I started building up my home recording equipment at the age of 15 and to this day after many purchases its still growing. My first set up involved using a PC microphone, Audacity and a computer with 256mb of ram. Since then this has changed a lot but i learnt so much using that set up.
A full list of my recording equipment can be found hear MY RECORDING EQUIPMENT
The equipment i personally think you should invest in is:
- Computer
- Recording Software
- Interface
- Microphone
- Headphones
- Speakers
- Accessories
On top of this you can consider a headphone amp, a pre amp and a mixer but usually these are down to personal preference rather than necessity.
Now comes the break down (not the epic musical kind) of each section.
Computer
This is where the age old Mac vs PC argument could begin, I'l avoid it. Use what your comfortable with. I now use Macs but thats what i prefer not what everyone should use! If you require more help on this small subject please contact me or use google to find millions of amusing arguments!
Il look at the technical side and not the logo on the case. There a few things you will want to look out for on the technical or geek side of a computer. i wont start explaining what each thing does as this would make this post twice the length. If theres words you don't understand or want to know more about please google them or ask me!
- Ram - Most softwares state a requirement of a minimum of 2gb ram. While this is sufficient i would always recommend going for 4gb. In my experience 4gb is enough, the only reason i have more is as a precaution when im working on large projects.
- Processor - Anything Intel or AMD dual core or better should be fine! The faster the processor the better and the more cores the better (theoretically).
- Hard Drive - once again the faster RPM the better. Id say go no less then 5400RPM. I use a 7200RPM as my recording disk and a 5400RPM as storage. You'll need a decent amount of hardrive space (at least 500gb) as project files can get large as can software packages. It is however possible to offset these onto a external disk. Using an SSD will improve speed dramatically but can be expensive (or effect space).
- Inputs - If your not using a external sound card you need to make sure you have an audio in and out on your computer. Its always a good idea to have plenty of USB ports especially if you plan on using USB sound cards, Mice, Keyboards or flash pens. and also firewire if your desired sound card requires it.
- Graphics card - aren't that important other than if your wanting to run more than one monitor (this again is personal preference).
All software you buy will have a minimum system requirements on there website. this way you can check you have the right operating system and other things that you need. Above is just my personal recommendations for a start up!
Also think about running your computer offline. This will help keep the speed of your computer fast but can become a pain for licensing and updating software!
Software
Again to avoid any arguments this section wont be that long.
I spent my first 3 years learning to use Cubase. i then moved onto Logic and Pro Tools. At home i now use Logic and Pro Tools and havent used cubase for a while now. I have nothing against any software, i use what i find works for me.
The three softwares listed above are what i think to be the main industry standard packages. Theres a lot of other cheaper and free options out there as well such as Reaper, Audacity, Mix Pad and hundreds more!
Just remember that if you like the look of logic then it is only available for Macs
Interface/Sound card
This is where you should really consider what it is your wanting to record. Do you really need that shiny interface with its 16 inputs, or would 2 inputs suffice. If your recording drums at home then obviously 8 inputs will be the minimum you need, if your just recording acoustic guitar between 2 - 4 should suffice.
Also look at what form these inputs take. Do you need XLR, Jacks, ADAT etc...
Once you've decided this you can look at other options such as expandable by ADAT, Daisy Chaining, Future expansion and many other special features that manufacturers are packing into there products.
A lot of the time with interfaces you do get what you pay for. if you buy a cheap interface it will sound cheap and wont be built to withstand heavy usage. If you spend thousands of pounds on one then its preamps will sound a lot nicer and it will have a lot more features.
Work within your limits and use common sense at this stage theres no point in buying what you dont need.
Microphones
Microphones are often another case of get you what you pay for in terms of sound and build quality. This isn't to say all of them will be the same.
I would say your best bet would be to pay for a mid range large diaphragm condenser microphone. These are great for pretty much every application you will need to begin with and have a great clarity to them that dynamic mics can often lack.
If you buy a condenser microphone then remember to make sure your sound card has phantom power.
If being used for vocals a pop filter will almost definitely be required to stop implosives destroying your recorded sound.
As every microphone sounds different it would be a good idea to find some friends or a local shop with some microphones you can try out to help you find one thats suits your style, application and ears.
If your recording drums you will most likely need a good set of drum microphones. you could buy a very cheap set and trigger after recording or you could buy a mid/expensive set which would yield better results.
Headphones and Speakers
Using Headphones to begin with may stop your needs for speakers but i would highly recommend both as mixing on headphones will often yield very different results.
Using headphones while recording will take away the chance of getting any bleeding signals on the recorded tracks (which is something you do want rid of).
Headphones and speakers all sound different as well so i would recommend, to get used to them, listening to your favourite music on them. Songs you know the sound of well. this will help you get accustomed to how your speakers sound.
Pre amp
Often already built into your interface. However sometimes an external sound card can sound better or maybe your interface doesn't have them on all inputs.
Tube pre amps can add coloration's to sounds.
A mixer with direct outs ( or Aux outs) can be used as a pre amp if necessary.
Accessories
- Pop Filter - To eradicate Implosives
- Microphone Stand(s) - Sizes and styles vary so consider your needs
- Cables - Depending on what your recording your cabling needs may be tiny or vast. Make sure you have the correct cables and enough of them. if your hands with a soldering iron then making your own cables to your desired length can be cheaper and handy.
- Midi Keyboard - To input sounds.
- Acoustic Foam - Can come in handy to add an extra dampening to a room or isolate a sound in a room.
- Adapters - For headphones, inputs, outputs, Pads and all sorts!
Conclusions
Everything above is just how i started. There is no correct way to set up your studio but hopefully now you know how i did it you can start to plan your own way of working. Feel free to ask me anything more you want to know or to discuss different kinds of set ups that could work for you!
Need gear check out the sites below for places to buy some of the things you might need.
Thomann - Just click to go to the UK site at the top!
Amazon
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