It is no longer news that having a private home studio is fast becoming a trend in the music industry. That being said, owning a home recording studio has several advantages for prospective song writers, music producers, artiste or composers.
Some of these are:
- Quick release of the muse
- Easy conversion of ideas into solid work
- A stepping stone to a commercial studio
Now that you know how important a home studio is to your career, let’s talk about finding the best Home Recording Studio Essentials.
This list of Home Recording Studio Essentials will include everything you need to create your own economical and effective recording studio that is as close to the real thing as you can get. For starters, pick out a studio design.
- A GOOD COMPUTER:
The problem with finding the perfect computer for your home recording studio essentials is that there are so many choices.
This may make it easier:
- If you already have a laptop or desktop, you might as well start up with that
- If you crave something better and faster, then try buying either a mac or a PC with amazing processing speed
- If you desire the best, then opt for a mac desktop and cruise your way to good quality
- AN IDEAL DAW:
DAW simply means digital audio workstation.
Once again, the problem of being overwhelmed by the array of DAWs available comes to play. I advise that you explore as much as possible and discover which works best for you.
Some of the popular names in the game of home recording studio essentials are: pro tools, FL studio, able ton, Presonus studio one, cakewalk sonar, propeller head reason, MOTU digital performer, Steinberg Cubase and logic pro
- AUDIO INTERFACE
An audio interface performs the function of transmitting music in and out of the computer and is definitely a cornerstone of every list of home recording studio essentials.
- MICROPHONE AND ACCESSORIES:
When choosing a mic for your home studio, I will advise that you go for the best possible quality within your budget. That being said, just buy what you can afford. Unless of course, you have plans of making professional use of whatever comes out of that studio.
Also, when purchasing your microphone, you must not forget to add a mic stand and pop filter which I consider absolutely necessary. But that’s just an opinion. Feel free to start small and add to your own home recording studio essentials as your music career grows.
- HEADPHONES:
It goes without saying that these are a complete necessity also. An essential headphone for your home studio will be able to isolate other sounds and noises so you can get the full effect of your music. It is important to note that studio headphones are different from regular headphones. Always buy over-the-ear headphones; usually the bigger brands are a good bet.
- STUDIO MONITOR:
Studio monitors perform a totally different function from regular speakers. They are built to give you real output while consumer speakers are built to appease the sense of hearing. As with headphones, buying an established brand will keep you happy in your home studio.
- MIDI CONTROLLER:
I feel this is also a complete necessity not because I am an instrumentalist but because I have learned from experience that making music without one of these while still very possible can be one hell of a ride. If you are a music aficionado like me, then you very well understand the need for creative freedom. (Well that’s what a midi controller offers you)
- VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE PLUGINS:
While some folks might dispute the validity of these things on my list, I feel bold to say their presence is well deserved. Consider the virtual instrument a software version of all musical instruments like drums, keyboards, guitar, etc. The software plugins are used as special effects needed to spice up your recording.
- CABLES:
Naturally, when you’re planning your home recording studio essentials, don’t forget to buy the right type of cables to get your new gear actually working! For a starter, you might just need cables for your mic, audio interface and monitors. Specifically, four cables should be a good start.
- WORKSTATION:
For professional musicians, your studio is a company and they consider the workstation their office. That means getting a proper desk to accommodate all of your new gear and a comfortable chair that you can sit in for 8 hours or more a day. Don’t over sweat it, but do not neglect it either. A nice and comfortable chair with an efficient desk that maximizes equipment like the computer, midi controller and audio interface should work just fine. If you find it convenient, you might add the studio monitor to the mix but it is not mandatory.
There they are: my ultimate list of home recording studio essentials. With these, you are well on your way to building up your passion and your career. Never become complacent with your home recording studio essentials. Music is a world without barrier and limitation. Always aspire to own your pro studio and gain respect in your field of expertise.
Top 10 Home Recording Studio Essentials is a guest post written by Emmanuel Chika, a seasoned freelance writer and music producer. He provides musical solutions for people through his creative endeavors.For further information, you can reach him through this website here.
The recording equipment you have described is awesome. I like that. But, I thinks you can add a good “Bookshelf Speaker System”. I think it is very important for a recording studio.
Great list – it’s really the worst to get to the production stage and realize you are missing a mic stand, or missing quality headphones. Don’t forget the most important ingrediant – a good tune!