How to create a home recording studio? Here is an affordable setup
The first thing you need to do when you assemble your home studio is to get a computer with enough RAM (minimum 2GB of RAM) to sustain the producing and recording process. I assume that you already have one, but if you don’t you need to acquire one right now! MAC or PC, Desktop or Laptop it does not matter, though the laptop gives you more freedom of movement. If you got that out of the way, it’s time to buy the actual items required for a recording studio
- The Condenser Microphone
- The Microphone Stand
- The Pop filter
- An Audio Interface
- Optionally, you can add a microphone preamplifier, compressor, etc
Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package
Many will say that the microphone is the most important piece of the audio recording chain. I have to agree with that because choosing a good microphone could really influence the quality of your recordings. The mic I’m recommending is said to be the “quietest mic in the market”. All the reviews I have read about it say that Rode NT1A exceeds all expectations. It captures warm, clear, and crisp sounds. The price and the quality of this package is simply unbeatable.
The package contains a pop filter, shock mount and cable. Rode offers 10 year guaranty. How about that…
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface
Most computers today come with a built-in sound card that allows you to connect computer speakers, headphones and even a microphone. Although integrated sound cards can be enough to listen to music they lack the quality you need for professional audio recordings. You will need a dedicated audio interface that lets you connects microphones, instruments and equipment to the laptop. Focusrite is one of the best solutions for audio recordings. It allows you to connect a condenser mic and a guitar, acting like a mixer. The Saffire 6 has the best A-D/D-A conversion in its class: pure sound quality, super-low latency, and dependable synchrony are assured. Besides these, you get the Focusrite FX Suite, which includes AU/VST effects like the compressor, gate, reverb and EQ. Click the image for more information.
Additional Equipment
As I said before, the microphone requires a mic stand. It must be durable and make sure it will stand to the height you need.
You’ll be needing headphones for your audio recordings. There are many types of headphones – open, semi-open, and closed. For audio recording the best choice is a set of closed headphones, so the mic won’t be able to pick any sounds from it. Sony MDR-7506 are probably the most popular, but I’m sure you will find cheaper ones.
Studio monitors are required in order to mix your audio recordings the best possible way. You can go for M-Audio Studio Monitors. they are around $100 and are pretty good. Remember to read the reviews before you buy them.
You can buy other Affordable microphones
[…] you read my previous articles on "How to make a home recording studio" you know that I usually recommend Focusrite audio interfaces in my setups. In this article I will […]
[…] and you can’t buy anything better in that price range (maybe ACK C214). You can check this great recording setup that I love with its older brother, Rode […]