I just upgraded from KRK Rokitt 5 gen2 to Neumann KH 80 DSP monitors. The selfnoise of the KRK’s hid some noise I had in one of my video edits (I’m a senior editor who since COVID is working from home) so after 15+ years it was time to upgrade my personal setup. I really like the neutral sound of the Neumann’s, the small size and the fact that they are free from any buzz hum or whatever. I connect them via a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen.
I use the Apollo Twin myself for quite a while now and Like it very much. The only downside for me is that Windows doesn't support aggregation, which makes expanding the system much harder. i got the JBL 2 months ago, never thought I would pick those, but after trying some monintors in my range, I ended up with liking those best. The detail was really surprising and I didn't regret my choice. Very nice series, I wish it would go on forever, thanks and happy new year y'all.
Currently using an Audient iD44, got it after watching one of your videos few months ago. And Yamaha HS7 speakers are on the desk on pads from isoAcoustics and to me, that does the job properly! I tried Motu and had troubles with pre-amp, 2died on the back, I felt a lot of noise, maybe an unlucky one for me. Tried PreSonus Studo 192 and had a terrible experience with and also SAV that could not fix a problem without getting an other one. If I should switch audio interface I would go to RME UCX 2 or Antelope Pure 2, for my setup that's enough. Atm really feeling my Audient, it was such a massive gap from the latest I had, a Focusrite Clarett 2pre. And will change monitors for Kali LP6 2nd wave soon or Focal Shape 65. Still need to think and get money to try both.
Very happy with my Kali LP-8's after doing some slight correction with a pair of white 4400 eq's. Using the new UAD Volt 2 channel interface, (upgraded from a Scarlett), and beyond happy with that as well! Great compressor(s) built in and seamless integration into Logic Pro.
Love the ‘real world’ aspect of this Warren, as much as we love seeing the SSL’s and Fairchild’s etc, most of us are running far humbler setups. I look forward to seeing the new room in action. 👌
Warren, in a world of nonsense RUclips content, jostling for likes and subscriptions, you are giving us real and valuable information. Absolute gold and always enjoyable. And you’re one of the few people who actually responds to comments! A true gentleman. Keep up the great work.
Hopefully you swap interlaces as much as speakers, because there are very few reviewers out their that have really given a true test to all the interfaces in an audio sense.
Really enjoyed this one… I’ve been trying to set up a micro “in the box “ minimal setup for an age, I have a tiny apartment. I’ve gone for UAD twin with a satellite to allow for loads of dsp, Ik media MTM’s love these. A really nice Huawei mateview screen, really recommend this. Running Luna, lastly a ``Behringer x touch one, it;s a tiny setup but really powerful. Loving the results I’m getting and it’s very low key sitting in my living room on a very small console desk that is 30cm deep with a pull out section when in use.
JBL LSR308. 8" driver. Great low end. No sub needed. Clear untainted sound. It was quick and easy to learn these speakers to get desired results when playing back on other systems.
I have these and also run the Sonarworks Calibration. These speakers are VERY distinctly NOT flat, and the calibration really flattened them out. But it’s $300 so it might be a better idea to just replace the JBLs. I’m currently saving for some Kali Audio monitors
@@IamSooConstipated interesting. Your room is part of the equation, not just the speaker, as far as flat response. With any speaker, I think there is a learning aspect to how a mix translates. I've no need to replace these and there are of course better speakers on the market. For the price and result, I'm happy. Cheers.
I went for Focal speakers for my car around 10 years ago; I've never looked back. Certainly not cheap, but it doesn't seem to matter what I throw at them, they bring out the best of whatever I seem to play. I really like their HiFi speakers, and am really considering a pair of Focals for monitors.
I have very much loved the Dyn LYD 48's. I'm in a tiny room myself with no sub, and the first time I hit play on a track it was honestly shocking what I heard compared to my first set of entry level monitors.
Gary from UK. In my home studio, I use a UA Apollo x8p with a twin + UA octo cpu box and then if I need more mic press, then I hook up my audient asp008 mk1. For monitoring I use Kali LP6 and genelec 1029a (yep, had them a long time).
What has been most helpful and interesting to see is room treatment (incl ceiling) and monitor choices. As always your sharing is phenomenal. My new room, rented in a rehearsal, recording studio facility is a small 12 x 14. (Still have treatments to do, and new Monitors and/or open back headphones to achieve)
My living room is my studio. A couch and being situated under the roof which gives me less parallel surfaces and putting carpet on the tile floor made actually the biggest difference. A guest mattress hanging on the oppiste wall of my speakers and desk is a fabulous absorber and shelfs on the wall already remove many large flat surfaces. According to this series I'll start with planning treatment. Absorbtion/bass traps on the wall behind the desk an on the slanted wall side from the roof plus ceiling, free rear wall area and door diffusion and adding a mobile 6 foot high bass trap to put in front of the window when the living room is actively used as a studio will do the job then for me and my maybe future clients or when mixing my own music.
I use Audient ID14 MKi and JBL Lsr 305 studio monitors. Thr best audio interface for home use is the Audient ID14 mkii or Apogee Desktop Symphony. A yamaha HS7 monitor would also be great
Love this Video series Warren. I built mine 2.5 years ago. I had concrete walls to start with So I was able to build Secondary walls with an air gap then insulate then cover all walls and ceiling with MLV. Even then the 10 x14 room was pretty active. So corner dampening and sky clouds (that I built) made a huge difference the back wall I just did a sound dampening curtain. The monitors I choose were the Rock-its for my mix and the JBLs for tracking. The JBLs sound great they have such a wide sound I can hear everything when tracking. I built a custom desk for my space because what I could afford there wasn't enough space and what I wanted I couldn't afford. It is the perfect place for my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen Audio Interface. Under it is a Spectrum Analyzer, yes I cheat, but it gives a good guideline.
I use the Midas MR18 mixer as my audio interface and absolutely love it. Great value for the money. I had the Behringer version (XR18) and thought it was great, but upgraded to the Midas for the Mic preamps.
Great video! Thank you, Warren. This video series comes at the right time for me since I have to treat my new home studio room after moving. It's a great inspiration.
I'm an Apollo guy, Twin MKII Quad and an Apollo x8p for recording drums. They just do it all, and the Unison tech is the real deal. I've been using the older Adam A7 speakers, but without a sub they not very full sounding, and they are not very loud without distortion. I'm looking to move up to either something with 8" drivers and higher power or a 3-way like the Adam s3v, Focal Trio6 or Genelec 8351s.
I have the Motu M2 interface and the Yamaha HS8 speakers. I love both, though I mostly mix in headphones due to the terrible acoustics of my room. I actually wish I'd gotten the HS7 monitors because the HS8 monitors are absurdly loud. But I would definitely go with the HS series no matter what. They have a very present midrange I find useful for mixing. Not quite as harsh as the NS10s but a similar profile.
@@mokitaism That's what I should have done. But the Guitar Center near me happened to have some used HS8 monitors at a good price. So I figured I'd give it a shot. I may sell them down the road to be able to downsize.
I just splurged and got a fair amount of new gear from Sweetwater. I haven't used everything I got yet but I got one piece that I use all the time and that's the Dangerous Music D-Box+. I wanted to see what all the hype was about and I was absolutely blown away. The mastering converters are phenomenal as is the summing mixer. I highly recommend it - I heard a huge difference from monitoring just through my interface which has really good converters and monitoring through the D-Box+. The details is incredible. I highly recommend getting one since you aren't going to have a console. It is a monitor controller and summing mixer with an astounding mastering D/A converter. I also got the RND 551s (pair), Warm Audio 273-EQ, WA76, and the WA bus comp. Can't wait to dive into all of these (I have used the bus comp on one pass and it sounded really smooth. Cheers, Warren. I hope that wrist is healing up well.
My studio is the living room while the family are at work and school. Currently using a Behringer UMC 1820 + ADA 8200 Ultragain for recording and mixing through KRK GRP8s. Very pleased with the results for less than £1000 spent. Future enhancements I have planned for this set up are the addition of a KRK S12G4 sub and the Behringer X Touch (+ 2 extenders) control surface.
This video came up in my RUclips list at a perfect time since I am updating my studio monitors and interface. I really appreciate that Mike mentioned latency, and also he had discussed 2 vs. 3 way and how the midrange is affected. I do my tracking and mixing all in the same room and use amp sims most of the time so I’ve found that monitors with a dedicated mid frequency driver as well as the proper hi-z input really helped with the feel and tonal response when playing guitar. To me the feel is as important as the tone when playing guitar through the amp sims into monitors. My choice was the Kali IN8 V2 and I’m currently still deciding on an interface.
Great video series. I started the same way one and a half year ago completely from scratch but knowing nothing about anything. 😉 Good to see that I made not bad decissions and now I learn what I can improve or enhance. 👍🏼👏🏼 Thnx so much.
Small room, so you don’t want to be pumping out too much energy, especially low down. I moved from Adam A7s to PSI 14M Broadcasts, plus their smaller sub, and they are just wonderful, if quite pricey. Phase and image stability are so accurate, and they sound like an open window into the recording space.
@@Producelikeapro Yes, my room is not large or optimum. I run at 83dB and have the A125 sub throttled back; most people think it sounds pretty good, though I suspect you have more opportunities to experiment with your space.
@@RicktheRecorder For a room that is only 10ft x 10ft w/ 8ft ceiling should I not even bother with Adams and maybe go with your recommended PSI 14M Broadcasts instead? Or would something like one of the Generic 8320A (4" maybe?) which is one of their SAM series monitors.
@@tvm2209 Not sure I am the person to advise you. My room is about 15' x 12' x 8' (5m x 4m x 2.5m), lots of fitted bookshelving and a couple of alcoves, heavy curtains and gobos. By no means ideal but some well-known producers say its surprisingly benign. Generic or Genelec? The latter are good, but not in the same league as the PSIs.
I have a small bedroom studio and started with a pair of computer speakers - I keep for reference to be replaced one day by some large monitors or aura tones , a pair of Yamaha NS 10Ms paired with an Alesis 100M amp ( I know that is not ideal but it works ) , ( I have had the tweeters repaired recently) but I have had them for a while. Then last year I got a beautiful pair of Neumann KH 5.25 monitors . I am amazed at how much bass they have for the size down to 52 Hz . But they not only sound very accurate and detailed but pleasing to listen to. I am very happy I bought them and also it helps that I made my neighbor with his Adam Audio speakers - a bit jealous .
I have the Adam Audios as well AX7 and I did not know how awful and quite dreadful my mixes were until I got those. I had no idea of what I was not hearing and I'm obviously an amateur so I could only imagine the perspective of a professional. I was running a presonus before I got the Adams, but I upgraded to the RME UCX ii and could not be happier. Those two changes, drastically improved my sound and mixes, because I got better signals/sources and I actually hear what is going on.
Warren, choose adjustable stands , especially in height! Or choose a bit lower and adjust/ carefully heighten with a solid base, and/or spikes. Preferably solid slabs to slowly increase. That should not be expensive at all. The height of monitors is severely underrated. When listening, the vocalist(s) should stand in front of you when the eyes are closed. Don't judge monitor setup by looking at them! I call it visual bias.
Thank you Warren. We have learned a great deal from you over the years and you always do an amazing job of staying with all of the lesser known folks out there. Keep up the great work
The level of technical detail that many people investigate is truly mind boggling. I am still trying to write a good song! Yay!! 40 quid stereo recorder!! \m/
Adam A7X user here. It took me a while to figure them out. When I bought them they were sitting on my desk, and it sounded just very confusing and frankly disappointing. Not really better than my old passive little B&W bookshelf hifi speakers that I used before... However they really started to shine when putting them farther away from my desk and put them on stands. Very bright, but in a nice way (to my ears anyway). Very nice clear mids. I notch out a bit of ~130hz when listening to my A7X's (this might have to do with my room). They lack a bit of bottom end though, so a sub might help there.
My studio is actually similar to what you are building here. My room is a slightly larger but treated in a similar way. My speakers are Kali LP6v2 and Adam A7x. My DAW is Presonus Studio One Pro, which I recommend you check out. As an interface I have a Presonus Studiolive 32S console, which integrates directly with Studio One and it allows me to have everything in my studio plugged in without any repatching.
I'm using an Apollo X4. Chose it over the twin X because of the second Hi-Z input and it came with a free satellite DSP unit at the time. I wanted a silent studio option as I was helping my son start out learning guitar. Two Hi-Z inputs, two headphone outputs, talkback mic and low latency monitoring of amp-sim plugins is fantastic. Delayed the need for a hardware amp until finding out how well he would stick with it. Also, the X4 will take an extra 8 channels in and 8 out over ADAT, so something like a focusrite octopre will take my system up to 12 analogue ins /14 analogue outs. I think the twin X will take extra channels in via ADAT, but doesn't have ADAT out, but the price is a decent jump. Very glad to see you include UAD in this new system in any flavour. Just because I can, my signal chain for MS teams/zoom/Skype etc. is a rode lapel mic (don't really like the look of big studio mics for phone calls) into the API vision Channel strip plugin for gain, gate, and first stage compression; VOG bass resonance filter for a little more chest voice; and distressor for higher ratio second stage compression. Microphones are probably next on the shopping list. I haven't committed to monitors yet. I'm leaning towards the Presonus e44 MTM design. With 2 x 4.5 inch LF drivers per cabinet, there's more LF driver area than a 6" woofer. Horizontal speaker layout appeals to me because I have a triple screen computer setup. Speakers will have to sit above each outboard computer screen. Vertical speakers would need a bit more down-angle to fire directly at the mix position. Or I would have to lower the screens for poorer ergonomics, also robbing the 2RU of height beneath each screen I might be able to use later. Loved the look of those 3-ways you mentioned, but they're a bit pricy for me. Since you're starting out at three monitor pairs, I hoped you might talk about monitor switcher/controller units. I've been researching the Presonus and Drawmer desktop units. Still catching up on this video series, looking forward to more episodes!
I use the APS Klassik as a monitor, which I can absolutely recommend. This monitor is also really fun when listening to music. As an audio interface I use the ESI U168 XT, which has 16 inputs and 4 mic pres ..
RME Babyface Pro FS, Presonus Sceptre S8, Arturia Audiofuse 8 (rent) when I need additional inputs. I use the gator desk mounted speaker stands with old school isolation foam. Video room uses the IK iLoud MTM monitors which are brilliant
I have the Adam A7s (Not A7x) which I bought about 13 years ago. It's true that it's not pumping out the bass, and I just haven't quite gone around to getting a sub. But the thing that most appealed to me was having a sweeter tone in with the ribbon tweeter, lessening fatigue, and making it more enjoyable to listen to.
I do audio post for TV in my home studio/office. I use a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, because with it, I am able to mix 5.1 with the monitor knob on the front controlling all volume. (it also has 8 Mic Pre's) For monitors I use Yamaha HS7's for LCR and HS5's in the rear with a KRK sub.
If I could be so bold, I am using the Kali I8’s and I flattened them with the sonarworks kit. They are very accurate, sooooo I would choose those over the I6. Just a bigger sound. BTW love this channel, I have learned so much and my clients are very happy with my mixes. Thank you brother.
@@Producelikeapro Thank you for responding. I can't say how much I love this channel. I wish I had time to download the multi tracks. I am always so busy with projects. I am looking forward to more amazing content.
I purchased the Arturia Audiofuse 8pre and the Audiofuse studio. Gives me 12 extremely high end mic pre’s. Comes with great high end plugins as well. I use the presonus sceptre 8 monitors. The interfaces are thunderbolt or usb c. They are great. A large step up from my presonus x max pres and they are quite affordable. Check them out and they are built like a tank! Happy shopping Warren!
Marvellous!!! Thanks to you and Adam's help I have the Evo4 and the LP6s. I did get quality cables and have no noise or hiss. Two squares of thick wool carpet under each speaker work wonders on my old table in a tiny room. 😃 I've nowhere near saved up enough for a new PC but a 37" monitor would be nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the discussion on the IT gear.
I use the Adam Audio T5V and use the IsoAcoustics ISO155 and this in my small bedroom is an absolute dream. Super amazing! Just need some sound treatment which will have to wait til we move.
I'm using Focal Shape 65 with Iso pucks and I love their sound signature I actually prefer them without sonarworks correction due to better punch and some boost at around 120Hz which gives Instruments nice body which is caused by the environment they are placed in. Mids and highs are actually nice and flat and you can do some fine tuning using the eq on the back of the speaker, which I did and boosted 2db on the high shelf eq because I like bright detailed top end and their top end clarity is something else like very high quality open back headphones. I use them in combination with headphones using the Hifiman Sundara with eq for ultra detailed tight sound and Sennheiser HD560S for their balanced frequency response to have better idea of the sound translation and because bass response will always be a challenge in smaller rooms no matter what you put in the room.
I demo'd the PreSonus Quantum 4848 (I have a lot of analog kit to interface with) - was using Apogee AD/DA-16X units which I thought sounded quite excellent. I was truly impressed with the low latency and extremely fast and transparent conversion. I know PreSonus isn't considered on the same level as Burl or RME, but there's nothing about it that makes me feel like I need to upgrade.
Hi I’m doing marvelously well thank you very much and clinging to life, newly retired. I’m setting up a bedroom mixing/listening/ vocal booth on the cheap in a house I’m moving into, moving old stuff out. The garage outbuilding will be a live room with separate recording rig and loud toys. Following your remodel and looking forward to more gear demos/ reviews! I’ve done the broken wrist thing and don’t recommend it! Mine was picking hand , pain and stiffness gone about a year after bone healed. Luckily we have two hands.
UA Apollo Twin quad core. Yes it is expensive but it will out live you. It is rock solid, pro grade and easily expandable if you really need the extra inputs. I have a Focusrite Scarlet Octo Pre for extra inputs but I rarely use it. I am total 60'70'80s rock guitarist so my speaker preference is going to be way different then someone into dance, techno, rap. For me I would love a pair of vintage Tannoys but if your into more modern music and mixes then the Adams A7X or Yamaha HS8 are very popular Don't forget your PC can make a huge difference as well. The more CPU cores the better when it comes to power. Good quality SSD drives are a must also. Dont worry about your graphics card that much a average graphics card is all you need unless you are editing video.
Thanks for another great vid. I have to say my fav speakers and interface are the ones I got to know best, as in how they translate to other audio set ups.
Especially helpful is the room treatment (my 12 x14 new room has very minimal treatment that was already in the room.) And the speakers will be interesting - need those 2 (Still using….wait for it…..JBL’s). Thanks warren for sharing so much with all of us.
Hi Warren. My setup is an Apollo 8p interface with Neve DPX, Audient 880ASP and Chandler TG2 pre-amps. My speakers are Focal Solo 6 Be. I can recommend all of these, however my original set up was a Scarlett 18i8 interface which for entry level served me well until I wanted to record drums.
Seems everyone is getting new toys today! Just bought the Puigtec EQ, PuigChild Compressor, and API2500 compressor from the Waves sale. Loving them! My monitors are Kali LP6s. DAW is Studio One 5 Professional.
Value for money audio interface: Arturia Audiofuse Studio & Arturia Audiofuse 8pre. (Or just Two Arturia Audio 8pre's as they connect directly together, and the 8 pre is a standalone interface along with expansion unit.) The preamps are beyond fantastic, seriously. 75 db of gain, and they're silent. Beyond silent. Pair it with a Lewitt 540 and you get 3D sound. You get a snizzle ton of simultaneous inputs and preamps. Did I mention how awesome the preamps are? These interfaces come with a ton of Arturia pluggins that would cost a fortune on their own. I can't remember if I mentioned the preamps, but if not holy cow are they amazing. Arturia knocked it out of the park with these. I haven't touched my UA units since I got the Audio fuse kit a few months back, although I'm going to hang on to them for now. I feel like I'm forgetting something here. Oh yes, the preamps. I'll stab someone if they even pretend to steal my Arturia preamps.
I've been using the Audiofuse since it first came out. Fantastic interface. Do you know the difference between the regular Audiofuse and the "Studio" and "8pre" you mentioned?
@@TheVoodooVegetable They're bigger units all together with more inputs and preamps, bells and whistles. Realistically just youtube and google them. It would take me an hour explaining in person so even more writing it out. It's worth the search.
Thanks for this video. I love this series as many of us are producing music in a similar situation. I always wondered why it is so important to treat a home production studio (where you only produce songs and NOT mix them) when you mix and master the songs in a professional mixing studio? Would you consider to throw your light (and knowledge) to that? Cheers from Antwerp and keep it up!
I use the Focusrite scarlet 2i2 1st gen and the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII 80watt powered monitors. I was going to upgrade to the latest 3rd gen 2i2 but unfortunately got caught out by a scammer from Hong Kong through amazon. fortunately amazon have a money back policy if you don't receive item. The Alesis monitors are great for all types of media although they are quite heavy on the bass frequencies and even have a bass boost feature if you want to beef things up that are lacking in the lower frequencies though I would rarely use that while mixing. Great if you're on a budget but I'd probably recommend spending a bit more if you want a flatter response overall
Hi from Morocco Sir , your vids help me alot i will make my littel studio . After your advice i have Audient id44 mk1 and audio technica msr7 they say it s good for mixing i hope. Thanks alot from Morocco to Usa.
The Kali Audio monitors are unbelievably good for the money. I had a small room home studio going with a pair of those that just sounded unbelievably good. I had to move and my new room needs treatment badly! The Kali’s still sound great though 🙏
Try those budget Jbls mate. Bass is great and they have a wide listening position. You might find the Adams a little masked in the treble otherwise fantastic sounding. I will be interested to see what you think when you get it all plumbed in. Top Show. Happy 2022 😎
Fantastic ! Thank you Warren, can’t wait to see them in action 😊 I’ve had Focal Sole 6be and Dynaudio LYD48 tested side by side some time ago. I loved the sound of the Solos, very pleasing, but went for LYD48s as I felt the they’re more revealing The LYD48 don’t get much publicity, rarely anyone reviews them. Please - I’d love to hear your what you think about them ! They’re phenomenal Still not sure if I’ve made the right choice though.. ahh I dream of having 6Be in my living room(: As for audio interface: got Clarett 8pre years ago and never needed to make a switch since then - the Air preamp setting is delicious for my ribbon mic. Also they never ever failed me when tracking, rock solid drivers Happy new ear !
I'm still using my mbox pro3 with the HS7. I wish another company like audient would make a replica of the mbox pro 3, this old interface has so much options, they should make a thunderbolt version or usbc.
@@Producelikeapro Lots of input option. Onboard DSP, Softclip limiting, digital I/O, guitar tuner, and six balanced outs, midi, dim, mono and stereo button, it had two headphone outputs already, clock, high pass filter. To get all these options nowadays you'll need at least 1500$
I like my UA x8 interface but use a Scarlett 2i2 for doing recordings away from home. I am still learning to use the UA gear properly, as it is a lot for this old guy to get used to, but it sounds great to me.
I have 2 sets of monitors. My old set of EdirolMA-15ds, and my Kali LP6s that I bought on your and Glenn Fricker's recommendations. I love' em! My interface is a Presonus Studiolive 32SC mixer. I have a bunch of keyboards, guitars and microphones. I really don;t like patching and un-patching cables so this was the best for me. I also like mixing on a mixer. I just find it feels better than using a mouse.
Really interesting vid - I've just set something up at home repurposing an old PC clean with Reaper, using the Helix Floor as an interface for instruments and vocals (surprisingly good!), set of headphones and a LX49+ midi controller. Speakers are next but space and budget is tight - was great to watch this.
@@Producelikeapro I’ve a Digimax D8 daisychained to mine for 8 extra mic pres, and it was dead simple to set up. Just need the right cabling. I also use Studio One, so it all works and plays really well together. Happy new year to you all! Can’t wait to see what all you do with the new room!
Great job Warren. So well done and informative. Really appreciate you taking the time on this :) This is my humble setup, in a 5ft x 5ft room (yes, it's small) Computer: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) 2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 with 64GB Ram Hard Drive: SSD 4TB DAW: PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional Monitor: LG 27-inch 5k Speaker Monitors (Powered): PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5 inch Subwoofer: PreSonus Eris Sub 8 8-inch Headphones: Sennheiser HD 700 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Audio Interface: PreSonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbot 3 Keyboard Controller: Roland FANTOM 8 Production Controller: PreSonus Faderport 16 Mics: Rode N1 Condenser, Rode NT-USB Condenser (need to build a better mic locker) Room Treatment: Home made acoustic panels on walls. 5ft x 5ft with 12ft ceiling. No treatment on ceiling, yet. Some thin windows with no treatment I'm relatively new to mixing and just enrolled in your PLAP Academy. I've learned so much from you and your interviews with some of the most legendary mixers in the business. You're doing such a great service for us musicians. It's hard to put into words how much it means for all of us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you :)
For the audio interfaces, if you're on a tight budget, a Behringer UMC1820 along with maybe a couple small mixers to boost signals is a valid option. UMC1820 is 8in and only 200 bucks, and you can get a cheap behringer analog mixer for some signal boosting and eq for a couple tens of bucks
I really enjoy seeing the basics comet together , I am really interested in seeing the end result. Thanks for sharing this journey, I like the diverse equipment being used. I use UAD apollo, PMC, Dyn Audio, Genelec I do have some issues with the dyn audio speakers but I am still getting used to them,
My favorite speaker stands are cinder blocks stacked from the floor. I haven’t found anything that does a better job and you can store things in the holes. For speakers I use barefoot 01’s these days. I upgraded from Adam AX5’s with an adam sub. The Adams where great and the Barefoot’s are a significant upgrade. In the affordable range I use the IK iLoud micro monitor. They are hard to beat for the size and money.
There’s some great comments here and excellent feedback on the gear I want. I use a pair of RME interfaces, which gives me a lot of channels and two dedicated digital channels which I use specifically for an H8000 to connect digitally. I have a 3ms buffer, which sometimes needs to go to 6. He mentioned the dance. My PC is a tablet, a Microsoft surface pro 4. When it comes to mobile processors the new Apple procs are dominating. I would go with a desktop if only so could be assured a decent TB3 experience. And the 2626 looks to get a lot of positive reviews. Not to mention Studio One looks NICE! I’m using FL, many years.
Hi Warren, are you going to check out some chairs also? Ergonomic and comftorable for long time working in the studio. Thank you for a great Series on the new studio build.🤘🏻
Great video the unfortunate thing is price difference in different countries can vary a lot, in Australian dollars it’s really expensive to get things.
I’m running a ryzen 9 5900 x , 64GB 3200 ram, focus rite clarett 8 pre USB, Presonus ErIs 5XT , studio one pro, adobe audition, abelton live. In the process of designing a custom desk to use my QU32 and have a full 88 key Yamaha CP33 pull out tray, 6u of angled rack on the left and right of the mixer. Really like the ErIs , but will add the sub. 11’ 6” x 11’8” room.
Welcome to the PreSonus Family, Warren.👏🏻 You won't be disappointed. 👍🏻 Many of the speaker stands that are available are quite disappointing: they look cool, but they are too light weight and even flimsy. Best to use stands that have some weight to them. On the desktop the Isoacoustic stands are definitely the way to go.
I have a PC, Focusrite 18/20 (for back up 48K adat.) Presonus "under powered" 3". Using 4.,. 2 for mixer and 2 from the Focusrite. 2 carpets hanging from a 2+4, each 8'+9' (opposing corners) ,4 baffles 2'+5' carpeted on both sides. Here in No Where , New Mexico. Warren, I love all of your shows. And thanks for the intro to " Adam Steel on Reaper." why is the print so dam small on that DAW?. Great Show here on the subject. Looking into the KALI for the upgrade.
I use an Adam AX7, NS-10s, RME UFX audio interface, but most of all I clock my interface with a Black Lion MKIII XB master clock. I feel it makes a difference
Been waiting for this 😎.. 👍 I have a pair of Behringer Truth 8.25”.. but I just got Adam 5.5 for different perspective and comparison. Great content as usual.
For a lot of inputs interface a good solution would be a mixing desk with multitrack usb interface. Something like the signature mtk series from soundcraft. There are not so many out there, korg has one model. allen heaths zed series has or had some models, few years ago midas had a usb version, i was working in a studio with a older firewire mackie etc. I have the signature 22 mtk from soundcraft, for less than 900euros, 22 actuall inputs with gain eq routing, a stereo master that your pc can record, 2 effect units etc. No worries about latency cause you can rout, mix and listen straight out of the desk, you can do analogue summing, connect a bounch of synths etc. I was using it in a room with drums to record a whole band and mix the monitors with reverb for the voice and sending keys etc to the monitor while i was recording at the same time and having an instant first rough mix from the master out.I can also take with me the desk rent some speakers and i can have a pa that i can mix for the show and record it in multitracks. In the digital world, the small brother of a digital mixing desks are also very usefull, that wall boxes that you connect to them by creating a network and you can mix using a tablet, a pc, a smarthone. Something like the behringer x air etc. You can record while the musician can make his own mix using his/her phone, you can do it in the same room, being in a different one like in a normal live/ control room studio having different mixes, and even use it on a live situation in a club etc.
I like the Presonus Quantum 2626...it is Thunderbolt 3 and provides better solutions for latency problems....especially when paired with the new Apple M1PRO and M1MAX....
@@jeffvargo1068 Thanks. I have two ( daisy chained) o scarlets 8x2 = 16 xlrs, but want 32 because i record live bands with everything mic'd up. i have high end hardware preamps and want the best clean ad/da that is low latency and not colored for in the box only mixing. Torn on what is the best.
I hesitated between the focal shape 40 and the eve audio sc205, I took the eve because they gave me a better size/bass depth ratio and they sounded more neutral to my ears but the focal lengths are very good too, they do not tire the ears during long listening sessions.
Myself I started with some Ksd adm mk2 , after a few years upgraded to the Ksd A200 , and though it all I’ve been Apollo running through a dangerous monitor st . But the KSD are on the pricey side of things.
What are some of your favourite speakers and interfaces? Let me know below!
Kali lp6 because the air comeout from the front and Audient ID14mk2 (the onlyone with two imputs and adat connection)
I just upgraded from KRK Rokitt 5 gen2 to Neumann KH 80 DSP monitors. The selfnoise of the KRK’s hid some noise I had in one of my video edits (I’m a senior editor who since COVID is working from home) so after 15+ years it was time to upgrade my personal setup. I really like the neutral sound of the Neumann’s, the small size and the fact that they are free from any buzz hum or whatever. I connect them via a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen.
I use the Apollo Twin myself for quite a while now and Like it very much. The only downside for me is that Windows doesn't support aggregation, which makes expanding the system much harder. i got the JBL 2 months ago, never thought I would pick those, but after trying some monintors in my range, I ended up with liking those best. The detail was really surprising and I didn't regret my choice.
Very nice series, I wish it would go on forever, thanks and happy new year y'all.
Currently using an Audient iD44, got it after watching one of your videos few months ago. And Yamaha HS7 speakers are on the desk on pads from isoAcoustics and to me, that does the job properly!
I tried Motu and had troubles with pre-amp, 2died on the back, I felt a lot of noise, maybe an unlucky one for me. Tried PreSonus Studo 192 and had a terrible experience with and also SAV that could not fix a problem without getting an other one.
If I should switch audio interface I would go to RME UCX 2 or Antelope Pure 2, for my setup that's enough. Atm really feeling my Audient, it was such a massive gap from the latest I had, a Focusrite Clarett 2pre.
And will change monitors for Kali LP6 2nd wave soon or Focal Shape 65. Still need to think and get money to try both.
Very happy with my Kali LP-8's after doing some slight correction with a pair of white 4400 eq's. Using the new UAD Volt 2 channel interface, (upgraded from a Scarlett), and beyond happy with that as well! Great compressor(s) built in and seamless integration into Logic Pro.
Love the ‘real world’ aspect of this Warren, as much as we love seeing the SSL’s and Fairchild’s etc, most of us are running far humbler setups. I look forward to seeing the new room in action. 👌
Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate your amazing support!
Happy New Year!
Warren, in a world of nonsense RUclips content, jostling for likes and subscriptions, you are giving us real and valuable information. Absolute gold and always enjoyable. And you’re one of the few people who actually responds to comments! A true gentleman. Keep up the great work.
Hopefully you swap interlaces as much as speakers, because there are very few reviewers out their that have really given a true test to all the interfaces in an audio sense.
Definitely! I have. Massive interface video planned!
Really enjoyed this one… I’ve been trying to set up a micro “in the box “ minimal setup for an age, I have a tiny apartment. I’ve gone for UAD twin with a satellite to allow for loads of dsp, Ik media MTM’s love these. A really nice Huawei mateview screen, really recommend this. Running Luna, lastly a ``Behringer x touch one, it;s a tiny setup but really powerful. Loving the results I’m getting and it’s very low key sitting in my living room on a very small console desk that is 30cm deep with a pull out section when in use.
JBL LSR308. 8" driver. Great low end. No sub needed. Clear untainted sound. It was quick and easy to learn these speakers to get desired results when playing back on other systems.
I have these and also run the Sonarworks Calibration. These speakers are VERY distinctly NOT flat, and the calibration really flattened them out. But it’s $300 so it might be a better idea to just replace the JBLs. I’m currently saving for some Kali Audio monitors
@@IamSooConstipated interesting. Your room is part of the equation, not just the speaker, as far as flat response. With any speaker, I think there is a learning aspect to how a mix translates. I've no need to replace these and there are of course better speakers on the market. For the price and result, I'm happy. Cheers.
I went for Focal speakers for my car around 10 years ago; I've never looked back. Certainly not cheap, but it doesn't seem to matter what I throw at them, they bring out the best of whatever I seem to play. I really like their HiFi speakers, and am really considering a pair of Focals for monitors.
Thanks for sharing your experience
I have very much loved the Dyn LYD 48's. I'm in a tiny room myself with no sub, and the first time I hit play on a track it was honestly shocking what I heard compared to my first set of entry level monitors.
Gary from UK. In my home studio, I use a UA Apollo x8p with a twin + UA octo cpu box and then if I need more mic press, then I hook up my audient asp008 mk1. For monitoring I use Kali LP6 and genelec 1029a (yep, had them a long time).
What has been most helpful and interesting to see is room treatment (incl ceiling) and monitor choices. As always your sharing is phenomenal. My new room, rented in a rehearsal, recording studio facility is a small 12 x 14. (Still have treatments to do, and new Monitors and/or open back headphones to achieve)
Thanks ever so much! It’s going to keep evolving as well
Gavin came by today and we took measurements
Besides the awesome information that is going to be great in my new studio area, it’s great to see that Warren is just as bad at typing as I am 😂
Haha exactly
Happy New Year
My living room is my studio. A couch and being situated under the roof which gives me less parallel surfaces and putting carpet on the tile floor made actually the biggest difference. A guest mattress hanging on the oppiste wall of my speakers and desk is a fabulous absorber and shelfs on the wall already remove many large flat surfaces.
According to this series I'll start with planning treatment. Absorbtion/bass traps on the wall behind the desk an on the slanted wall side from the roof plus ceiling, free rear wall area and door diffusion and adding a mobile 6 foot high bass trap to put in front of the window when the living room is actively used as a studio will do the job then for me and my maybe future clients or when mixing my own music.
I use Audient ID14 MKi and JBL Lsr 305 studio monitors.
Thr best audio interface for home use is the Audient ID14 mkii or Apogee Desktop Symphony. A yamaha HS7 monitor would also be great
Thanks ever so much for sharing
Mike is my man at Sweetwater too! He and his team are the best!!
Thanks, Fred!
Currently using the LP6 from Kali! Really enjoying them for what I do
Love this Video series Warren. I built mine 2.5 years ago. I had concrete walls to start with So I was able to build Secondary walls with an air gap then insulate then cover all walls and ceiling with MLV. Even then the 10 x14 room was pretty active. So corner dampening and sky clouds (that I built) made a huge difference the back wall I just did a sound dampening curtain. The monitors I choose were the Rock-its for my mix and the JBLs for tracking. The JBLs sound great they have such a wide sound I can hear everything when tracking. I built a custom desk for my space because what I could afford there wasn't enough space and what I wanted I couldn't afford. It is the perfect place for my Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen Audio Interface. Under it is a Spectrum Analyzer, yes I cheat, but it gives a good guideline.
I use the Midas MR18 mixer as my audio interface and absolutely love it. Great value for the money. I had the Behringer version (XR18) and thought it was great, but upgraded to the Midas for the Mic preamps.
Great video! Thank you, Warren. This video series comes at the right time for me since I have to treat my new home studio room after moving. It's a great inspiration.
I just upgraded my studio to Presonus 26x26 and Adam A7X glad to see those are in the mix here
Have A Quantum 2626 TB3 audio interface...loving it so far.
Audient id22/id44 and neumann kh120 is a deadly combo for a little studio :) very neutral sounding.
Fantastic! Huge fan of the Audient!!
I'm an Apollo guy, Twin MKII Quad and an Apollo x8p for recording drums. They just do it all, and the Unison tech is the real deal.
I've been using the older Adam A7 speakers, but without a sub they not very full sounding, and they are not very loud without distortion.
I'm looking to move up to either something with 8" drivers and higher power or a 3-way like the Adam s3v, Focal Trio6 or Genelec 8351s.
Bought a presonus quantum 2626 one year ago and love it. 🙏
Thanks ever so much for sharing
I have the Motu M2 interface and the Yamaha HS8 speakers. I love both, though I mostly mix in headphones due to the terrible acoustics of my room. I actually wish I'd gotten the HS7 monitors because the HS8 monitors are absurdly loud. But I would definitely go with the HS series no matter what. They have a very present midrange I find useful for mixing. Not quite as harsh as the NS10s but a similar profile.
I got the HS5 and the HS8sub!
@@mokitaism That's what I should have done. But the Guitar Center near me happened to have some used HS8 monitors at a good price. So I figured I'd give it a shot. I may sell them down the road to be able to downsize.
I just splurged and got a fair amount of new gear from Sweetwater. I haven't used everything I got yet but I got one piece that I use all the time and that's the Dangerous Music D-Box+. I wanted to see what all the hype was about and I was absolutely blown away. The mastering converters are phenomenal as is the summing mixer. I highly recommend it - I heard a huge difference from monitoring just through my interface which has really good converters and monitoring through the D-Box+. The details is incredible. I highly recommend getting one since you aren't going to have a console. It is a monitor controller and summing mixer with an astounding mastering D/A converter.
I also got the RND 551s (pair), Warm Audio 273-EQ, WA76, and the WA bus comp. Can't wait to dive into all of these (I have used the bus comp on one pass and it sounded really smooth. Cheers, Warren. I hope that wrist is healing up well.
Excited to see what you think of the RND551’s! Those are really good. Happy New Year Jed!!
My studio is the living room while the family are at work and school. Currently using a Behringer UMC 1820 + ADA 8200 Ultragain for recording and mixing through KRK GRP8s. Very pleased with the results for less than £1000 spent. Future enhancements I have planned for this set up are the addition of a KRK S12G4 sub and the Behringer X Touch (+ 2 extenders) control surface.
Fantastic! Thanks ever so much Mick! I appreciate you sharing your experience
This video came up in my RUclips list at a perfect time since I am updating my studio monitors and interface. I really appreciate that Mike mentioned latency, and also he had discussed 2 vs. 3 way and how the midrange is affected. I do my tracking and mixing all in the same room and use amp sims most of the time so I’ve found that monitors with a dedicated mid frequency driver as well as the proper hi-z input really helped with the feel and tonal response when playing guitar. To me the feel is as important as the tone when playing guitar through the amp sims into monitors. My choice was the Kali IN8 V2 and I’m currently still deciding on an interface.
Thanks ever so much for sharing Lucas!! I really appreciate it
Great video series. I started the same way one and a half year ago completely from scratch but knowing nothing about anything. 😉 Good to see that I made not bad decissions and now I learn what I can improve or enhance. 👍🏼👏🏼 Thnx so much.
Small room, so you don’t want to be pumping out too much energy, especially low down. I moved from Adam A7s to PSI 14M Broadcasts, plus their smaller sub, and they are just wonderful, if quite pricey. Phase and image stability are so accurate, and they sound like an open window into the recording space.
We rang out the room yesterday at 94db and the low end was remarkably even! Optimum listening level is only 85db so I’m very happy with how it sounds!
@@Producelikeapro Yes, my room is not large or optimum. I run at 83dB and have the A125 sub throttled back; most people think it sounds pretty good, though I suspect you have more opportunities to experiment with your space.
@@RicktheRecorder For a room that is only 10ft x 10ft w/ 8ft ceiling should I not even bother with Adams and maybe go with your recommended PSI 14M Broadcasts instead? Or would something like one of the Generic 8320A (4" maybe?) which is one of their SAM series monitors.
@@tvm2209 Not sure I am the person to advise you. My room is about 15' x 12' x 8' (5m x 4m x 2.5m), lots of fitted bookshelving and a couple of alcoves, heavy curtains and gobos. By no means ideal but some well-known producers say its surprisingly benign. Generic or Genelec? The latter are good, but not in the same league as the PSIs.
Thank you Warren for these video series. I like a lot this content and I really appreciate you to share all these knowledge !
You’re very welcome! Thanks ever so much
I have a small bedroom studio and started with a pair of computer speakers - I keep for reference to be replaced one day by some large monitors or aura tones , a pair of Yamaha NS 10Ms paired with an Alesis 100M amp ( I know that is not ideal but it works ) , ( I have had the tweeters repaired recently) but I have had them for a while. Then last year I got a beautiful pair of Neumann KH 5.25 monitors . I am amazed at how much bass they have for the size down to 52 Hz . But they not only sound very accurate and detailed but pleasing to listen to. I am very happy I bought them and also it helps that I made my neighbor with his Adam Audio speakers - a bit jealous .
I have the Adam Audios as well AX7 and I did not know how awful and quite dreadful my mixes were until I got those. I had no idea of what I was not hearing and I'm obviously an amateur so I could only imagine the perspective of a professional.
I was running a presonus before I got the Adams, but I upgraded to the RME UCX ii and could not be happier. Those two changes, drastically improved my sound and mixes, because I got better signals/sources and I actually hear what is going on.
Warren, choose adjustable stands , especially in height! Or choose a bit lower and adjust/ carefully heighten with a solid base, and/or spikes. Preferably solid slabs to slowly increase. That should not be expensive at all. The height of monitors is severely underrated. When listening, the vocalist(s) should stand in front of you when the eyes are closed. Don't judge monitor setup by looking at them! I call it visual bias.
Thank you Warren. We have learned a great deal from you over the years and you always do an amazing job of staying with all of the lesser known folks out there. Keep up the great work
The level of technical detail that many people investigate is truly mind boggling. I am still trying to write a good song! Yay!! 40 quid stereo recorder!! \m/
Keep doing that! A great song is more important than any gear!
@@Producelikeapro Thanks, Warren. Really appreciate it. \m/
Adam A7X user here. It took me a while to figure them out.
When I bought them they were sitting on my desk, and it sounded just very confusing and frankly disappointing. Not really better than my old passive little B&W bookshelf hifi speakers that I used before...
However they really started to shine when putting them farther away from my desk and put them on stands. Very bright, but in a nice way (to my ears anyway). Very nice clear mids.
I notch out a bit of ~130hz when listening to my A7X's (this might have to do with my room). They lack a bit of bottom end though, so a sub might help there.
Really awesome series of videos Warren! Will be super useful and knowledgeable for young producers out there!
Apollo and Yamaha H series is a deadly combo. Simple, yet has the capacity to do serious lifting
My studio is actually similar to what you are building here. My room is a slightly larger but treated in a similar way. My speakers are Kali LP6v2 and Adam A7x. My DAW is Presonus Studio One Pro, which I recommend you check out. As an interface I have a Presonus Studiolive 32S console, which integrates directly with Studio One and it allows me to have everything in my studio plugged in without any repatching.
Mike is my sales guy as well and he is great!
Great topic! And that intro had a bit of a Thomas Dolby vibe, which is never a bad thing.
Nice! Got to love that!!
I'm using an Apollo X4. Chose it over the twin X because of the second Hi-Z input and it came with a free satellite DSP unit at the time. I wanted a silent studio option as I was helping my son start out learning guitar. Two Hi-Z inputs, two headphone outputs, talkback mic and low latency monitoring of amp-sim plugins is fantastic. Delayed the need for a hardware amp until finding out how well he would stick with it. Also, the X4 will take an extra 8 channels in and 8 out over ADAT, so something like a focusrite octopre will take my system up to 12 analogue ins /14 analogue outs. I think the twin X will take extra channels in via ADAT, but doesn't have ADAT out, but the price is a decent jump. Very glad to see you include UAD in this new system in any flavour.
Just because I can, my signal chain for MS teams/zoom/Skype etc. is a rode lapel mic (don't really like the look of big studio mics for phone calls) into the API vision Channel strip plugin for gain, gate, and first stage compression; VOG bass resonance filter for a little more chest voice; and distressor for higher ratio second stage compression. Microphones are probably next on the shopping list.
I haven't committed to monitors yet. I'm leaning towards the Presonus e44 MTM design. With 2 x 4.5 inch LF drivers per cabinet, there's more LF driver area than a 6" woofer. Horizontal speaker layout appeals to me because I have a triple screen computer setup. Speakers will have to sit above each outboard computer screen. Vertical speakers would need a bit more down-angle to fire directly at the mix position. Or I would have to lower the screens for poorer ergonomics, also robbing the 2RU of height beneath each screen I might be able to use later. Loved the look of those 3-ways you mentioned, but they're a bit pricy for me.
Since you're starting out at three monitor pairs, I hoped you might talk about monitor switcher/controller units. I've been researching the Presonus and Drawmer desktop units.
Still catching up on this video series, looking forward to more episodes!
I use the APS Klassik as a monitor, which I can absolutely recommend. This monitor is also really fun when listening to music. As an audio interface I use the ESI U168 XT, which has 16 inputs and 4 mic pres ..
RME Babyface Pro FS, Presonus Sceptre S8, Arturia Audiofuse 8 (rent) when I need additional inputs. I use the gator desk mounted speaker stands with old school isolation foam. Video room uses the IK iLoud MTM monitors which are brilliant
I have the Adam A7s (Not A7x) which I bought about 13 years ago. It's true that it's not pumping out the bass, and I just haven't quite gone around to getting a sub. But the thing that most appealed to me was having a sweeter tone in with the ribbon tweeter, lessening fatigue, and making it more enjoyable to listen to.
I do audio post for TV in my home studio/office. I use a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, because with it, I am able to mix 5.1 with the monitor knob on the front controlling all volume. (it also has 8 Mic Pre's) For monitors I use Yamaha HS7's for LCR and HS5's in the rear with a KRK sub.
If I could be so bold, I am using the Kali I8’s and I flattened them with the sonarworks kit. They are very accurate, sooooo I would choose those over the I6. Just a bigger sound. BTW love this channel, I have learned so much and my clients are very happy with my mixes. Thank you brother.
Thanks ever so much for the tip! Yes, I'm going to use Sonarworks with the different monitors I use in the new studio!
@@Producelikeapro Thank you for responding. I can't say how much I love this channel. I wish I had time to download the multi tracks. I am always so busy with projects. I am looking forward to more amazing content.
I purchased the Arturia Audiofuse 8pre and the Audiofuse studio. Gives me 12 extremely high end mic pre’s. Comes with great high end plugins as well. I use the presonus sceptre 8 monitors. The interfaces are thunderbolt or usb c. They are great. A large step up from my presonus x max pres and they are quite affordable. Check them out and they are built like a tank! Happy shopping Warren!
Marvellous!!! Thanks to you and Adam's help I have the Evo4 and the LP6s. I did get quality cables and have no noise or hiss. Two squares of thick wool carpet under each speaker work wonders on my old table in a tiny room. 😃 I've nowhere near saved up enough for a new PC but a 37" monitor would be nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the discussion on the IT gear.
I use the Adam Audio T5V and use the IsoAcoustics ISO155 and this in my small bedroom is an absolute dream. Super amazing! Just need some sound treatment which will have to wait til we move.
I'm using Focal Shape 65 with Iso pucks and I love their sound signature I actually prefer them without sonarworks correction due to better punch and some boost at around 120Hz which gives Instruments nice body which is caused by the environment they are placed in. Mids and highs are actually nice and flat and you can do some fine tuning using the eq on the back of the speaker, which I did and boosted 2db on the high shelf eq because I like bright detailed top end and their top end clarity is something else like very high quality open back headphones. I use them in combination with headphones using the Hifiman Sundara with eq for ultra detailed tight sound and Sennheiser HD560S for their balanced frequency response to have better idea of the sound translation and because bass response will always be a challenge in smaller rooms no matter what you put in the room.
I have a pair of the Focal 65's and I am so thankful to have them. Also a question - What's a good recommendation for studio chairs? -Thomas
Love the series, I use the Audient ID22 along with iLoud MTM and absolutely love them also have a pair of Yamaha HS 5, I’m just mixing in my studio
I'm in love with Focal.
I demo'd the PreSonus Quantum 4848 (I have a lot of analog kit to interface with) - was using Apogee AD/DA-16X units which I thought sounded quite excellent. I was truly impressed with the low latency and extremely fast and transparent conversion. I know PreSonus isn't considered on the same level as Burl or RME, but there's nothing about it that makes me feel like I need to upgrade.
Hi I’m doing marvelously well thank you very much and clinging to life, newly retired.
I’m setting up a bedroom mixing/listening/ vocal booth on the cheap in a house I’m moving into, moving old stuff out.
The garage outbuilding will be a live room with separate recording rig and loud toys.
Following your remodel and looking forward to more gear demos/ reviews!
I’ve done the broken wrist thing and don’t recommend it! Mine was picking hand , pain and stiffness gone about a year after bone healed. Luckily we have two hands.
UA Apollo Twin quad core. Yes it is expensive but it will out live you. It is rock solid, pro grade and easily expandable if you really need the extra inputs. I have a Focusrite Scarlet Octo Pre for extra inputs but I rarely use it. I am total 60'70'80s rock guitarist so my speaker preference is going to be way different then someone into dance, techno, rap. For me I would love a pair of vintage Tannoys but if your into more modern music and mixes then the Adams A7X or Yamaha HS8 are very popular
Don't forget your PC can make a huge difference as well. The more CPU cores the better when it comes to power. Good quality SSD drives are a must also. Dont worry about your graphics card that much a average graphics card is all you need unless you are editing video.
Thanks for another great vid. I have to say my fav speakers and interface are the ones I got to know best, as in how they translate to other audio set ups.
Especially helpful is the room treatment (my 12 x14 new room has very minimal treatment that was already in the room.) And the speakers will be interesting - need those 2 (Still using….wait for it…..JBL’s). Thanks warren for sharing so much with all of us.
Hi Warren. My setup is an Apollo 8p interface with Neve DPX, Audient 880ASP and Chandler TG2 pre-amps. My speakers are Focal Solo 6 Be. I can recommend all of these, however my original set up was a Scarlett 18i8 interface which for entry level served me well until I wanted to record drums.
Seems everyone is getting new toys today! Just bought the Puigtec EQ, PuigChild Compressor, and API2500 compressor from the Waves sale. Loving them!
My monitors are Kali LP6s.
DAW is Studio One 5 Professional.
Focal 50. Absolutely amazing.
For the Apollo I like the Arrow, I also like the volt.
Thanks ever so much for sharing
Value for money audio interface: Arturia Audiofuse Studio & Arturia Audiofuse 8pre. (Or just Two Arturia Audio 8pre's as they connect directly together, and the 8 pre is a standalone interface along with expansion unit.) The preamps are beyond fantastic, seriously. 75 db of gain, and they're silent. Beyond silent. Pair it with a Lewitt 540 and you get 3D sound. You get a snizzle ton of simultaneous inputs and preamps. Did I mention how awesome the preamps are? These interfaces come with a ton of Arturia pluggins that would cost a fortune on their own. I can't remember if I mentioned the preamps, but if not holy cow are they amazing. Arturia knocked it out of the park with these. I haven't touched my UA units since I got the Audio fuse kit a few months back, although I'm going to hang on to them for now. I feel like I'm forgetting something here. Oh yes, the preamps. I'll stab someone if they even pretend to steal my Arturia preamps.
I've been using the Audiofuse since it first came out. Fantastic interface. Do you know the difference between the regular Audiofuse and the "Studio" and "8pre" you mentioned?
@@TheVoodooVegetable They're bigger units all together with more inputs and preamps, bells and whistles. Realistically just youtube and google them. It would take me an hour explaining in person so even more writing it out. It's worth the search.
Thanks for this video. I love this series as many of us are producing music in a similar situation.
I always wondered why it is so important to treat a home production studio (where you only produce songs and NOT mix them) when you mix and master the songs in a professional mixing studio?
Would you consider to throw your light (and knowledge) to that?
Cheers from Antwerp and keep it up!
Adam Audio A7V for me, fantastic and have SoundID built in so perfect for my studio. Sound amazing and replaced the A7X you got from Sweetwater.
I use the Focusrite scarlet 2i2 1st gen and the Alesis Elevate 5 MKII 80watt powered monitors. I was going to upgrade to the latest 3rd gen 2i2 but unfortunately got caught out by a scammer from Hong Kong through amazon. fortunately amazon have a money back policy if you don't receive item. The Alesis monitors are great for all types of media although they are quite heavy on the bass frequencies and even have a bass boost feature if you want to beef things up that are lacking in the lower frequencies though I would rarely use that while mixing. Great if you're on a budget but I'd probably recommend spending a bit more if you want a flatter response overall
Hi from Morocco Sir , your vids help me alot i will make my littel studio . After your advice i have Audient id44 mk1 and audio technica msr7 they say it s good for mixing i hope. Thanks alot from Morocco to Usa.
Thanks ever so much for sharing! I'm glad to be able to help!
The Kali Audio monitors are unbelievably good for the money. I had a small room home studio going with a pair of those that just sounded unbelievably good. I had to move and my new room needs treatment badly! The Kali’s still sound great though 🙏
Great vid thank you. Really useful for full on amateurs like me who are really in need of advice and direction. Marvellous stuff Warren!!
Glad it was helpful! Happy New Year!
The HEDD Type 20's are absolutely fantastic!
Happy New Year Warren! Loving the studio build series!!
Try those budget Jbls mate. Bass is great and they have a wide listening position. You might find the Adams a little masked in the treble otherwise fantastic sounding. I will be interested to see what you think when you get it all plumbed in. Top Show. Happy 2022 😎
Thank for all the Videos!, really appreciate it!
Hi Martin! Glad you like them! Happy New Year!
Fantastic ! Thank you Warren, can’t wait to see them in action 😊 I’ve had Focal Sole 6be and Dynaudio LYD48 tested side by side some time ago. I loved the sound of the Solos, very pleasing, but went for LYD48s as I felt the they’re more revealing
The LYD48 don’t get much publicity, rarely anyone reviews them. Please - I’d love to hear your what you think about them ! They’re phenomenal
Still not sure if I’ve made the right choice though.. ahh I dream of having 6Be in my living room(:
As for audio interface: got Clarett 8pre years ago and never needed to make a switch since then - the Air preamp setting is delicious for my ribbon mic. Also they never ever failed me when tracking, rock solid drivers
Happy new ear !
I'm still using my mbox pro3 with the HS7. I wish another company like audient would make a replica of the mbox pro 3, this old interface has so much options, they should make a thunderbolt version or usbc.
Very interesting! What was the specs that the mBox had that you loved?
@@Producelikeapro Lots of input option. Onboard DSP, Softclip limiting, digital I/O, guitar tuner, and six balanced outs, midi, dim, mono and stereo button, it had two headphone outputs already, clock, high pass filter. To get all these options nowadays you'll need at least 1500$
Mike is my sales engineer! He's awesome!
Yes! He is!! He rocks
I've Been running Focal Alpha 65s. They're great and I can' t wait to upgrade to the Trios one day.
I like my UA x8 interface but use a Scarlett 2i2 for doing recordings away from home. I am still learning to use the UA gear properly, as it is a lot for this old guy to get used to, but it sounds great to me.
I have 2 sets of monitors. My old set of EdirolMA-15ds, and my Kali LP6s that I bought on your and Glenn Fricker's recommendations. I love' em! My interface is a Presonus Studiolive 32SC mixer. I have a bunch of keyboards, guitars and microphones. I really don;t like patching and un-patching cables so this was the best for me. I also like mixing on a mixer. I just find it feels better than using a mouse.
Really interesting vid - I've just set something up at home repurposing an old PC clean with Reaper, using the Helix Floor as an interface for instruments and vocals (surprisingly good!), set of headphones and a LX49+ midi controller. Speakers are next but space and budget is tight - was great to watch this.
Glad you’re getting that Quantum. I’ve had one a few years now. Can’t wait to see what your experiences with it are.
Thanks Michael! I'm getting asked a lot about them!
Happy New Year!
@@Producelikeapro I’ve a Digimax D8 daisychained to mine for 8 extra mic pres, and it was dead simple to set up. Just need the right cabling. I also use Studio One, so it all works and plays really well together. Happy new year to you all! Can’t wait to see what all you do with the new room!
Great job Warren. So well done and informative. Really appreciate you taking the time on this :)
This is my humble setup, in a 5ft x 5ft room (yes, it's small)
Computer: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) 2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 with 64GB Ram
Hard Drive: SSD 4TB
DAW: PreSonus Studio One 5 Professional
Monitor: LG 27-inch 5k
Speaker Monitors (Powered): PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5 inch
Subwoofer: PreSonus Eris Sub 8 8-inch
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 700 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Audio Interface: PreSonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbot 3
Keyboard Controller: Roland FANTOM 8
Production Controller: PreSonus Faderport 16
Mics: Rode N1 Condenser, Rode NT-USB Condenser (need to build a better mic locker)
Room Treatment: Home made acoustic panels on walls. 5ft x 5ft with 12ft ceiling. No treatment on ceiling, yet. Some thin windows with no treatment
I'm relatively new to mixing and just enrolled in your PLAP Academy. I've learned so much from you and your interviews with some of the most legendary mixers in the business. You're doing such a great service for us musicians. It's hard to put into words how much it means for all of us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you :)
For the audio interfaces, if you're on a tight budget, a Behringer UMC1820 along with maybe a couple small mixers to boost signals is a valid option. UMC1820 is 8in and only 200 bucks, and you can get a cheap behringer analog mixer for some signal boosting and eq for a couple tens of bucks
I really enjoy seeing the basics comet together , I am really interested in seeing the end result. Thanks for sharing this journey, I like the diverse equipment being used. I use UAD apollo, PMC, Dyn Audio, Genelec I do have some issues with the dyn audio speakers but I am still getting used to them,
My favorite speaker stands are cinder blocks stacked from the floor. I haven’t found anything that does a better job and you can store things in the holes. For speakers I use barefoot 01’s these days. I upgraded from Adam AX5’s with an adam sub. The Adams where great and the Barefoot’s are a significant upgrade. In the affordable range I use the IK iLoud micro monitor. They are hard to beat for the size and money.
There’s some great comments here and excellent feedback on the gear I want. I use a pair of RME interfaces, which gives me a lot of channels and two dedicated digital channels which I use specifically for an H8000 to connect digitally. I have a 3ms buffer, which sometimes needs to go to 6. He mentioned the dance. My PC is a tablet, a Microsoft surface pro 4. When it comes to mobile processors the new Apple procs are dominating. I would go with a desktop if only so could be assured a decent TB3 experience. And the 2626 looks to get a lot of positive reviews. Not to mention Studio One looks NICE! I’m using FL, many years.
Sweetwater been good to me as well
Mike is a great resource for me, I know he knows stuff because he’s a world class engineer. That’s a rare commodity and something I greatly respect
Hi Warren, are you going to check out some chairs also? Ergonomic and comftorable for long time working in the studio. Thank you for a great Series on the new studio build.🤘🏻
Great video the unfortunate thing is price difference in different countries can vary a lot, in Australian dollars it’s really expensive to get things.
I understand Gareth! The Great thing about having this second room is I’m going to be able to try out tons of affordable gear!
I’m running a ryzen 9 5900 x , 64GB 3200 ram, focus rite clarett 8 pre USB, Presonus ErIs 5XT , studio one pro, adobe audition, abelton live. In the process of designing a custom desk to use my QU32 and have a full 88 key Yamaha CP33 pull out tray, 6u of angled rack on the left and right of the mixer. Really like the ErIs , but will add the sub. 11’ 6” x 11’8” room.
I am just using a focusrite 2i4 2nd gen with JBL 305P MK2 monitors. Sounds pretty nice
Welcome to the PreSonus Family, Warren.👏🏻 You won't be disappointed. 👍🏻
Many of the speaker stands that are available are quite disappointing: they look cool, but they are too light weight and even flimsy. Best to use stands that have some weight to them. On the desktop the Isoacoustic stands are definitely the way to go.
I have a PC, Focusrite 18/20 (for back up 48K adat.) Presonus "under powered" 3". Using 4.,. 2 for mixer and 2 from the Focusrite. 2 carpets hanging from a 2+4, each 8'+9' (opposing corners) ,4 baffles 2'+5' carpeted on both sides. Here in No Where , New Mexico. Warren, I love all of your shows. And thanks for the intro to " Adam Steel on Reaper." why is the print so dam small on that DAW?.
Great Show here on the subject. Looking into the KALI for the upgrade.
Thanks ever so much for sharing! Yes, Adam rules!
I use an Adam AX7, NS-10s, RME UFX audio interface, but most of all I clock my interface with a Black Lion MKIII XB master clock. I feel it makes a difference
Been waiting for this 😎.. 👍
I have a pair of Behringer Truth 8.25”.. but I just got Adam 5.5 for different perspective and comparison.
Great content as usual.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Happy New Year!
@@Producelikeapro
Likewise to you Chief 🥳
For a lot of inputs interface a good solution would be a mixing desk with multitrack usb interface. Something like the signature mtk series from soundcraft. There are not so many out there, korg has one model. allen heaths zed series has or had some models, few years ago midas had a usb version, i was working in a studio with a older firewire mackie etc. I have the signature 22 mtk from soundcraft, for less than 900euros, 22 actuall inputs with gain eq routing, a stereo master that your pc can record, 2 effect units etc. No worries about latency cause you can rout, mix and listen straight out of the desk, you can do analogue summing, connect a bounch of synths etc. I was using it in a room with drums to record a whole band and mix the monitors with reverb for the voice and sending keys etc to the monitor while i was recording at the same time and having an instant first rough mix from the master out.I can also take with me the desk rent some speakers and i can have a pa that i can mix for the show and record it in multitracks.
In the digital world, the small brother of a digital mixing desks are also very usefull, that wall boxes that you connect to them by creating a network and you can mix using a tablet, a pc, a smarthone. Something like the behringer x air etc. You can record while the musician can make his own mix using his/her phone, you can do it in the same room, being in a different one like in a normal live/ control room studio having different mixes, and even use it on a live situation in a club etc.
I like the Presonus Quantum 2626...it is Thunderbolt 3 and provides better solutions for latency problems....especially when paired with the new Apple M1PRO and M1MAX....
How many XLR inputs can it take? Is it DB-25?
@@agesonjohanesburg2915 8 xlrs midi adat for expansion
@@jeffvargo1068 Thanks. I have two ( daisy chained) o scarlets 8x2 = 16 xlrs, but want 32 because i record live bands with everything mic'd up. i have high end hardware preamps and want the best clean ad/da that is low latency and not colored for in the box only mixing. Torn on what is the best.
I hesitated between the focal shape 40 and the eve audio sc205, I took the eve because they gave me a better size/bass depth ratio and they sounded more neutral to my ears but the focal lengths are very good too, they do not tire the ears during long listening sessions.
Myself I started with some Ksd adm mk2 , after a few years upgraded to the Ksd A200 , and though it all I’ve been Apollo running through a dangerous monitor st . But the KSD are on the pricey side of things.