It has never been easier to record at home. At the same time, the quality of equipment has improved in the last 10 years, and prices have come down to a level where most people can participate. There are many good packages that have everything you need to get started. However, needs vary, so in this guide, we will try to give you an overview of the different elements that are essential - and which can be omitted - when buying equipment for your first home studio. For each point, it will be indicated whether it is a need-to-have or a nice-to-have, and we start with an overview of the different components. In addition, this guide focuses on a setup built around a computer and briefly mentions other options at the end.

Computer - need-to-have

The computer is the brain of your home studio. Most modern computers can handle recording, as long as it's not massive productions. Some sound cards and software work only with either Mac or PC, but most work on both platforms. You can always find minimum requirements for the computer on the specific software, but if you have a computer that is no more than 4-5 years old, has 8GB of RAM, an i5 processor, and hard drive space, it's likely sufficient in most cases to get started.

 

DAW - need-to-have

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation and is the program in which you record, play, and process your audio files. There are many different options to choose from, and here we mention just a few: Presonus StudioOne - good for both audio recording and MIDI. Easy to use and navigate. It's easy to start with a smaller version and upgrade when needed. Ableton Live - as the name suggests, it's built for live use, although it also has its place in the studio. It is especially used for electronic music, as it has many unique features that make it very intuitive to work with in this genre. But as mentioned, there are many options - ProTools, Logic (Mac), FL Studio (PC), Reason, and Reaper are also good DAWs, and it's worth checking YouTube before deciding which platform to work on.

 

Audio Interface - need-to-have

Your audio interface is the link between your DAW and the 'real world.' This is where the output from the program is converted from digital to analog sound, and it also houses your physical inputs - often there will be one or more microphone preamps and line inputs, as well as a monitor controller and headphone amplifier. The choice of audio interface depends on the type of music you want to record. If it's electronic music with software instruments, you typically don't need as many inputs. Still, if you want to record a drum kit or an entire band at once, it requires more inputs.

 

Headphones - need-to-have

Headphones are practical if you want to work without disturbing your neighbors, and they are essential if you need to record with a microphone. While recording, you need to hear what you have already recorded. If played through speakers, you might get bleed on the recording, meaning you'll hear both what you are currently recording and what you have already recorded in the background - making it harder to mix properly. So, use headphones!

 

Microphone(s) - need-to-have

There are many different microphones to choose from! The two most common types are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. Without going into detail about the construction and differences, it can be roughly said that a condenser captures a broader sound spectrum but is also more sensitive, which means it will pick up more room sound. A dynamic microphone does not have as wide a frequency range and captures more of what is directly in front of it. A classic dynamic microphone found in most studios is the Shure SM7B. However, it requires a powerful preamp, where most small audio interfaces fall short. Still, a standard Shure SM58 can also sound very good.

 

Cables - need-to-have

It goes without saying that there needs to be a cable between your microphone and your audio interface. Not much to say about it. All microphone cables we sell can be used - even the inexpensive ones work well, just make sure the cable fits your microphone and your audio interface! Some audio interfaces have XLR input, while others use a 6.3mm jack input!

 

Microphone Stand - need-to-have

If you are going to record with a microphone, you need a stand to hold it. It's not suitable to hold it in your hand, as it often introduces unwanted sounds from your hand - a microphone stand helps ensure your recordings are clean!

 

Plug-ins - nice-to-have

Plug-ins can be many things, but essentially, they are 3rd party programs you use within your DAW. All DAWs come with a range of installed plug-ins that you use to shape the sound of the things you record. They can be EQs, compressors, distortion, or other effects. To start with, you can manage with the built-in plug-ins, but after some time, it can be fun to experiment with other types. The term "plug-in" comes from the days when recording was done analogically. You would "plug in" an EQ, for example, in the chain (with cables) - hence the term "plug in."

 

Software Instruments - nice-to-have

Like plug-ins, there are often a few included with your DAW. Software instruments work by controlling them with MIDI - for example, from a MIDI keyboard. This way, you can have a multitude of organs, synthesizers, pianos, drum machines, and much more digitally in the program.

 

Microphone Preamp - nice-to-have

Before recording the sound from your microphone, it needs to be amplified. All microphone inputs on mixers and audio interfaces are actually microphone preamps, controlled by the gain knob. However, it's also possible to buy external microphone preamps. There are models with tubes and with transistors, and they can sound really good - but to start with, it's not the most important thing - you can use the preamp in your audio interface.

 

Pop Filter - nice-to-have

If you're going to record vocals, a pop filter is almost a must. It's a ring with thin, stretched fabric. It filters strong air 'pops' from the vocals. They often occur on p-sounds - and they don't sound good!

 

Studio Monitors - nice-to-have

Having a pair of good studio monitors is great - and it's probably one of the first things you'll want to upgrade if you start with just headphones. A good pair of monitors allows you to hear what you're doing. Recording and making music without being able to hear what you're doing properly is a bit like painting with your eyes closed - it's not optimal! You need two monitors, and they should be positioned properly, at ear level.

 

Monitor Controller - nice-to-have

With a monitor controller, you can precisely control the level of your monitors, and there are often other functions such as dim (where the volume is lowered), mono (so you can check your mix in mono), multiple outputs for multiple sets of monitors, headphone amplifiers, etc. It's not something you'll need right away - the monitor controller in the audio interface will be enough for most people's use.

 

MIDI Keyboard - nice-to-have

If you want to use software instruments, a MIDI keyboard is essential. The keyboard itself doesn't have any built-in sounds but only sends MIDI data, which your software instruments translate into tones. Often connects via USB directly to the computer.

 

MIDI Controller - nice-to-have

MIDI controllers can look very different! They can consist of push buttons, faders, knobs, and drum pads and are used to control your DAW and your plug-ins without using a mouse. With faders, you can control the faders in the DAW's mixer, with knobs, you can control various plug-ins, and with pads, you can play drum beats. Many MIDI keyboards also have some MIDI controller features.

 

Acoustic Treatment - nice-to-have

The room you record in has a lot to say regarding sound quality. Therefore, it may be a good idea to optimize it. This can be done in several ways. There are good packages with various acoustic products that can help with the sound, including screens that can be placed behind the microphone, stands for your monitors, etc. It's also possible to do something yourself, for example, by having a sofa or something else in the room.

 

“Take 1!”

Now you're hopefully a little better equipped to decide which things you need. You can keep expanding your studio according to how your needs develop. If you're unsure about what's right for you, you're always welcome to contact us by phone, email, or via Facebook, and we'll be happy to help you find the perfect setup that suits your needs.

Enjoy your recordings!