Sound Recording Equipment

For any independent artist, the one thing that’s blocking them from success is their access to a recording studio. Without a big label behind you, you don’t have access to big studios, and renting one can feel like money down the drain. Today though, there is another way.

Building your own recording studio is a lot cheaper and easier than you could imagine. You can buy sound recording equipment that doesn’t cost the earth, then record your album your way. Here’s how to do it and be your own boss when it comes to your vision.

Sound Recording is Available for Everyone

Sound Recording EquipmentEven only ten years ago, if you wanted to cut an album you would have to hire out studio space and pay others in order to get to work. It’s no secret that going independent means you’re going to pay a lot of money out yourself.

With just a little bit of space and cash though, you can create that studio for yourself. All you need is a room and the right sound recording equipment. These days, it’s easy to get started and make your own studio. Once you’ve laid out the cash, you have that studio for good. You can keep working in there, and improve on it as time goes on. It’s a sound investment in your career.

The Basics You’ll Need to Get Started

If you want to start recording, you’re going to need three basic things:

  • A computer

 

 

  • At least one microphone

 

These three things will form the backbone of your studio. You’ll record into the microphone, and the audio interface will translate that signal into your computer. You can then track the recording in the computer, making the changes needed as you work.

Of course, there will be other options you can include as time goes on, but for now this will work as the stepping stone to a full studio.

What a Home Studio Could Include

There’s a few basic pieces that you can include to create the start up studio you need:

  • The computer: You more than likely already have one, but the wisdom of many sound technicians states that you want the fastest one possible. It’s a good idea to work with your current model for now, and upgrade to a dedicated studio computer later.

 

  • An Audio interface: As mentioned above, this is what connects the computer to the rest of your equipment, and so isn’t an item you can skip. A DAW and audio interface are separate items with different jobs to do, but it’s best to buy a combo if you’re starting out.  A good one to consider for the beginner is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or the Scarlett 2i2 MKii.  Both come with a DAW bundled with them.  A DAW, for those that don’t know, is a Digital Audio Workstation.  The software that you record to, edit, and use to make your music in the computer.

 

  • Microphones: You’ll only need one or two to get started, and which ones you buy will depend on what instruments you’re recording. Shop around and look for what’s best for you and your sound.

 

  • Headphones: As you’re likely to be recording alone for the time being, one pair of headphones should suffice for now. It’s worth buying a decent quality pair, as cheap ones will save money but they can fail quite easily.

 

  • Studio monitors: You can listen to your recordings on your headphones, but to get the best sound out of them you’ll need studio monitors. These speakers are used for mixing as they give a flatter, basic sound, which helps you listen and tinker with them objectively.

 

  • Mic stands and pop filters: You may not think you need these for now, but they’re excellent investments to make. With such basic equipment you can get much better sound quality.

Setting Up Your Studio

music recording equipmentNow you have bought your music recording equipment, you’ll need to set up your studio. Here’s some tips to get you started.

  • Pick your room: The room you use needs to be the biggest, quietest, room you have. Preferably it will have hardwood floors. If you don’t have all these things though, any room you have can be adjusted.

 

  • Clear out everything you can: If the room doubles as a bedroom or other living space, you may not be able to remove everything. Remove what you can, though.

 

  • Add acoustic treatment: There’s lots of guides online to make your room perfect for the acoustics of your recording. Use them now to get the most out of your studio.

 

  • Set up your recording stations: These will look different depending on whether you’re recording solo, or with others. Find the right set up for you, and connect all of your equipment.

 

Now you have your equipment and your studio set up, you’re ready to get recording. You’re the master of your own work with a home studio, so get out there and make the best album you possibly can.