How to Setup a Home Recording Studio – The Basics
When it comes to setting up your home recording studio, it can be a simple process. You don’t have to get the best equipment and dedicated space immediately. Whether it’s a hobby or you plan to do it professionally, you want to start small and work your way up to the higher end gear.
The higher end music production and pro audio equipment runs thousands of dollars, so create a budget and stick to the more entry-level stuff.
Budgeting Your Recording Studio Equipment
While you don’t have to go incredibly cheap, you should have a budget that won’t break your wallet. Once you have your budget in mind, the next step is researching the best options within that budget.
For a beginner studio, there needs to be a certain base amount of equipment. At the very least, you’ll want the following:
- computer or laptop
- digital audio workstation
- pro audio interface
- microphone(s) w/ stand and pop-screen
- studio monitors
- headphones
Studio Computer and Recording Software
The computer will have to be powerful enough to run the digital audio workstation or DAW software.
The software takes up a lot of resources but most computers you can get now are going to be good enough.
The DAW software you choose doesn’t have to be expensive when you first start your studio.
In fact, you can get a free DAW software like Reaper which is extremely powerful. You’ll have to decide what works best for you after you’ve set up your studio.
Here are our main recommendations and the ones most studios use:
- Pro Tools
- Cubase
- Logic
- StudioOne
Microphone(s) and Audio Interfaces &
Aside from a computer to run the software properly, one of the most important functions of your studio is being able to record sharp audio. And that requires a good microphone and pro audio interface.
Most studios have a wide range of microphones, but you should start with just a few. If all you’re recording is vocals and a guitar then you can get away with one, but if you want to record drums, for example, you’ll need many more.
As far as audio interfaces go, that decision also depends on what you intend to record. That will guide you into knowing how many inputs/outputs you need on your sound care (i.e. audio interface).
Of course, you’ll also want to find a good space where you’ll record and mix your audio. There are specific dimensions of rooms that work best and you want to be sure, at the very least, you’re not recording in a room that’s a perfect cube shape. That’s a big no-no.
Recording Studio Monitors (Speakers) and Headphones
So now you can record audio, but how are you going to play it back?
The next two pieces of equipment you absolutely need in your home recording studio is a pair of headphones and a pair of studio speakers – called monitors. There are headphones that range from $50 to a few hundred dollars. For the beginner, a basic set of headphones will work fine.
As far as studio monitors go, you can also get away with great entry level options from KRK, M-Audio or Yamaha.
Setting Up Your Home Studio
Once you have all your equipment, you’ll need to set up the studio. Most likely, your beginning studio will be in a portion of your house whether it’s in your bedroom or living room.
There are a few things you should avoid when choosing the space for your studio. If you have options, you should pick a room that isn’t cramped. You’ll need space for your equipment, and if you expand, you’ll require even more room.
Creating a Good Audio Recording Space
Make sure there isn’t a ton of background noise. You’re using a room in your home without all the noise dampening accessories. The slightest noise will be amplified when you’re recording. Avoid rooms where you can hear cars, wind, rain and neighbors.
While you might not notice background noise because you hear it so often, you’ll be surprised what can be picked up with the microphone.
Avoid rooms with carpeting since it can absorb high frequencies. It doesn’t absorb low frequencies equally, so the sound quality will be impacted negatively. But to handle the bass frequencies from ruining your perception of the sound you can setup “bass traps.”
Get the Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up a Recording Studio in Your Home
When you’re starting your home studio, you can do so relatively inexpensively by following some of the advice in this article.
But to really get setup properly you want to follow detailed, professional advice. The wrong moves when setting up your studio can ruin the quality of the sound you output.
So take the time and invest the proper knowledge and set it up right to begin with.
And one of the best places to get that knowledge is from professional recording artists on major labels – like Owen Critchley. In his home studio recording guide he’ll show you exactly how to setup your home studio and get PRO-QUALITY recordings every single time.
Get the Complete Step-By-Step Guide To Home Studio Setup Now!
This guide will show you everything you need to know and take the guess work out of recording professional music and audio. Learn more about the guide here.
When you’re setting up a studio begin with a budget in mind and choose a good room in your home. You’ll be able to get started in your new hobby or profession simply. Later, you can upgrade your equipment if you like.
Hope this guide to setting up a home recording studio was helpful!