I want to build a recording studio but i don’t know where to start. I want to record mainly rapping/singing, so what material will i need and how do i set it up. i also make beats so how do i connect it all.
Right now all i have is a computer so when i do start setting up i will have the right things
i really don’t believe in expensive setups….since I’m making lots of money with simple studio setup with quality production….its not about what u have in your setup, its in what production output u make. People judge your output production, they hear it, they don’t see your crappy setup. Although having quality hardware and software will make your work much more easier….u can just start off with basic setup and work your way up to the top.
My recommendations: (Basic hardware)
-Good quality Mic with pop-filter and a stand (condenser mic)
-Audio Interface (m-audio or digidesign brands)
-Studio Monitor (read more about it)
-Midi Keyboard (any keyboard with midi connection will do)
-Headphones (doesn’t leak out sounds….dj headphones are good)
For your DAW software…go for Pro-Tools if you get my recommended brand of audio interface i mentioned above. If not, Cubase…or Adobe Audition is easier to use. Depends on how you make your beats, FL Studio or Reason are two great softwares to help you produce your beats.
Setup:
microphone to your audio interface – midi keyboard to your audio interface or straight to your computer if it has usb connection – audio interface to your computer through usb or firewire (depends on the interface). Install Audio interface’s driver, then just set your DAW software to use your audio interface instead of your default sound card, also set it to use your midi hardware. DONE That’s it.
Investments:
- Mixer, turntables, drum pads, guitar, etc….
- the rest is up to you.
gud luck
September 7th, 2010 at 12:03 am
the easiest way would be to buy a USB mic and download audacity and start recording. thats probably the most cost effective as well. if you have a mac, you should have garageband and that will eliminate the need for audacity.
i would recommend getting an audio interface. this would allow you to use an XLR mic rather than a USB mic. honestly, it probably doesn’t matter either way. i don’t trust USB mics, but i’ve also never really used them so i guess i’m just old school or whatever. as far as the interface is concerned you can find one that will have the software needed to record and mix as well as a bunch of other options like number and style of inputs.
if you are wanting to make beats having an interface will allow you to run turntables or beat machines straight to your computer. a lot of interfaces will also have some basic virtual instruments to start making beats within the program. if you want to use keyboards you may have to find an interface with a MIDI input. a simple two input interface is good for rapping. if you were recording a full band you would want more inputs obviously.
once you have an interface, you will need a mic. personally i like the Rode NT1a. it sells for about $240 so if you’re on a budget it may not be the best choice, but it sounds amazing, especially on hip-hop vocals. if you can’t afford it, i would suggest going to guitarcenter.com or sweetwater.com and looking up mics and reading the reviews. i never think its good to spend less than $100 on a mic. because it captures the sound, its the most important part of a studio. professional studios spend thousands upon thousands on mics, and it shows in the recordings. if you go out and buy a cheap mic, you will get cheap sounds. if memory serves me correctly, the mic they recorded 2pac’s All Eyez on Me was like $14,000 or something like that. a home studio doesn’t need anything like that, but the better quality you purchase, the better your overall recording will be.
once you have a mic, get a pop-filter. you can be ghetto with panty hose or spend around $10-20 but it is a MUST have for any vocals. from there you’re pretty much all set. you can always add to get more out of your recordings. you can purchase plug-ins to add to your mixes, add studio monitors to help you hear your sound better, you can add sound-proofing to clean up your recordings, and so on.
References :
September 7th, 2010 at 12:32 am
i really don’t believe in expensive setups….since I’m making lots of money with simple studio setup with quality production….its not about what u have in your setup, its in what production output u make. People judge your output production, they hear it, they don’t see your crappy setup. Although having quality hardware and software will make your work much more easier….u can just start off with basic setup and work your way up to the top.
My recommendations: (Basic hardware)
-Good quality Mic with pop-filter and a stand (condenser mic)
-Audio Interface (m-audio or digidesign brands)
-Studio Monitor (read more about it)
-Midi Keyboard (any keyboard with midi connection will do)
-Headphones (doesn’t leak out sounds….dj headphones are good)
For your DAW software…go for Pro-Tools if you get my recommended brand of audio interface i mentioned above. If not, Cubase…or Adobe Audition is easier to use. Depends on how you make your beats, FL Studio or Reason are two great softwares to help you produce your beats.
Setup:
microphone to your audio interface – midi keyboard to your audio interface or straight to your computer if it has usb connection – audio interface to your computer through usb or firewire (depends on the interface). Install Audio interface’s driver, then just set your DAW software to use your audio interface instead of your default sound card, also set it to use your midi hardware. DONE That’s it.
Investments:
- Mixer, turntables, drum pads, guitar, etc….
- the rest is up to you.
gud luck
References :
7 years experience….and still
http://www.nextag.com/recording-package/products-html