I am going to make a home recording studio for my singing but i need more info i would need like mixers and microphones and all that stuff so if you know what i would need can you please help i am trying to make it like a real recording studio with pro equipment so please any info will be appreciated.

Hi Timar -

This is a great time to start this hobby because today’s computers can really crank. Assuming you already have a decent computer (~3 yrs old or so) you should be good to go.

So let’s talk about the basic equipment you’ll need.

1. Microphone – this seems obvious but there are 2 main styles of studio mic to choose from, Dynamic and Condenser. They are fundamentally different in the way they pick up sounds. Dynamics are good for sounds with high sound pressure levels (like a guitar amp cranked to 11) while condensers are great for detecting more subtle levels (like non-screaming vocals). Just remember that condenser mics will require Phantom Power… more on this in a sec.

2. Mic Preamps – these take the weak mic level signal and boost it to a usable level. It can be found as a stand alone unit (Booooo) or as part of a Mixer or Audio Interface (Yeeehaw).

3. A/D Converter – Which stands for analog to digital converter. This converts the electrical signal of your mic to a digital one that your computer can understand. This can happen in either a PCI sound card or more commonly now in a USB 2.0 or FireWire Audio Interface (same as mentioned in #2 above.)

4. Phantom Power – Only needed if you choose a condenser style mic. This is included along with preamps on any mixer or audio interface.

5. Recording Software – Used to manage the various audio data you will be creating. Most Audio Interfaces come bundled with some pretty slick software that’s great for starting out. You can usually upgrade to a full version — buy the included version is plenty to get your started.

So basically what I’m trying to say is that I recommend an Audio Interface because it’s a very clean all-in-one solution, and you can pick one up new for as little as ~$150 or so. Of course like anything the sky is the limit on the high end, but you can get started for a min investment.

Then you just need to throw some cables in and you’re ready to rock out. For a step-by-step guide describing the above in more detail check out…
http://www.basic-home-recording-studio.com/basic-studio-builder.html

for all your basic home recording needs.

have fun and goodluck!

where is the best place to get recording studio equipment? i don’t want anything fancy, just the basic stuff that every artist uses. i don’t have anything right now, so i could use some suggestions on the basic stuff that artists use, where to get it, and what it does. if it helps, i have a guitar and ukulele. both are acoustic electric.
oh & this stuff is for a home studio. it’d probably be set up in my room.

Hello friend! First thing is first… before knowing where to buy it (That’s the easy part) you need to know WHAT to buy So here is a great little article on setting up a home studio:

http://www.audioneeds.com/forums/content.php?3-The-Startup-Studio

Also, you should seriously consider joining a community like http://www.audioneeds.com – it’s a great forum filled with sound engineers that are always asking and answering questions and discussing techniques in mixing and recording. I think it’ll help you a lot since you are interested in recording so much.

Good luck my friend!

So I’m trying to put together all the gear I need to record at home, at a semi-pro level. I have a good ear and can hear the difference between crap and quality, so I’m hoping to go a little higher than entry level.

I’ll most likely be using some form of logic btw.

Interface/preamp: M-Audio MobilePre usb interface
Microphone: Not positive, but for the price I’m liking the CAD GXL2200S (package with GXL1200)

I just got myself a nice taylor guitar and I will be getting a macbook pro

I’m up for suggestions, but with the stuff above, I’ve managed to find the interface and mic set for less than 200, no joke. Thanks!

here is a great article on setting up a home studio – http://www.audioneeds.com/forums/content.php?3-The-Startup-Studio

take a gander at that, i think it’ll help you to set up your studio

I am looking to start at the very bottom of my recording ambition. Right now I have a Tascam dp-008 portastudio and I am looking to just start with a vocal editing software. I have been looking around and I found that Pro-Tools has a "Vocal Studio" version of their product and I know that Antares-Autotune requires Pro-tools to run. If I purchase just the vocal studio will I be able to run Antares? If anyone knows any information I would love to have your email so I can ask many more questions that I have. Thanks.

simply put……..yes.

feel free to email me but yes the vocal studio will run antares plug ins.

For rock and metal music mostly. I can get by without recording live drums. What is the best equipment to have for programming drums and tracking guitar and vocals? I already own Pro Tools M-Powered and a condenser mic with a one track interface. What else do I need for a good solid sound? Help me out! Thanks!

you should be set to go if you have a mic an interface and protools. it would all have to be basic recording, you wouldn’t be able to try different mic techniques in order to get a different sound. i think you would be better of with another input and mic so you can use to mics on a guitar amp, but you don’t have to.

the best equipment would mean top of the line everything from guitars, to plug-ins. experimentation is really the best thing you can try.

if i was engineering your session i would probably first set up a basic drum outline. i’ve heard about a program i believe is called "drumagog" or something is good from programming drum tracks. there are a lot of them out there. remember that the higher the price, the better the samples will tend to be. the main point at first would be the timing. however if you are a guitarist and good with time you may be fine just using the click-track. i would then record the guitar then the bass. depending on the sound you want you could either plug into the itnerface via a pedal or something, or mic the amp. personally i like 1 mic on the amp, and one directly into the board and then mixing those two together. you don’t need to do it that way if you can’t, it just might take a little longer to find out what sounds the best to you. repeat that for the bass. then on top of it lay the vocals. for vocals i like recording in a walk-in closet with cloethes on each side and the door shut. i’m not familiar with recording metal vocals so this might not be the best case for you, but its a start at least. and as far as the closet goes, if you want to record the amp, i would do it in a closed off closet as well to get rid or excess noise. playing outside of the closet will be easier on your ears, but thats up to you. after you have that done then i would worry about the drums.

as far as the best program for tracking i would say protools simply because its a staple in most studios. and if you already have it, i would spend money on plug-ins rather than another program to record.

with any studio, if you want better sound go spend money. the mic captures the sound, so if you want a better recording, start with the mic. i’ve heard the Rode NT1a on metal vocals and it was awesome, i highly recommend it. it retails for $240 or soemthing, but i would lump into mics priced 5x that for the sound it produces. also, an extra sm57 or two is always a good idea. the problem with adding mics is that you don’t have the inputs for it. i would recommend looking into a bigger interface (make sure its compatible with protools if you want to continue using it). you can get a bigger interface, and use the software it comes with, and then import the audio files into protools for mixing if you want to do that. a good pair of studio monitors is also a good investment. you can use headphones if you have to, but its easier to mix when you hear the sound breath. headphones close the sound off in my opinion.

i hope this leads you in the right direction. feel free to contact me if i can help any furthur

Firstly. I am hoping to buy a new macbook pro. Any feedback on these in terms of recording? Also, if i decided to go with a top of the range Dell laptop for example instead, what kinda of recording software would be up to the standards of garageband? Any suggestions for a beginners mic for recording? And what other equipment is essential?

Thanks!!

Regardless of the laptop you buy, i would go with a solid external soundcard that can record at 24-bit/192kHz….that assures maximum studio quality… any built-in sound card to any laptop or desktop motherboard is by definition inferior to any decent PCI/e or External Sound Card… A good example would be the E-MU 0202 USB: http://www.frys.com/product/5097105?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

A mixer might be of use, although you could just do it on the computer to save some money, but a mixer is nice for live tweaks.

As for the mic, the NADY RSM-5
Studio Ribbon Microphone, http://www.frys.com/product/5457839?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG should last you all the way through advanced recording… its a great mic and its only $80

As for software, I havent done much recording lately but back in the day my favorites were Fruity Loops and Sonic Foundry Acid… the current version of these programs (now called FL Studio and Sony ACID) can be found at http://www.flstudio.com and http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/acidfamily.asp respectively … Fruity Loops is great for creating loops and beats, although ive created entire songs on it, ACID is absolutely awesome for recording and has a very slick multichannel timeline interface with great editing/looping features.

recently I’ve wanted to get into making beats but i have no idea what types of equipment are used, ive heard of the mpc 3000 and i know pianos are used, and in particular i want to make R&B beats i use FL studio but i cant find the sounds or the quality im looking for obviously i don’t have a professional studio but if anyone has any information on the kinds of equipment that are used it would be REALLY helpful and a full description of how to use them.

i got you

Keyboard – if you have a huge pocket book and dont mind putting out $2000 + for a keyboard then take a look at the roland fantom, korg m3, yamaha motif and other things. if youre a little short on change then try a midi keyboard like the m-audio axiom 49 ($250) or even lower m-audio keyrig49 – (
$100)

Audio Interface – this is what you connect things like microphones, guitars, and monitors to. take a look at the tascam us122 ($129) or check out some m-audio ones. the more expensive ones give you more spots to plug in mics and other stuff.

Monitors – (speakers) – do some research and figure out which one will give you the best mix. a lot of beginners use the KRK rokit 5s ($150 per speaker), but the more professional artists use a bunch like Yamahas or Mackies with a subwoofer.

DAW – (Digital Audio Workstation, the software) – you want to find a DAW that will do everything you want it to do. Protools is the industry standard, but there is a LOT to learn in it and people even take classes. Take a look at Sonar, Cubase, Reason, Logic (if you have a mac). I use FL Studio too and if you want to keep using that start looking into VST instruments to get better quality sounds.

Mixer – Optional

Mic – not really my area, but go to your local Guitar Center and ask them questions. they’re usually pretty good about helping you out, or you can go to sites like www.zzounds.com or guitarcenter.com and read what other people say about them.

hope this helped

check out my remix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEwTqzvqGyU

I’ve been trying to compare Reason 4 mastering results to those of a mastering studio. If you know of any comparison tests taken, or have experience dealing with both let me know. Thanks.

Greetings,

I have experience with both scenarios – I own a recording studio and I’ve been to a mastering house. Plus, we’ve used Reason for years as part of our production.

For starters, the audio engine in Reason just isn’t very good. I get much better results rewiring into my HD system. My partner has posted side by side comparisons on the DOA forum (dogs on acid, look up Fullclipaudio) and the differences were quite pronounced. Stuff bounced out in Reason sounds much worse than the same stuff bounced out rewired into a different audio engine. That alone really ends the discussion. If the audio engine is weak then the mastering suite, toys really, can’t come close to what you would find in a studio or mastering house.

Next, digital equipment has limitations that you will not find in analog gear. A 5 Series SSL EQ is damn near impossible to overload and just wont comb filter – ever. Wanna see just how bad the EQ’s are in Reason?

1. Generate some Pink Noise or go download a high quality .wav sample of Pink Noise.

2. Put it in a sampler and put an EQ in the chain.

3. High Pass at, say, 100hz (in other words, only allow frequencies above 100hz to be played).

4. Look at the before and after results on a spectrum analyzer. Soundforge has some pretty good ones. Download a demo SF if necessary.

You’ll see that by removing low freq’s using a digital plugin that you’ve added as much as 6db in the 1k, 3k and 6k range. A simple high pass digital eq will totally trash your track. Imagine what happens when you try to do a more difficult EQ curve. BTW, this isn’t just with reason but I’ve replicated this with Waves, SF, Digidesign, and Sonar EQ’s.

The MCDSP stuff isn’t quite as bad but you’ll pay a bundle for their EQ and Compressor plugin paks. I’ve put some of their EQ’s head to head with the real EQ’s that they are designed to emulate and they come pretty close but the digital eq’s just can’t handle the levels that the outboard gear can.

Where I might pay $1500 for a good EQ, the mastering house might drop 10 – 15k for the EQ’s that they use. These things are generally passive, have relay circuits, and pass signal through banks of ceramic resistors as a way to cut signal. I’m not positive how the passive eq’s boost signal but if I had to guess then I would say that chosen freq’s are added to themselves. Doing all that without the help of transistors or IC chips makes for a beast of a machine that can take a ton of signal and will cost a fortune. Reason can’t even come close.

I love Reason. It is a great tool for writing music and I would be lost without it. It isn’t a Mastering Tool but they tried to make the program all inclusive. Finally, I’m a gear wh*re snob and what I find to be unacceptable could be 100% useful to someone else – keep that in mind while making up your own mind.

basically im going to make a home recording studio for rap and r&b mostly rap tho and was wondering all the equipment needed to produce music and record vocals you know . basically everything thats used in a recording studio

your going to need a good mic…
a program like pro tools or acid…
a studio or vocal booth [you can set one up in the corner of your room or a spacey closet]
sound proof in the studio… [look up sound proof if your unsure of what it is]
& a mbox or m-audio interface.
go to best buy they should help you out…
& last but not least; TALENT! lol
there you go!
best answer?
yes i think so!

Let’s say I have a condenser mic… What other equipment would I need to record decent tracks? Also if you could explain how everything works that’d be great…

I’m assuming that you just want to record vocals at this stage, because you mentioned the condenser mic. Creating tunes is an entirely different process.

First off, you need a decent sound card. This will look like a box that you attach to the slots inside your computer (you might be able to USB it nowadays). You’ll be able to plug your mic into that and it will give you much better sound quality.

Secondly, you’ll need a PC or Mac programme to capture your vocals, so to speak. A recording programme. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices. To start off with, Cool Edit is a good one. It’s dirt cheap, yet very effective. With a sound card sorted out properly, you’ll be able to press the record button and get everything you need, just right. There’s tons of effects you can mess around with too.

Thirdly, before you record anything, get yourself into a space where there is no (or very little) external noise. Sounds easy, but it isn’t. Listen to all the natural sounds that you can hear around you – a condenser mic will pick that up.

If you want basic programmes for creating music, Fruity Loops is a good one to start with, but you’ll have to work that out for yourself. It has so much functionality, you’ll just have to try all of its features out.