Beginner set up

[H48]

What would be a good basic set up like.. In the way of controller, soundcard( would I need one? I don't use mic), mixer ( same as sound card), speakers and any other stuff.... Thanks oh and would the axiom 25 be better then oxygen?

[Rmonik]

A laptop and headphones. That's a beginner set up.

And if you want this intermediate set up, forget the mixer. It's pointless. Buy nice speakers instead. I'd say, look around on gearslutz, because those peeps know their gear. And a soundcard is essential if you want good DA conversion for your speakers...

[H48]

alrite what kind of speakers or soundcard do you reconmend that are under 400....i want flat response speakers right?

[Rmonik]

Yes you do. But keep in mind that no speakers in the world are absolutely flat. I bought myself KRK rp6's, which are nice because they boost the midrange just a tiny tad and except for that they're nice. I suggest you look at this thread: http://dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=159713

Look at the hardware section

[H48]

haha alright thanks for all your help

[alexc]

For soundcard/audio interface Focusrite Saffire all the way

[pseudonym]

i want flat response speakers right?

Don't buy the hype. Flat response isn't as important as some people think it is (not taking a shot at you, Rmonik, just commenting). Get speakers that you at least like to listen to. I think it would be very tiring to spend hours listening to something that's flat but also that doesn't sound good to you. I mean, if you've ever heard something like an ns-10, you'll know that even though it's pretty close to flat, it sounds like crap. What is important is that you KNOW YOUR MONITORS. Know where they have a boost. Know where they're a bit weak. This can take some time, but imo it's the better route. Even with "flat response", you'll have to familiarize yourself with the monitors, because, as Rmonik, said, there are no completely flat monitors. Of course, even $6k monitors will sound bad (well, at least not as good as they really are or are worth) in a untreated room.

[alexc]

What is important is that you KNOW YOUR MONITORS.

This. Just get used to how your speakers sound and get used to how those speakers sound in the room your in. Once you know which parts of your room amplify lower frequencies and what frequencies your speakers are lacking etc then there is not as much need for expensive flat monitors as a lot of people make out.
A treated room and flat response monitors would be nice but at this stage I really don't think there is much point in spending lots of money on it.

[Rmonik]

i want flat response speakers right?

Get speakers that you at least like to listen to. .

That's why i bought the KRK's. I tested them and they this pleasant warm midrange boost. It makes mixing more fun than a chore.

That brings me here. Flat response is actually important, yes, but it's not all. The most important thing imo is to test your mix on different soundsystems. Can be a hifi stereo, a car (mostly has nice bass), anything. You don't want your mix to sound good on your monitors. You need it to sound nice everywhere.

Got some other mixing tricks too: Try to mix down at different volumes. When you mix down at a certain volume, your room will react differently to it (and your ears!) than when you mix at another volume.

You could also try opening your door, playing your song and go sit in a room adjacent to yours. (with no direct route from the monitors to your ears). You can notice things like that you didn't notice before.

[H48]

haha alright thanks everyone for your help ill try out it ina few different spots