I Just Saved A Guy $9,000

I’m sure many of you are like me, you don’t want to spend anymore than you have to in order to have quality studio gear that will help you produce top notch recordings. With so many choices in the home studio world, the line between “needs” and “wants” can be blurry.

Well, I am proud to say that The Recording Revolution just saved someone from spending a ton of cash on gear.

Via Pictures of Money Flickr

The $9,000 Question

Last week I received an email from a new reader, Brandon, that read like this…

I just ran into your blog after searching on the web for advice on studio gear! I am currently working on my solo album (Genre – Pop) and I was about to spend somewhere around 9 Grand to get some new gear for vocals (Neumann U87, Universal Audio 6176, Apogee Rosetta 200)…

Yikes! That’s $9,000 just to get great sounding vocals. That doesn’t even account for tracking drums! Read on…

After hearing your stuff from the 002 and the Rode…I am completely convinced that I don’t need to now. Thanks so much! I have made up a way cheaper list.

How Much Of It Really Is The Gear?

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about people! Here’s a guy who had a list of very nice stuff that could indeed (if used properly)  yield amazing vocal results. Big studios with healthy budgets would consider his vocal chain standard to be sure. But the whole point of my site is to remind (or teach) you that the gear isn’t the issue. If you aren’t happy with your vocal sound, perhaps you need to improve yourself. Work on mic placement, performance, arrangement, acoustic treatment, etc.

Also, many people who maybe are getting decent results just jump to the conclusion that in order to get GREAT vocals you need expensive gear. That is an oversimplified myth. Skill and technique trump gear every time. On top of that, the “revolution” that we are a part of is the world of much more affordable products that will do just as good of a job. Some people hate to hear that, but it’s true. Many smart companies are making quality, affordable, and sonically wonderful audio products for your studio. Just do your research.

Today’s $9,000 Lesson

The moral of Brandon’s story is not that $9,000 worth of gear is pointless. Rather, the lesson is that before we jump to spend a ton of cash on gear, we need to really assess our needs, our skill level, and our weakest link. Until the weakest link in your recordings is a piece of gear, work on improving YOU. When you DO find you need something else in your studio you will know exactly why and can then make a better decision.

You work hard too earn your money, don’t toss it away that easily.