I feel like I'm missing something (home recording studio)

I'm looking into building my own home-recording studio, and I've come up with a list of the things I think I'll need in order to get started, but I feel like there's something I'm missing...

Presonus Firepod
Microphones!!!
A pair of studio monitors
and my computer!

I think with all that, I'm good, but do I need microphone pre-amps or anything?
I'm kind of confused as to what I need to get this up and running.

Anyone want to let me in on what they've got in their home studio?

the Firepod has its own preamps..so no...you can buy better ones..like tube preamps..but that just adds on to cost..

cables?
instruments?

=P

Alex

Depending on How Loud you will be recording/Mixing..

You may need some type Sound insulation...
Headphones....
comfortable throne/seat
i'm sure there are lot things you will need!

...in addition to what everyone else has said:

More mics than you think
Microphone stands
Some way to organize your cables (place to hang them, velcro ties, etc...)
Pop screen filters
Baffling
Compression/Reverb/EQ capabilities
Dry Erase Board

Are you looking to just record yourself, or are you going to be bringing in bands/customers? If the latter, then you'll also need;

keyboard/piano
good drum set
nice guitar amp
great bass amp
percussion instruments (shakers, tambourines, congas, etc...)

Are you going to be doing jingles, recording for record labels, film scoring? If so, then you'll need;

a way to transfer the master to DAT and ADAT
2 channel analog mastering pre-amp

Good luck!

Well, this is more to learn on for now. As I get better, I'll get more gear

Is the presonus firepod good for the cash? I think it's about 700$ Canadian.

Gahh, I had something else to add, now I forget what it was.

Oh well, this recording is to record my band, and more for me to record my solo stuff.

As for what you are missing? If you get hooked it will never end
The Firepod is a great way to start, It has has decent sounding pres. It has out out to headphones and to monitors. It come with Cubase LE, a really great way to start recording. Cubase LE has most of your basic effects like the ones mentioned above.

The real trick on the computer is to set it up correctly.

Here is a link to a document I got from the TASCAM web site. I don't know if it is posted there any more so I have it on my website. It will help you get your PC tweaked correctly for recording

http://robertmdrums.com/misc_pics/W2k_XP_Optimize.pdf

I also recommend taking a class at your local Jr college if you can. It will help you immensely.

There are some great computer based training for Cubase out there.

Oh and this book will be your bible