Advancement in digital technology has made it easier to set up a studio using your computer and a few plugins.
This has facilitated the popularity of home studios as more and more music producers, artists, podcasters, and hobbyists now have one.
Although there is a long list of things you will need to set up your home studio, which can be expensive, if you can get these five essentials in addition to a computer, you are good to go.
Audio interface: Consider this before buying
An audio interface is an interpreter between a recording or listening device and your computer. It can convert digital and analog signals into a format readable to your computer.
You will need it to record sound from guitars, drum sets, and live events. It is essential for high audio-quality recording and sound mixing.
Input/Output
The number of instruments you will be plugging into the interface should be determined before shopping for one. If you are a singer or sole podcaster, an audio interface with a single mic pre and a DI may serve you well.
A larger band will need an interface with more line-level inputs and outputs.
Connection format
Buy an audio interface with a matching port for your equipment. An interface might support USB, Thunderbolt, and FireWire. Some hybrid interfaces support more than one protocol.
Features
Manufacturers of audio interfaces designed them with different features which can affect their sound quality. Sometimes, the cheapest, if used right, can compete with more expensive ones.
Budget
Your budget should also inform your choice of audio interface. Go for the best your money can afford at the moment. You can always upgrade later.
Microphone
Seasoned podcasters and artists usually have a lot of microphones in their studios for different purposes. For a starter, one or two is enough.
There are two major types of microphones, dynamic and condenser. Condenser microphones are usually recommended for a home recording studio. They are suitable for recording acoustic guitars and vocal and bass drums. On the other hand, the dynamic mic is the best fit for loud and live vocals.
Things to consider when buying a microphone
- Pickup pattern. The microphone’s pickup pattern should depend on your room’s setting and what you want to record. An omnidirectional microphone capsule will record sound directly at its front and back. A mic with a cardioid pickup pattern will cancel sounds from behind and only record sound directly in front of it. Some microphones have control to select preferred pickup patterns.
- Sensitivity. Some mics require you to move closer for loud recording; others can still pick up your voice at a short distance away. If you are the kind that likes to sit back and relax during your recording, choose mics with matching proximity effect sensitivity.
- Power supply. Some mics require phantom power to record. This can be an additional cost, but usually inexpensive. Confirm to choose the best for your budget.
Pop shield
For singers and podcasters who will deal mostly with vocals recording, a pop shield, also called a pop filter or pop screen, will be needed. It is a noise protection filter for microphones used to reduce popping sounds.
Eliminating popping sound will reduce stress when editing the audio and improve your recording quality.
Headphones
Listening to your voice and sound while recording is essential to correct any anomaly instead of detecting them at the end of the recording.
You can use two main types of headphones to monitor your playing – open-back, and closed-back.
For a start and low-budget cost, go for closed-back headphones.
Monitor speakers
Monitor speakers are a must-have if you plan to mix in your studio. These speakers have a flat response; therefore, they can reveal direct sound, which is not masked by room noise.
Acoustic treatment
Room noise can distort your recordings, depending on the room’s size, shape, and materials. The material used in building the room plays a major role in the acoustic produced.
Recording audio in a large room can result in lots of unwanted noise in your recording.
Foam or fiberglass panels can be used to soundproof your recording studio to reduce the room noise to the barest minimum.