Computers are the centerpiece of modern home studios; this is where music is written, and also where its release can occur.
Microphones are indispensable tools for home recording of vocals and acoustic instruments. A good workhorse dynamic mic such as the Shure SM57 can be found bundled with stand and cables at Sweetwater for under $300.
Software
At the core of every home studio is digital audio workstation (DAW) software, which will play an essential role in shaping and manipulating your sound. As a producer, composer, or studio musician – choosing your DAW will have an immense effect on your final mix! Fortunately, modern computer processors offer plenty of processing power for audio tasks so starting out won’t require special modifications of hardware.
When selecting a DAW, look for one that supports the native format of your audio hardware (WAV, AIFF or MP3) and comes equipped with an equalizer to assist with frequency selection. Furthermore, look for one with features like gain leveling so all tracks have equal levels and noise reduction/de-noising functionality. It may also be wise to look for recording platforms which do not depend on internet connectivity for recording – internet can often cause interruptions that result in loss of quality recordings.
Your headphones or speakers will also be essential when mixing music. While it is possible to listen to your mixes using consumer audio equipment, professional engineers use near-field monitors that are tailored specifically to sound clean and clear without altering or amplifying any aspects of the music in any way.
As your home studio setup matures, the temptation of Gear Acquisition Syndrome – buying new equipment even when not needed – may increase. But since digital technologies allow musicians to achieve great-sounding results from their bedroom studio more readily than ever, keeping things simple while gradually building on it as you grow is best approach.
Audio Interface
An audio interface is one of the most essential pieces of hardware you’ll purchase for your home studio, offering superior analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion as well as features tailored to music production compared to built-in sound cards that typically ship with laptops and desktops.
It features inputs for microphones and guitar cables to plug into, before recording directly into your computer through USB. Furthermore, there are outputs which can connect speakers or headphones for real-time monitoring and playback of real-time incoming audio; you may even use one of these outputs directly record directly into Garageband!
Many new home producers question if an audio interface is necessary and to some extent they are correct – built-in sound cards on laptops and desktops don’t compare to a professional USB Audio Interface like Apogee Duet, Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 or RME Babyface Pro which offer great value at an affordable price point.
These preamps offer excellent preamps, multiple inputs and outputs and high levels of performance at an incredibly cost-effective price point. For something slightly higher end, check out Audient iD14 or MOTU Traveler as they both boast superior AD/DA connectors, preamps and input/output ports that give an additional layer of quality for greater control and sound.
The iD14 features two 3rd generation Scarlett preamps that provide an exceptionally warm, smooth and crisp sound – ideal for instrument recordings. In addition, its greater input/output options and powering external headphone amplifiers add a level of convenience that only the other two can offer.
MIDI Controllers
MIDI controllers make it possible to utilize computer software and external instruments without needing an array of keyboards or drum pads. They don’t produce sounds themselves; rather they send signals via a standardized MIDI protocol to tell your software or virtual instrument what actions to take.
Knobs, faders, and buttons usually correspond with specific functions in music-making software, giving a tactile, hands-on experience hard to match when using only mouse controls. Some models come equipped with large software bundles including DAW software as well as samples. Others may come equipped with sequencing and arpeggiating features.
For example, EDM producers might prefer one with programmable pads and pre-mapped controls for their DAW and plugins; keyboardists might prefer one equipped with aftertouch which allows them to modulate certain aspects of a MIDI note by pressing harder on it.
Once again, size and portability should be key considerations when shopping for a MIDI controller, especially if traveling. A full-sized eighty-eight key model might work great at home studio but might need something smaller for working on-the-go. Also make sure that any device purchased works with other gear in your setup for optimal results before purchasing anything – you don’t want to waste both your time and money on devices that won’t mesh well together!
Headphones
Home studios rely on quality headphones as an essential piece of gear. Headphones help isolate playback of mixes from ambient room sound so musicians can gain an accurate picture of what their recordings will sound like when played back across different environments and speakers, and to prevent bleed from other instruments from seeping into microphones.
The ideal studio headphones should have a neutral frequency response, meaning that they won’t emphasize or de-emphasize specific tones within human hearing range. This enables you to accurately judge what’s happening during mixing sessions and make necessary changes accordingly. Furthermore, it is key that you be able to easily pinpoint frequencies that don’t sound quite right so you can make necessary EQ cuts to correct them.
Sony MDR-7506 headphones have become the industry standard in studios around the world. Pro audio professionals and home studio owners alike have long relied on them due to their reliability, durability, and cost effectiveness. They may not boast fancy features but remain an excellent way to go for cost-cutting at studios worldwide.
Sennheiser HD 600 headphones have long been a go-to in music production and audiophile circles alike. Though more costly than its counterpart, these premium reference soundphones boast exceptional build quality while remaining comfortable enough to wear for extended wear sessions.
There are various options when it comes to headphones, from in-ear to over-ear models. Over-ear models feature ear cups that cover completely your ears while on-ear models feature earpads that rest against them.
Desk & Chair
Your studio desk should serve as the centerpiece of your home recording setup. A professional-quality studio desk may include features that help hide wires, such as holes for routing them and hiding them, MIDI keyboard tray support and space for rack gear. A comfortable chair should also be considered; long hours spent producing content can cause back, neck and leg problems so opt for one with ergonomic support as well as adequate lumbar support.
Selecting an ideal space for your studio is also essential, with large acoustically treated rooms being your best bet; however, small spaces can still be maximized through clever furniture and decor choices; Graham Hill from Life Edited is an expert at turning tiny apartments into liveable home studios.
Once you have chosen your home studio space, explore acoustic treatment options to further improve sound quality for recordings. These will dramatically increase their overall quality.
An audio production computer is another essential piece of equipment in any studio, serving as the hub of your recording setup and providing sufficient processing power and memory to handle large files efficiently. When making this selection, make sure it can provide adequate processing power as well as sufficient memory capacity for easy handling of large projects.
Keep your home studio organized to maximize productivity and avoid being distracted from creating quality content. Make life simpler by investing in Fezibo’s cable sleeve organizer as a storage solution to keep things tidy in your studio so you can concentrate on producing thought-provoking material without distraction. Shop online with Fezibo now at unbeatably competitive prices for more studio gears today!