Quality equipment is crucial, but ambiance also plays a huge part. An ergonomic chair that supports long sessions should always be included as part of a studio’s setup.
As well as your microphone stand, a sturdy mic stand will also come in handy, along with cables to connect all of the equipment together.
Audio Interface
Audio interfaces are essential components of a home studio, providing the link between external gear and your DAW software. An audio interface converts analog signals from microphones and instruments into digital data that your computer recognizes, before routing audio output back out again through speakers and headphones. While there are numerous configurations available, for beginners a 2-in/2-out model should usually do just fine (assuming only single person recording).
Professional recording gear typically features an analog-to-digital converter built into its interface so it can connect directly with computers via USB, Thunderbolt (or even firewire on older systems). But most home studio owners rely on their computers for doing most of the heavy lifting when working “inside the box” with music production programs – thus necessitating an audio interface offering ample analog input and output capabilities.
The inputs will depend on the gear you plan on using for recording, but typically include either XLR or 1/4″ jacks. Outputs will also vary depending on your needs – smaller models usually only feature headphone and speaker outputs using TRS jacks while larger ones will include more connections such as MIDI I/O, optical ADAT connections or ADAT ports for expansion options like MIDI I/O etc. Additionally, most modern audio interfaces feature gain knobs for each input as well as LED indicators that indicate whether signal quality has shifted towards distortion; while more expensive models may feature additional metering/control options such as meters dedicated solely to each individual input or even built-in compressors/EQs or amp simulators built-into them!
Mixers
Mixers are essential tools in music production, film & television production, live sound applications and other situations requiring multiple audio signals. Their tactile control surfaces and quality preamps make them worthy additions to any home studio environment.
Mixers come equipped with up to eight or even 32 channels, giving you ample room to plug in various instruments and microphones for recording and mixing purposes. Furthermore, their outputs enable monitoring (listening back) on recorded material.
An audio mixer’s input section features a gain knob that regulates its preamplifier level, bringing microphone or line level signals up to professional line-level standards and making recording performances possible. When setting this level for recording a performance, make sure every musician can play or sing as loudly as they please during their performance and then add them into both main and monitor mixes by adjusting their channel’s volume fader – keeping an eye out for any sudden peaks that could cause feedback or overload of both mixer and its speakers.
Some mixers also include high-pass filters that eliminate frequencies below a specific level – this can help eliminate low sounds from mics and vocals that may interfere with an otherwise noisy space.
An audio mixer’s channel strip includes several essential functions, such as Equalization (EQ), which boosts or cuts specific frequencies; Compression, which reduces dynamic range in signals; Routing Facilities for sending different signals directly to speakers or headphones without disrupting main output; Pan Knobs can place sources into either speaker position – typically located directly above channel faders.
Microphones
If you want to create professional-sounding recordings, investing in a quality microphone is crucial. A mic captures sounds from its surroundings and converts their vibrations into electronic signals for recording purposes – and should be selected depending on its intended use as well as recording environments – in order to capture sounds accurately. When choosing your mic’s characteristics (loudness/quietness etc), consider what purpose or environment your recordings will serve and when selecting its volume level settings accordingly.
Two sound engineers we consulted advised against microphones with too many bells and whistles; such extra features can actually lower recording quality. Furthermore, investing in high-quality cables makes a noticeable difference; look for ones wrapped with gold-wrapping as it insulates wires while repelling noise.
Barahona suggests investing in a pop filter, which will reduce plosive sounds caused by breath when recording vocals, as well as a mic stand and shock mount to keep your mic stable in the studio and protect it against low-frequency vibrations.
Large-diaphragm condensers are the go-to mic for most studio applications, as their sensitive response allows for easier handling of sonic nuances than dynamic mics and are perfect for recording instruments such as guitar and piano. An affordable option such as the Neumann TLM 103 may be worth consideration;
Multipattern USB condensers can make for great all-around solutions, with the Blue Yeti being an affordable budget pick. When it comes to vocal recordings, however, the legendary Shure SM57 dynamic mic remains unmatched as an all-purpose microphone at under $100 and has been featured in countless recordings worldwide.
Headphones
As any audio engineer or musician knows, headphones are an indispensable piece of gear for working and listening. A great pair of studio headphones can be used for mixing, monitoring, cross checking or simply listening to music in comfort and portability. Whatever their intended use may be, though, studio headphones must always provide an honest representation of sound – otherwise your mix could sound amazing on one pair but underwhelm on another!
A quality studio headphones will be comfortable enough for long sessions and feature rotating earcups that enable single-ear listening or easy storage. Furthermore, detachable cables will prevent cable tangling or damage and give you extra options in case of emergencies.
Based on your intended use, closed-back or open-back headphones may be appropriate. Closed-back models offer noise isolation while producing, while open-back versions have more natural and balanced sounds – both are great choices; just pick what matters to you most.
If you’re on the market for affordable yet high-quality studio headphones, check out the Focusrite Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone + HP60 MkIII Closed-Back Headphones Bundle. With Pro Tools First, Softube Time & Tone Bundle and access to Focusrite Plug-in Collective already included as part of this bundle package, the Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII studio microphone and HP60 MkIII monitors both feel extremely well-made; helping you produce incredible music at home!
Comfy Chair
Even though it may seem like a minor consideration, having the appropriate chair in your home studio is vitally important to both your comfort and health. Sitting for long hours on one seat can cause back and neck strain which can negatively impact the quality of work; with the right chair in place, back or neck problems may not arise at all.
A comfortable chair can add the perfect finishing touch to your room, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and relaxing for its occupants. The ideal chairs feature neutral colors that blend in well with existing furniture pieces while featuring durable yet soft fabric covering. These versatile pieces make great additions for home studios of any kind.
Cane-Line’s woven rattan chair may not appear comfortable at first glance, but its design makes all the difference. Both its seat and back have slopes so as to support your spine naturally while sitting, relieving any unnecessary tension or stress. Furthermore, its foam cushion features sinuous springs which allows you to rest without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.
Article offers this wingback armchair featuring button-tufted faux leather upholstery and an elegant solid birch wood and manufactured wood frame, along with nailhead trim and square arms – an ideal chair for any den or reading area.
Jam Mart Furniture’s Comfy Chair can be purchased for 500 Gems, and offers large sofa-like comfort at an unbeatably reasonable price. Available in six variants – including one featuring an ottoman that flips up or down depending on seating preferences; velvet-covered base; handy footrest that can be adjusted accordingly and an ottoman cover in various colors to choose from; you even get an ottoman that features handy footrest lowering functionality – the Comfy Chair makes our list!