Home recording doesn’t need to break the bank; with plenty of affordable home studio gadgets available to you, quality gear doesn’t have to be out of reach.
An audio interface is one of the cornerstones of a home studio, converting analog signals from microphones, instruments and other devices into digital information that you can transmit directly to computer software.
Audio interface
An audio interface is one of the key pieces of home studio gear, enabling you to connect all your recording devices easily for easy tracking and mixing of tracks. However, finding one suitable can sometimes prove challenging.
As soon as you make up your mind on which inputs and outputs are essential to you, the next step should be identifying them. While cheaper models might only offer one or two, if you plan on recording multiple hardware synths or micing up drum kits a larger model may provide more inputs/outputs – an input/output multiplier may also come in handy in these instances.
Inputs are the connections that allow microphones, guitars or keyboards to transmit their signal into an audio interface – these could include XLR connectors, 1/4″ sockets or combo jack sockets.
Outputs are the connections that allow audio from an interface to reach other devices such as computers and other mobile phones. If you wish to incorporate external effects like compressors, delays, and reverbs with your mixing desk setup, or add hardware mixing desk functionality – such as mixing desks – then connecting all these items will require connecting all their respective outputs of your interface.
Quality converters will play a pivotal role in the sound quality of an audio interface, as they convert audio that goes in into digital signals that your computer can read before returning them back into analogue signal for headphones or monitor speakers to hear.
Drivers: Your audio interface requires drivers for either Windows or Mac operating systems in order to communicate effectively with it, so be sure to install this software prior to connecting your audio interface and computer together so it works as intended. This ensures the best results!
Zero-latency monitoring: Real time hearing of what you are playing is absolutely crucial for performance success. If there’s any delay between what is coming through from your audio interface and your computer reading it accurately, your performance could suffer significantly.
Modern audio interfaces feature low-latency recording capabilities, making it possible to stay in sync with your project as more tracks are added to it. This feature is especially helpful if using plugins that need to be utilized “real time” during recording sessions.
Mixer
An audio mixer is an essential component of any home recording studio, especially if you plan on creating both music and audio-based content creation. A mixer combines multiple audio signals into one sound while filtering, equalizing, effectsing, creating monitor feeds and monitor feeds as needed.
Selecting a mixer that best meets your needs depends on several factors, including budget and the content you intend to record. If you plan on producing podcasts or live streams, a microphone-input mixer with EQ/compression effects should do just fine; but for producing professional-quality music audio production you will require an audio interface capable of converting analog signals to digital and vice versa.
Home studio mixers should offer features to make them more versatile and user-friendly, such as USB ports and digital audio workstation (DAW) software, or features like pop filters to minimize “thump” sounds from mics requiring phantom power when recording vocals.
One feature to look out for when selecting a mixer is its capability of recording multiple channels simultaneously – this feature is useful for audio engineers who must mix various tracks of music or audio for broadcast.
Modern mixers often include an audio interface to convert digital signals to analog, as well as microphone inputs for multiple instruments like drum kits or keyboards. Furthermore, these mixers often include outputs for speakers or headphones so you can listen back into what you’re recording when editing in audio editing software.
Though it may seem small, investing in a good mixer can transform your home recording experience significantly. Not only will you have more control over the quality of output produced with its use, but editing multiple tracks simultaneously saves both time and energy!
Search online or visit music supply stores to locate suitable mixers that match your specific requirements.
Power and cable management
Home studio gadgets may come equipped with many bells and whistles, but remembering to prioritize recording quality when choosing gear for your studio should always come first.
Power conditioners can help protect sensitive equipment by maintaining an ideal voltage level, but they won’t protect against mains failure, so investing in a high-quality surge protector is also highly recommended. There is an array of sizes to choose from; select one with sufficient current capacity that it can protect all devices in use but without becoming cumbersome to use on an ongoing basis.
Covering cables in your studio with a thick area rug is another simple solution to help keep them organized and reduce trip hazards, while making your studio look better and decreasing fire risks.
An alternative way of organizing cables and cords would be obtaining a cable box or container with ventilation – these products often contain special holes to allow excess heat produced by cables to escape.
These items may be expensive, but their investment will provide peace of mind and safety in terms of wire storage. Not only will you look more organized when creating or changing equipment in the studio, but you will save time in future setup or changes by not having to fumble with wires and clutter when setting up/changing out equipment.
Other effective cable management solutions include cable sleeve holders and racks, which help conceal cables while keeping them out of sight and prevent them from getting tangled up – some can even be closed with Velcro closures!
Some of these products can be found at big box stores, while many DIY and electrical supply shops also sell them. You may also use zip ties, shoelaces or Velcro ties to tie cables together – though these budget-friendly alternatives won’t provide as effective a storage system as dedicated systems like those outlined here.
Optical/ADAT inputs
Optic/ADAT inputs on an interface are one of the most useful features for audio enthusiasts, enabling you to connect more mic preamps and devices directly to your computer for increased channel counts in your interface.
Optical inputs are great tools for digital music production and video recording, and allow real-time viewing of your computer screen, making them especially helpful if working on large projects.
optical/ADAT inputs allow you to synchronize other devices in your studio to a master clock for improved signal to noise ratio on each channel. This feature is particularly beneficial if your studio features equipment not running off of one single clock like your computer does.
Not all audio interfaces only feature optical/ADAT inputs – some models offer additional exciting features, like MIDI In/Out capabilities for controlling DAW software with keyboard or controller MIDI keyboards and controllers.
MOTU LP32 stands out as an essential home studio tool. Offering 64 channels of optical ADAT connectivity – enough for most studio needs. In addition, it boasts several other noteworthy features that any aficionado would appreciate, including switchable I/O banks and iOS remote-control capabilities – this device makes for the ideal choice when upgrading sound quality within any home studio environment. However, be mindful that it’s the most expensive on our list; do your research carefully before making your final decision.