Audio Recording

With the advent of so many inexpensive home technologies it's never been easier to set up and start using a home recording studio. There are certain things that all home studios should have though, lest the quality of those recordings dips too low. Here are some of the most important things to consider when setting up a recording studio.

Main Computer Workstation

One of the main reasons the home recording studio is so affordable is that most recording studios, regardless of size, revolve around a computer. With computers being cheaper and more powerful than ever, it is now much easier to purchase a sizable workstation that will handle all of the software necessary to record in your own home.

Most of the time, you only need a relatively powerful computer to accomplish most tasks in a music recording studio. A decent amount of RAM and a powerful processor will take care of the majority of your operations. Most audio editing equipment runs better on the newer Dual Core processors as well, a standard in today's newest machines. Hard drive space is another major necessity as your audio files will take up a large chunk of space. Luckily, hard drives of sizes up to 1 Terrabyte are available now for less than $500.

For a solid computer recording studio that will run all of the audio software currently at the top of the market - Pro Tools, Cool Edit, and Audition - you can usually find one for $1000-$2000, with a $1000 machine probably covering most of the bases you'll need covered.

Installing An Interface

Your computer will need a solid interface next to interact with your recording equipment. There are numerous cards and forms of external equipment that interact via USB or Firewire. Avoid anything that utilizes the built in microphone or audio inputs on your computer as these are usually insufficient for quality recordings.

Your Mixer

A good majority of what you would have traditionally accomplished on a mixer is now handled directly on your computer. However, because of the development of more advanced mixing boards, it is still highly recommended to have one when setting up a recording studio. It makes it much easier to input multiple sound sources and not worry about the often times insufficient audio interface that you have connected to your computer.

For around $500 or so you can find and install a solid mixer in your home recording studio. These can be found for even cheaper as well if you are willing to forfeit small bits of quality in your design.

Speakers and Microphone

Many people bypass speakers altogether and opt for expensive headphones. While headphones are good to have on hand - they can be a lifesaver late at night when neighbors are sleeping - speakers are an essential tool for any home recording studio. A decent set of speakers with half way clear sound will cover most of your bases, though you might want to consider one basic set of speakers that will relay the overall effect of the sound without being drowned out by other sounds.

Additionally, do not forget to purchase a high quality microphone. This should be one that will plug into the audio interface you've acquired for your computer and not something cheap and plastic that plugs into the microphone slot that came with your computer. Do not skimp here or the recordings will be subpar from the start.

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