Question:
Good equipment to start an at home recording studio?
Jay
2012-06-23 18:11:56 UTC
What i'm looking for here is a setup to start with. From scratch, I'm planning on recording music for my band in the future (I'm The Producer & Engineer) and thought i'd get a head start and get comfortable recording music now. Also I wanted to make some of my own dubstep projects when i'm bored ^.^
I know I need these things to start:
A laptop
Speakers
Software
Headphones
Mics
audio interfaces &
a soundboard
I plan on making drum tracks myself since we don't have a drummer but everything else I want to record (Guitars & Vocals) and yes I want a laptop and I cannot afford a macbook so feel free too point me in the right direction on which laptop to buy. Also what are some good equipment to start out with? I'm on an okay budget I'm not looking for the cheapest thing but not the most expensive either. BTW I'd like to know your setup up so feel free to share it :)
Five answers:
?
2012-06-23 18:47:30 UTC
You also need hookers and cocaine. That's the most important part. Also a gun would help too to protect against other jealous producers. Remember it's how Tupac died.
2016-05-17 18:15:37 UTC
In the age of digital, all you really need is a Macintosh computer, audio recording software (there are a few so you'll need to read up and decide which one to get), two microphones and an interface to go from microphones to computer. I suggest only two microphones because I am a big fan of "Naturally Balanced Sound" recording technique. Although it is better suited to acoustic styles of music than to electric. But it could be adapted. This technique produces absolutely beautiful results. In the extras of the "Once upon a Time in Mexico" DVD, director Robert Rodriguez takes you on a tour of his studio which includes the music production part of it. Definitely worth a look-see. Good luck.
Studio
2012-06-24 22:11:35 UTC
I use:

Duo core PC

Alesis M1Active mkII

FL Studio Producer Edition with tons of samples and VST plugins

Beyer Dynamic DT-770 Pro

No mics

RME audio card

Little 4-channel mixer panel

Some MIDI controllers (Novation keyboard, Maschine, Akai LPD8)



I find my setup great for doing electronic music, which is what I do mostly, but not limited to it. I also play guitar and record this with FL Studio (the Producer Edition includes audio in recording).



My setup is just an example of what you could have, obviously the possibilities are near endless and should really go check some gear out at a local music shop. See what you like, what fits your needs.

In my studio the software is the main hub, that's where the music is made. So make sure to have a go at some demo versions of software you think might suit you. I can recommend FL Studio, Ableton Live, Propellerhead Reason, and Cockos Reaper. In case you go for FL Studio here's the promo link for new users to get you 10% discount:

https://support.image-line.com/jshop/shop.php?offer=Default&promo=BACJBAA468



Good luck and have fun!
let me be clear
2012-06-23 19:55:29 UTC
My set up. A Acer Pc with a 404 emu 24 bit sound card. sonar recording software, a 6 channel Behringer mixer is best for a band with 6 plug ins ( for extra plug ins, mics, guitars etc...) - $99 - $150. Roland spd-20 drum with external pads added. Roland xp - 50 workstation for sequencing with spd - 20 drum. Sony 150 headphones work great $20.00. Event 20/20 monitors. sm58 mics, large condenser mics $100 one $300.00 and a ton of other stuff. Stay away from mac, too hard. Also visit kompoze.com



e-mail me for more info rednova7@yahoo.com
Harry
2012-06-24 08:11:34 UTC
I thumbed down 'Lost' but had to think about it. And the other guy went right into his gear set up.



Then it occurred to me that you said you are on a 'budget', even wishing to obtain all the components of a complete, hands-on studio. Its gonna take some bucks, and Lost may have been right after all.



I first suggest to do some no-cost research on everything you think you need, and then find out what you really can work with to start learning the process, even on a simpler level but achieve some good results. And, less of a shock on the 'budget'.



Get to a GC, seek out the DJ, recording and road equipment department(s) to learn of the products available and come to understand what they are used for and to what extent. You can bypass much of what you 'think' you need for a good home studio and save a bundle if you know what the equipment does before jumping in and buying up what even a salesman may suggest in getting you started.



The laptop may be central and of course, compatible software has to work with it, besides dealing with any audio interface to link it all up, So far in this, will be enough to learn what recording and burning CDs are all about. Good first step and costly enough. Oh, a good set of headphones should be right after this, to understand monitoring and playback. They take the place of even the best speakers. Don't skimp on the quality.



Now, to expand and continue your studio (as you will certainly must have some dedicated space from here), ALL the other items on your list could cost well over what you have invested so far being mentioned.



Monitor speakers. Microphone(s), for voice and/or instruments as there are differences in pick-up configurations and results for recording clarity. Soundboard (mixer, phantom recorder, channel blending,etc.). Not cheap, and shouldn't be. But, so much to learn and become familiar with over time to get it all down. Read up on them well before purchasing, once again, to really get what you pay for and what your needs really require for your studio in question.



All the 'good' brands are out there. All the stuff dreams are made of when it comes to putting together a great little sanctuary of sound appreciations and recording techniques galore.



But study first, explore, and then obtain the gear. Like anything else, you have to have a plan, a road map, to better experience the trip ahead. And it could last a lifetime, in your own lifestyle.



I got the books first (well, started with a couple of reel to reels), checked out the products and collected what fit my own needs over the decades. And it has been a rewarding and learning experience to say the least.



I can leave such evidence of my work when I am long gone.



I've got a few of the reels; a couple of analog cassette decks; a nice modest Tascam 4-track; a half dozen Sony (3 pairs) of dedicated monitors (not to mention the PC pair); a fat JVC 5.1 amp; Sony tape; and a T.C. Electronic engine processor. Going all digital soon (I hope), after throwing out the interface. Good luck on those. Oh gee, and of course 3 pairs of headphones (one since the 70's) and a variety of mikes and stands.



And, 40 years worth of accomplished recordings, master and copy.



It all just didn't happen either, overnight. But as I needed, I added.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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