With different types of recording equipment being more affordable now, having everything you need to produce and record music right in your home is definitely possible.
And once you have a home recording studio, you won’t have to spend money on renting one. You also get to avoid traveling to and from one.
By having your own recording equipment, your desire to create music and the flow of your artistic juices won’t be hampered by the time limit imposed whenever you hire a studio. You can also make and produce tunes whenever you want to.
The quality of music you can create in your home, though, will depend greatly on your choice of tools and gears. Because of this, you need to choose the best studio equipment to purchase and use in your future audio factory.
If you want to produce and record amazing music in your home, make sure you have these recording equipment in your studio:
1. Computer
A PC or laptop is the first piece of equipment you need to have in your home recording studio.
To be able to edit and record music, you need a computer that has enough RAM and high processing power. If your current PC or laptop meets these requirements, you can use it for now.
However, if you plan to buy one, make sure it will be compatible with the other studio equipment and recording software you will get. Read online reviews about the best computers for audio use and ask retailers, as well.
2. Digital Audio Workstation
Also known as a DAW, this refers to the program you will be using to record, mix, edit, and master your tunes.
Digital Audio Workstations come in free and paid versions. To ensure you choose the right one, consider the specs of your computer first: you have to be sure it will run on your PC or laptop without any difficulties.
Additionally, you need to think about the style or genre of music you are into and your budget.
3. Audio Interface
Although all computers come with a built-in audio interface or soundcard, they are not suitable for recording music. Because of this, you need to get an external one.
This feature allows audio to get into your computer when recording and out when playing it back. It can come in the form of a PCI card or another device that you can connect to your PC or laptop through USB or Firewire. It can also be a combination of both.
There are all-in-one audio interfaces that you can consider if you want to buy a package. It already includes headphone amps, mic preamps, monitor management, digital conversion, and other features that make recording at home a dream.
Before choosing what type and brand of audio interface to get, find out if it is compatible with your computer. If possible, try to check if the product you are interested in also works well with your preferred DAW software.
Lastly, to avoid buying a new audio interface within the next two years, avoid getting a little interface with only two microphone inputs. Select one with enough inputs and outputs to handle both your present and future requirements.
4. Microphone
For your home recording studio, your options for this audio equipment include USB, condenser, dynamic, ribbon, and drum microphones.
If you think you will record mostly vocals, a condenser microphone is your best bet. However, getting a dynamic one would be a smart decision if you will be recording vocals and instruments.
To have a complete recording studio, consider getting a microphone stand and pop filter, too.
A microphone stand helps optimize your studio for recording vocals and instruments. A pop filter improves sound quality and protects your mic. It also prevents the singer from ruining the recording due to their loud, raspy breathing.
5. Monitors
Monitors, which can be either active or passive, are specially designed speakers for recording studios. They are different from your regular speakers.
Passive and active speakers with great quality that are designed for recording studio use are equipped with a flat frequency response, which means that what you are hearing is what was actually captured in your premises.
Since you will be listening to the recorded audio as it is, you will be able to edit and mix results better. You will then be able to churn out the best quality of sound.
6. Headphones
No matter how many headsets you have, they won’t be much help in your home recording studio.
Studio headphones can give you a more balanced sound signature without enhancing any details of a recording. You can then mix and edit the tune for better results.
If you want to get the best type of headphone for recording, choose a closed-back kind since it can keep the sound from bleeding and being picked by the microphone.
However, if you plan on mixing and listening critically to audio while in the recording studio, opt for an open-back headset since it has a flatter frequency response and gives out a natural sound.
7. Cables
Lastly, to have a functional home recording studio, you will need plenty of cables to connect all your equipment.
Since you are only starting your studio, the primary type of cable you will need are XLR cables. You have to use short ones to connect your studio monitors. To connect the microphone to the other equipment, you have to get a long XLR cable.
Once you get more equipment, be prepared to get more cables.
When you have all of this equipment, you can start enjoying the benefits of having your own recording studio and letting your creative juices flow as you produce your musical pieces.
AUTHOR BIO:
Amrit Shivlani is the Founder and CEO at Music Majlis, a community-driven e-commerce platform that offers a wide variety of musical instruments and equipment for every musician and sound professional. The company’s goal is to make music-making, recording, producing and mixing accessible and available to everyone.