The Sytek stuff looks good, but I'm only getting two compressors (one for each brick) and I wouldn't have enough compression (unless I modded by Alesis 3630) to handle them. I would rent gear, but I'm not too fond of spending the money to handle that when I could have some permanent stuff for my workspace. The only problem is that the Sytek is 100 bucks more than two bricks together (though it's probably much better).

Kodiak wrote:The Sytek stuff looks good, but I'm only getting two compressors (one for each brick) and I wouldn't have enough compression (unless I modded by Alesis 3630) to handle them. I would rent gear, but I'm not too fond of spending the money to handle that when I could have some permanent stuff for my workspace. The only problem is that the Sytek is 100 bucks more than two bricks together (though it's probably much better).

I am very confused. You do not need compressors to "handle" your microphone preamps. The wonderful thing about some of these nice preamps (such as the Syteks or the Grace) is their clarity and ability to capture transient response. A compressor has nothing to do with the quality of amplification of your microphone signal. If you are worried about maximizing your signal in the digital realm, you shouldn't (as long as you are recording at 24 bits) because current digital resolution is great enough to be able to record with plenty of dynamics and headroom, which is why 24 bits sound better than 16. You would have to record at less than -40 dBfs to achieve the same resolution as an "optimized" 16 bit recording.

I am not saying i discourage compression. It is a very useful tool when needed. But it is probably one of the least important audio tools in the greater scheme of things. For example, these are considerably more crucial to the sound of your recording:

-acoustics
-the sound of the instruments
-microphone selection
-microphone placement
-preamp choice
-mix balance

Having a grasp a on this stuff helps to understand when, why and how compression should be used.

please dont have a cow. do you remember when bart simpson used to say that? that's a crazy thing to say.

eat my shorts,
mtar

why not look into a microtech gefell m930 for your large diaphragm condenser? well, i'll tell you why you should...its awesome.

I second M88 for multi use.
Then I wouldn't take a Rode ... got one (NTK tube mic) and the top is very hard. Hate It . Peraps it's good for you but try first.

michaeltheangryrussian hit it on the head.

It would be nice to have compression available for all your channels but that is not even near a necessity.

And as far as the Syteks being $100 more...not sure about that. Two Bricks are $800 and Syteks new on ebay are $775 to $875. Plus that is not factoring in the money you may save depending on your mic choices....ah choices...dont they just suck AND at the same time arent they great!

No matter what you get (if it falls in the realm of what was discussed on this thread) you will be able to make very decent recordings if you use proper care....so be assured you will be fine with whatever you decide.

Its just some combos may give you a bit more bang for your buck.

Best of luck,
spoon

If I have high quality compressor plug-ins in pro tools do I even really need outboard compressors?

The other reason that "The Brick" looked appealing is because it looks like it would work well as a direct in for bass/guitar

Kodiak wrote:If I have high quality compressor plug-ins in pro tools do I even really need outboard compressors?

If I were you, I'd buy the necessities first, and buy the best which I could (saves selling and upgrading sooner).

I'd then pick up things which I thought I needed as I wen't along.

Outboard compressors are not necessary for 24-bit recording when you have (hopefully decent) plugin compressors. That said, you may (will)prefer the sound of a real compressor and want to buy one.

Again, you will be happy with whatever you pick up. Your approach to recording will have a bigger effect on the sound than relatively small differences between pieces of gear.