For Beginners Starting Out A Home Recording Studio
Starting out a home recording studio can be quite overwhelming and stressful for people who are not familiar with the different equipment or software needed.
Now we're not absolute pros at this but we've been through the same thing and we get that it can get pretty confusing.
We've created a simple guide on the necessary core equipment/software you'll need, where to buy them cheap, and some additional tips on how to keep your studio neat.
What do I need to set up a Home Recording Studio?
1. Computer
2. DAWs Software
3. Audio Interface
4. Microphone & Mic Stand
Computer
Some things to take into consideration when choosing your computer are:
Mac or Windows?
If you already have a computer or are a broke college student, you'll just be stuck with whatever you already have.
However, if you have a choice, some software are specifically for Mac or Windows and won't function on the other. So make sure to do some research on which one will fit your needs perfectly.
Also take note of minimum requirements needed to run the programs. DAWs occupy a ton of memory space and so will your saved video/audio files.
DAWs software (for producing music)
Original Source "Flick shot" by Marco Raaphorst : https://www.flickr.com/photos/raaphorst/1200319571
We're not going to cover all the DAWs available out there but we'll touch on a few free to use, and paid software for you to start at.
Free to use: Audacity, Presonus Studio One 3 Prime, Ardour
Pay to use: Propellerhead Reason 9 (very pricey), Image Line FL Studio 12, Ableton Live 9
Each are priced differently and some are absolutely free but are very limited and are mostly for music composers/creators.
If you're just looking to record your voice for free, check out Audacity!
Audio Interface
Now an audio interface is not necessary if you're using a USB microphone but if you have an XLR microphone, you'll have to buy an audio interface to connect to your computer.
Original Source "Untitled" by Ernest Duffoo : https://www.flickr.com/photos/ernestduffoo/8755213773
Depending on how many input connections you would like to have, the price will vary for different brands and features.
Amazon sells some fairly cheap during sales, but you can also check out used equipment on eBay that is lightly used and sell for cheap!
Microphone and Mic Stand
Lastly, you'll need a good microphone and mic stand/arm to capture your voice.
Original Source "Microphone" by freestocks.org: https://www.flickr.com/photos/freestocks/25862728632
It's optional to use a shock mount to prevent your mic from capturing too much vibration while recording but you can do without.
Take your time to pick the right microphone for yourself, as different mics have different usages, features, compatibility, and of course... price.
A popular choice is the Blue Yeti but in my opinion, it's slightly overrated. When I recently upgraded my microphone, I opted to buy the Rode NT1Kit instead. Pricey but worth it.
Extra step!
We know that our neighborhood/neighbors can get a little noisy (or maybe a lot!) occasionally, so if you have the money, soundproof your room walls with padding.
Original Source "Pyramidal RAM in recording studio" by Guillaume Paumier : https://www.flickr.com/photos/gpaumier/6155342089
And that's all you'll need for a simple home recording studio!
Simpler said than done but do your research, wait for the right timing, and having your own home studio might not be so difficult after all.
Keeping your studio neat
Final note, after setting up your equipment, ensures that you keep your workplace neat as well. You don't want to be tripping over any wires!
TIP 1: Use Cable Boxes
Buy a cable box and store all your cables. Keeps the cats (and kids) away from playing with them and keeps your studio looking neat and tidy.
TIP 2: Use a Headphone Stand
Now you can make a DIY stand by yourself or buy one to ensure your expensive headphones are always in a safe place. This will keep you from sitting on it or dropping it accidentally. Yikes!
TIP 3: Use Cable Organizers
Use cable organizers on your table or desk to prevent your cables from falling on the floor. Also use cable ties to keep your cables from getting tangled up.
We hope this guide will help you a little and comment below if you have any questions or additional tips. You can also tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@Tekbotic) pictures of your home recording studio!
Original Featured image Source "Home Studio" by Rick Harris : https://www.flickr.com/photos/rickharris/3241285917
|
|
Edith Tan
|
