Hello artists and producers,
I have prepared this article for any solo artist interested in starting out a home recording studio. I remember how challenging it was for me when I began recording, so I hope this information will serve you well on your journey.
I have also prepared a document titled (click link): THE HOME STUDIO EQUIPMENT GUIDE, PART 1: RECORDING. This document lists microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, DAW's and other equipment in relation with different budgets.
It is freely available and will help you immensely when choosing specific recording equipment for your home studio!
Let's jump into today's article.
MICROPHONES:
There are quite a few decently priced microphones on the market that will allow you to achieve a premium result. However, the trick doesn’t lie in choosing a specific brand name but rather, to know what kind of microphone you will need for recording professionally.
Firstly, always search for an XLR microphone and avoid USB. XLR microphones are made for professional music recording while USB is geared towards podcasting. There are some great USB mics on the market, but XLR will bring more value to the table.
Secondly, go for a large diaphragm condenser microphone. These are the kinds of microphones that are seen in top studios around the globe and are particularly great for recording vocals clearly and accurately.
If you are strapped for cash, you can go for a dynamic microphone. Dynamic mics are typically used for live performances or kick drum recordings, but they can work well in a budget studio environment for vocals as well. However, I'd scrape up a bit more cash and cough up for a condenser microphone instead.
AUDIO INTERFACES:
When I began recording and mixing, I had no clue what an interface was or its purpose for recording. An interface basically acts as an external sound card and power supply for your XLR microphone. It’s a vital piece of equipment that's needed in any home studio.
It's not that hard to choose an interface because a majority of the consumer grade units are desktop USB powered, but still provide crystal clear audio. This means that they can be plugged directly into any computer and work perfectly while providing great results.
Since this article focuses on recording vocals, you will most likely be able to get away with investing in a very basic interface with a maximum of two input/output counts. This is because you only need to power a single microphone at any given time.
The basic rule here is to look for an interface with at least one mic input for recording vocals, one monitor output for listening on headphones while recording and another output for listening back on your monitors (speakers) after recording.
HEADPHONES:
The final component in the recording equation involves the correct headphones. You could get away with any commercial pair because all you need is the ability to hear the instrumental. However, I’d suggest getting a dedicated pair for recording.
Look for a pair of headphones that have a closed-back design. This will prevent any sound leakage into the microphone during recording. You’ll be able to play instrumentals fairly loud while still ensuring a quiet recording space.
If you envision yourself recording for long periods of time I’d suggest investing in an over-ear pair. This will not only provide better comfort over the long run, but will assist in creating a virtual sound stage that may lead to improved performance.
POP FILTERS & STANDS:
When buying a microphone for recording, always ensure that you purchase a pop filter as well. The purpose of this item is to contain harsh plosive sounds like P's and T's. Pop filter's are inexpensive and can connect to virtually any microphone stand.
The final gadget you will need to complete your recording set-up is a microphone stand (tripod). The stand is simply a means to hold your condenser mic firmly to the ground while recording. Most general purpose stands are quite inexpensive and provide good stability.
RESOURCES:
All this information may seem confusing at first and this is why I have prepared a resource for you. In this document, I break down some great home studio equipment with prices and some specs so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your gear.
Feel free to subscribe and you will receive (click link) THE HOME STUDIO EQUIPMENT GUIDE, PART 1: RECORDING via email for no charge.
Thanks for reading and happy recording.
Best,
Dex.
CONTACT:
Mixing, mastering, free song reviews and questions:
Email:
audio@engineeredbydex.com
SITE:
engineeredbydex.com
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