Hi friend and Welcome aboard!!
Today I’m going to give a rundown of some professional home recording studio equipment that you will need to start up your own home studio!!
Most of this is pretty basic stuff, and will get you going in the right direction. Also, these pieces are of great quality and affordable. So they are professional in my opinion. They may not be top of the line, but if you’ve read as many reviews as I have, you’ll come to find out that the higher end gear isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Often times the affordable piece is the better option.
Now without further ado, let’s get right into it…
1) Your DAW
DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, and is the backbone of your rig. It combines your CPU (mentioned above), your Audio Interface, and your sequencing software (Fruity Loops, Cubase, Reason, etc.) An in-depth analysis can be found here. Don’t let those noobs fool you into thinking your DAW is your software. It’s a combination of all 3 components that make up a DAW. What does an audio interface do?
A great recommendation for an Audio Interface would be the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
2) Studio Monitors
I wish I had picked up some of these way earlier in my musical career. What are studio monitors? They really help a lot when it comes to mixing down tracks and getting that honest sound. Check out my review of the JBL LSR 305’s here! Also for some more options, go here.
3) Headphones
A good set of cans is priceless when you’re really listening for intricacies in the sound. I recommend the Audio Technica ATHM50’s (or the 50x’s which just recently came out!). There isn’t really much difference between the two. Also, check out 3 great options here!
4) Microphone/Accessories
Can’t scream curse words into the mic without a microphone right?!
RIGHT.
So get a good one. Check out this page for the specifics. Right now I’m thinking about getting an MXL770. The Samson C01, which I reviewed here is a great starter option as well! It’s served me well over the years.
5) Midi Controller
It’s nice to be able to bang pads as hard as you can right? Relieves stress for sure! What is MIDI? I’ve had the Korg padKONTROL since 2007. It still works. It’s still amazing. I also have the MPD18, also really good. Check out my comparison review here.
6) Turntable
If you’re a sample-based producer like myself, you may want to invest in one of these bad boys. Never has sampling been such a breeze! In fact, I love vinyl so much that I go to the thrift store and buy 40 used at a time! (.25c apiece). Check out my review of the Audio Technica AT LP60. It’s a nice machine.
7) Cables and Wiring
No sound can be heard without wires right? Luckily for you, I’ve created an in-depth page about some of the different types you will encounter on your music studio building journey
Check it out here YO!
Well that’s about all she wrote ladies and gentlemen!! If you have any questions about the specifics of professional home recording studio equipment, or want to point out something I left out, please leave something down below or Contact me! I would love to hear from you in any capacity..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
4 comments
Hey Stu
Loved reading this post, since I love music! One of things I want to do eventually is have my own recording studio, so it’s good to have your website as a source and reference material for when I actually start the process. I like the idea of the Korg padKontrol for the Midi Controller.
Thanks for stopping by Vanessa!
Keep in touch!
-Stu
Hi Stu, so what is the minimum budget that you would need to set up a decent home studio? There seems to be a lot of parts and bits required to have a good functioning set up.
Lis.
hmm.. Sorry about that I should have put some general prices up there.. I’ll have to edit it.. so you have: Headphones (150) + Interface (150) + monitors (300) + midi pad or midi keyboard (80) + Microphone (80) + Misc. Cables and Wires (20-40) + sequencing software (+/- 200).. So about a thousand.. I left the turntable as optional. but right around $1000 is a good benchmark for a starter set up, which is what I have..(and really all i need right now) Of course the CPU comes into play.. but most people nowadays have a decent to good quality laptop or computer..
You should also note that you won’t be buying this stuff all at once.. nor will you need to.. I’ve been building mine steadily over the years.. and of course there was some trial and error a long the way..
Any other questions just ask! Thanks for stopping by Lis!
-Stu