You may think building a home studio has to be this huge project with tons and tons of gear… Well not really. All you really need are a few basic essentials to get started recording music. This comprehensive list will help you get on your way.
DAW
A DAW or Digital Audio Interface is the software you will be recording into. DAW’s share a lot of similarities, but in the end, it all comes down to which suits your workflow best. Most DAW’s offer demos, so download a few and see which one works for you. Some common DAW examples would be Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic and Pro Tools.
Audio Interface
An audio interface is a piece of hardware that will allow you to connect your gear to your computer. Ideally, you would want to go for the interface that offers the lowest latency possible. The Scarlett 2i2 by Focusrite is an entry-level interface with 2 inputs and outputs. This means you could plug in and record two microphones simultaneously. Once you start recording more seriously, you may find you require more ins and outs.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are speakers that offer a flat frequency response which allows for an accurate reproduction of the recording. A good starting option would be a pair of KRK Rokit 5’s. They are both accurate and cost effective.
Headphones
I recommend closed-back or isolating headphones for recording. This will reduce any sound bleeding into the recording. I’d say Sennheiser HD280 Pro’s are probably the most popular and for a home studio, they serve their purpose well.
Microphones
There are many different types of microphones to choose from when starting your studio. Among these are the condenser, dynamic, ribbon, etc. I recommend starting with a dynamic mic as it is quite versatile. A Shure SM58 is one of the more popular options.
Pop Filter and Mic Stand
Along with your microphone, you will need a stand and pop filter. The pop filter is placed in front of the microphone to reduce the popping sounds of plosives like the ‘p’ in plosive. It can also prevent saliva from hitting your microphone.
If this post interests you and you want to learn more then check back here often. I’m going to be updating the blog normally and elaborating on a lot of the ins and outs of studio gear, acoustic treatment and recording techniques. Stay tuned!