If you want to start recording music at home, it’s essential to understand the necessary equipment. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available on the market.
To run your digital audio workstation (DAW), you’ll need a computer powerful enough to accommodate virtual instruments, plugins and other music-making software without slowing it down.
Microphone
The microphone is a crucial piece of equipment for your home recording studio. It captures sound and transmits it to your computer via either USB connection or XLR connector. There are various types of microphones, so make sure you select one that meets all your requirements.
A quality microphone is essential for recording quality audio, and can make all the difference in the outcome of your recordings. Depending on what genre of music you make, you may require either a dynamic or condenser mic. For maximum versatility, consider investing in an adjustable polar pattern microphone for greater versatility.
Microphones are an investment, so it’s essential to select the ideal model for your requirements. If you are new to audio recording, start with some budget-friendly alternatives before investing in something more costly.
Condenser microphones are the most commonly used type of microphone. These mics pick up sound from a wide frequency range and produce warm, rich tones. Being larger than dynamic mics, condensers work great for vocals as well as instruments like guitar cabinets or drums.
Condenser microphones offer greater noise resistance than dynamic mics and are ideal for recording vocals. There is a wide selection of condenser mics available across all price points.
You can purchase a large-diaphragm dynamic mic that’s ideal for amplified instruments. These microphones come in various price points, but they tend to be more versatile than condenser mics and have a wider frequency response.
No matter which mic you select, it is essential to consider its placement in the recording studio. This will influence its use and sound.
Another essential consideration when recording is where to place your computer. If you plan on recording in the same room as your computer, it would be wise to place it away from any microphones so as not to worry about noise created by its fans.
Monitors
Studio monitor quality will have a profound effect on the sound of your recordings. They have the power to make or break your mix, helping you identify mistakes in tracks quickly and precisely – which is why selecting the ideal monitors for your needs is so crucial.
When shopping for monitors, consider the size, acoustics and type of content you plan to create. Near-field models work best in smaller spaces while mid- and far-field options are best suited for larger rooms.
Active monitors are the most common studio speaker type and can be directly plugged into your computer or audio interface without needing an external amplifier. They boast more features than passive speakers, such as built-in bass/treble EQ and phase control, making them ideal for home studios.
Monitors come with a range of inputs for balanced and unbalanced sources, such as XLR and TRS phone jacks. Some even feature low- and high-frequency trim controls which can help adjust your monitors according to room conditions.
Another advantage of active monitors is that they come equipped with built-in power amplifiers. This makes them convenient and eliminates the need for an external amplifier, which can be an inconvenience when recording.
You can also find some very budget-friendly monitors, which are great for smaller spaces or those on a tight budget. These typically smaller speakers feature adjustable acoustic space settings to optimize sound in your room.
Finally, professional musicians can invest in high-end monitors. While these may be considered a luxury item by some, if you can afford them then these monitors will prove worthwhile if you can justify the investment.
These studio monitors offer the ideal balance of price, performance and aesthetics – ideal for professional studio use. They boast a Beryllium tweeter and W-shaped woofer in a ported enclosure powered by Class-D amplifier to reduce distortion. Furthermore, these woofers have been tuned specifically for studio use with a 160Hz parametric crossover to eliminate reflections from consoles.
Headphones
When recording and mixing music, nothing beats a pair of top-notch headphones. With them, you’ll be able to hear every detail in your mix and guarantee the overall sound is accurate.
Before investing in studio headphones, it’s essential to determine what features are essential for your specific requirements. Neutral frequency response is the most critical feature; this ensures consistent mixing without any frequency spikes or dips.
The Neumann NDH20 are top-tier studio headphones ideal for home recording sessions and headphone mixing. Their sound signature is exceptionally accurate and focused, while offering superb sound isolation thanks to their secure circumaural fit.
These cables are flexible and come with a variety of lengths – an extra-long coiled cable for adaptability in any situation, plus a straight one for convenience.
Though not the ultimate audiophile choice, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro offers an affordable option that will provide a good listening experience at home or in the studio. Its grey metal finish and plastic construction make them durable enough to withstand frequent use while providing comfort over extended wear periods.
These headphones boast a good level of passive isolation, making them ideal for those who require sound isolation from outside sources. The memory foam pads are incredibly comfortable and adapt to the shape of your ear canal perfectly.
This set offers great value for money and should fit well in most home recording studios. However, they do have a few minor drawbacks that you should be aware of before purchasing them.
Wireless headphones have become increasingly popular, yet many still lack the neutrality and precision required for professional-level recording and mixing. The AONIC 50, for example, boasts a great range and long battery life but unfortunately falls short on neutrality.
Power Conditioner
If your electronic equipment is sensitive or you live in an area with intermittent power, a power conditioner is essential studio gear. Not only does it lower noise levels, eliminate ground loops, provide voltage monitoring and stronger surge protection, but it can also decrease noise pollution levels as well.
Similar to power strips, surge protectors offer enhanced protection against large power spikes. That is, they will shield your equipment from voltage surges through electrical lines, coax TV inputs and LAN connections.
These surges can degrade the performance of your system and even damage some expensive gear. Therefore, it is essential to protect your recording studio with a quality power conditioner that has superior surge protection as well as filters designed to reduce background noise.
Consider investing in a power conditioner with multiple outlets, as this will enable you to power more electronics without using extension cords. Doing so can make expanding your studio easier as your recording career progresses and provide somewhere for plugging in any new gear that comes into the house.
A quality power conditioner typically includes features like surge protection, filtering, voltage regulation and pure sine wave technology. These capabilities ensure the highest possible sound quality when recording.
The ART PS4x4 Pro power conditioner provides plenty of outlets and protection for recording studio and live rig equipment. It’s a rack unit that can handle up to 1800 watts, featuring APF (Advanced Power Filtering) technology to reduce unwanted high-frequency noise.
This audiophile-grade unit is an ideal choice for music producers who require the highest level of quality in their projects. With eight outlets on the back panel and two USB charging ports on the front, you can quickly connect microphones, headphones, and other devices to power your home studio or live rig setup with ease.
This power conditioner also features Vital Power Filtering, which helps reduce noise in recordings caused by dirty power and electromagnetic interference from radio, TV, and other devices. Thanks to its specialized design and high-quality components, this power conditioner should provide reliable service for an extended period of time.