Recording Equipment Suggestions

[UglyBuzzard]

I am looking to put together a home set up to record bass lines for various projects. Old days would go into a studio. Would like something in the house now.

I have a MacBook Pro and using a Genzler 800 head these days.

What would you suggest?  On a budget or open checkbook? Small footprint preferred.

Thanks in advance...

[keith_h]

I have the Presonus Audiobox (discontinued) and have been happy with it. It came with a version of Presonus Studio One Artist DAW software but also works well with other DAW software. In addition to Studio One I have successfully used it with the free Audacity DAW. Looking at the Presonus website I would say the Audiobox USB 96 is the follow on product and looks to be around $85 for the unit and Studio One.

[JimmyJ]

My home rig is a little complicated but on the road I've had good luck with an Apogee Duet 2.  It's a 2-in, 4-out box with about as small a footprint as you can get.  There's a Duet 3 out now that would also likely be great - and I'd suggest getting the optional "dock" if you go that route.  Nice sounding converters which should work well with whatever DAW you want to use.

I love working on tracks at home.  I spend probably too much time on them but I really enjoy tweaking the part to the way I want it to be.  There's a bit of a learning curve but once you get a work flow happening it can be pretty fun.

Jimmy J

[gtrguy]

I have a couple Presonus Firestudios that I bought used for not very much that work fine. I also use an F2b as a pre in the signal chain and sometimes an MXR bass compressor stomp box that works great also. Most audio to digital input/output units are high quality these days and do a good job. I also use a couple plugins all the time on my bass tracks. I think it's more about setting up your signal chain to where it does what you want and gets the sound you are happy with.

[UglyBuzzard]

Thanks everyone.  Keep them coming...

I will be using garage band for now - can use Genzler DI so need to zero in on a multi-input Audio Interface and an easy drum machine.

[keith_h]

I don't know if it includes it today but when  I purchased my Audiobox the Studio One Software included the ability to download a couple of the popular drum machine plug-ins. I would be surprised if Garageband didn't offer a plug-in/plug-ins for drums or not have one built in already.

[lbpesq]

I picked up a Yamaha MG10GXU 10 channel mixer with USB in the early stages of the pandemic so I could run my guitar and a vocal mic on a Zoom open mic.   I don’t know much about digital home recording, but it seemed to work well as an interface between me and the computer.

Bill, tgo

[Glynn]

Just picking up on the amplifier.  I have a Genzler 350 as well as their Bass Array 10-2 cabinet and also a Genz Benz Streamliner 900. Brilliant gear and I get any questions by email answered by Jeff Genzler himself.
Glynn

[StefanieJones]

I like Cubase and have always found it did everything I needed.

[KR]

Since you already have a Mac, download Garageband and you're good to go. Garageband sounds good, and it's easy to get around on. I use Logic, too, but for ease I would go with GB.  I also use an Apogee Duet.

[JimmyJ]

I concur, Garage Band is a great place to start, especially if you're just getting into it.  Built-in drum and percussion loops to get you going.  If you want to move to the next level you can upgrade to Logic which is able to directly import projects you've started in Garage Band.

Jimmy J

[hankster]

I use the Duet with either GarageBand or Logic on my MacBook. I like both. Logic has a steeper learning curve but huge capacity.

[gtrguy]

For those using a windows machine, Sonar Bandlab, which used to sell for a fair amount of money (ask me how I know) is now free.

[edwin]

If you are not on the cheap, I highly recommend a Metric Halo ULN-8. World class converters, built in DSP, a built in high resolution mixer, a veritable Swiss Army knife of audio. The company is a small one (Mac only for the moment) and is family run, like Alembic, designed by geniuses, like Alembic, and also provides future proof boxes. In the past couple of years, they have revamped the digital sections of their interfaces, going back almost 20 years to the first one they ever built. Truly future-proof. When you have issues, it's like the chief designer of the company will be in touch. I've been a beta tester for the last 4 years or so, and it's only because I love what they do. None better.

https://mhsecure.com/metric_halo/

[UglyBuzzard]

So I tried the RME Babyface Pro and that would not work with the new MacBooks/OS. Frustrating but I returned it and am now trying out the Duet 3. So far, so good. I just need to learn Garage Band and how to use plug ins, etc...

Anyone in SoCal that likes good Scotch or whatever, let me know...