Building a home recording studio opens doors to some great possibilities. If you’re a podcaster or just starting your journey as a creator, creating your own space can give your contents new height along with the fact that, things get so much easier and comfortable. Let’s explore how to transform this into reality.
Home Recording Studio Equipment
Dynamic Mic vs Condenser Mic
Choose a microphone based on your recording needs. Dynamic mics are perfect for loud sources like drums, while condenser mics excel for vocals and acoustic instruments.
Dynamic + Boom arm + Pop Filter (+ maybe shockmount?) is all you need. But the pop filter, shock mount, and boom arm aren’t essential because the Q2U is pretty good at rejecting handling noise. Dynamic mics have more massive diaphragm and it takes more energy to get it to start moving or change its movement. That little bubble of spit might not register as distinctly when it pops in you mouth on a dynamic mic, or the chair squeak, or the dog’s nails on the hallway floor. They are better for cutting out ambient and room sounds, but you need to be right up on them. If you don’t have a sound treated room, which most beginners don’t, a dynamic mic will work better for reducing background noise.
Vs.
Condenser + Wind Screen + Pop Filter + Shock Mount + Boom Arm + Room Treatment + Foam Panels + Noise Control + Turn off HVAC/Fans …. Condenser mics are better for recording a very natural and full image of what the sound in a space is. The more expensive a mic, the further away you can hear the cat in the litterbox, the basement fridge kicking on and that damn motorcycle three blocks away. And if your stomach gets all grumbly, not to mention every single dry mouth noise you make. All of them.
Dynamic Pros:
- 🎶 Background noise canceling so no keyboard noise for your discord friends to hate you
Cons:
- 🎤 You have to put it next to your mouth, so will probably need a mic arm or something
Condenser Pros:
- 🌟 Higher range, you can put it on your desk and lay back, it will be fine
Cons:
- 🚫 Background noise, although some people claim you can reduce it with software.
🎙️ My Choice: Condenser
- 🛋️ Opting for comfort, I prefer using push-to-talk over sacrificing relaxation.
🖥️ Enhancing Your Setup
- 💻 Explore software solutions for optimizing your microphone’s performance. Check out our blog for further tips and tricks.
Headphones
- Closed-back vs. Open-back: Invest in closed-back headphones for recording and open-back headphones for mixing. These will ensure precise monitoring without sound leakage. Checkout our free guide on Best headphones for podcasting.
Studio Monitors
- Accurate Playback: Look for studio monitors that offer clear, flat response made to your room size. Position them strategically for optimal sound distribution.
Audio Interface
- Low Latency, High Performance: Your audio interface serves as bridge between analog and digital worlds. Choose one with low latency and sufficient inputs/outputs to meet your needs. Checkout our free guide on Best Audio Interface for podcasting.
MIDI Controller
- Tactile Control: For virtual instruments, a MIDI controller is indispensable. It provides a hands-on approach to manipulating your DAW.
XLR Cables to Connect
So now that you’ve got yourself a bunch of gear, you’re going to need some cables to connect them.
Your studio will eventually contain an enormous assortment of cords. Right now, though, you just need three:
- 1 long XLR cable – To link your microphone to the audio interface, use one long XLR wire.
- 2 short XLR cables – To link your audio interface to your studio monitors, use two short XLR cables.
These are the EXACT ones I suggest for a typical project studio in a little 10×10 space:
- Mogami XLR 25ft (1x) (for your mic)
- Mogami XLR 6ft (2x) (for your monitors)
Make sure your audio interface includes XLR connections on the stereo output before you purchase them.
They occasionally employ TRS, in which case these will be required in its place:
- Mogami TRS/XLRM 6ft (2x)
As you can see, good mic cables can get fairly expensive, and while there are a lot of cheaper options here, this is one part of your studio where you really want the best you can afford.
Cheap mic cables break quickly, and can be extremely vulnerable to noise from handling and radio interference.
To hear more on this topic, here’s another post:
Budget-Friendly home recording Studio
- Scarlett 2i2: This budget-friendly audio interface delivers professional-quality recordings without breaking the bank.
- SM57 Microphone: Trusted by professionals, the SM57 offers versatility and durability at an affordable price point.
- Headphones: Invest in a reliable pair of studio headphones for accurate monitoring without splurging.
Learn more about Equipment in
Strategic Spending
- Prioritize Impact: Focus on gear that makes the most difference to your recordings, such as an audio interface and microphone.
- Expand Gradually: Start with essential equipment and gradually upgrade as your budget allows, prioritizing items that enhance your workflow.
Make the Most of What You Have
- Maximize Utility: Learn the ins and outs of your gear to achieve professional-quality results without the need for expensive upgrades.
- DIY Solutions: Explore DIY acoustic treatment options and studio furniture hacks to save money while optimizing your space.
Computer and Software Essentials
Selecting the Computer
Speed and Storage: Invest in a computer with a fast CPU and plenty of storage so that your DAW and plugins run smoothly.
If you’re on a budget, or you’re happy with what you have, stick with it. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to spend more and have a larger budget, acquire a more modern model.
- You’re searching for a dependable computer with a sizable amount of storage and quick processing. This is due to the size of the audio and perhaps video files that you will be capturing.
- The kind of computer you require may vary depending on the Digital Audio Workspace (DAW) that you select. For instance, only Macs can use Logic Pro X.
Budget:
- Stick with what you have!
- Asus VivoBook
Mid-Range:
Professional:
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Regarding DAW (pricing-wise), you are presented with three options:
Any DAW that is available for free, such as Audacity, GarageBand, and Cakewalk by BandLab, is referred to as a free DAW. While some of these are (almost) fully functional, they are not quite as good as the premium choices.
These are only appropriate for novices without any prior audio producing knowledge. If your budget is really tight, you can depend on them, but only until you have saved enough money for a professional DAW with a full capacity.
Restricted Capabilities DAWs: DAWs provide a trial version of their software for free so that you may “test” it before deciding to purchase it. With the other equipment you purchase, you should receive at least one of them for free.
A “Lite” version of a digital audio workstation, such as Abelton, Cubase, or another program, is included with a lot of audio interfaces. They don’t provide lasting fixes. Eventually, you will have to commit to a full version.
Paid DAWs: Pro-level DAWs include Cubase, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Reaper, and Pro Tools, among others. Their characteristics, methods of operation, and costs vary. We could talk about these for hours. In the end, you will have to select one according to your preferences regarding workflow, UI, and functionality.
Productions that use samples or electronics are best suited for Abelton Live and FL Studio. If you use a Mac, Logic Pro X is a no-brainer because of its extensive feature set. If you are primarily interested in recording, mixing, and editing audio, Reaper, Cubase, and Pro Tools offer an efficient workflow.
Budgeting for a DAW:
With the proviso that it lacks integrated virtual instruments, Reaper is the least expensive full-featured DAW, costing $60 for a personal or small business license. It also has two significant version improvements.
Standard editions of Logic Pro X, Studio One, Cubase, FL Studio, and Ableton Live range in price from $200 to $500. Upgrades for Logic and FL are free of charge. An alternative is to go with a subscription service like PreSonus Studio One, which is little more than $100 for a year’s worth of service.
Despite being the “industry standard” for big studios, Pro Tools is still the priciest software; its ultimate version is available exclusively through subscription at $500 per year. For new home studios on a tight budget, this is a tough decision.
- Your Creative Hub: Choose one that aligns with your preferences and enhances your workflow. Select the perfect software for you by reading our FREE GUIDE.
Setting Up Your Space
Creating the perfect environment is crucial for unleashing your creativity. Let’s explore how to set up your space for optimal performance.
What is Room Treatment?
In order to reduce these reflections, room treatment requires the use of certain materials. Controlling bass frequencies in tiny spaces is typically the most challenging. They have the ability to interact with the original sound wave and reflect off walls, producing alternating spots of bass null and bass buildup.
Controlling Low-End Reflections
Panels made of absorbent materials, such as foam, rockwool, or glasswool, can be strategically positioned to reduce low-end reflection in order to counteract this. Acoustic foam, which is widely accessible, is also helpful in reducing higher frequency reflections.
Creating a Balanced Sound Environment
To achieve optimal neutrality, a space can be “deaden”ed in a balanced manner using a combination of high- and low-frequency absorption materials. Online resources pertaining to acoustical treatment abound, offering details on dimensions, composition, and cost.
Custom Room Treatment vs. Ready-Made Kits
While pre-made room treatment kits are readily accessible, I strongly advise obtaining raw materials and working with a nearby carpenter to construct a personalized solution for your space. This is generally significantly more affordable and customized for your particular area.
Recording Techniques
Microphone Mastery
- Positioning Precision: Position your microphones for optimal sound capture, considering distance, angle, and room acoustics.
Signal Path Sensibility
- From Source to Sound: Ensure a clear signal path from microphones to your recording device, minimizing interference and maximizing clarity.
We have a full guide on How to record efficiently with Microphone. Check em out!
Advanced Home recording Studio Setup
For those aiming for professional-grade recordings, let’s explore the world of advanced home studio setups:
Outboard Excellence
- Preamp Prestige: Invest in revered preamps like Neve and API to elevate your sound to new heights.
- Dynamic Range Control: Incorporate high-quality compressors to enhance dynamics and achieve a polished sound.
Critical Listening Environment
- Monitor Mastery: Create a space optimized for critical listening, ensuring accurate sound reproduction and precise mixing decisions.
- Reference Tracks: Use reference songs on studio monitors to calibrate your ears to the sound of your room and make informed mixing decisions.
Advanced Acoustic Treatment
- Bass Traps and Diffusers: Implement advanced acoustic treatments like bass traps and diffusers to refine your studio’s sound more.
- Room Calibration: To get perfect recordings and adjust the room’s acoustics, use devices and software for room correction.
Final Touches and Maintenance
Completing your home studio is just the beginning. Let’s explore the finishing touches and maintenance tips to keep your space in prime condition:
Optimizing Your Setup
- Fine-Tuning Your Gear: Arrange your equipment for optimal performance, ensuring easy access and minimal clutter.
Cable Organization
- Tidy and Tangle-Free: Keep your cables organized to prevent accidents and minimize interference.
Routine Maintenance
- Dust and Check: Regularly clean and inspect your equipment to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
FAQ
Why the Best Recording Studio is a Simple Home Studio?
It’s not only feasible to begin with a basic studio, but it’s really preferred. Because if you do too much too soon, you feel overwhelmed, disheartened, and finally give up, just like with any new skill or activity.
So for the time being, keep things simple.
Is a Home Recording Studio Excessively Cheap?
It’s is all well and well, but there is such a thing as too inexpensive when it comes to home recording.
Even while a functional studio may be constructed for as cheap as $400–$500, the drawbacks greatly outweigh the benefits. Thus, if someone is genuinely serious about recording, I wouldn’t advise it.
Conclusion
You’re now well-equipped to create a home recording studio. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start building your personal podcasting haven today!
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