Man…. Recording sure has changed in the last five years or so!
In the “old days” it was an expensive and somewhat gruelling adventure involving rooms with big speakers, floating floors and consoles as long as the eye could see. These usually operated by “vampires with a Studio Tan” (Engineers rarely see daylight!)… in my past life I was a vampire with a thirst for expensive microphones and 2” tape J
“Home Studios” were usually less than stellar spaces…. With gear that had been cobbled together from begging, borrowing and stealing, with the closet filling in for a vocal booth as long as the carpet was placed just right.
And that wasn’t too long ago! Now-a-days there is little distinction between a “pro” studio and a “home” studio, as more and more people decide that “pro” can happen at home too!
it’s almost “easy” by comparison - computing power is relatively inexpensive, interfaces sound great and are plentiful, and a nice mic isn’t very hard to find. You can choose from a wide-range of recording software like ProTools / Sonor / Cubase for relatively little investment, you can setup shop in your living room and record until your heart’s content…. And get VERY GOOD RESULTS!
As this market emerges, many users that would have asked us to rent a “four track recorder” (remember those?!?!) are now asking for microphones and interfaces – they already usually have a decent laptop and software, which are the heart of the system. We have recently added Recording interfaces to the rental department to get you recording easier and faster.
The AVID/M-AUDIO FastTrack Ultra 8R is a simple 8-channel interface where you get 8 channels of mic preamp (2 of the preamps also have instrument inputs), 8 line-level outputs and USB2 Connectivity direct to your Mac or PC – all at the low, low rental price of $15/day, $30/week or $60/month – it couldn’t be easier!
Add do this our extensive rental Mic Locker – we carry everything from the usual SM57’s and 609’s, including most of the Sennheiser 600-series and 900-series catalogue, Shure and Audix Drum Mic Packs, Hi-End condenser Mics from Sennheiser and AKG (check out the C214!) and we’re always keeping on top of mics… I never really quenched my microphone thirst from when I was an old-school studio vampire, and my 2” tape is now used to tape cables down ;-)
If you need a had selecting the right mic, wonder how these interfaces work, or have any inquiries that involve Pro Audio Rentals, Event Production, or our GearHeadz On-Site Music Gear Experts Program, shoot me an e-mail and I’d be happy to help!
Till next time,
Ryan McLeod
Manager, Professional Services
905.770.5222 x379
ryan@cosmomusic.ca
