Beginners on a modest budget should know that it is possible to establish a basic home studio with just an audio interface, computer and pair of headphones – an affordable setup ideal for editing and mixing tasks.
Modern laptops make an excellent choice, as they are equipped to manage RAW image files and process intensive programs like Photoshop.
Microphones
An essential piece of home recording equipment, microphones are often overlooked but often make or break your success in capturing authentic, natural-sounding recordings from acoustic instruments and vocals. Finding the ideal microphone will set the foundation for successful home recordings of music. “The ideal microphones provide an accurate reproduction of sound sources and bring out more of its fine details in tracks,” notes synth-pop musician Aaron Maine (Porches). There are two types of mics commonly found in studio environments: dynamic and condenser mics. Dynamic microphones are versatile and sturdy microphones typically used for loud instrumentation like guitar amps and percussion, whereas condenser mics focus on higher frequency ranges, making them suitable for acoustic guitars, overheads or vocals.
Studio microphones should be placed as close as possible to their source (with pop filters if needed) and should feature a cardiod pattern to minimize pick-up of unwanted noises. Leakage between mics may affect overall mix when recording multiple sources at once; to minimize leakage between mics further apart and use barriers or sound absorbers as appropriate may help.
When selecting a microphone, budget should also play an important role. There are plenty of cost-effective models out there like the Audio Technica AT2020 which was recommended by six out of seven musicians who took our poll – it features a highly-rated condenser mic as well as being portable with its built-in pop filter and is highly regarded by critics and musicians.
One common misstep when starting their home studio is cutting corners on expensive pieces of equipment like computers, audio interfaces and microphones – spending extra can save money down the line as cheaper hardware will likely impact the quality of recordings produced by your studio.
Headphones
An essential piece of equipment in any home studio, whether you are an aspiring musician or casual listener. High-quality headphones make a difference when it comes to audio clarity and accuracy; unlike the headphones you may use to listen on iPod or tablet devices, studio headphones are specifically designed to reproduce your tracks accurately for a more immersive listening experience.
Finding the ideal pair of headphones requires considering several key criteria, from frequency response and sound isolation to ergonomic design and comfort. Furthermore, budget should also be kept in mind since a great set of headphones may cost anywhere from a few bucks up to several thousand dollars – though many of the top studio headphones don’t even come close.
Start off by searching for closed-back headphones; this will reduce bleed from other tracks you are listening to and allow you to monitor your mix more comfortably. Impedance (which measures how easily a headphone can be driven) is another crucial aspect; most studio headphones typically feature 32 ohm impedance which makes driving them effortless without needing dedicated headphone amplifiers.
Make sure that the headphone cups completely cover your ears to reduce bleed from click tracks or previously recorded tracks, and choose a pair which are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
The ATH-M50x headphones are one of the top recording and mixing headphones thanks to their top-quality construction and outstanding sound quality. Boasting an oxygen-free copper cord with gold connectors for premium sound that would fit right in at any professional studio, these are extremely durable yet easy to fold away when done using them for years upon years. Plus they make for a great comfortable fit when not needed anymore.
Monitors
Home studios cannot function without quality speakers. While home speakers may be intended for music playing purposes, studio monitors have been specially created to deliver recorded audio in its raw state without adding any embellishments or alterations.
Although selecting suitable monitors may seem like a minor detail, they can make an enormous difference to your mix results. Studio monitors’ primary function is providing an even frequency response which enables audio professionals to accurately hear how a recording will sound in its final form – this ensures that a mix will not be adversely affected by small fluctuations in its original audio signal source.
Home recording studios should opt for near-field or semi-near-field studio monitors as these have a narrower field of reference, making them easier to listen to in smaller rooms while helping reduce room modes present in their listening environment.
Near-field studio monitors with effective waveguides also help shape their directivity, helping smooth out frequency range imbalances and improving crossover performance between woofer and tweeter speakers.
Some studio monitors come equipped with built-in amplifiers, making them easier to use and transport than traditional speakers that require external power amplifiers. These “active” studio monitors have become increasingly popular among home recording enthusiasts and are an ideal alternative to the need for external amplifiers to power traditional speakers.
There are still passive monitors on the market, though they tend to be more expensive and difficult to transport than active models. Furthermore, passives typically don’t offer as many configuration options and often require more complex setup procedures.
When purchasing studio monitors, make sure they feature a balanced audio input jack that accepts both XLR and 1/4″ TRS cables. Balanced connections provide lower-noise performance than their unbalanced counterparts which may cause noise interference as the signal travels through your audio gear.
Digital Audio Workstation
The DAW is at the core of any home studio setup, where recordings, edits, and mixes of your musical productions are stored ready for public consumption. A good DAW should enable this process with relative ease while providing you with plenty of creative options that can set your songs apart from others in the market.
As there are various DAW programs on the market, choosing one to suit your budget and workflow will depend on many different variables. It’s essential that whatever DAW you pick works well with both your computer hardware and operating system; some DAWs like Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Image-Line’s Fruity Loops Studio only support macOS while Cakewalk, Reaper and Logic Pro X can run on both.
No matter which DAW you decide on, it is crucial that you spend enough time learning its interface in order to effectively record. Most DAWs feature common controls similar to multi-track tape recorders such as track controls and mixers; additionally they may include various audio effects that can enhance recordings.
DAWs can be used for more than just music production; they’re also invaluable tools for editing podcasts, designing sound for films and video games, and recording voiceovers. Many professional film and game soundtrack producers rely on Pro Tools as their DAW of choice.
Reaper is an accessible and budget-friendly DAW that will enable you to create high-quality professional recordings easily and affordably. Available for free download, it comes packed with features to help create quality recordings quickly. Plus there are plenty of plugins and virtual instruments that you can add extra audio elements into your recordings!