Questions regarding equipment for studio set-up

[J-curl]

First of all, hello. I'm J-curl. I'm new to this forum and pretty much the whole world of voice over work. Now, I've been interested in voice acting and more recently, podcasting for the past couple of years but work, school, and other pursuits have left me little time to really research what's required for voice work. So while I've been trying to learn, I'm still a bit confused on what equipment is necessary, what some things do, and what overall affects the quality of audio that is produced.

That's why I have come here, I'm hoping that some of you will be able to answer some of my questions and help me along the learning process. I have a lot of questions so ANY and all advice and help will be extremely appreciated.


Ok, so here we go.

(oh, before I forget, when talking about equipment and cost, while I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on equipment, I'm not opposed to spending a little bit of money for materials that will be able to provide me with a high quality, professional sound. Up to about the $400 range for a piece of equipment, depending on it's necessity and importance)


MICROPHONES:
I read through a lot of that sticky on microphone review, but my question is a bit more simple. For Podcasting, Voice over work, basically just speach in general, what is the actual audible difference in quality that Condenser mics provide versus Dynamic and Usb mics? What is it that makes them sound different?

On that note,
PRE-AMPS:
So, if I understand this correctly, Condenser mics require a pre-amp to increase the naturally weak audio signal (I don't know the terminology) that recording on the mic itself provides while ideally keeping noise reduced to a minimum is that right? If not please correct me.
What else do pre-amps do if anything, and are there differences between pre-amps that have different effects on the mic that you're using?

TUBE? SSD?
When people refer to tube connections (or something like that) what are those? And when they say it "colors" the audio, how so? What are the pro's and cons to using tube set ups vs ssd or should they be mixed?

LIMITER?
How does this help and is it necessary for straight vocal recording and not necessarily singing or music.

Audio Cards:
Internal or External? What should I look for in an audio card? Recommendations are welcome.


Ok, I don't want to scare you guys off with my wall of text so I'll end it there. This is just my researching phase. I want to learn about the equipment, the process, what I'm getting myself into, and budget before I make any purchases. ANY help is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

[ScottStoked]

I'm not going to go into too much detail. There is HEAPS of info online.

MICROPHONES:
I read through a lot of that sticky on microphone review, but my question is a bit more simple. For Podcasting, Voice over work, basically just speech in general, what is the actual audible difference in quality that Condenser mics provide versus Dynamic and Usb mics? What is it that makes them sound different?

http://homestudiotalk.blogspot.com/2...crophones.html

In the pro world, pretty much all voice acting is done using condensers because they capture details of an actor's voice with more clarity.

In voice over/podcasting it's a mixed bag. Some use condensers and some use dynamics (ie: EV RE20, Shure SM7B, etc).

,
PRE-AMPS:
So, if I understand this correctly, Condenser mics require a pre-amp to increase the naturally weak audio signal (I don't know the terminology) that recording on the mic itself provides while ideally keeping noise reduced to a minimum is that right? If not please correct me.
What else do pre-amps do if anything, and are there differences between pre-amps that have different effects on the mic that you're using?

Yes, condensers require a power source (48V phantom power). Pre-amps can come with a variety of options with some performing as an all-in-one, or "channel strip".
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/286S/

Pre-amps definitely have an effect on the colour and quality of your sound and are something to consider when deciding what kind of sound you want. Vintage or clean? Warm or neutral? Both?

TUBE? SSD?
When people refer to tube connections (or something like that) what are those? And when they say it "colors" the audio, how so? What are the pro's and cons to using tube set ups vs ssd or should they be mixed?

Tube vs Solid State
http://www.skyblueband.net/TubesvsSS.htm

You can mix and match tube mics with solid state pres and vice versa. One con I've heard about tube gear is that it is more susceptible to RF interference. I've owned a tube mic and pre in the past and didn't notice this but YMMV.

Sound color: Say you have three mics in front of a source (a voice artist). Each of those mics will interpret their voice differently. When you hear the difference on playback, you're hearing the mic and/or pre's color. If I still had a few mics, I could post an example for you, but I'm only down to one now.

LIMITER?
How does this help and is it necessary for straight vocal recording and not necessarily singing or music.

http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/processing/limiter/

They keep your signal from peaking and distorting. They can be handy, but making sure your gain level is set properly should be your first step to avoid this. My channel strip has a limiter built in, but I rarely use it.

Audio Cards:

I'd go external. Some PCI based sound cards don't work nicely with the newer Intel based motherboards. Plus, with an external you have all-in-one options like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i6 or 8i6.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i2

Don't forget you'll want to treat your recording space a little. Lots of DIY methods online.

[J-curl]

Thanks so much for the response and links Scott. They are incredibly helpful. Once I get through all of this information, if I have more specific questions I need help on (which I'm sure I will) I'll post here again. This is a great first stepping stone though.

If anyone else has anything they'd like to contribute, please do. I'm looking for all the advice I can get.

[ScottStoked]

Based on a $400 budget:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - $150
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-.../dp/B005OZE9SA

CAD M179 Microphone - $135
http://www.amazon.com/CAD-M179-Varia...0704977&sr=1-1
OR
AT 2035 Microphone - $150
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica.../dp/B002T45X1G
OR
Studio Project B1 - $116
http://www.amazon.com/Studio-Project...705696&sr=1-28

Pop filter - $15
http://www.amazon.com/Nady-MPF-6-6-I...0705471&sr=1-1

XLR Cable - $8
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Cable-Sto...706351&sr=1-12

Mic Stand - $20
http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Gear...d_rhf_se_shvl4

Headphones - $45
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica...0706955&sr=1-1

You'll still need to buy some materials (blankets, foam, whatever) for room treatment, so if you already have an ok pair of headphones, you could probably skip them. But it's nice to have a pair of studio headphones which will be a little more accurate during playback.

Microphones are subjective. A mic that sounds great on one person, may sound like junk on another. I chose three popular, bang-for-buck mics that sound good on a wide range of sources.

There are a few interfaces which cost less than the 2i2, but most would say the 2i2 has noticeably better pres (and it's USB 2.0).

[J-curl]

Thanks for the recommendations Scott, they are very helpful. I do have another related question. As I'm still learning right now, by the time I'm actually ready to start making purchases I will have a larger budget available to me, I'd estimate about a good $700. With that in mind, what are the items that I would most benefit from investing extra money into?

As you've said, I understand that a good mic is based on how well it works for my particular voice so there's not necessarily a need to spend exorbitant amounts of money on one, so would I be better off putting more money into a better pre/audio interface or something?

[pyromaster]

Let me just say, I own the scarlett 2i2 interface and its nothing short from incredible! It really does the job and for voice over it's just what you need. The pres are top of the line, unlike the experience I've had with the last interface from M-audio. It's also really affordable and has the same features other audio interfaces have at the same price range.

Of course my microphone is starting to dye on me now because the tube is wearing out after 6 years of use. I'll probably just replace the tube instead of getting a new mic though.

I'd also recommend the Sennheiser HD 201 headphones, they're really great for the price. It's quite accurate and affordable.

As for the rest of the equipment, like microphones, you'd probably have to see which one you like. I haven't tried that many so I don't have much experience in that area.

Monitors are also good to get but I don't think they're really necessary unless you're a producer.

I record in my closet to try and save up on buying materials even though I know its still not completely dampened.

I am curious as to what ScottStoked setup is like, he's stuff really sounds like it was recorded at a studio.

[ScottStoked]

@ J-curl:
You could maybe spend a little more on a microphone if you found one that really works for you. Otherwise, I'd probably put it towards room treatment and a pair of affordable studio headphones. Improving on the pre will eat up a good chunk of your budget. The pres in the Scarlett interfaces are excellent value for the money and I heard any driver issues have been mostly resolved with the latest release. Did you have any driver issues pyromaster?

Stuidio monitors (speakers) are nice to have, but unless you're going to be a lot of mixing (as pyromaster mentioned), I wouldn't worry about them.

@ pyromaster:
My current signal chain:
- CAD E100S microphone.
- Safe Sound P1 pre/channel strip (used off ebay).
- M-Audio Delta 1010LT PCI sound card.

I record in a room in my basement where I've made a little vocal enclosure in one corner with DIY rockwool acoustic panels on stands. It's really quite ghetto looking, but the sound isn't bad! I also have a couple of panels suspended from the ceiling above it to eliminate reflections from the ceiling.

[pyromaster]

Thankfully, I didn't have any driver issues. It's also bundled with the ableton software which isn't bad but I find the layout very confusing. I'm still very scared to use it xD

Thanks for sharing your setup, now I am not so surprised with the quality of your recordings. You really invested quite a bit on your setup and it certainly paid off.

[CeruleanAsh]

While I use my studio more for recording my band, it's now being used for VA work as well. I've found the same highly affordable stuff I purchased for the band works just perfectly for VA. I'm using a Line 6 UX1 interface, MXL R144 microphone, but honestly my Shure SM58 works much better and was cheaper. For playback I'm listening through a pair of Sennheiser HD Headphones, great quality for the price no doubt.

As far as treating my space, I built a vocal booth out of left over door frame trim the installer left in my yard... That and heavy grade gun packaging foam, carpet padding, and some egg crate mattress pad. It's a six foot tall by three foot deep, two foot wide space completely enclosed from head to toe and cost me... $6 bucks for brackets. It's so dead in there, when I record all I hear is crisp clear vocals even if someone is speaking at normal voice outside of the enclosure.

You can get what I have for around $300, and be completely set to do everything you need done. Good luck to you, I hope you manage to find everything you want and need with minimal headaches!

[J-curl]

Hey guys, thanks for all the help you've given so far. I'm back again with a new question, though maybe it's more of a preferential poll.

For indoor voice work with moderate room treatment, does a cardoid or super/hypercardoid give the best sound?