4 Things You Need to Setup Your Own Home Music Studio – Make Great Songs from Home

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home music studio

How to get set up with home recording...

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So you want to make your own home recording studio?

Whether you're a complete beginner, a talented vocalist, or an emerging band, there will be a time when you want to record a song.

While you can choose to hire a studio, with just a few pieces of kit anyone can turn an unused space into a decent in-home music studio.

There’s plenty you can achieve, whatever your budget. Here’s where to start:

The equipment you need to build your home recording music studio

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While you won’t have all the equipment and space of a professional studio or experienced mixing team. There are some bits of kit that you need to start your home music studio.
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1. A Good Computer

Whether it’s a desktop or laptop, you are going to require some recording and editing software on a computer. Without this, you do not have a foundation for your home music studio. You don't have to run out and get the latest, all singing and dancing hi-tech desktop. Your existing pc should work just fine as long as it’s fairly current and has enough ram to cope with the installed software.
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2. Audio Interface

You’re going to need something that connects your computer up with your instruments and microphones. This is basically a small box with a couple of input sockets, mic preamps and volume controls. These are relatively cheap bits of kit and widely available online. The cost will be between £30 for a cheap interface up to about £100 for a mid-range one.
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3. Microphone and Headphones

It’s worth paying for quality products because a bad mic or bad headphones can spoil everything.

Ideally, you should go for a large diaphragm condenser microphone but, if this is your first time, simply go for the best that you can find. There are plenty of models available online. A high-quality LDCM can cost up to and above £2,000 but you can get decent dynamic mics for under £100. Search the second-hand markets and you can find a bargain or two out there as well.

In addition, you do need some good headphones or studio monitors so that you can listen back to what you are recording.
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4. Recording Software

The next thing you have to find is some recording software. If you’re just starting out in the world of recording, it’s a good idea not to spend loads on expensive packages. There are free, open source programmes such as Audacity which, while basic, can get you started without any additional cost.

For those who are less tech-minded, whatever the software, there’s going to be a fairly steep learning curve. Fortunately, there are plenty of tutorials online and it’s worth getting the software basics nailed down before you start recording in earnest.

There are other plenty of other pieces of equipment that you can buy and which will improve the quality of your recording but, if you’re on a fairly strict budget, it’s best to avoid these, at least until you are up and running.
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Our Top Tips for Recording Your First Session in your home music studio are:

  1. Our first big tip for your first session in your home music studio is not to overdo the volume. Keep your eye on the meter levels and keep the sound in the mid-range to avoid spoiling your recording.
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  2. Have a plan for your home music studio recording sessions. This is one thing that amateurs tend to get wrong. If you are, for example, adding tracks to your recording do it systematically. Always give yourself enough time to complete what you are doing and don’t be in too much of a rush to have your track finished.
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  3. Pick your best tracks. The wonder of the tech revolution means anyone can create their own album from a home music studio. Don’t throw in all your songs into the mix. Be critical (ask friends if need be) and go for your best efforts first.
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  4. If you’ve become reasonably expert in your editing, always mix in mono first and then switch to stereo at the end. Why? It will help you spot where one sound covers up another.
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  5. At least in the initial stages of your recording career, try to avoid plug-ins. These are software options that can be added to your original package to improve it. Learn to use your basic system first or you could end up confusing yourself.

Finally, you may want to invest in some soundproof or blackout (dampening) curtains. A lot will depend on where you are setting up your recording studio and how much noise you are likely to make. Trying to include soundproofing can also prevent sounds from outside disturbing your recording.
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Once you’ve recorded your album, it’s not over. You need to get an album cover and decide how you’re going to market yourself. If you are looking for a range of different services that are designed to help develop your music career, including hiring mixing engineers or booking sound booths, check out Indiy.com today.


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