How To Choose The Right Studio Kit For You (Or As A Gift)? Tips On Buying Music Production Gear 2022

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

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!