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Building your own recording studio at home is no easy feat. It requires a lot of work, from planning the design to going over the pieces of equipment you’ll need to get things going. You can visit the website of Groove Box Studios to find out how to navigate the ins and outs of setting up a home studio.
For now, we’ll tackle the easier task of providing a rundown of the must-have equipment pieces for any studio. Yes, your studio needs these, too! So, read on.
Essentials for Building a Home Recording Studio
Many home studio owners say equipment selection is where the real work starts. That’s mostly because the ideal options are advanced, professional-level equipment that has bank-breaking price tags.
Fortunately, there’s a way around that, in the meantime at least. If you’re still starting, it’s enough to secure the five basic pieces of equipment discussed below.
1. Computer
No home studio can come to fruition without this most basic equipment piece. An existing computer should suffice if you don’t have the budget to purchase a new one. Computers are literally the costliest of the home studio items, especially if you purchase a brand-new one.
In case you can afford a new computer, it would be best to go for a Mac. Although they’re up there in terms of price, you can be sure these computers handle studio-related tasks with relative ease. A Mac should sync with your recording software and other studio devices with minimal fuss, unlike when using a personal computer.
Depending on your budget, consider the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro as your top options. Either should have high compatibility with most studio equipment and be versatile enough for recording and editing.
2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
The DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is the recording software installed on the computer that also lets you edit and mix music.
A DAW is more affordable when purchased with an audio Interface, so we suggest taking this route if you’re looking to save money. Purchasing the two together also helps ensure compatibility between each other and your computer.
Today, some of the top DAWs in the industry are ProTools, Garage Band, and Apple Logic. They’re also highly recommended for beginners.
3. Studio Monitors and Headphones
Headphones used in the studio are open-back and closed-back. You will use the former for mixing, while the latter is best for tracking recordings.
Beginners will usually need closed-back headphones more often. Your tendency to cut costs initially should make them forego the open back option, as you can do all aspects of mixing with studio monitors.
Studio monitors are non-negotiable for mixing. They mix and play recordings, so you can assess whether or not they’re up to par in sound quality. They also allow you to manipulate the sounds of your recordings, enhancing them for optimal mixing and editing outcomes.
You’ll usually have to choose between a passive studio monitor or an active studio monitor. The main difference between these two is the active option comes with crossovers and amplifiers, which are lacking in the passive option.
Choosing a passive studio monitor means purchasing crossovers and amps separately. Thus, you have to make sure these accessories are compatible with the studio monitor that you have.
4. Microphones
Your choice of microphone will usually depend on the kind of music you’re making. You also might not need more than one when starting.
Consider USB, dynamic, condenser, drum, and ribbon microphones among your many options. A condenser is ideal for vocal recordings, while a dynamic microphone is great when vocals and instruments come together.
Apart from a microphone, you should also consider purchasing a mic stand and pop filter. A stand ensures optimal vocal recording, while the pop filter takes sound enhancement to a new level while also protecting your microphone.
Boom-style microphone stands are among the most popular due to their flexibility. Combining a dynamic microphone, boom style stand, and quality pop filter should ensure top-notch vocal and instrumental home studio recordings.
5. Cables
Connectivity and compatibility between studio equipment are of utmost importance, and if not achieved through wireless means, it’s done through wired solutions. Enter XLR cables. You will need two short ones and one long one.
These two six-foot and one 25-foot XLR cables connect everything together to ensure you have a fully functioning studio.
Start Planning Your Home Recording Studio Today!
A project you’re passionate about should begin with a plan. Now that you have this section of the blueprint down pat, you can begin taking action.
It doesn’t have to be anything drastic, like purchasing a Macbook Pro if you can barely afford it. You can kick your project off by saving up, so you can eventually afford to make paired purchases, helping ensure better compatibility between your equipment.
