Semi Pro studio set up (what equipment do you need?)
 

Guys I was just wondering whether we could list the necessary equipment that is fundementally needed in order to make decent sounding tracks. You dont have to list specific makes and models (this might just confuse the issue at this stage)....nope....this is more of a sort of run down for people like me - a noobi producer who wants to get a general overview of what is needed. I'll start this list off....and perhaps you guys could add to it:

DAW

Computer (Audio PC, PC or MAC)
Audio sequencing software (Cubase etc)
Audio + midi interface (soundcard)

Mixers

General purpose analog or digital mixer

Speakers

Dedicated monitor speakers

Instruments

Synths, drums, guitars etc

Outboard

Please continue list.....

how about a good mic for general purpose recording? guitar,vocal,amp...

A lava lamp, and one of those new ergonomic 'office chairs'.

Depends so much on what you're doing, if you're recording instruments other than synths then a good ROOM becomes crucial.

Also, a DOG and a FEMALE ASSISTANT are required.

A simple answer; Monkeys.

Monkeys are great for teaching how to patch up things - Need a new sound on your modular, no problem; dont reach that audiocable.. No problem! Monkeys are the answer to everything and everyone..

When i become the Swedish President 2006 i'll change the law requiring people to get monkeys

I'd vote for you!

Hardware Sampler, many of the old Akai units go quite cheap second hand these days and still do the necessary job. Cost effective and totally versatile, especially with the amount of free samples found on the web, from drum loops, synth hits to vocal bytes and more.

Monkeys: http://www.christopherleestreet.com/...keys_dance.swf

ONE DAY WE WILL RULE THE WORLD....

Ha haa haaa haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa cough splutter wheeze. Ahem.

Yup monkeys are a definite all right, but not just any monkey will do. A Chimp will give the most feedback in a studio situation.
Shaving the monkey will also help if you can't find a female assistant by the way.

Seriously though DS. This is a really open ended kind of question and it not only varies a lot depending what sort of music you do, but also what sort of budget you have.
Too hard to answer in a general sort of way.

Hehe amusing responses guys....

But my idea for this thread....was to get an idea of what people use for outboard. Compressors, limiters, exciters, channel strips etc etc. Can someone add to that?

DS

God damn - No ones shaving my monkey ass!

How long is a piece of string!!!

Be a bit more specific mate. What is your estimated total budget and also what music are you aiming to produce?

If it is solely electronic based music then we can perhaps bypass a whole load of gear and concentrate on getting decent A/D D/A conversion into your DAW. This is something I can give advice on.

On the other hand if you are going down the more tradtional band, guitar and vocal route then I am certain someone will be able to assist you in this area.

Let me know either way - just off to swing around a few lamp posts.

compressor and limiter - some nice effects and a mastering eq

The only post production type outboard I use is a couple of Behringer units that I use only for quick and dirty mastering type processing when monitoring record and prior to doing post production work. Its really just to get an idea what the 'produced' version will sound like.

Those units are:

DEQ2496 - its a graphic eq, dynamic eq, parametric eq, compressor/expander+limiter and stereo imager

DSP1424P - An enhancer/maximiser

Between the two of them I can very quickly get a rough idea what the produced version will sound like. The DEQ2496 is however an essential bit of kit for post production as well, but only as a metring uinit as it has a very good RTA (spectrum analyser) and various meter modes.

I dont use either in the audio path for post production currently (I used to), but maybe I will start using them again as I get better results with them than the junk that comes with Cubase SX 3 - I might have a look at the Waves plugin in the future.

The thing is DS, "Decent" sounding tracks can be made on even the most basic setups.

Mike Skinner (The Streets) had a very basic setup for the first album, and I reckon it is great. Very raw.

I have some albums done on a 4 track casette that are great. Real lo-fi, but gorgeous sounding.

It is a very general question. But really, the more you spend, the better the quality. If you use a Neumann mic over a behringer one you will hear the difference. If you buy a Distressor over a focusrite you will hear the difference. Good quality audio design is expensive.

Also, it very much depends on whos driving. Know what I mean???

Absolutely - knowing the gear you are using I think is way more important than what gear you have so long as it is upto the kind of processing you want ot apply. That goes hand in hand of course with having someone experience enough to cope with the material they are given and recognise and solve potential problems in it - that just takes time - for that reason I will spend time on post production for trash that im never going to release - just useful training :)

A liberal application of distortion/overdrive processing is nice. Even on stuff like piano (as is compression). And valves/tubes (inc. emulation) are always useful, especially on mid-range stuff like pads and various types of drums, etc..

Also guitar style 'stomp box' type effects (inc. emulation) are your (well, at least my) friend(s).

You forgot the Bonsai tree :D

a chair DS! you need the most god damn comfortable chair ever made because you simply cannot produce for hours on end with a sore arse and a shooting pain up your hunched back!