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What’s up guys, Zach with another post! This time we are really diving into the nitty gritty of what you need to start recording at home TODAY. I have a handful of other posts that are going to be super helpful as well. You can see those along the sidebar of the site or by heading to the blog section of upstairstudio.com! With that out of the way, let’s get into it!
If you’re passionate about music and want to take the plunge into recording at home, you’re not alone. With advances in technology, creating professional-quality music at home has never been easier. Seriously. When I was starting out back in 2010, the equipment was super expensive and the affordable options were generally hot garbage. My first “studio”, if you can call it that, was a pair of my moms hi-fi speakers, a pirated copy of FL Studio running on an outmoded dell desktop with a whopping 4gb of RAM and an external hard drive I got for Christmas. Whether you’re a budding musician or a seasoned artist looking to record on your own terms, here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment you’ll need to get started.
1. A Reliable Computer
The heart of your home studio is your computer. It doesn’t need to be the latest model, but it should have enough processing power to handle your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and plugins without lagging. I’m not going to tell you Mac vs PC. Its an irrelevant conversation.
Minimum Requirements:
RAM: At least 8GB, but 16GB is recommended for smoother performance.
Processor: An Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 at a minimum.
Storage: I’ve seen people argue over SSD or HDD and I think this argument is a waste of time. There’s nothing wrong with using an HDD for mass storage.
2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software
Your DAW is where the magic happens. It’s the software that lets you record, edit, and mix your music. There are many DAWs available, and your choice will depend on your workflow and budget. I also have a post and video about choosing a DAW
Popular DAWs:
REAPER
Logic Pro X (Mac only)
Ableton Live
FL Studio
Pro Tools
GarageBand (Free with Mac, great for beginners)
3. Audio Interface
An audio interface is a crucial piece of hardware that connects your instruments and microphones to your computer. It converts analog signals into digital ones that your DAW can process.
Key Features to Look For:
Input/Output Ports: Ensure it has enough inputs for your needs. A 2-input interface is usually sufficient for solo artists, but more inputs might be necessary for bands.
Phantom Power: Required for condenser microphones.
Latency: Low-latency interfaces are essential for real-time monitoring.
- Expandability: Some audio interfaces offer expandability through ADAT or S/PDIF
- connections, allowing you to add more inputs and outputs as your studio grows.
Popular Models:
4. Microphone
Your microphone choice will depend on what you’re recording. There are two main types: dynamic and condenser microphones. Check this blog post out to help figure out what to look for
Types of Microphones:
Condenser Microphones: Ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments. They are sensitive and capture a wide frequency range.
Example: Audio-Technica AT2020 (incredible mic for the money)
Dynamic Microphones: Great for louder sounds, like electric guitars and drums.
Example: Shure SM57 (been around for forever, you can buy them used for around $20-$30)
5. Headphones
A good pair of headphones is essential for monitoring your recordings and mixing your tracks. Studio headphones differ from consumer headphones in that they provide a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear your music accurately. And wouldnt you know it, I have a post for this as well! Take a look at this link
Types of Headphones:
Closed-back headphones: Prevent sound from leaking out and are great for recording.
Example: Beyerdynamic DT 770
Open-back headphones: Provide a more natural sound and are better for mixing.
Example: Sennheiser HD 650
6. Studio Monitors
While headphones are great, studio monitors are essential for mixing. They provide an accurate representation of your music, allowing you to make precise adjustments.
What to Look For:
Size: 5 to 8 inches is typically ideal for most home studios.
Frequency Response: Look for monitors with a flat frequency response for the most accurate sound.
Popular Models:
7. Instrument Cables
High-quality instrument cables are crucial for maintaining sound integrity. While you don’t need to buy a $200 Mogami cable, you want to make sure you are not introducing noise with a cheap cable. I’ll include some good examples below
Types of Cables:
XLR Cables: For microphones. (Hosa HXX-005)
1/4″ TS Cables: For guitars and keyboards. (Hosa HSS-005)
It doesn’t have to be this brand but make sure you look for balanced cables with good shielding to minimize noise and ensure durability.
8. MIDI Controller (Optional)
If you’re working with virtual instruments, a MIDI controller is a super helpful tool. It allows you to play software instruments with the feel of a physical instrument. Typically these are pads or keyboards. I have an awesome guide to help you buy the right one. Just click here!
Popular Models:
9. Pop Filter
A pop filter is a simple yet effective tool that helps eliminate plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds) that can cause distortion/clipping in your vocal recordings.
Affordable Options:
10. Acoustic Treatment
Often forgotten, good acoustics will make a drastic difference in the quality of your recordings. Acoustic panels, bass traps, and diffusers can help control sound reflections and reduce unwanted noise. Remember though, this is Treatment. Which is definitely not the same as sound proofing. This will be its own post at another date.
Starter Tips:
DON’T USE EGG CARTONS – this just doesn’t work and is a massive fire hazard
DON’T USE FOAM PANELS FROM AMAZON (I know I know I know. All the youtubers have them and the reviews make it sound great but for the cost, it will not have a significant difference. Either DIY some or same up and get some real panels!
Do use:
GIK Acoustic Panels: Easy to install and effective in small spaces.
DIY Acoustic Panels: Maybe I’ll cover making these in the future.
Bass Traps: Place in corners to manage low frequencies.
Now I’m not saying you have to go out and drop $500 on sound treatment. Some DIY options are great but if you don’t have the money for that right now you can always use blankets, fabric chairs or even better – mattresses. You’re really looking for something made of dense, often heavy fabric.
Conclusion
Building a home studio doesn’t have to be overwhelming or overly expensive. Like I said, my first studio was a pair of my moms hi-fi speakers, a pirated copy of FL Studio running on an outmoded dell desktop with 4gb of RAM and an external hard drive I got for Christmas, which was the most expensive part of my setup. Woof. Start with these essentials, and as you grow, you can expand your setup. With the right equipment and a bit of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to producing high-quality music from the comfort of your own home. Happy recording!