we are thinking about building one in our basement.

tascam dp01fx-digtal 8 track with a 40 gig hard drive, guitar effects(and it burns CDs), and phantom power. I’ve been using it for over a year and haven’t had any problems. Sounds just like a professional recording. I paid $799 when it first came out last year but I think they’re down to about $500 now. The only bad problem that it has is that it doesn’t have pitch control. Other than this you’d need an amp and monitor.

Im trying to record my demo cd out of my home and need to know from a to z, everything i will need in order to get me going. tHnx PPL =]

Well, You need:
1- A computer
2- A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
3- An Interface (I/0 input/ output)
4- A Microphone
5- Cables
This is your minimum to make your Demo.

A DAW is the program you use to record and mix your songs. A few examples are, Sonar, Cubase, Logic…There’s a free one called Audacity, although it’s not a true DAW, and isn’t gonna give you as good results.

The interface is a box that allows you to connect your Mic’s and instruments so that you can route that audio to your computer.

For Recording use a Studio Condensor Mic, Maybe as inexpensive as $50.

If you want to make your own Demo’s then you’re gonna need to invest at least some $.

Assuming you already have a computer, then If you look for things used, or online, you can probably get all you need for $250 or so, or maybe less.

for music producing!!!!! please help just a list of what i need and where i could get it!!!

The required equipment for your recording studio will vary depending on the type of recording as well as the style of music you will be recording …and your budget of course. Audio technology along with audio production software is constantly changing, which compounds the difficulty in recommending specific software and equipment for your particular application. I’ll try my best to give you a fairly general set of guidelines that should help you get started. For more detailed information please take advantage of the resources below.

First things first you will need a multitrack recording device. Popular multitrack recording equipment uses either a specialized tape format (such as Alesis’ ADAT) or is hard-disk based. At the high-end there are turnkey platforms from companies such as Digidesign, which are extremely popular with professional producers, composers, and musicians. There is a large selection of significantly lower-cost equipment from which to choose as well.

Most musicians, composers, and producers are using a piece of equipment commonly known as a (computer-based) digital audio workstation or DAW, as their primary piece of equipment to create, edit and record music. You basically have two choices when it comes to DAWs: purchase a turnkey system or platform (such as Digidesign Pro Tools®, etc.,) or assemble and/or configure your own DAW. If you choose the latter, which is very often the less costly approach, you will need a fairly powerful personal computer outfitted with one or more high-performance, professional grade (multi-channel) audio cards along with one or more outboard digital interfaces, and most importantly the required audio and music production software. Make sure that you take the time to find the best software that will do what you need without exceeding your budget. (Note: I highly recommend using one or more high-resolution, flat-panel monitors that are at least 24- to 27-inches in size for use with your digital audio workstation/virtual studio.)

After you’ve selected the platform or software for your DAW you will need to select a compatible control surface, which in large part will be influenced by the specific software and/or platform you will be using, and/or a mixing console.

If you will be recording any type of vocals you will need the appropriate microphones – often several to do the job properly. Depending on whether you will be recording musical performers or creating digital, electronic music—with or without the need of a recording space, respectively—you may also need direct boxes, microphone preamplifiers and/or splitters where applicable. If you’re purchasing one or more microphones you will need good quality, heavy-duty shielded mic cables along with adjustable microphone stands (often fitted with shock-mounts and, in some cases, windscreens.)

Another very important item is monitoring equipment. You will need either near-field or mid-field studio monitors—powered or passive (the latter requires an outboard power amplifier)—or a set of high quality headphones/earphones. I highly recommend that you not skimp when it comes to budgeting for your monitoring equipment.

These are the items you will need to form a basic home recording studio. Beyond these basic items you may (eventually) want to add a few outboard audio and effects processing units, including equalizers, compressors, limiters, noise gates, delays, etc., to supplement the standard assortment of audio plug-ins commonly used with audio production software.

In addition, I highly recommend that you use high quality AC power conditioners for all of your audio equipment in addition to basic TVSS protection for your entire recording studio. You should also closely examine the electrical system, especially the grounding, in the building where you will be installing your studio. You should also make certain that the building’s electrical system is up to the latest electrical codes. Better yet you may want to consult an electrician experienced in sensitive power applications, such recording studios, in order to make sure that your electrical system is optimal for critical audio applications. It is always best to be proactive when it comes to mitigating hum and noise in your audio environment.

There are a few final items from which you’ll likely benefit: professional equipment racks for any rack-mounted audio equipment, patchbay(s) and/or signal routing units, discs of high-quality, digitally sampled sounds and music, and test and optimization CDs and DVDs (along with a player to play the discs) to help configure and periodically optimize your audio equipment.

As I mentioned above, for more detailed information please have a look at the resources I’ve provided. I highly recommend that you print-out the list of books I’ve provided below and visit your local library and/or bookstore to acquire one or more of the books on the list. This will provide much greater detailed information on the subject, which will be very beneficial when it comes time to deal with retailers.

One final note, you should check with your local trade school(s) or community college(s) to see if they offer courses in audio or music production or technology; if so visit the facilities. This should help you to quickly gather the necessary information—from both the students and the instructor—that will assist you in creating your own home recording studio. (You may also want to consider enrolling in an audio and music production program. For many people the learning curve can be fairly steep and taking one or more classes will expedite the learning process.)

To find online retailers I recommend that you start by checking each manufacturer’s list of authorized dealers. The resources I’ve listed below, such as Ken’s Links from ProSoundWeb as well as the various (online) magazines, should be helpful. Three of the largest, most popular online retailers are Sweetwater, Sam Ash and zZsounds. For local retailers check your local telephone directory for musical instrument dealers. If there are any local musical instrument dealers in your area they will likely stock a variety of equipment needed to get started; and in some cases you may get lucky and find a competent and helpful salesperson that will take the time to help you get started.

######## MEDIA AND PRESS ########

Computer Music
http://www.computermusic.co.uk

Digital Producer
http://digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com

Electronic Musician
http://www.emusician.com

EQ Magazine
http://www.eqmag.com

Future Music
http://www.futuremusic.co.uk

Mix Magazine Online
http://www.mixonline.com

Pro Audio Review
http://www.proaudioreview.com

Pro AV Magazine
http://www.proavmagazine.com

Pro Studio & Live Audio
http://www.prostudio.com

ProRec
http://www.prorec.com

Recording Magazine
http://www.recordingmag.com

Resolution
http://www.resolutionmag.com

Sound On Sound
http://www.soundonsound.com

######## RESOURCES AND LINKS ########

YouTube – How to build your own recording studio at home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQKp6PVjSbk

Audio Recording and Production Facilities Information
Music Engineering – University of Miami
http://mue.music.miami.edu/facilities.php

Choosing an Audio Platform
http://www.prorec.com/Articles/tabid/109/EntryID/260/Default.aspx
Choosing a World Class Microphone
http://www.prorec.com/Articles/tabid/109/EntryID/96/Default.aspx

5 Steps To Building Your DAW
http://www.sweetwater.com/feature/daw/

How to Set Up a Home Recording Studio
Expert Village Videos
http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/recording-studio.htm

Computer Music – Tutorials (PDF)
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/computermusic?entry=cm_tutorial_pdfs
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/computermusic?entry=free_beginner_pdfs

Digital Audio Workstation – Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation

WikiRecording’s Guide to Digital Audio Workstations
http://www.wikirecording.org/Digital_Recording

List of MIDI Editors and Sequencers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MIDI_editors_and_sequencers

Belden Cable Basics
http://www.belden.com/03Products/03_CableBasics.cfm
Belden Technical Reports
http://www.belden.com/03Products/03_TechReports.cfm
Belden Technical Information
http://www.belden.com/pdfs/TechInfo/techinfo.htm
Belden Technical Papers
“Wire, Cable, and Fiber Optics”
http://www.belden.com/pdfs/Techpprs/wcfsbetp.htm
“Digital Studio Cable Guide”
http://www.belden.com/pdfs/Techbull/TB65.pdf

StudioTech Entertainment Furniture
“Keeping Your System Cool”
http://www.studiotech.com/knowledge_base/how_to_articles/keeping_your_system_cool/heat_buildup_and_your_components.html

Digital Content Producer
“Hot Stuff: Thermal Management Inside Equipment Racks”
http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&urlID=18978186&url=http://digitalcontentproducer.com/mag/avinstall_hot_stuff/index.html

University of California, Santa Cruz, Electronic Music Studios
http://arts.ucsc.edu/ems/music/

An Introduction to Recording Studio Design
http://www.ahisee.com/content/rsdpart1.html

Paul White Workshops
http://www.amgard.net/PWWrkShops.htm

How to Build a Personal Recording Studio on Any Budget – Part I
http://emusician.com/tutorials/emusic_build_personal_studio/

The Project Studio Handbook
http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com

HomeReccers: The Art and Science of Home Recording
http://www.prorec.com/Articles/tabid/109/EntryID/90/Default.aspx

Acoustics Tutorials → Recording Studio Design
http://www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/acoustics_info/studio_design/

Acoustic Treatment and Design for Recording Studios and Listening Rooms
http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html

Orion Sound Studios – Studio Construction
http://www.orionsound.com/studio_construction.htm

Mix Magazine: Recording Facility Design Applications
http://mixonline.com/studios/design/
Mix Magazine: Studio Monitors – Basics
http://mixguides.com/studiomonitors/Basics/
Mix Magazine: Studio Design – Product Features
http://mixguides.com/studiodesign/product_features/
Mix Magazine: Studio Design – Basics
http://mixguides.com/studiodesign/
________________________

Digidesign® Pro Tools®
http://www.digidesign.com

Apple – Logic Studio
http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/

Sony Creative Software
Vegas, Sound Forge and ACID
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com

Cakewalk DAWs & Sequencers
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/DAWs.asp

Steinberg Media Technologies – Nuendo and Cubase
http://www.steinberg.net

Sound On Sound – Directory of Manufacturers
http://www.soundonsound.com/directory/1-manufacturers.htm

Audio Links from BackstageWorld.com
http://www.backstageworld.com/Audio_Links.html

Ken’s Links from ProSoundWeb
http://links.prosoundweb.com

Audio Engineering Society
http://www.aes.org/sustaining_members/
________________________

Digital Home Recording – Updated & Expanded, Second Edition
Jon Chappell
ISBN-10: 0879307323 / ISBN-13: 978-0879307325
Backbeat Books
http://www.backbeatbooks.com/feature/viewProduct.do?itemId=330984

Home Recording Studio Basics: What You Need to Know to Build a Home Studio
ISBN-10: 1575605635 / ISBN-13: 978-1575605630
Cherry Lane Music
http://www.cherrylane.com/clprint/book.cfm?getbook=70390

The Ultimate Personal Recording Studio
Gino Robair
ISBN-10: 1-59863-210-8 / ISBN-13: 978-1598632101
Cengage Learning / Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?&isbn=1-59863-210-8

Mastering Music at Home
Mitch Gallagher
ArtistPro Publishing / Course PTR
ISBN-10: 1-59863-392-9 / ISBN-13: 978-1598633924
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?&isbn=1-59863-392-9

Home Recording Studio – Build It Like The Pros
Rod Gervais
ISBN: 1598630342 / ISBN-13: 978-1598630343
ArtistPro Publishing / Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?&isbn=1-59863-034-2

Basic Home Studio Design (The Basic Series)
Paul White
ISBN-10: 1860742726 / ISBN-13: 978-1860742729
Sanctuary Publishing Ltd
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1860742726

Building a Recording Studio
Jeff Cooper
ISBN-10: 0916899004 / ISBN-13: 978-0916899004
EAN: 9780916899004
Jeff Cooper Architects / Synergy Group
http://www.jeffcooper.com/bookstore/bookstore.htm

Home Studio Clinic: A Musician’s Guide to Professional Recording
Emile Menasché
ISBN-10: 1423418077 / ISBN-13: 978-1423418078
Hal Leonard
http://www.halleonard.com/item_detail.jsp?itemid=331466

Modern Recording Techniques, Sixth Edition
David Miles Huber and Robert E. Runstein
ISBN-10: 0240804562 / ISBN-13: 978-0240806259
Focal Press
http://www.modrec.com
http://www.focalpress.com/Book.aspx?id=824

Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio
Daniel M. Thompson
ISBN-10: 0-634-00959-1 / ISBN-13: 978-0634009594
Berklee Press
http://www.berkleepress.com/catalog/product?product_id=3099564

Recording In The Digital World
Thomas Rudolph and Vincent Leonard
ISBN 0-634013246 / ISBN-13: 978-0634013249
Berklee Press
http://www.berkleepress.com/catalog/product?product_id=11392

Recording and Producing in the Home Studio: A Complete Guide
David Franz
ISBN-10: 0876390483 / ISBN-13: 978-0876390481
Berklee Press
http://www.berkleemusic.com/store/product?product_id=1632167
http://www.berkleepress.com/catalog/product?product_id=1632167

Digital Audio Workstation
Colby Leider
ISBN-10: 0071422862 / ISBN-13: 978-0071422864
McGraw-Hill Professional
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071422862

Recording Studio Design
Philip Newell
ISBN-10: 0-240-51917-5 / ISBN-13: 978-0-240-51917-3
Focal Press
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/677724/description
http://books.elsevier.com/us//fpaudio/us/subindex.asp?maintarget=&isbn=9780240519173
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0240519175

The S.M.A.R.T. Guide to Mixing and Mastering Audio Recordings
Bill Gibson
ISBN: 1-59200-698-1 / ISBN-13: 978-1592006984
Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?&isbn=1-59200-698-1

Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science, Second Edition
Bob Katz
ISBN-10: 0-240-80837-1 / ISBN-13: 978-0-240-80837-6
Focal Press
http://www.focalpress.com/Book.aspx?id=1094
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/712920/description

Pro Tools Bible: The Complete Digital Music Production Reference
David Leathers
ISBN-10: 0071412344 / ISBN-13: 978-0071412346
McGraw-Hill Publishing
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071412344
http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/html/0071412344.html

The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook, Second Edition
Bobby Owsinski
ISBN-10: 1-59863-251-5 / ISBN-13: 978-1598632514
ArtistPro Publishing / Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?isbn=1-59863-251-5

Sound and Recording: An Introduction, Fifth Edition
Francis Rumsey and Tim McCormick
ISBN-10: 0240519965 / ISBN-13: 978-0240519968
Focal Press
http://www.focalpress.com/Book.aspx?id=1284

Recording and Production Techniques
Paul White
ISBN-10: 1860744435 / ISBN-13: 978-1860744433
Sanctuary Publishing Ltd
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1860744435

Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals
F. Alton Everest
ISBN-10: 1598630237 / ISBN-13: 978-1598630237
ArtistPro Publishing / Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?isbn=1-59863-023-7
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1598630237

Sound Studio Construction on a Budget
ISBN-10: 0070213828 / ISBN-13: 978-0070213821
McGraw-Hill/TAB Books
http://www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/html/0070213828.html

How to Build a Small Budget Recording Studio from Scratch
F. Alton Everest and Mike Shea
ISBN-10: 0830629661 / ISBN-13: 978-0830629664
McGraw-Hill/TAB Books
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=112&isbn=0071409653

Acoustic Design for the Home Studio
Mitch Gallagher
ISBN-10: 1-59863-285-X / ISBN-13: 978-1598632859
ArtistPro Publishing / Course PTR
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_detail.cfm?isbn=1-59863-285-X

Master Handbook of Acoustics
F. Alton Everest
ISBN-10: 0071360972 / ISBN-13: 978-0071360975
McGraw-Hill Professional
http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=113&isbn=0071360972
________________________

Thomson Course Technology – Music Technology
http://www.courseptr.com/ptr_catalog.cfm?group=Music%20Technology

BackBeat Books Online Recording/Audio
http://www.backbeatbooks.com/feature/viewFeature.do?featureId=1790006

Mix Books
http://www.mixbooks.com

Focal Press
http://www.focalpress.com

Hal Leonard Corporation
http://www.halleonard.com

Music Books Plus
http://www.musicbooksplus.com

audioXpress (Audio Amateur)
http://www.audioxpress.com

Recording Org
http://www.recording.org

Home Recording
http://www.homerecording.com
Resources for Musicians, DJs and Home Music Studio Users
http://www.studioathome.com

Record Production and Studio Recording Engineer
http://www.studiorecordingengineer.com

Recording Engineer Bob Clearmountain
http://www.bobclearmountain.com

Jim Hurn’s Sound Engineering Site
http://www.sound-eng.com

Acoustics Discussion Forum
http://forum.studiotips.com

Bob Hodas
http://www.bobhodas.com
 

Hey. I’m thinking about setting up a home recording studio. I have a room that isn’t used much any more. What are the BASIC pieces of equipment I need? I don’t want to over load the room with a lot of equipment, and I don’t want it to cost more than it has to be. So All in all, I just want to know where to get some BEGINNER and BASIC pieces of recording equipment.

essentials are pretty much:
DAW (digital audio workstation. lots to choose from)
music soundcard (highly recommended)
mic
mixer
headphones
and if you are making the instrumentals then a keyboard of some kind
and speakers

I’d like to build something that is very professional, that I can be proud to bring experienced artists in. How much would that cost and what equipment would I need?

About $50k.

The equipment is much more reasonable, it’s the soundproofing of the rooms that is very costly.

Without knowing what you want to do, I couldn’t begin to give you a BoM.

I want to start making music and i would like to know how to have a home recording studio and where can i buy these products?

Assembling a home studio project could represent a catchy job, and it is facile to expend a good deal of money and blow a lot of time and effort. There’s a lot assembling into an home studio than merely purchasing the equipment. What you will need for a good home studio?

* Mic Preamp
* Microphone
* SoundCard – Interface
* Cables
* Recording Software

You’re budget is $300. Do you have a PC? If not, that can be a problem, but we can still manage. This is what I have in my own Home Studio. With a proper mixing, you’ll make your vocals sound like crazy.

1. Studio Preamp – ART Tube MP ($48)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002GZZNY?ie=UTF8&tag=redepionlcsc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002GZZNY

2. Microphone AT2020 ($78)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006H92QK?ie=UTF8&tag=rp1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006H92QK

3. Cables ($20)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000165DSM?ie=UTF8&tag=redepionlcsc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000165DSM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL0NCQ?ie=UTF8&tag=rp1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SL0NCQ

4. M-Audio Audiophile 2496 ($96)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I5H5?ie=UTF8&tag=rp1-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00006I5H5

———
TOTAL = $242

5. Audio Software – there are many free multitrack software you can use:
http://homestudioproject.blogspot.com/2009/10/top-5-free-audio-software-for-your-home.html

This is by far the best choice under $300. Amazon.com is a trusted website, so the shipping will be very fast.
If you don’t have a PC yet, I recommend you to buy a second-hand PC or laptop, and a cheaper usb sound card.

I’m looking for ~affordable~ home recording equipment. What has worked for you and what hasn’t? Do you know of any complete bundles/packages worth buying?

I like yamaha mixers. They are cheap. You will need to get a USB adapter that goes from XLR to usb. As far as mics go, Shure mics are great. go to this site and check out recording packages as well…

musiciansfriend.com

I’m asking for a list of everything I need for a recording studio. the cheapest but yet professional sounding studio tho. I looked on zzsounds.com and found a microphone I wanted. Also do I need a audio interface and a preamp or just a preamp. Thanks in advance!

It’s hard to give you an accurate recommendation without knowing the following:

1) What are you trying to record? What instruments, how many, etc.?

2) What is your budget? You say cheapest, but quality, yet that’s not enough info. You get what you pay for in the music business.

I’m speaking in terms of making hip hop music. I am thinking of getting pro tools as the computer program, but what else do I need?
Please provide a laundry list, I have no idea where to start. (I am looking to spend less than 500)
Thank you!
alright nevermind the budget thing, just im not looking for top of the line celebrity stuff

You don’t need to even spend $500 to get started.

You don’t need the full Pro Tools to get started either. There are less expensive packages out there too:

http://www.zzounds.com/item–MDOMPOWERED

You might start with a "computer audio interface" – they usually come with basic software:

http://www.zzounds.com/item–MDOFTRACKPRO

Good mic:

http://www.zzounds.com/item–MSEMXLV67G

Start small and work your way up. You don’t have to spend a lot to get started and have some fun.

and computers and instrument speakers etc etc. i want the best of the best .
i dont want any sarcasim like dream on please
thank you in advance

The "best" would be VERY expensive. There is probably only one or two studios in the whole world that have the "best" of everything. I’ll take a educated guess and say $50 million but I’ll bet there are studios out there that have accumulated much more than that over the years.

You can put together a decent home studio for $20,000 that would allow you to make great sounding demo CD’s, so you don’t necessarily need the "best" to put out a good product.