I understand what you’re thinking. How will I ever know which home studio kit is best for me? Worse yet, how do I know which studio setup to purchase as a gift for my child/musician/significant other?
Hey, I get it; I’ve been there, and we’ve all been there. Choosing between all of the gear/equipment options can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the game.
But I believe we can assist. I’ve put together this quick guide that lists the equipment you’ll need and explains how to choose the best gear for your specific situation. It’s organised around the basic components found in the majority of modern home studios today-
- Your Computer
- Audio Software
- Recording Interfaces
- Microphones
- MIDI Keyboards
- Monitors
- Headphones
- Accessories
- Acoustic Treatment
Quick Summary
But first things first. What will you do with your studio and where will you do it?
Are you going to record yourself and maybe a few friends? Is it designed to hold a full band and all of their equipment? Is it designed for mobile performance recording or simply jotting down song ideas? Is it intended to be a place where you can work on your hobby? Is it the beginning of a serious engineering and/or producing career?
There many types of home recording studios but most fit into one of the following categories-
- singer/songwriter/musician/voice-over project studios
- semi-complete multi-instrument recording studios for bands and small ensembles
- semi-professional engineer/producer business owner studios
- game or soundtrack composition studios
- DJ/Hip Hop/Electronica and performance setups
Now let’s get to the fun part-the gear!
Your Computer
Computers are an essential component of the type of home recording studios I recommend. Yes, I know you can do a lot with an iPad, but for high-quality multi-track recordings, you’ll need a computer.
When your recordings suffer from pops and drop-outs, or if you have a set of drivers that don’t work consistently, it’s one of the most frustrating studio experiences you’ll ever have. The key is to ensure that your computer meets the minimum processor and memory requirements for the recording software and plug-ins (more on that later).
Do you prefer a laptop or a desktop computer? It really doesn’t matter. It all depends on whether your studio is stationary or mobile.
PC or MAC? This is only relevant because some software and interfaces only work on one or the other. However, it is not very common. Do your research and select the computer that best suits your needs. Unless your computer is truly bare bones and more than three years old, you should be able to run the majority of the more common software programmes available today.
Audio Software
There are two types of software for our purposes: recording software and plug-in software. Recording software is used for exactly what it sounds like: recording. It’s the engine (or mixing desk, if you prefer) that records and manages the tracks on your computer. Software plug-ins are used to create sounds digitally or to manipulate recorded sounds. Everything from simple EQ plugins to compressors and beat-making software is included. Most recording programmes include a certain number of plug-ins.
The cost of recording software ranges from free basic programmes to very expensive comprehensive systems. The good news is that there are some excellent programmes in the $69-$99 price range. The cost of plug-ins can also vary greatly.
A word about Macs vs. PCs. Most programmes are compatible with both Windows and Mac, but some are not. Before making a purchase, do your research and read the specifications.
Recording Interfaces
A recording interface performs two basic functions: it converts an analogue signal to a digital signal that your computer can understand and it serves as a central connection point for all of your hardware, such as monitors, headphones, keyboards, and so on.
In terms of price, options, and quality, interfaces vary greatly. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind. It must have enough microphone inputs to meet your recording needs, the proper computer connection option, and be compatible with your recording software.
Microphones
Consider microphones to be the recording process’s musical instruments. And, as with musical instruments, there are hundreds to choose from, but in many ways, your personal preference is most important.
There are studio workhorses that will cover a wide range of instruments and recording situations, and then there are mics that have very specific applications. The key here is to select the best mic for the sound sources you intend to record while staying within your budget.
MIDI Keyboards
Without the invention of the MIDI keyboard controller, today’s home recording studio would be a completely different world. Consider this: you have the ability to recreate and play any musical instrument ever created. MIDI controllers can control everything from drums to orchestral instruments to synthesisers to almost any instrument on the planet.
Most recording software includes a MIDI plug-in. This means that you can make an infinite number of sounds and/or emulate (imitate) other instruments using a single small keyboard. And, thanks to digital recording’s overdubbing and editing capabilities, you don’t have to be an expert keyboardist or accomplished drummer to produce professional-sounding material. This is how a lot of what you hear nowadays is made.
Monitors
True recording studio monitors are required if you are serious about your recordings and mixes. Your computer speakers are simply insufficient. The majority of monitors are active, which means they have their own built-in amplifier. The quality of your monitors can have a significant impact. Do you listen to music through low-cost speakers? Of course not, and the same goes for your home studio.
Recording at Home Studio monitors are designed for critical listening and precise mixing. A good set of monitors will accurately represent your recorded music and audio mix. They’ll provide you with a good balance of imaging and accuracy so you can hear when something isn’t right. Studio monitors are not designed to sound great; rather, they are designed to be accurate.
Headphones
Headphones are essential in the home recording studio, both during the recording process and during post-production and mixing. They are absolutely necessary during the initial recording process as well as any subsequent overdubbing. They’re also a great way to double-check your mixes and production against your standard desktop monitors. Finally, they can be a low-cost alternative to studio monitors.
Closed back headphones and open back headphones are the two types of headphones. Closed-back headphones are the best choice for the home studio because they provide an excellent balance of sound isolation and accuracy. Because they are more accurate, open-back headphones are the best choice for mixing. Because they do not block out as much noise as closed-back phones, they are not suitable for small studios or overdubbing.
Accessories
Yes, the quality of your stands, microphone cables, MIDI cables, pop filters, and patch cables matters in the home studio. You must strike the right balance of price, noise-free performance, quality construction, and ease of use. You should expect your accessories to last as long as the rest of your gear.
Is it possible to tell the difference between different cable grades? Yes, in some extremely high-end situations, but for the average home studio, stick to mid-level products and you’ll be fine.
Acoustic Treatment
Acoustic treatment can make or break your home studio in many cases. You can have thousands of dollars in high-end equipment, but if the location where you record or mix has poor acoustics, you may not get the professional results you desire.
But there is some good news. There are ways to achieve your objective without breaking the bank. Some are straightforward, such as placing your equipment and sound sources in the appropriate locations. You can make a variety of homemade or do-it-yourself treatments. There are also a number of low-cost but effective home studio products available, as well as professional design services. So……
Ready To Get Started?
We wish you the best gear, the right gear, and at the best price!
What's Up To Other Music Producer:
🎵 Trending Now
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Which Audiobook Service Is The Best? A Review On Audible 2022
- Budget Home Music Production Ideas: How To Mix Like The Pros On A $99 Budget? 2022
- Looking For A Good High-End Studio Microphone? Manley Reference Cardioid Review 2022
🎵 Music Studio Gear
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Which Speaker Set Is Best For Studio? Sonos 5.1 Bundle VS Q Acoustics 7000i 5.1 Cinema Pack Review Comparison 2022
🎵 Headphone Recommendation
- Sennheiser RS160 Wireless Stereo Headphones Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- AfterShokz AS321-E Sportz M2 Headphone Review 2022
🎵 Earphone Recommendation
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Monster DNA Over-The-Ear Headphones Review 2022
🎵 Microphone Recommendation
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- Nessie USB Microphone Review 2022
- Are You Finding The Best Mic For Your Home Recording Studio? Tips For Selecting A Microphone 2022: Tip 4
🎵 Speaker Recommendation
- 5.1 Sound with Q Acoustics 2000Ci Centre Speaker Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- An Easy Solution for Home Entertainment: Q-TV3 Compact Stereo SoundBar Review 2022
🎵 Guitar Recommendation
- The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Offers Good Cheap Guitars: A Review In 2022
- The Perfect Guitar For Beginners: Fender DG-8Sz Review 2022
- BC Rich Warlock Review 2022: The Signature Look For Metal Guitars
🎵 Online Music Streaming
- Sonos Connect Review 2022: Best Stereo Sound For Home Music Streaming?
- Is Pandora Internet Radio Good For Streaming? The Pros & Cons In 2022
- Which Audiobook Service Is The Best? A Review On Audible 2022
🎵 Recommended Laptop For Music Production
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
🎵 Drum Kits Recommendation
- Mapex Tornado VS Mapex Voyager (Best Drum Set Review 2022)
- Home Music Production Tips & Tricks: Reason 2.5 Drum Fills Tutorial 2022
- How To Use Redrum In Audio Mixing: Programming Patterns In This Drum Machine 2022
🎵 Music Production Plugins
- Beats By Dr. Dre Review 2022: Over-rated And Overpriced? Or Worth It?
- Waves SSL 4000 Plugin Bundle Review 2022: Worth The Money For Music Production?
- How To Learn Music At Home? ArtistWorks: The Online Music School You’ll Need In 2022
🎵 Beginner's Home Music Production Tips
- The Difference Between A Pre-amp And A Recording Interface: Why It Matters? 2022
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Music Production Beginner Guide: What Affects The Sound Quality Of Your Recordings The Most? 2022
🎵 Music History Overview
- 10 Iconic Musicians Who Lost Their Hearing
- How To Be A Successful Producer? Dissecting The Music Industry 2022
- How To Get Caught While Pirating Music Online? 2022
🎵 For Gaming