No matter if you are just getting started creating music in your bedroom or a professional recording studio with its own home studio space – we have equipment suitable for every budget and every skill level.
Beginners starting out should choose a functional and straightforward MIDI controller; closed-back headphones should also be considered essential to avoid prerecorded sound from seeping into microphones when overdubbing new music.
Workstations
Your studio setup plays an integral role in shaping the quality of your music, no matter if you are just beginning or an established artist. Your workstation, commonly referred to as an audio production computer, will serve as the hub of digital recording and processing; finding one which simplifies rather than hinders workflow is of utmost importance.
Starting out can be expensive; for a budget-minded workstation like the MOTU DP8, I recommend considering something like the MOTU DP8 which can handle your MIDI sequencing and multi-track recordings with ease. If you prefer premium gear such as Ableton Live Suite which is used by musicians across all genres such as Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Alan Walker. Keep in mind that Ableton offers student discounts which could save you big on this high-tier piece of gear!
Orbital Computers offers rack-mounted audio production computers designed to maximize productivity in music production. Hand built by experienced US technicians, these workstations boast high-end cooling features as well as powerful 11th Gen Intel i7/i9 processors for optimal music creation performance without distracting noise or vibration from productions – perfect for home studio recording sessions as well as professional ones short on space that demand the same level of performance.
Racks
Rackmounting equipment in a home studio is an effective way of staying organized and ergonomically sound when working. Most rackmount gear features ears on its front panel that protrude slightly with screw holes underneath to facilitate mounting; keep this in mind when purchasing any equipment you purchase.
When buying your rack, make sure that there is enough space for all of the studio equipment you will require. Decide where to mount it; most people like to keep their most frequently used equipment higher up and less used items lower down so it will always be within easy reach when they need it.
Power conditioners may also be worth considering as part of your studio equipment arsenal, as these units provide an efficient means of consolidating all those power cables into one cable with surge protection and noise filtering features built right in.
Although not essential, UPS units can be an invaluable help for certain users. Not only will they safeguard against sudden power spikes and outages, they’ll save time when rebooting to begin new projects – many come equipped with pullout lights which allow brightness adjustment – plus many are available at an affordable price online.
Monitors
No matter if you’re running a home recording studio, professional studio engineer or musician – high-quality monitors are essential. These speakers are specifically designed to deliver accurate playback from wherever they’re being heard; some studio monitors even feature trim controls so you can tailor frequencies according to the room in which you listen so as to prevent unwanted noise or high frequencies from reflecting off walls and making their way out into your mix.
As well as taking size and power into consideration when selecting monitors, be mindful that different models may require different amplifiers; some passive monitors don’t feature an amplifier at all while active ones require separate amp heads. Furthermore, if you plan on pairing your monitors with subwoofers that support 2.1 stereo configuration.
Advanced studios often employ multiple pairs of monitors in order to perform A/B testing on various systems – including cheaper consumer speakers – before making adjustments that improve mix quality. A modern “all-in-one” audio interface may even come equipped with multiple monitor outputs and built-in monitor management systems for this process; you may find such products at stores specializing in music studio equipment or through specific manufacturers that also sell acoustic treatment products which may help create an ideal listening space and avoid unwanted resonance.
Headphones
Producers know the value of good headphones is undeniable. But not all headphones are created equal: for studio use, studio headphones with flat frequency responses that eliminate room sounds from your mix provide more accurate representations of how tracks will sound when played back; on the other hand, consumer headphones often feature “boosted” frequency responses that emphasize bass or treble which may result in unbalanced mixes or unsettling tones.
There are thankfully several affordable professional-grade headphones on the market. Below, we have provided our list of favorites.
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x over-ear wired headphones provide exceptional sound isolation with their flexible cord and 45mm large-aperture drivers that deliver crisp and accurate reproductions of your music. You can easily store them thanks to their 90deg collapsible design!
These closed-back headphones are beloved among producers worldwide for good reason – their incredible affordability combined with crystal-clear sounds from lows to highs and a comfortable design makes these budget studio headphones stand out. Just one drawback though; after prolonged listening sessions the ear cups may become tight.
Microphones
Quality microphones are essential components of your studio rig whether recording vocals, guitar amps or acoustic instruments. The highest-performing mics feature large-diaphragm condensers to capture all aspects of sound with subtle warmth and sparkle – typically more expensive than dynamic mics but increasingly finding their way onto budget-friendly USB microphones used by streamers and podcasters.
Music studios require audio interfaces to convert analog signals into digital information for computer access. Starting around $200, more advanced interfaces can run you a few hundred more.
Software requirements for editing and mixing recordings require a digital audio workstation (DAW), with good DAW options starting at around $200. You’ll also require headphones for listening to mixes as well as headphones to listen back and a keyboard/MIDI controller such as Akai MPK Mini or Novation Launchkey Mini for beginners starting out.
At home recording spaces, acoustic treatment foam can help to treat echo and noise issues and can cost between $70 to $100 per crate – depending on the size of your room this could take as many as seven crates worth to complete.
Cables
A music studio requires several types of cables, including microphone, headphones and MIDI. A microphone cable connects a mic to an audio interface while MIDI cables transmit data between keyboards or synthesizers and your computer – they may even be used with guitar pedals to control effects like distortion, delay and reverb! There are various lengths and colors of cables such as XLR, TRS and USB available.
Home recording studios have become an increasingly popular option for musicians and producers seeking to maximize their creativity while working from the comfort of their own homes. Home studios can be set up anywhere within a house; be it an extra room or dedicated room in which you work; providing high-quality recordings at your own pace while being cost-effective solutions that require significant upfront investments in equipment. However, such setups may prove pricey.
When selecting a home recording studio, it is crucial to take several factors into consideration, including budget and available recording time. Many professional studios require multiple sessions for one song recording project so it is crucial that you plan accordingly.
Along with equipment costs, additional expenses such as electricity and insurance should also be factored into your expenses. It is also crucial that acoustic treatment foam be added to your studio space in order to achieve the best sound quality possible.