I need some hardcore recording equipment to record some vocals + guitar. Small project, but I want it done as best as I can on a budget. Got a proper studio to use, just need the equipment.

Obviously buying the stuff is out of the question so I'm looking to hire.

So far all I can find is this place:
http://www.bestdeal4u.com.au/specials/proaudio.html

I'm looking at package 3 + headphones and minus 1 of the mics. It uses Digidesign Pro Tools software which I'm told is good.

So does this look like a winner, or are there any other places? I only need to hire it for about a week I guess.

Is it tricky to setup properly and use the software etc? My computer is an AMD 3700 with 1gig of RAM. Is that gonna handle it?

Any gurus out there on this?

Cheers.

Usually studios have their own gear ? ...

Obviously buying the stuff is out of the question so I'm looking to hire

But the link you have there is for purchasing ?

Any gurus out there on this?

I'm no guru, but I've been recording for several months now on my own setup.

I turned one of my bedrooms into a studio (acoustically stabilised it with fonic tiles) and run a Protools setup on an all-options-maxed 20" iMac.

Looking at package #3, the Digi 002R has more inputs than my firewire 410 interface (not that it matters for recording vocals / guitar / bass / keys). The rest of my gear is much better (mics, reference monitors, effects plugins) + I have mastering software (Ozone 3).

If you have not used recording software before, forget about trying to learn everything in a week (it would be like trying to use AutoCAD for the 1st time).

Hit me up on ICQ (63689882) or msn (bandsession [A T] hotmail.com) to talk over the weekend.

Ok thanks bassman, msn added.

obes, the link has a "rent" option.

Is the guitar you are recording acoustic or death metal electric?

Agree with bassman, ProTools is pretty easy to learn, but to get everything down on the spot can waste a lot of time. One eight hour session turns into three when little things go wrong, as with anything I guess.

Acoustic guitar.

Is it possible to learn the program before actually have the hardware setup?

I have the software but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

No ... it has a "flexi-rent" option ... Its more like a really bad loan for a computer rather then renting.

Condensers will be good then.

ProTools requires that you have digi design hardware connected to your comp before it will run. There might be like an old demo version on their website that you could play around on that doesn't need the hardware, but I think they got rid of it ages ago.

edit:
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/ProTools/
Just googled for the demo, it's an old version and runs on 98. No idea if it still works, busy atm to test it. ProTools hasn't changed drastically so I guess if you had a go on that it might help.

last edited by slyin at 17:10:37 03/Mar/07

Hmm well it looks like I'm gonna need a 3rd party to help me out with all this stuff so calling any volunteers :)

you can learn enough to do basic s*** in protools in under an hour if you have a clue. However you cant mix down at a later date unless you own the hardware and USB dongle (version dependant). If you wanna record some s*** you're gonna need a semi descent card to start with, and then you can hire a nice preamp & mic for around $70/day.

Record using mic and pickup at the same time so you have a backup if the other is not what your looking for. Then find a program you're comfortable with and mix down later.

its easy enough to get demo quality sound without using protools, personally I've had a lot of luck with Adobe Audition... We use a SB Xfi, which really isn't the best sound card to be using, but it is really good enough for our needs...

Hey man i know my Protools and im comfortable with setting up/operating a small studio. Depending on where your going to be recording a mate and i will help you do it all.

Send me an email - quarantined@gmail.com