DIY Recording Studio Essentials

To the inexperienced, the world of recorded music can seem daunting. Despite having played both piano and guitar for years now, I felt the floor get pulled out from beneath me when I first contemplated laying down some tracks using digital tools. Initially, I’d always assumed that, with the right production, a lump of coal was just a diamond in the rough. I thought, “I’m sure I can use my phone to capture audio that’ll do the job, and then spruce it up in post!” I went so far as to wrap up an EP just before COVID really hit, and nearly finished before getting sidelined. But looking at the final product vs. how The Divine Right turned out, the difference is clear as day. If you want your project to yield the best results, then there are a few pieces of tech that you’ll need in your arsenal.

While numerous publications have put out any variation of the “recording for novices” article, especially during quarantine, I was still thrown by the price and complexity of lots of the suggested gear. In my search, I wondered what could I, as a total newbie, use that would be accommodating, intuitive, and cost effective? So, I decided to do my own investigating as I began building my little home studio, and made purchases that best suited my needs. I’m no expert, but I feel like I’ve figured out how to work with a well-oiled machine, so I’m hoping this quick guide might help you get things started.

Digital Audio Workstation (Software): This was the easiest decision to make, in that it was largely made for me. As a Mac user, having immediate, and free, access to GarageBand was pretty enticing. I don’t have any personal experience that lets me vouch for other popular DAWs, like Pro Tools, Ableton, etc., but I can speak to Apple’s user-friendly interface, and clean layout. It was important that I find something that integrated with my microphone, keyboard, etc., no problem, and allowed me to navigate pretty easily. I appreciated their huge library for sound effects that ranged from cheers and thunder, to rounds of applause and passing planes. There was a wide selection of vocal presets, instruments, and even virtual drummers that literally helped set the tempo, if that’s your thing. After my research into other options, I definitely think this is one of the more straightforward DAWs out there too, so if you’re looking to get your feet wet, GarageBand might be calling your name. (For my non-Mac folks, I haven’t given these a go myself, but I have heard good things about Audacity and Cakewalk. Definitely feel free to check them out!)

MIDI Keyboard: If we’re talking instrument basics, then a MIDI controller is essential. As a pianist, I’d love to go all out with a full-sized keyboard at some point, but if you’re just starting out, or only need something to hold you over for a while, then the midiplus AKM320 is a great choice. With 32 keys, octave, transposition, pitch, and modulation options, this thing packs a punch. (It’s also super lightweight, so travel is a breeze.) The small keys took a bit of getting used to, so for those of you who’re used to playing a proper piano, then there’s a slight learning curve, but it’s nothing too troublesome. I do wish the notes started on C, rather than an F, although it’s nothing I haven’t worked around. Don’t let the small size fool you, it’s a ton of fun to play around with, and you definitely get plenty of bang for your buck.

Microphone + Phantom Power: If you plan on using vocals, real instruments with no digital interfaces, or producing other live sounds, then you’ll need a microphone. I kept it simple and went with the Neewer NW-700. It blended seamlessly with GarageBand, picking up on everything from the loudest belts, to the quietest whispers. Still, even the world’s best mic is useless if there’s no way for sound to transmit. The Neewer 1-Channel Phantom Power Supply connects to both your DAW and microphone in order to let you hear while recording. Super reasonably priced and effective, you can’t go wrong with having this as a vital part of your setup.

Headphones: I started using Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones once I got serious about producing, and never really looked back. (Full disclosure, I stumbled into these thanks to Apple’s “new Mac, free headphones” promotion.) I highly recommend having several different pairs on rotation, just to help provide a well-rounded listening experience. I’ve also relied on a few different Bluetooth purchases, the default Apple wired model, and a few that cost no more than $10. Knowing how music sounds in different environments, on different devices, etc., helps paint a fuller picture of how music will translate, and that’s why playing around with different ways to listen is a necessity. If you can mix high vs. low sound quality, that’s all the better.

Odds + Ends: Assuming your computer might be anything like mine (meaning, the number of ports is beyond insufficient), then you’ll probably benefit from an adapter or two. I’ve really gotten a lot of mileage out of my Falwedi Dongle that accommodates multiple USB plug-ins (MIDI), an HDMI plug (great if you have a second monitor), and a USB-C gadget. You’ll also need something to reroute the sound from the phantom power supply so you can use your mic and headphones to actually work in tandem. The External Stereo Sound Adapter from Sabrent is rad if you also have a USB-C port on your laptop, and this duo is perfect for anyone who’s still a little green in music, so bits and pieces like this are well worth the investment.

There you have it! I used to struggle trying to get my shop up and running, as I stumbled over what plugged into where, which device needed to be on for what to work, and so forth. But, over time, it’s become a reflex. Eventually I’d like to look into studio monitors, bass traps, acoustic panels, a reflection filter, and so forth, to help expand my little one-man band, but until then, I’ll continue tapping into the Spartan resources at my disposal, and turn straw into gold in the process.

By Saint Orpheus

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