Perfect setup for audio recording

If you want to build the perfect setup for audio recording it’s time to search no more. I have build a short list with all the audio recording equipment necessary for a home studio.

As we all know, these days everything is recorded directly to a computer’s hard drive. I assume that you already have a computer. Desktop or laptop, it does not matter, though the laptop gives you more freedom of movement. So, this is what you’ll be needing for your home studio.

• Microphone
• Microphone stand
• Pop filter
• An Audio Interface
• Optionally, you can add a microphone preamplifier, compressor, etc

Rode NT1A Anniversary Vocal Condenser Microphone Package

Many will say that the microphone is the most important piece of the audio recording chain. I have to agree with that because choosing a good microphone could really influence the quality of your recordings. The mic I’m recommending is said to be the “quietest mic in the market”. All the reviews I have read about it say that Rode NT1A exceeds all expectations. It captures warm, clear, and crisp sounds. The price and the quality of this package is simply unbeatable.

The package contains a pop filter, shockmount and cable. Rode offers 10 year guaranty. How about that…

Audio Interface: Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Recording Interface

Most computers today come with a built-in sound card that allows you to connect computer speakers, headphones and even a microphone. Although integrated sound cards can be enough to listen to music they lack the quality you need for professional audio recordings. You will need a dedicated audio interface that lets you connects microphones, instruments and equipment to the laptop. Focusrite is one of the best solutions for audio recordings. It allows you to connect a condenser mic and a guitar, acting like a mixer.  The Saffire 6 has the best A-D/D-A conversion in its class: pure sound quality, super-low latency, and dependable synchrony are assured. Besides these, you get the Focusrite FX Suite, which includes AU/VST effects like the compressor, gate, reverb and EQ. Click the image for more information.

Additional Equipment

As I said before, the microphone requires a mic stand. It must be durable and make sure it will stand to the height you need.

You’ll be needing headphones for your audio recordings. There are many types of headphones – open, semi-open, and closed. For audio recording the best choice is a set of closed headphones, so the mic won’t be able to pick any sounds from it. Sony MDR-7506 are probably the most popular, but I’m sure you will find cheaper ones.

Studio monitors are required in order to mix your audio recordings the best possible way. You can go for M-Audio Studio Monitors. they are around $100 and are pretty good. Remember to read the reviews before you buy.

You can buy other Useful Tools for Home Recording Studio

Useful Tools for Home Recording Studio

Building a Home Studio around $500 is not enough. Sometimes you need more stuff to help you around in your home studio or to improve your recording/mixing experience. Keep reading until the end because the best things comes last!

Hi-Speed ​​USB Memory Stick

Although the USB Memory Stick is a fairly common accessory in a home recording studio, you need to take into consideration the possibility that Hi-Speed ​​USB Memory Hi-Speed Sticks can be used for back or even to carry all your home studio data on it: studio-on-a-stick. You can store all your VSTs on it, instrumentals or things that you do not wish to leave in the studio computer. Basically, you have the entire collection (with very few exceptions) of VST’s and sequencer on a stick that moves really fast. DataTraveler HyperX Kinston stick is able to run multi-track (besides Reaper and VST’s directly from it), though still limited to 6-8 channels to write speed. But that’s pretty good for a stick, right?

A simple blanket

Any blanket or quilt with thick polyester filling is the perfect mobile acoustic treatment method for your home studio and perfectly at hand. It can always be hang on the walls of a room with acoustic that are too “alive”, or put in a corner to form an improvised “vocal booth”. And if you are too tired from long hours of recording, it can be used to cover you while you take a nap!

Microphone stand accessories

From the series “small but useful things that can be bought in a home studio” here comes the headphone extension (eg Stedman SHH) and one for the score (Stedman PC1). You will not be interfered by easily collapsing scores or by headphones that fall from mic stands.

Cable Tester

Something is broke and it’s hard to find the cause: effects processor, preamp, sound card, etc.! … Besides the rigorous verification of possible power supply problems and the correct signal routing it’s better to check the cables for faulty wiring. For example,  Behringer offers a very handy option for testing the possible faulty wiring – simply insert the plug into sockets and test it in order to find where is the interruption of the signal. Problem solved.

Controllers

One of the easiest ways to improve your workflow and make it really cool to work with is the purchase of certain DAW controllers. It will make the mixing experience more tactile.

Presonus Faderport provides a great way to get away from the mouse when mixing your stuff. This controller is plug-and-play with a large number of DAWs and you can integrate it easily in any setup. It relieves tendonitis of using the right hand far too accustomed to the mouse. Another cool thing is that on-the-fly settings are more pleasant and creative when you keep your hand on a fader.

Iff the audio interface does not feature a volume control, a passive volume controller like M-Patch iNano may be just what you need. It features a mute button and a large volume knob, all at hand to be pressed instantly.

Portable Recorder

You need a door creak sound for your recordings, but the door is at a distance greater than any of your XLR cables can reach. You thought it would be a good idea to record a rehearsal of the band in order to get an idea of overall performance or to make a point to sound engineer when recording in a studio. You need two additional channels of input A / D or stereo pair of camera microphones? You want to have an amazing recorder around for times when inspiration hits you? These are enough reasons to buy Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder.

Home Studio Setup around $500

If you ask me, making music is the best hobby there is. Just being able to make a living out of it is everyone’s dream and if it’s not yours you should start thinking about it. But for some that’s not only a dream, it’s something that can be achieved. All you need is a voice, an idea and a… home recording studio. Why build a home recording studio? Because before becoming a huge star you need to be noticed. In order to be noticed people need to hear something from you. And for that you need a home recording studio. From this point on it’s all about being creatively.

So here is a setup around $500 that I really like:

Microphone

The condenser microphone is the first piece of recording chain. This means you should get the best condenser mic that would fit your budget. I really think MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone is a bargain. With this mic you can’t go wrong, and it’s half the price it was last year ($100).

• Large 32mm pressure gradient condenser capsule^Gold-sputtered, 6 micron density diaphragm^Solid state preamp balanced transformer output^MXL-57 isolation shock mount available
• Large 32mm pressure gradient condenser capsule
• Gold-sputtered, 6 micron density diaphragm
• Solid state preamp balanced transformer output
• MXL-57 isolation shock mount available (features via amazon.com)

Preamp

Any condenser mic requires a preamp with phantom power. There are two options here: buy a stand-alone preamp or buy an audio interface with phantom power. ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp is cheap ($39) and very clean. You’ll love it.

Audio Interface

There are plenty of options here, but as you know I really prefer M-Audio products. Pro Tools Make Music Now Recording Studio Pack is just amazing because it features M-Audio Fastr Track USB audio interface and Pro Tools M-Powered Essential recording and mixing software. And all that for $69. It’s the best price you’ll ever find for this pack.

Home Studio Monitors

The monitors are really important because you need to hear at best quality when mixing and mastering your song. Remember that mixing has a major impact on the overall quality of the song, so don’t mess your recording studio setup by getting cheap monitors. I would recommend M-Audio products. Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers has great reviews on Amazon and MusicianFriend, so I think is a clever choice. There are cheaper alternatives but, but if you go over reviews you’ll understand my pick.

Laptop/PC

You need a fast computer with large memory. Because I’ve chosen an external  audio interface, a laptop will do just fine for this project. I will not include this in our budget because almost everyone has a laptop or a PC these days, so if you are reading this I’m sure you have one. Anything over 1Ghz and 2GB of ram will work. If you don’t have enough storage memory you can buy an external hard drive.

Other Stuff

Remember to buy cables, a pop filter, headphones, a mic stand and connectors. If you’re recording instruments a mixer is needed. You can also treat the recording room with acoustic foam.

Portable Recording Studio

I own a home recording studio, but sometimes I need to record stuff on different locations. That’s why I have portable recording studio gear setup that fits in my backpack. Can this be possible? A full recording studio in your backpack?

Let me show it’s possible. First, you need a laptop. We’re talking portable, so that means we need a laptop with long lasting battery life. You’ll find plenty of notebooks or netbooks that have over 5 hours battery life. It depends to you and your budget. I’m working with an Acer AO532h-2588 10.1-Inch Onyx Blue Netbook – Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life. Remember we are not trying to mix things, so we don’t need to much CPU power there.

Let’s talk about the portable recording studio gear. To keep it simple and clean, you need a good audio interface (with Windows 7 driver support), a decent mic, a pop filter, headphone and some cables. There are plenty of options here, but I’m just going to recommend something under $250.

This package is called the Presonus Portable Recording Studio Package and contains:

• AudioBoxTM USB Interface with Cable
• Studio OneTM Artist Recording and Production Software
• HD7 Studio Monitoring Headphones
• M7 Studio Condenser Microphone with Cable
• “Computer Recording Made Easy” Quick Start Guide

Off course, you can buy other audio interface or alternative condenser mic for your portable recording studio, but this one has a decent price. It’s all about your budget. In addition to this, watch on youtube how to create an acoustic recording space for your home studio:

 

 

later edit: If you think this package is to expensive, you should check Behringer USB Recording Package (under $200).

The portable recording studio package includes:

• Behringer Xenyx mixer – Features 4 preamps, 4 studio grade compressors and a built-in stereo USB/audio interface to connect to a PC or Mac.
• 1 pair of monitors
• Studio condenser microphone – For portable studio recordings
• Energy XT2.5 Music Production Suite software

How To Master a Song or Album

 

Most of the audio effects plugins used in this video come from the Waves SSL 4000 plugin. You should the package is not cheap, but it’s used by audio engineers all over the world. There are many free or cheaper alternatives, but Waves plugins are the best.

How to mix your vocals

After you’ve recorder all the vocals you need for your song, it’s time for the mix. Mute the instrumental and leave the vocals by itself. Before applying any effect to the vocals, clean them a little. Remove anything before the actual vocals, remove the parts where you messed up. If you’ve recorded multiple vocals, synchronize that.

 

There is a chain of effects that are usually applied to the vocals: Compression + De-Esser + Eq + Reverb

Compression

Compression is an effect that allows the vocal to stand better in the mix. It will make the soft part of your vocals to stand up, and will tone down the loud parts. Be aware, it’s an effect pretty hard to master, and sometimes can damage the quality of the voice. Don’t put too much compression to the voice. A 4:1 ratio is pretty fair. Lower the threshold, and add some gain to your desired level.   Almost every VST compressor out there has vocal presets. You can use those to get some ideas.

 

De-Esser

This plugin will remove the excess sibilant sounds in your recordings. This plugin can be used before or after the EQ. Your choice. It can be found in the Waves Bundle Pack, and has some presets for male/female voice.

Equalizer

By applying equalization to your vocal you’ll be adding sound color to it. It’s also used to get rid of unwanted frequencies as possible. With voice, it’s really important to take out the sub bass frequencies because the human voice does not project that. So, with vocals just cut down everything under 150 hz. The picture above has a vocal Eq example.

Reverb

Any Reverb plugin has many features, and it’s really hard to understand them all. You must experiment with it to make it sound the way you want. Vocal reverb is applied different from genre to genre. If you’re making a rock song, you need a little more reverb. If you’re recording a rap song, you need just a touch of it. Experiment is the word when it comes to reverb.

You can also add chorus or stereo delay effects to your vocals, but that depends on your taste.

Waves provides the best VST plugins on the market, used by audio engineers in large recording studios. They are around $200, a small price to pay for such high standards.

Condenser Microphones: USB vs non-USB

Everybody is asking the same question when it comes to home recording: USB vs nonUSB mics. If you are on a tight budget just buy a good USB mic under $100 and record your vocals in no time, quick and simple. An USB mics has all the cables you need in the box, so there’s no need to buy them.

I’ve been researching these USB condenser mics for some time, and I’ve came to a sure winner:

AT2020 USB Condenser Mic

This USB condenser microphone is under $100, it has the same features as the non-USB version and it works with Windows 7 64. It’s very simple to use and has a low background noise. That’s something you would expect from Audio Technica.  It’s great for vocals, but works amazing on guitars as well.

features (via Amazon)

• Side-address studio condenser with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible)
• Crystal-clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use
• Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
• Low self-noise – perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment

If you want a better quality, you need something more. A stand alone condenser mic requires a preamp or an audio interface and some cables.

Remember to buy a mic stand, a pop filter, and some sort of acoustic foam.

Top 5 Free Home Studio Recording Software

You have bought all the audio equipment and your Home Recording Studio is ready. All you need is a recording/mixing/producing software. There are many choices, some free, some paid. When it comes to quality, the commercial software is the king, no doubt about that. I can only enumerate Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar. But all these are so expensive, I think a beginner would prefer a cheaper/free solution.

The Top 5 Home Studio Recording Software presented in this video are the best open source recording/mixing programs available for beginners. Just get used to this ones, and when you have enough money you can go to the commercial ones.

1. Audacity – This is the best free audio editor/mixing program.
2. KRISTAL-Audio-Engine – Great for mixing your songs
3. Onyx Arranger – More a producing software
4. Traverso – Amazing free audio editor
5. Wave Editor – Simple, easy to use

If you still want to go for a commercial software, you can buy older and cheaper versions. Also, many audio interfaces comes with free light versions of commercial software (eg Audio Kontrol 1 Audio Interface features free Cubase le).

Home Studio Acoustic Foam

The main difference between large recording studios around the world is not the basic equipment, because most studios use standard equipment. The difference stands in the acoustic treatment of home studio. That’s why this one is pretty important. A great space allows you to record and mix your song the way it should be done, without external interference and audio reflections.

The first step is to choose the right space for your home studio. Try to choose a room that’s as neutral as it can be. You want to record the best representation of what’s being played/singed. It’s really important to to minimize reflections of the soundwaves when you record, so try to apply some carpets to the room.

The walls or the recording area around the microphone must be treated with acoustic foam. You have two alternatives. The cheap one is to use normal egg crates. This will work, but remember, it’s only a cheap alternative. The best way to treat your walls is to apply professional acoustic foam. You will find all the types and prices here. Read the reviews, see what fits your budget, and order some according to your space.
Read More:

Which Audio Interface is Suited for You

Perfect Setup for Audio Recording

The Best Home Studio Mics around $100

It’s really hard to choose the best home studio mic if you are on a tight budget. I agree with the video above, those are pretty good mics for your home studio setup. Remember, it’s not about the looks, its about the quality of the mic.

Witch of the following is the best?
MXL 990, Behringer C1, M-Audio Nova, AT2020, Shure KSM27

I really like AT2020 and M-Audio Nova. Both are under $100, and with a proper audio interface and an advanced mixing, you’ll be able to record vocals comparable with mics that costs around $1000. Remember, a condenser mic requires a preamp with phantom power.

You can find all these mics on Amazon

You can also read this article on The Best Home Studio Mic under $100