Setting up your own home studio is a dream for many. Unfortunately, they are unaware as to where to start and what they will need for the setup. Artists do not need to be swimming in equipment as all they are looking for is practice. The essentials that you must have for a home studio to get started are listed below.
A Good Audio Interface
An audio interface is a must as it enables you to record and edit seamlessly, even on the go. USB audio interfaces are standard as they ensure better connectivity options for speakers, headphones, preamplifiers, and microphones. You will have to select an audio interface based on your experience and expertise.
Choose an audio interface that allows connection for more channels if you are looking for an extensive recording session. Read the specifications of the many audio interfaces available in the market and compare them to find one which suits you best.
Microphones for Input
Microphones are essential for a home studio. If you are serious about working from home, then invest in a condenser microphone. A condenser microphone is highly recommended for recording acoustic sounds as well as vocals. If you think the room’s construction will allow for background noise to penetrate the recording, a cardioid microphone would be a better option. These are ideal for percussion and guitar cabs.
An XLR Microphone Cable
This is not something that will come to mind immediately but is an essential item nevertheless. An XLR cable is the best for connectivity. You can choose a suitable cable based on your budget. You do not need to invest a lot but do not go for the least expensive option available either.
One Microphone Stand, Or More
A microphone stand is an essential item. You have no idea how inconvenient it would be in the long run if you do not invest in a microphone stand from the get-go. If you buy two microphones, you will have to buy two microphone stands; there is no room for negotiation. If you are investing money, you might want to buy a good quality stand so that they last longer.
Quality Headphones
You can go ahead and invest in both types of headphones best for studio use. Open-back headphones are frequently used by music producers for mixing and mastering.
You can either choose closed-back or open-back headphones, based on your needs. If you do not have the budget, go for closed-back headphones. These will allow you to do mixing (preferably on low volume) and will also come in handy if you are monitoring the recording pitch and tone.
A Pop Filter for Better Vocal Recordings
While you are monitoring recordings, you might feel the flow broken with plosives. Invest in a pop filter, especially if you are recording vocals with your microphones. But as many as you are buying microphones and microphone stands. They would not burn a hole in your pocket as they are relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of your equipment.
Invest in Monitor Speakers
It is pretty standard to connect with a monitor for your mixing, monitoring, and mastering. You will have a hard time working efficiently without a setup of monitors and speakers to go with it. Monitor speakers are ideal to hear the mix for what it is without any added flair like most new speakers do.
You might think this is not something significant as you are already investing in headphones. But headphones can only help you for so long. After a while, you realize that gearing the final track played via speakers will give a good idea of the rhythm and beats and whether further editing is needed. While you are getting monitor speakers, also consider buying monitor pads or monitor stands.
See also: Focal Speakers
How Good is Your Acoustic Treatment?
The acoustic treatment of a home studio will define how well the sound is absorbed and whether the studio is genuinely soundproof or not. You do not want reverb in a room where you are recording music. It will seriously impact your mixing and recording. There are many ways in which you can soak up the sound while recording.
Wood is the best absorber of sound, along with thick curtains and fiberglass. Make your own fiberglass panels. You can also opt for glass decorations or packaging materials in the studio. Glass typically absorbs minimal sound. Still, if you are keen on aesthetics, you can contact a mason jar manufacturer for keeping small equipment.
A Computer or a Laptop
A desktop system you are comfortable on will do the trick of helping your record, editing, and mix audio. A good processor is always a bonus so consider a RAM of 8 GB or higher. The latest upgrade of both windows and Mac OS will work well with mixing and mastering.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
The primary purpose of setting up a studio is to work in peace with as little disturbance as possible. After you have acquired all the necessary equipment, you have some other things to take care of. These include:
- Know the room well. You should know the dimensions and the size. If you are comfortable with the space you are going to be working in, you can better manage your work. The ceiling height will also factor in the spec that will circulate the noise, so choose accordingly.
- Consider the surfaces in the room which will impact the recordings. Reflective surfaces are bad absorbers of sound, so refrain from keeping any if you can help it. Enlist the help of wood for sound absorbance as much as possible.
- Keep the speakers away from the walls. If you want ideal sound quality, you have to place your monitors where the bass has space to work properly to monitor recordings better. Point them towards your ears for better listening.
Conclusion
There is no need for you to keep buying and collecting equipment for a home studio. If you want to get started on work, the list of things mentioned above is enough. Keep bottled and jarred packaged goods at hand. You can always add more equipment later on based on your requirements.
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