Equipping Your Home Studio Essential Gear for Podcasters and Voice Actors
Home Recording Studio Essentials for New Musicians 2022
Building a home recording studio can be stressful but it doesnt need to be.
There is an endless supply of gear for recording music and weve done our best to avoid confusing you.
This guide will only be showing the bare essential home recording equipment that you need to start being creative.
Technology in the music production space has taken off in the last few years. This is a huge benefit to bedroom producers or those looking to build a home recording studio to have a little side hustle.
Costs have been dropping and budget equipment is beginning to hold the features of more pricey models. The benefit of this means that youll be able to find high-quality gear at a very low price point.
This allows you to start off simple with a few pieces of gear that youll need. This is a great start for when you decide to level up and replace parts of your home recording studio setup.
Weve created a basic checklist for what youll need to start getting your studio together and get you being creative.
Top 10 Recommended Gear for Basic Home Recording Studio Setup:
- Computer/Laptop
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software
- Audio Interfaces
- Headphones
- Studio Monitors
- Microphone
- Microphone Stand
- Pop Filter
- Acoustic Treatment
- Audio Cables
remember that if youre just starting out, its best to keep this as simple as possible.
Building a home recording studio can really get complicated so unless you feel like youre an expert, you might want to stick to this guide or drop us a comment below and ask about what youre planning on buying.
The 10 Best Home Recording Studio Equipment Essentials for New Musicians
Computer/Laptop
Were going to assume that you already have a computer that can handle the requirements of a DAW and if thats the case, you can keep scrolling.
Most computers made in the last few years wont have any issues with running a DAW in a home recording studio setting.
What you need to be mindful of is when you start adding tracks, soft synths, effects, etc.
All these extras that you add into your workflow will eat up your RAM and CPU. Having a fast computer means you can keep your workflow going strong. Youll avoid hiccups or daw software crashes.
Recommended Minimum Specs for Music Production:
- 2ghz+ Intel Core i5 processor or faster recommended.
- 8GB RAM or more.
- 1080p or 1440p display.
- 256GB SSD or larger
- Windows 10/OS X 10.12 or later.
If your current machine has these specs or higher, youre in a good place to start making music.
If not, check the link below to check out our music production computer guide.
Best Computers for Music Production
View our recommendations for the best computers for music production and recording in a home recording studio.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software
Your DAW which stands for Digital Audio Workstation is the brains of your home recording studio.
A DAW is a platform to support and control the audio editing, plugins, VSTs, and MIDI.
As you start your musical journey, youll be spending tons of your time working with it. Youll be learning everything there is to know about the DAW that you chose to maximize your creative potential.
Its important to try a few different DAWs to ensure that you find one that:
- It has a small learning curve.
- Works well with your music production workflow.
- It is well supported and has a big community.
- Within your budget.
A few of the most common paid DAWs are:
- Ableton Live
- FL Studio
- Presonus Studio One 4
- MOTU Digital Performer 11
- Apple Logic Pro X
- Avid Pro Tools
- Cakewalk SONAR
- Reason Studios Reason 12
- Cubase 12
- Cockos Reaper
We highly recommend using a paid DAW, this will be your bread and butter. It is the foundation in which your music is created.
Some free DAWs:
- Audacity
- Pro Tools First
- Caustic
- GarageBand
- Tracktion t6
- Audiotool
- Ardour
- Jeskola Buzz
While we recommend not using a free DAW, youll learn a lot by digging around and making mistakes.
If you want to learn more about DAWs and read some rundowns on the different options, please check out the DAW Guide.
Ultimate Guide to Digital Audio Workstations
Choosing a DAW is an extremely important step in your career in recording or music production. Check out this guide to help with your decision on what DAW to use.
Audio Interfaces
The audio interface has to be one of the most complex items in a home recording studio. There are so many types and applications for them.
An audio interface is essentially a high-quality external sound card.
- You plug your microphones and instruments into it.
- It allows you to plug it in via USB, firewire or Thunderbolt to your computer.
- The interface acts as a device to hook up headphones and studio monitors.
Lets talk about the different types of audio interfaces:
- Desktop Interfaces
- Rack-mounted Interfaces
Desktop interfaces are what most home recording studio and bedroom producers use. Theyre small, and usually, are enough for most musicians. Desktop audio interfaces are a great starting point.
Youll only need a 2-6 channel interface to get started.
Rack-mounted interfaces are used in intermediate home recording studios where the engineer requires 8 channels or more. This allows for more microphones and line inputs. This allows for less reconfiguring during a recording session.
To avoid doubling up on what weve already covered, please check out our audio interface guide.
Audio Interfaces 101
Buying an audio interface is the most difficult part of setting up a home recording studio. Check out this guide to help with your purchase.
Headphones
One of my absolute favorite topics, studio headphones.
Headphones are a very important piece of studio equipment to have. They can make or break a mix and can help with working late nights without your neighbors knowing.
Before we get into what makes a good pair of home recording studio headphones, lets talk about the types of headphones.
- Closed-back headphones
- Open-back headphones
Closed-back headphones have a speaker mounted against a solid cup which helps with noise isolation. These types of headphones are great for monitoring and recording audio. The benefit comes from greater noise isolation when recording tracks.
Open-back headphones have a perforated ear cup allowing sound to move freely in and out. These headphones wont block outside noise. With open-back headphones, youre more likely to experience a natural airy sound. Open-back headphones are most useful when mixing tracks.
So, which type should you get?
We highly recommend getting a pair of closed-back headphones as a starting point if youre just looking to get up and running and start producing music.
Which Studio Headphones Should You Buy?
Closed back, open back, wireless? Choosing headphones can be difficult. Check out this guide for more in-depth detail about why they are all important.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors are a necessity for referencing your tracks in your home recording studio.
What a good studio monitor gives you is flat frequency response. This sound profile allows for the music youre recording to be completely accurate when mixing.
There are a few different types of studio monitors that we recommend:
- Near-field Monitors
- Far-field Monitors
Near-field Monitors are best for being within a close listening distance to you. 3-5 feet from the mixing chair is ideal.
Far-field Monitors are large speakers that mount in the studio, behind the console. These speakers are great for high volume and for testing the low end of your mix.
Different monitors are useful for different spaces. You need to understand your room and ensure that it is optimized with acoustic treatment.
Its a good rule of thumb that monitors are never perfect. It comes down to the genre, how your room is acoustically treated and the distance from you.
We go deep in-depth in our Studio Monitors Guide, check it out below.
Studio Monitor Buyers Guide
Microphone
If youre a singer or are looking to record instruments, youll need to get a decent microphone to help with that.
If you take a look at a site like Musicians Friend or Sweetwater, youll see that there are hundreds of microphones.
Lets go over a few different types of microphones for home recording:
- Large Diaphragm Condenser
- Small Diaphragm Condenser
- Dynamic
- USB Microphones
Large-diaphragm microphones are best used for solo instruments or vocals. They are a good starting microphone as they are very versatile and can record anything.
Small Diaphragm Condenser microphones are great for producing a detailed sound image. Youll get way more detail recording an instrument with a small diaphragm. There is no padding of your sound. The results will be very real.
Dynamic or Moving Coil Microphones are usually used for live sound. Its pretty rare to see a dynamic microphone used in a studio. Theyre great to have when setting up microphones for an amplifier.
We recommend picking up a nice large diaphragm condenser microphone if youre on a budget. This will cover all your bases.
Studio Microphone 101
Large diaphragm condenser, small diaphragm condenser, dynamic microphones which should you go with?
Microphone Stand
Now that youve decided on the perfect microphone for your studio, its time to get a few accessories.
A microphone stand is an essential piece of equipment in a home recording studio. I doubt you want your vocalist focusing on holding the microphone.
Lets take a look at what types of microphone stands are available:
- Tripod Boom
- Tripod
- Round Base
- Low Profile
- Desktop
- Overhead
Tripod Boom Stands are one of the most common stands. You can use this if you need some long reach between the subject and the microphone.
Tripod Stands are what you think about when you think about a microphone stand. Its a simple stand where you attach the microphone at the top.
Round Base Stands are great for live sound when you have a small stage. The small base will prevent people from tripping over it or cables getting snagged.
Low Profile Stands are exclusively used for setting up microphones for guitar amps, kick drums, anything very low to the ground.
Desktop Stands are great for bedroom studio setups. They are very common with podcasters and people who have a small studio space.
Overhead Stands are mainly used for recording drums or getting a better sound from a room.
Choosing a microphone stand isnt as difficult as buying the microphone itself. They all do the job. So pick one that works best for where you want your mic.
Top 5 Best Microphone Stands and Buyers Guides
Weve got the best microphone stands for every type of microphone in your home recording studio.
Pop Filter
A pop filter is a screen that goes between the microphone and the singer. If youre setting up a home recording studio to record vocals, you need one of these. Trust us.
Pop filters prevent unwanted noises. It will filter out all of the P, B and breathing from your recording.
Pop filters are an essential item in every recording studio. Weve reviewed the 5 best pop filters for recording vocals to help you make a buying decision
How much do home recording studios cost?
Building a home studio can cost as little as few hundred dollars for a basic but functional home studio setup involving an audio interface, microphone, monitors, some basic acoustic treatment, and a good DAW. Home recording studios become high cost when construction happens such as building proper vocal booths and complex cabling guidance.
Final Thoughts on Home Recording Studio Essentials for New Musicians
This list should get you started crafting the home recording studio of your dreams! Remember to keep it simple at the start, and stick to your budget. You can expand with new and improved equipment over time, as you discover your ever evolving needs. We cant wait to hear the music that is waiting to burst fourth from your imagination!
Let us know if you liked the post. Thats the only way we can improve.
Your Guide to Essential Recording Studio Equipment
Your Guide to Essential Recording Studio Equipment
By: WhisperRoom
May 5, 2023
Setting up a recording studio can be an exciting journey, whether youre a beginner looking to explore your passion for audio production or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your craft. This guide covers everything you need to know about essential recording studio equipment, offering expert advice and insights to help you make informed decisions for your unique needs.
1. Choosing the Right Space for Your Studio
Before diving into equipment, choosing an appropriate space for your recording studio is crucial. Consider factors such as room size, shape, ambient noise, and natural light. Ideally, the space should be large enough to accommodate your equipment, and the rooms shape should minimize sound reflections. Avoid spaces with excessive ambient noise, and ensure enough natural light creates a comfortable working environment. The principles of setting up an effective studio not only cater to audio production but also create a versatile environment suitable for various content creation needs.
2. The Foundation: Computers and DAWs
A powerful computer and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software is the heart of any modern recording studio. Choose a computer with enough processing power, RAM, and storage to handle your audio projects. Mac and Windows-based systems are both suitable for audio production, so choose one that best fits your preferences and budget.
Popular DAWs include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and FL Studio. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so research and test different options before deciding on the one that suits your workflow and production style.
3. Capturing Your Sound: Microphones and Accessories
Microphones are essential for capturing vocals, instruments, and other sound sources. There are two primary types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic microphones are more rugged and suitable for recording loud sources, while condenser microphones are more sensitive and ideal for capturing delicate nuances in vocals and acoustic instruments.
Invest in a variety of microphones to handle different recording situations. Essential accessories include microphone stands, pop filters, and shock mounts to ensure proper positioning and minimize unwanted noise.
4. Audio Interfaces: Connecting the Pieces
An audio interface is a bridge between your microphones, instruments, and computer. It converts analog signals to digital, allowing you to record and process audio within your DAW. When choosing an audio interface, consider factors such as the number of inputs and outputs, preamp quality, and compatibility with your computers connections.
Popular audio interface options include the Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Apollo, and Audient iD. Make sure to choose an interface that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
5. Monitoring Your Sound: Studio Monitors and Headphones
Accurate monitoring is essential for making informed decisions about your recordings and mixes. Invest in a pair of high-quality monitors to clearly represent your audio. Look for monitors with a flat frequency response, ensuring all frequencies are represented accurately.
Additionally, invest in a good pair of studio headphones for critical listening and tracking. Closed-back headphones are recommended for tracking, as they provide better isolation, while open-back headphones are suitable for mixing and offer a more natural soundstage.
6. Control Surfaces: Mastering Your Workflow
Control surfaces can enhance workflow by providing tactile control over your DAWs functions. These devices often feature faders, knobs, and buttons that allow you to adjust levels, pan, and other parameters without relying solely on your mouse and keyboard.
While not strictly necessary, control surfaces can significantly improve your efficiency and make your recording process more enjoyable. Popular options include the PreSonus FaderPort series, the Avid Artist series, and the Behringer X-Touch series.
7. Outboard Gear: Enhancing Your Sound
Outboard gear, such as preamps, compressors, and equalizers, can further shape and enhance your audio. While many of these functions can be performed within your DAW using plugins, theres often a unique character and warmth imparted by hardware thats difficult to replicate with software alone.
When building your collection of outboard gear, start with essentials like a high-quality preamp for clean and transparent amplification of your microphones and a versatile compressor to control dynamics and add character to your recordings. As you expand your studio, add additional processors such as equalizers, reverb units, and other effects to broaden your sonic palette.
Some popular outboard gear options include the Universal Audio LA-610 MkII, the DBX 266xs, and the Warm Audio WA-2A.
8. Acoustic Treatment: Perfecting Your Listening Environment
To ensure accurate monitoring and achieve professional-sounding recordings, its crucial to acoustically treat your studio space. Acoustic treatment helps control reflections, standing waves, and resonances that can negatively impact your audio.
Start by treating early reflection points with absorption panels. These are typically placed on walls and ceilings where sound bounces directly between your monitors and your listening position. Bass traps are essential for controlling low-frequency build-up in corners, while diffusers can help to scatter and disperse sound energy, creating a more balanced listening environment.
DIY solutions can be effective and budget-friendly, or you can invest in professionally designed acoustic treatment products from companies like GIK Acoustics, Auralex, Primacoustic, and Audimute.
9. Cables, Stands, and Other Accessories
Dont overlook the importance of quality cables, stands, and other accessories in your recording studio. Investing in high-quality cables can minimize signal loss and interference, ensuring the best possible audio quality.
Ensure you have a variety of cable types and lengths to accommodate different connections, such as XLR, TRS, and instrument cables. Cable management tools, like cable ties and organizers, can help keep your studio tidy and clutter-free.
Additionally, invest in sturdy and adjustable stands for your microphones, monitors, and instruments. A comfortable studio chair and ergonomic workstation setup will also create a more enjoyable and productive recording experience.
Putting It All Together
Equipping your recording studio with essential gear is important to realizing your creative vision and producing high-quality audio. By carefully selecting the right equipment and optimizing your workspace, youll be well on your way to achieving professional results and making your mark in the world of audio production. Remember that your studio can always grow and evolve with you, so stay curious, keep learning, and continue to invest in your craft.
