What to buy...?

Counterparts · Post by **Counterparts** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 10:41 am

Hi all

Looks like I'm Bernie Flint for another couple of months, but am getting a part-bonus (~£500 after the Government have fleeced me) at the end of November, so a chance to improve my home studio!

I've already put Flexor on the list, but was wondering where I might best spend the rest...

A friend of mine has offered me his Gibson Les Paul for about £500 (love 'em) and I can pay him in installments, so buying that would still leave me with a little (would compliment the Strat nicely too).

I have been following the various vocal/mic/pre-amp threads with interest, but it seems that the cost of even an introductory level pre-amp unit wouldn't leave me with much else and I don't record vocals very often at all (but perhaps I'd start?)

I am also considering getting some SFP-based mastering components, for example Optimaster.

I'm happy with my computer set-up, mixer, monitors, guitars so no plans to spend money there (apart from maxing out my RAM, but that's peanuts atm).

I would be interested in anybody's thoughts as to where I might best invest the money (yeah, some new clothes wouldn't hurt), so suggestions more than welcome!

Royston

paulrmartin · Post by **paulrmartin** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 11:07 am

Get the Guitar!!!!
The rest will always be here for you to get whereas the LesPaul can disappear in a nick of time

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: paulrmartin on 2003-09-22 12:08 ]</font>

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 11:48 am

Agreed, and a Les Paul? too hot to let go

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 12:54 pm

A LP studio/standard/classic/?

Spirit · Post by **Spirit** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 1:10 pm

A good chair so you can work for 16 hours by just swivelling from machine to machine.

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 5:27 pm

On 2003-09-22 11:41, Counterparts wrote:
...I have been following the various vocal/mic/pre-amp threads with interest, but it seems that the cost of even an introductory level pre-amp unit wouldn't leave me with much else and I don't record vocals very often at all (but perhaps I'd start?)

well, there's something you may start with, which probably won't cost even 10€ :
an old tube reel-to-reel machine by Telefunken or Philips in the 50/60s

just cut off the power wires from the motor to calm the standby noise and you have an elcheapo, slightly compressing tube pre.
Seriously I once compared such a thing with the built in pres of my Korg 168 mixer and the crappy thing clearly won.
A tube guru from a shop nearby had a look on the schematics and explained me some details - seems they did a fairly good job in those years.

cheers, Tom

Counterparts · Post by **Counterparts** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 3:10 am

On 2003-09-22 13:54, Immanuel wrote:
A LP studio/standard/classic/?

It's a no-frills white studio...I saw my friend James yesterday and nailed him on the deal and price over a beer! <dream>I think he wants to get himself a 70's classic</dream>

Then there were more beers...and wine...and my homemade black bean curry pie. Nobody's sitting near me today

Royston

Counterparts · Post by **Counterparts** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 3:26 am

astroman wrote:

Seriously I once compared such a thing with the built in pres of my Korg 168 mixer and the crappy thing clearly won.

Yeah, tubes kick solid state's ass badly IMO

The chap who designed SansAmp didn't do a bad job, though...I've had the classic for years and the PSA-1 too.

http://sansamp.com/index2.htm

Royston