500 for my bday. Wow! I used to get like a couple of sega games for the birthday...I better take advantage of a rich mom while it lasts.

So, I can definately add another $500 to that. NOW...what should I do. Opinions on upgrading the pre amp too might be valuable at this point...

Doesn't seem too subtle to me!  Damn!  I see all my money disapearing soon

DPA 4061s>mma6000 and some materials for a jdisc, and a laptop

[neumannkid]

eh......you can always earn more money

[Ray76]

eh......you can always earn more money

exactly.

OR AT4050s(a great, amazing mic) and a v3!

now you will have some lds and sds.

the 4050s are great. did i say that already?

[neumannkid]

I agree get the LD's and try to find a oade mod UA-5

[Ray76]

I agree get the LD's and try to find a oade mod UA-5

dont he have an oade mod one?or is it homebrewed?

at4050s and v3

[Bdifr78]

I agree get the LD's and try to find a oade mod UA-5

dont he have an oade mod one?or is it homebrewed?

at4050s and v3

I have a digi mod that I think Chanher did.  If I saw one of the oade mods up on the yard sale I would snag it(not just digi mod of course)

Everyone keeps reccomending LDs but I was under the impression that they are not so good for audience stuff FOB and such, but they are more suited for on stage taping.  What's up with that?

[neumannkid]

Well they arent low pro, so that doesnt make them great for FOB when you trying to be low key. IMHO they make great recordings FOB, onstage, and even from the section.To me they actually warm the sound a little so I think they would be matched well with a transparent pre.Also you have to like how versatile they can be with switchable patterns.
 I suggest you listen to some shows recorded with various types to get a better understanding. You can find many recordings made with various LDs on the archive.org

[Ray76]

Well they arent low pro, so that doesnt make them great for FOB when you trying to be low key. IMHO they make great recordings FOB, onstage, and even fromt he section.To me they actually warm the sound a little so I think they would be matched well with a transparent pre.Also you have to like how versital they can be with switchable patterns.
 I suggest you listen to some shows recorded with various types to get a better understanding. You can find many recordings made with various LDs on the archive.org

and I dont think there are many made with the 4050s, so if you want to hear them, i have smoking tapes made with them.

Ray

[Bdifr78]

Well they arent low pro, so that doesnt make them great for FOB when you trying to be low key. IMHO they make great recordings FOB, onstage, and even fromt he section.To me they actually warm the sound a little so I think they would be matched well with a transparent pre.Also you have to like how versital they can be with switchable patterns.
 I suggest you listen to some shows recorded with various types to get a better understanding. You can find many recordings made with various LDs on the archive.org

and I dont think there are many made with the 4050s, so if you want to hear them, i have smoking tapes made with them.

Ray

I'd be interested in checking out some samples.

[Ray76]

Well they arent low pro, so that doesnt make them great for FOB when you trying to be low key. IMHO they make great recordings FOB, onstage, and even fromt he section.To me they actually warm the sound a little so I think they would be matched well with a transparent pre.Also you have to like how versital they can be with switchable patterns.
 I suggest you listen to some shows recorded with various types to get a better understanding. You can find many recordings made with various LDs on the archive.org

and I dont think there are many made with the 4050s, so if you want to hear them, i have smoking tapes made with them.

Ray

I'd be interested in checking out some samples.

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=47076

Check out this tape, no editing at all done, cept for track marks.it smokes.
Ray

[audBall]

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=47076

Check out this tape, no editing at all done, cept for track marks.it smokes.
Ray

I'm at work and see only one seed.  If that's you Ray, hold out cuz I wanna start the DL when I get home, if ya don't mind. 

[Ray76]

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=47076

Check out this tape, no editing at all done, cept for track marks.it smokes.
Ray

I'm at work and see only one seed.  If that's you Ray, hold out cuz I wanna start the DL when I get home, if ya don't mind. 

this is me, indeed.

Ray

my other tape made with these is on there too. Considering the room we were in(a metal cave basically) it sounds damn good
look under my profile there.

[Bdifr78]

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=47076

Check out this tape, no editing at all done, cept for track marks.it smokes.
Ray

I'm at work and see only one seed.  If that's you Ray, hold out cuz I wanna start the DL when I get home, if ya don't mind. 

this is me, indeed.

Ray

my other tape made with these is on there too. Considering the room we were in(a metal cave basically) it sounds damn good
look under my profile there.

I don't have a log in for Dime...

So far I have been listening to a few different rigs to help me make my decision, and I have gone back and listened to some stuff I have had for a while that I never bothered to see what equipment was being used(before taping), and I am starting to firm up the idea that I am definately gonna get some mics for my birthday and probably buy myself a nice computer in a month or so.  But I still haven't really decided on mics, there are so many that I really dig.  Right now if I go sd I am thinking AKG 480s with cards and hypers(I still am extremely impressed by their sound after listening to a bunch of different mics), but I haven't been able to find a recording with those mics and a non-oade mod UA5.  If I go LD I really like the way the ADK TLs sound with the UA5, but am also considering sticking with Studio Projects and going with the C3s. 

How do you all go about searching for recordings with the exact rig you wanna hear?

Thanks again for all the suggestions and advice!

Joe

[Tall Adam]

go onto archive.org and type in the parts you wanna hear...for example if you type in 483 v3 youll find a plehtora of sources with those two components