Hey guys,
I hope you're all doing fine.
Well, allow me to explain my situation.
I've recently acquired an USB microphone, the Samson Go Mic, which is quite impressive in terms of quality, by the way. Great sound from such a small mic.
I intend to use it to record my ideas while I'm on the road, using my good old M-Audio Jamlab interface to record my guitar and the Go Mic to record the vocals.
The problem is, I thought the Mic would work like a generic usb plug and play gear within Studio One..I mean, I though I could just plug it and use it simultaneously with my M-Audio Jamlab's ASIO driver..But no..It's not working that way.
So far, I've figured out two options to make it work:
a) Change devices every time I want to use it on Studio One, which sucks, because this method wont work if I want to record guitar (jamlab) and voice (go mic) simultaneously..It sucks to mess around with those boring audio configurations every time you go from voice to guitar and from guitar to voice.
b) Use ASIO4ALL to create an 'aggregate device' containing both drivers (mic and jamlab). It works. I can record both the mic and guitar simultaneously this way, but latency is pretty bad.
c) Find something that could work like Jack Audio (http://jackaudio.org/) so I could route the mic's output from windows directly into a Studio One's channel while using M-Audio's ASIO driver..The problem is that the Jack doesn't work with 64 bit applications as far as I know, and I'm running Studio One 64.
That's it guys.
So, Is there a simpler way to make this setup work as it was supposed to?
I honestly can't believe there isn't a better solution or workaround to this.
I would highly appreciate any help.
Cheers,
Rafael.
PS: I'm on Windows. I have Reaper as well, if anyone knows how to make it work with it instead of Studio One.
The Sound Reinforcement Handbook ![Sale Sale](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123714556/208293167.jpg)
![One One](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/80/4c/e1804c4bc489c34b33ccde215ce7288f.jpg)
I hope you're all doing fine.
Well, allow me to explain my situation.
I've recently acquired an USB microphone, the Samson Go Mic, which is quite impressive in terms of quality, by the way. Great sound from such a small mic.
I intend to use it to record my ideas while I'm on the road, using my good old M-Audio Jamlab interface to record my guitar and the Go Mic to record the vocals.
The problem is, I thought the Mic would work like a generic usb plug and play gear within Studio One..I mean, I though I could just plug it and use it simultaneously with my M-Audio Jamlab's ASIO driver..But no..It's not working that way.
So far, I've figured out two options to make it work:
a) Change devices every time I want to use it on Studio One, which sucks, because this method wont work if I want to record guitar (jamlab) and voice (go mic) simultaneously..It sucks to mess around with those boring audio configurations every time you go from voice to guitar and from guitar to voice.
b) Use ASIO4ALL to create an 'aggregate device' containing both drivers (mic and jamlab). It works. I can record both the mic and guitar simultaneously this way, but latency is pretty bad.
c) Find something that could work like Jack Audio (http://jackaudio.org/) so I could route the mic's output from windows directly into a Studio One's channel while using M-Audio's ASIO driver..The problem is that the Jack doesn't work with 64 bit applications as far as I know, and I'm running Studio One 64.
That's it guys.
So, Is there a simpler way to make this setup work as it was supposed to?
I honestly can't believe there isn't a better solution or workaround to this.
I would highly appreciate any help.
Cheers,
Rafael.
PS: I'm on Windows. I have Reaper as well, if anyone knows how to make it work with it instead of Studio One.
Presonus Studio One Professional Free Download Latest Version for Windows. It is full offline installer standalone setup of Presonus Studio One Pro for PC.
Presonus Studio One Professional Overview
Presonus Studio One Professional is a Digital Audio Workstation which can be used for creating music. Presonus Studio One Professional can be run on Mac as well as Windows OS. This music creation DAW has been designed by Louisiana based company named Presonus.
The interface of Presonus Studio One Professional is very simple and easy on the eyes. This application is single window based and it does not rely on the multiple windows for editing sounds. There are no additional windows but there are a few view panes that are dedicated to specific tasks. Presonus Studio One Professional supports drag and drop feature like no other application does. You can drag different virtual instruments, plugins and audio files. Once an audio file is dragged into the DAW you can automatically transform it into something out of this world by mixing some stunning effects. These features makes it very much fast in its operation.
For audio recording Presonus Studio One Professional support mono and stereo tracks and these tracks are available too. Multi channel formats are not supported by this application. Just like the audio you can slice, trim and duplicate MIDI as well. Repetitive behavior of MIDi can be easily built with this application under your arsenal.
We have noticed in different DAWs that effects are many but are arranged in such a way that your mind will spin but this is not the case with Presonus Studio One Professional. All the effects in Presonus Studio One Professional are arranged nicely like Ampire which is a very productive amp simulator. Room reverb will give you lots of tweaking control of the sound.
All in all Presonus Studio One Professional is a very handy application that can be used for editing your sounds in a very innovative way.
Features of Presonus Studio One Professional
Below are some noticeable features which you’ll experience after Presonus Studio One Professional free download.
- Single window based application.
- Easy on the eyes interface.
- Drag and drop feature supported.
- Saves your precious time.
- Easy to use.
- Panes for dedicated asks are supported.
- Supports mono and stereo tracks.
- Repetitive behavior of MIDI can also be built.
- Ampire, an amp simulator included.
- Room reverb included for incresed tweakability.
Presonus Studio One Professional Technical Setup Details
- Software Full Name: Presonus Studio One Professional
- Setup File Name: PreSonus_Studio_One_3_Professional_v3.3.4.zip
- Full Setup Size: 401 MB
- Setup Type: Offline Installer / Full Standalone Setup
- Compatibility Architecture: 32 Bit (x86) / 64 Bit (x64)
- Latest Version Release Added On: 13th Jan 2019
- Developers: Presonus
System Requirements For Presonus Studio One Professional
Before you start Presonus Studio One Professional free download, make sure your PC meets minimum system requirements.
- Operating System: Windows7/8
- Memory (RAM): 2 GB of RAM required.
- Hard Disk Space: 100 MB of free space required.
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or faster.
Presonus Studio One Professional Free Download
Click on below button to start Presonus Studio One Professional Free Download. This is complete offline installer and standalone setup for Presonus Studio One Professional. This would be compatible with both 32 bit and 64 bit windows.
Before Installing Software You Must Watch This Installation Guide Video
Related Posts
This Post was Last Updated On: January 13, 2019
Are you just getting started with your first home recording studio setup? Maybe you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused?
Good news … you are in the right place! At Music Repo we have years of experience in helping people get started. In this post, we explain the key components of a music recording studio for beginners so then you are all setup to make real progress with your recordings.
Our mission in life is to guide you step by step and make the learning process as simple as possible so that you succeed and make the most of your home recording studio, even if you are a complete beginner.
Audio recording is a fun, exciting and rewarding activity. And today’s affordable technology means that anyone can have in their home the tools they need to professional sounding recordings. Gone are the days when this was only possible in a multi-million pound studio.
But the problem is that simply buying the tools alone is not enough to do the job. Sniper ghost warrior 2 cheats. It is essential that you also learn how to setup and use them properly and there is a learning curve. It is a sad fact that too many people get stuck, become frustrated and never achieve their recording goals.
We want to help you succeed! So we take a very simple approach here. Start of with the right home recording studio kit – you only need a few basic items to get going. Then we give the help and advice you need to get it setup correctly.
Home Recording Studio Kit: 7 Essentials for Beginners
There are 7 main components that should be on any beginner’s home recording studio list. These are the key essentials needed to make good quality recordings at home. But you don’t need them all at once! You can build up step by step and what you choose to buy for your own home studio recording will depend on what you want to achieve.It may be you can achieve everything you want with a simple USB mic and a set of headphones if you just want to record vocal tracks. Or just a MIDI controller if you are only interested in creating sheet music or learning to play the keyboard or piano.
So pick the items YOU need. But to help you get started here are our top 7 items for the complete newbie.
- A computer, or sometimes a tablet or smartphone Quick Links – Discover the best computer for music production and audio recording
- An audio interface (sometimes referred to as an external sound card) Quick Links – What Is An Audio Interface – Choosing The Best Audio Interface
- A microphone Quick Links – Choosing a condenser microphone – picking the best dynamic mic – in depth guide to types of microphones
- A MIDI controller Quick Links – What is MIDI – Choosing A MIDI Keyboard
- Recording software or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) Quick Link – Music Making Software
- Headphones, speakers or monitors Quick Links – A Guide To The Best Studio Headphones – The Best Monitors For Home Recording
- Audio Cables and Stands
We will look briefly at each item in turn and carefully explain in plain english exactly what it is, how it works, how to choose the best equipment for you, how to set it up and troubleshoot any problems. Once you have got the basics in place, then we have step-by-step guides on how to use each component to record yourself, edit, mix and master your tracks, to create your own music, or use it to learn how to play an instrument better.
The same techniques will apply whether you are a musician wanting to record your songs or backing tracks, whether you are a video artist looking to make professional audio tracks and voiceovers for your videos, or whether you are a podcaster, coach or hypnotherapist wanting to make high quality recordings of your voice to sell or share.
So let’s get a bit more detail on these 7 basic components of your first home recording studio.
[The following content contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure policy here.]
Your computer is going to be the central ‘hub’ of your recording studio. And although newcomers to home recording fret about the kind of computer they should purchase, if you are just starting out, then start with the computer you have got, and pick peripheral gear that will work on multiple platforms. Once you have got your basic studio together, and are ready to upgrade your computer then we can look at options in detail. But for now, pick an audio interface that will work on PC, Mac and iPad if you can and are not sure which direction your recording is going to take. If you bought a computer or iPad within the last 3 or 4 years it will be more than adequate for recording, mixing and sharing your audio tracks.An audio interface is probably the first really crucial hardware you will purchase when getting ready to create your first home recordings. This is the equipment that will get your recordings INTO your computer and will also connect to speakers or headphones so you can hear what you are doing. We have two really good guides to help you get started: one will explain exactly what is an audio interface if you haven’t come across this before, and then once you understand the basics, we have another post on how to choose the perfect recording interface for you depending on your specific requirements – and of course your budget!
First of all, if you want to know all about different types of microphones, and what all those complicated spec sheets mean, then you can refer to our ultimate guide to recording studio microphones. Once you have invested in a mic, you have three basic options when it comes to using a microphone for recording on your computer or tablet. You can: connect direct to the external mic port on your computer; record through an audio interface; or purchase a USB microphone. For more details about these three options read our introductory post about how to connect your mic up to your computer. And if you have decided that the USB microphone route is the way to go then you might find it useful to read about how to choose the right USB mic for your own recording situation. If you want some more basic info, then we have a quick guide on what is a USB microphone too.
Is a MIDI controller essential? Not if you are only planning to make straight audio recordings via a mic. But if you want to use virtual instruments (eg create drum, synth and bass tracks), create your own sheet music, or learn to play keyboard then even an entry level keyboard is a must. You can read more if you want us to help you decide if you need a keyboard. If you already own a digital piano or keyboard then you can easily connect it to your computer with a simple interface or USB lead, and save money. If you know you definitely want to buy a MIDI keyboard, then we have a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best MIDI Keyboard Controller which considers everything from number of keys to whether or not you should have additional faders, onboard sounds etc.
Studio One 4 Microphone Setup
Choice of software very much depends on what you want to achieve. If you are looking to do very straightforward recording and editing, then the easiest software to start out with is Audacity Recording Software which is free, and very easy to use when you are starting out. The other software to think about trying is Reaper, which you can use for free for 60 days and is very inexpensive to purchase if you like it. Reaper has full audio and MIDI capability, and is a fully fledged Digital Audio Workstation, whereas Audacity is best for simple audio recordings.
Remember your audio interface, USB Mic or MIDI Controller may come equipped with an entry level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation Software), and if this is the case you will not need to buy any software straight away to start making your first recordings and compositions. So, the important thing is to get your hardware right first whatever you want to do. And you could also check out our post on music making software which looks at the different things you might want to do – for example making your own sheet music, or learning to play an instrument. Maybe you already know you want a flagship copy of Pro Tools, Sibelius, or Cubase. Fantastic! But whatever you want to do, make sure you have the right equipment or you might find the software does not work as well as it should.
We keep coming back to the key component of your recording studio, which is likely to be your audio interface
Remember your audio interface, USB Mic or MIDI Controller may come equipped with an entry level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation Software), and if this is the case you will not need to buy any software straight away to start making your first recordings and compositions. So, the important thing is to get your hardware right first whatever you want to do. And you could also check out our post on music making software which looks at the different things you might want to do – for example making your own sheet music, or learning to play an instrument. Maybe you already know you want a flagship copy of Pro Tools, Sibelius, or Cubase. Fantastic! But whatever you want to do, make sure you have the right equipment or you might find the software does not work as well as it should.
We keep coming back to the key component of your recording studio, which is likely to be your audio interface
Once you have got the sound into your computer, you need to get it out again! It is no good creating your perfect first recording on your computer if you can’t hear it properly! So at least you will need to invest in some good quality studio headphones and if not straight away, you will also want a good pair of monitors (powered speakers). Studio monitors provide a neutral uncoloured sound so you can perfect your mix and judge it accurately. However, good monitors are not cheap, so if you are on a tight budget, maybe start by investing in headphones. We have an introductory guide which examines which are the best studio headphones for different recording and mixing situations.
The key audio cable types you are going to need are a mic cable, to connect your microphone to your audio interface (unless you have decided to choose a USB microphone) and also the cables to connect your audio interface up to your studio monitors (unless for now you are going to use headphones. Also a mic stand is absolutely essential if you are using a microphone, it is not practical to attempt to record through a handheld mic on your computer and try and operate the software at the same time. USB mics often come with a stand. And you can get away with a sturdy desktop stand rather than a full floor standing boom stand. Just make sure you factor this in when purchasing your mic.Recording Studios In A Box – A Cost Effective Way To Set Up Your First Home Studio
If you cannot make your mind up on all the separates, then all the best brands do fantastic ‘studios in a box’ which contain microphone, audio interface and headphones, along with some recording software. Absolutely perfect for the complete beginner, because you know everything is going to work well together. Our favourites are below, and if you want to know more, read our full reviews of these all-in-one recording studio software and equipment packages.Contains high quality condenser microphone, referencing headphones, and Scarlett XLR mic cable
Complete Recording Package for iOS, Android, Mac and PC – The iRig Studio includes a studio-quality condensor microphone, closed-back studio monitoring headphones, iRig recording interface, and cables
Everything you need to start recording in one box: M-Audio M-Track Interface, large diaphragm vocal microphone, studio headphones plus great suite of recording software
Aimed at musicians and producers seeking a portable high quality audio solution, this is a complete mobile hardware/software recording studio in a box that works on iPad, Mac and Windows. Contains interface, headphones and software plus the cables you need. Unbox and go!
All the gear and no idea? Here are a few articles that should help you find your way around your new home recording studio equipment! Music Repo is all about Home Recording Made Simple. These are some of the posts you find most helpfulDigital Audio: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Successful Digital Audio Recording – there are a few key things you really need to know about digital audio before you make your first recording. This article will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
What is MIDI? Our Ultimate Guide To Music Software’s Most Powerful Tool – if you can get to grips with the difference between MIDI and Audio recording, then you are well on your way to recording success with your favourite DAW
MIDI Connection | How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to a Computer – whether you want to control virtual instruments in your DAW, or use any MIDI software, the first thing you need to do is get connected. This article tells you how.
Record Your Keyboard or Piano On Your Computer Step-By-Step – one of our most popular posts of all time. If you want to get the sound of your piano into your mix, then this is what you need to know
How To Record Guitar on a PC computer, Laptop, iPad or Mac – and for the guitarists, a step by step guide to how to record your guitar
Useful Books and Guides on Music Recording and Sound
SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
SaleBestseller No. 3 Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering Society Presents) - David Miles Huber, Robert E. Runstein
- Routledge
- Edition no. 9 (11/05/2017)
- Daniel M. Thompson
- Berklee Press
- Edition no. 2 (08/01/2018)
- Music Theory For Computer Musicians
- Many DJs, gigging musicians, and electronic music producers understand how to play their instruments or make music on the computer, but they lack the basic..
- Beneath all the enormously different styles of modern electronic music lie certain fundamentals of the musical language that are exactly the same no matter what..
![Studio One Microphone Setup Studio One Microphone Setup](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123714556/215059426.png)
- The book features information on both the audio theory involved and the practical applications explaining from microphones to loudspeakers.
- Yamaha
- Edition no. 2 (01/01/1988)
SaleBestseller No. 7
Bestseller No. 8 Song Mixing Secrets: How To Fix The Most Common Mistakes (Home Recording Studio, Audio Engineering,.. - John Rogers
- Independently published
- Paperback: 70 pages
- Bobby Owsinski
- Bobby Owsinski Media Group
- Edition no. 4 (01/09/2017)
- John Seabrook
- HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books
- Audible Audiobook
Last updated on 2019-07-02 / Affiliate links / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
So What Next?
Hopefully the above list will have given you some idea of how to get started with your first home recording adventures.As well as helping you to make great recordings, we believe with a passion that if you want to learn a traditional instrument like piano or guitar you can learn so much faster if you make use of home music studio equipment.
We have been helping people like you with home studio recording equipment and music software since 2003. And we want you to succeed. We give free no-frills advice and guidance, and share tips and tricks on home studio recording setup and music software to help you record, learn and create.
You can read our step-by-step guides and tutorials on audio interfaces, MIDI keyboards, MIDI controllers, recording software, mics, guitar and DJ gear. We are always working to build this into a comprehensive resource on getting started and helping you make music using technology. If you can’t find what you want here, then please contact us and we will do our best to add the information you need.
We are famous for our friendly helpful advice and our outstanding customer service. We want you to make the right decisions, build your confidence and achieve more in your first home recording studio.
So whether you want to make music on your PC, Mac, iPad or laptop, use music software to DJ, Mix, or for composition, notation, accompaniment, or learn how to play piano or guitar better, we give sound advice on music software and how to select and setup your home studio recording equipment to achieve your goals.
Once you have got your basic studio set up, then make sure you come back for more detailed information on how to get everything working and build up your experience.
[Author: Jason Moss *]
Setting up a home recording studio can be overwhelming.
Setting up a home recording studio can be overwhelming.
How do you know what equipment to buy? Which software is best? How can you make sure everything will work together?
Take a breath. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step. It contains everything you need to know, including equipment recommendations. Make your way to the bottom of this page, and you’ll have your home recording studio up and running in no time. This way, you can get on to the good stuff—making great recordings!
Take a breath. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step. It contains everything you need to know, including equipment recommendations. Make your way to the bottom of this page, and you’ll have your home recording studio up and running in no time. This way, you can get on to the good stuff—making great recordings!
Table Of Contents:
How To Find The Ultimate Home Studio Computer
Your computer is the command center of your home recording studio. It’s the brains and brawn behind the entire operation.
This is one area where you don’t want to skimp.
Recording will place high demands on your computer, and you’ll need a machine that can keep up. If you plan on tackling projects with lots of tracks or producing electronic music, this is even more important. The last thing you want is your computer to slow you down. There’s no faster way to kill a moment of musical inspiration.
Laptop Or Desktop?
If you absolutely need to record on the go, a laptop may be your only choice. But be prepared to pay more and walk away with a less capable machine.
Go for a desktop whenever possible. Dollar for dollar, they’re faster, more powerful, and offer more storage. They also last longer and fail less, because their internal components don’t overheat as easily. And since a desktop doesn’t sit in front of your face, the noise from its fans will be less of an issue. (Microphones are super sensitive, so a noisy room will lead to noisy recordings. I worked on a laptop for years, and fan noise was a constant problem.)
PC Or Mac?
While my first computers were PCs, I’m now a Mac guy through and through. Macs crash less. They’re also the computer of choice for music-makers (you’ll find them in most home recording studios). Because of this, updates and bug fixes for recording software will often be released for Mac users first.
With that being said, most recording software and hardware is compatible with both platforms. Macs are also more expensive, so this may influence your decision. If you’re more comfortable using a PC, you can make it work. Just make sure your audio interface and software is compatible with whatever you choose.
4 Computer Specs That Really Matter
When you’re trying to find the right computer for your home recording studio, it’s easy to get lost in techno-speak. The following 4 specs are what count. Hit the guidelines below, and your computer will handle nearly any recording session with ease.
CPU (Clock Speed & Number Of Cores)
If a computer was a car, the CPU would be its engine. Clock speed is like the number of cylinders an engine has. The higher the number, the faster the CPU. A fast CPU will handle large recording sessions gracefully.
If the CPU has multiple cores, this is even better. Multiple cores will allow it to multitask more effectively.
It can be difficult to compare CPUs (especially those with a different number of cores). To make this easier, you can use sites like CPUBoss or CPU Benchmark.
Recommendations:
- Good: 2.6 GHz dual-core
- Better: 2.8 GHz dual-core
- Best: 3+ GHz quad-core
RAM
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. More RAM will make your computer run faster, particularly when working with large, complex projects.
Recommendations:
- Good: 8 GB
- Better: 12 GB
- Best: 16+ GB
Hard Drive (Space & Type)
A computer’s hard drive is its long-term memory. This is where your recordings will be stored. Recorded audio takes up lots of space, so you’ll want plenty to spare. If you end up filling your hard drive, you can always buy an external one. However, it’s always better to start with more space.
But when it comes to hard drives, space isn’t all that matters. In fact, speed is even more important.
The best hard drives are solid-state. While they typically offer less storage space, they’re worth every penny. Solid-state drives use flash memory (the same technology you’ll find in a USB thumb drive) and have no moving parts. They’re much faster than their mechanical predecessors. If your computer has a solid-state drive, it will be much snappier when playing back and recording projects with large track counts.
If you can’t avoid a mechanical drive, opt for one that spins at 7,200 RPM. It will deliver data about 33% faster than a 5,400 RPM drive. This really matters if you plan on tackling projects with 30+ tracks.
Recommendations:
- Good: 500 GB 7,200 RPM mechanical drive
- Better: 1 TB 7,200 RPM mechanical drive
- Best: 500+ GB solid-state drive
Ports
Your audio interface (see below) will connect to your computer using USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire. Make sure there’s a port available on your computer for it. If you plan on using a MIDI keyboard or other accessories, make sure you’ve got enough free ports to accommodate them too.
Computer Recommendations
Best Bang For Your Buck: Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is seriously underrated. This is what I use in my home recording studio, and it’s more than enough. Opt for a solid-state drive and maxed-out memory for even more power. And don’t forget—you’ll need a keyboard, mouse, and monitor too.
For Mobile Music-Makers: MacBook Pro
If you need to be mobile, the MacBook Pro is a great choice. Just be prepared for fan noise.
For Those Who Want The Best: Mac Pro
It isn’t cheap, but you’ll find the Mac Pro in most professional recording studios. Even the baseline unit is more than enough.
Additional Resources
- 12 Home Studio Necessities #1: Computer
- The Best Computers/Laptops for Music Production
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Choose The Ideal Audio Interface
Your audio interface is the heart of your home recording studio. While it may look intimidating, it’s nothing more than a fancy routing box. This is where you’ll plug in microphones, speakers, and headphones. It’s also where the signal from your microphones gets converted into ones and zeros, so your computer can make use of it.
Interfaces vary widely in features. Some have knobs to adjust the volume of your speakers and microphones. Others accomplish this through a software control panel. However, all great interfaces are transparent—they don’t add any noise or distortion to the sound. This is where high-end interfaces often differ from cheaper ones.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an interface:
Number Of Mic Preamps
The more preamps, the more microphones you can record at once. If you’re only recording vocals, one may be all you need. To record instruments with multiple mics (such as acoustic guitar in stereo), you’ll need at least 2. To record drums or people playing together, go for 4 or more.
Quality Of Mic Preamps
When it comes to mic preamps, people get distracted by quantity. They think more is better, so they buy cheap interfaces with 8 preamps.
This is a rookie mistake.
Cheap preamps will add noise and distortion to your recordings. This will become a permanent part of your tracks, and it can add a harsh, brittle quality to your music.
Quality is more important than quantity. Avoid cheap interfaces with 8 preamps. Instead, go for an interface with 4 or 2. You’ll walk away with a higher-quality interface, often at the same price.
1/4″ Input
With a 1/4″ input, you can record electric guitar or bass without an amp. You can then use software to shape the tone. This isn’t an essential feature, but it’s handy (especially if you’re a guitarist or bassist).
Pro Tip: If your interface doesn’t have a 1/4″ input, a direct box will do the same thing.
Speaker Outputs
Make sure your interface has the same type of outputs your speakers use (either XLR, 1/4″, or RCA). If there’s a mismatch, you’ll have to use an adapter or special cable to connect them. While this isn’t a huge deal, it’s best avoided.
Headphone Jack
With a headphone jack, you’ll be able to plug in a pair of headphones and listen back while recording. This is an essential feature, and almost all interfaces have one.
Pro Tip: Most interfaces have a 1/4″ headphone jack. This is larger than the 1/8″ plug on most consumer headphones. To use consumer headphones with your interface, you’ll need an 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter.
Compatibility
Most interfaces will connect to your computer using USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt. Make sure your computer has a free port of that type available.
You’ll also want to make sure your interface is compatible with your recording software. You can find this information on the interface manufacturer’s website.
Interface Recommendations
![Sale Sale](/uploads/1/2/3/7/123714556/208293167.jpg)
1 Mic Preamp
2 Mic Preamps
4 Mic Preamps
8 Mic Preamps
Additional Resources
- Sweetwater’s Audio Interface Buying Guide
- Choosing An Audio Interface – Sound On Sound
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Find A Mic That Makes You Sound Radio-Ready
Microphones are the ears of your home recording studio. They convert sound into electricity (which gets sent to your interface).
If you’re a guitarist, you know that every guitar sounds different. You might reach for a Tele over a Strat, depending on the part you’re playing. Microphones work the same way. One might sound better than another in a specific situation. But if you’re starting out, you don’t need a dozen mics to cover your bases…
This Type Of Mic Will Always Get The Job Done
There’s one type of microphone that sounds great on just about anything (including vocals).
It’s called a large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser.
If you’re only going to get one for your home recording studio, this should be it. Here’s why:
- Large diaphragm: The diaphragm is the part of the mic that picks up sound. A large diaphragm makes the mic better at picking up low frequencies (like the body and warmth of your voice). This means it will faithfully capture the full tonal range of sounds.
- Cardioid: This is the microphone’s polar pattern. It dictates what the mic will pick up, and more importantly, what it won’t. A cardioid mic will pick up what’s in front of it, but almost nothing to the sides or behind it. You can use this feature to reduce the level of unwanted noise in your recordings (like air conditioning rumble, noisy neighbors, or chirping birds). Just position the back of the mic towards the source of the noise!
- Condenser: Refers to the technology the mic uses to capture sound. Condenser mics do a better job at picking up high frequencies (like the sizzle of cymbals or the crispness of a voice) than any other type of mic.
What About USB Mics?
Avoid them. While you won’t need an interface to use one, they are of lower quality than most traditional mics. They also aren’t future-proof; if USB ports become obsolete, you’ll need to buy a new mic.
Recommendations For Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mics
Under $100
Under $250
Under $500
An Electric Guitarist’s Dream Mic For Under $100
If you plan on recording lots of guitar amps, you may want to invest in an additional microphone.
Why?
Because condenser mics don’t sound that great on amps.
But don’t worry—there’s a go-to mic that’s used to record guitar amps in multi-million dollar studios every day. And it costs less than $100.
Which one is it?
The Shure SM-57.
If you’re just getting started, this isn’t a necessity. But if you’ll be recording lots of guitar amps, you may want to consider it.
(You can use the SM-57 to record other things too, but it shines on guitar amps!)
Additional Resources
- The Beginner’s Guide to Recording Studio Microphones
- Studio Microphone Buying Guide
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Choose Studio Monitors That Supercharge Your Tracks
Studio monitors are speakers designed for use in home recording studios. You’ll need these to play back and mix your recordings.
These are different than the speakers you might buy for your living room. Whereas consumer speakers often flatter and enhance the sound, studio monitors are neutral and uncolored. They won’t sound as pretty as typical speakers—in fact, they may even sound dull.
Listen on speakers like these, and you’ll hear what’s really going on in your music. Great studio monitors will force you to work harder to craft a mix that sounds good. This will lead to tracks that sound great on a variety of different speakers, not just ones that sweeten or hype up the sound.
Can’t I Just Use Headphones?
Headphones are notoriously difficult to mix on, and tracks mixed on headphones often don’t hold up on speakers. (There are, however, other uses for headphones. You’ll learn more about this below.) If you’re doing basic voiceover work, you may be able to forgo studio monitors. But if you’re recording music, it’s crucial to invest in them.
4 Studio Monitor Specs That Really Matter
When choosing studio monitors for your home recording studio, it’s easy to get distracted by frequency plots and technical jargon. Here’s what really counts:
Active Vs. Passive
Speakers need an amplifier to produce sound. If a speaker is active, it means the amplifier is built-in. This makes active speakers completely self-contained—you just need to plug them into the wall and your interface. On the other hand, passive speakers need a separate power amp to function. I would avoid them, as they add another piece of equipment to your home recording studio.
Near-Field Vs. Mid/Far-Field
Near-field monitors are built to be used in close quarters, like a home studio. Mid-field and far-field monitors are built to be placed farther away from your ears, and are more suitable for larger spaces. Go for a pair of near-fields (unless you live in a castle).
Frequency Response
Most studio monitors have a fairly flat frequency response. This means they sound neutral—the bass isn’t louder than the treble, and everything is well-balanced. However, even the flattest studio monitors will sound different in your home recording studio (room acoustics affect speakers dramatically). For this reason, I wouldn’t obsess over the frequency response of your speakers. You can always use software like Sonarworks Reference 3 to flatten things out later on.
Pay attention to how far the speakers extend down the frequency spectrum. This will often be quoted as the bottom number in a range (from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, for example). Smaller speakers won’t extend down as far. This will make it harder to hear what’s going on in your recordings. Try to find speakers that extend to 40 Hz or below.
Connectivity
Your studio monitors will have XLR, 1/4″, or RCA inputs. Make sure these are the same type of connectors your interface uses. If the two don’t match up, you’ll need a special adapter or cable to connect them. This isn’t a big deal, but it’s best avoided.
Studio Monitor Recommendations
Under $300 (Pair)
Under $600 (Pair)
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Pick The Perfect Pair Of Headphones
Headphones are an invaluable studio ally. You can use them while overdubbing, mixing, or to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Like studio monitors, studio headphones are designed to be tonally neutral. While I don’t recommend mixing on them exclusively, headphones like these will offer you an accurate, unbiased perspective on your recordings.
When trying to find the right pair, here are some things to keep in mind:
Open-Back Vs. Closed-Back
Open-back headphones have perforations on the outside of each cup which allow sound to pass through easily. They typically sound better than closed-back headphones, and are the preferred choice for mixing. However, since sound leaks out of them so easily, they’re not ideal for recording (mics pick them up).
On the other hand, closed-back headphones have a hard enclosure that prevents sound from escaping. This makes them a better choice for recording, when maximum isolation is needed.
If you’re only going to buy a single pair for your home recording studio, go for closed-back. They’re more versatile.
Connectivity
Most pro studio headphones use a 1/4″ plug. This is thicker than the 1/8″ plug you’ll find on most consumer headphones. If you want to plug your studio headphones into an iPhone or laptop, you’ll need a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter.
Comfort And Fit
You’ll be wearing these for hours on end, so you want them to be comfortable. Cushy foam padding makes a big difference. Also, look for headphones that rest over, not on your ears. And if possible, try them on before you purchase!
Recommendations For Headphones
Under $100
- Sennheiser HD 280 (closed-back)
- Shure SRH440 (closed-back)
Under $250
- Sennheiser HD 380 (closed-back)
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 (closed-back)
Under $500 Skyrim mods on special edition.
- Sennheiser HD 650 (open-back)
Additional Resources
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Find A DAW That Makes Recording Easy
Ever seen one of these?
While they may look cool, consoles like these are now collecting dust in top-tier studios across the globe.
Why?
You don’t need them anymore. In many cases, they’ve been replaced by digital audio workstations.
A digital audio workstation, or DAW, is the software that will power your home recording studio. It’s what you’ll use to record, play back, and manipulate audio inside your computer. Arm yourself with a great DAW, and you’ll be able to do everything you can do on that hunk of junk above (and more).
What’s The Best-Sounding DAW?
Visit any online audio forum and you’ll find people that claim one DAW (usually the one they use) sounds better than the rest.
This isn’t true. In fact, all DAWs sound exactly the same. The differences between them have more to do with workflow than anything else.
My 3 Favorite DAWs
When choosing a DAW, there are tons of great options. Here are my favorites:
Pro Tools
As a mixer, Pro Tools is my DAW of choice. I’ve been using it for nearly a decade.
You’ll find Pro Tools in most recording studios. This is helpful if you ever end up recording in a commercial studio, because you’ll be able to open the projects you save on your own rig. This means you’ll be able to record drums in a professional studio, for example, and then edit them later in your home recording studio.
Pro Tools excels as a recording platform. Its audio-editing features are second-to-none. However, beatmakers or EDM producers may be better off with one of the DAWs below.
Logic
Logic is the preferred choice for many producers. It features a fantastic library of sounds and plugins—one of the most comprehensive packages available. When I’m not mixing, it’s my favorite DAW.
Unfortunately, Logic is Mac-only.
Blueprint reading for welding. Blueprint Reading for Welders and Fitters – Keys to Test. Price: $10.95. SKU: EW-460 Category: Blueprint Reading For Welders & Fitters. Blueprint Reading for Welders and Fitters - Keys to Test. Item #: EW-460. Includes 1 student workbook & answer key for tests. Item #: DV81.40.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is great for loop and sample-based producers. In fact, many EDM producers swear by it. Its audio manipulation tools are flexible and innovative, and it can be easily integrated into a live performance. If I was an electronic music producer, Ableton Live would be my choice.
Other DAWs Worth Exploring
Your search shouldn’t stop here. Here are some other DAWs worth exploring:
- Cubase
- Studio One
- Digital Performer
- Adobe Audition
- SONAR
How To Choose The Perfect DAW For You
Choosing a DAW is like dating. Download a few trial versions and take them for a spin. Explore your options and make sure things fit before committing. While all major DAWs have similar features, some do certain things better than others.
If you’ll be collaborating, check out what DAW your collaborators use. It’s much easier to work together if you’re both using the same software. But in the end, the choice is yours.
Don’t get too hung up here. Remember, The Beatles recorded Sgt. Pepper on a 4-track tape machine. Even the most basic DAW has infinitely more power. Go with your gut and move on.
Save Hundreds By Avoiding Unnecessary Plugins
As you start to explore the world of home recording, you’re going to run across plugins.
These are pieces of third-party software that extend the functionality of your DAW. They allow you to manipulate sound in different ways.
Most people invest in plugins too early. If you’re just getting started, your DAW’s stock tools are more than enough to make great recordings. Master what you have first — more plugins won’t necessarily lead to better-sounding tracks.
Most people invest in plugins too early. If you’re just getting started, your DAW’s stock tools are more than enough to make great recordings. Master what you have first — more plugins won’t necessarily lead to better-sounding tracks.
Back To Table Of Contents
The Extra Stuff Most People Forget
We’ve covered the basics, but there are a couple of extras you’ll probably need too…
Cables
![One One](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e1/80/4c/e1804c4bc489c34b33ccde215ce7288f.jpg)
You’ll need an XLR cable to connect your mic to your audio interface.
Studio One Failed To Open Microphone
You’ll also need a pair of cables to connect your speakers to your interface. These will be either 1/4″, XLR, or RCA—depending on which connectors your speakers and interface use.
Mic Stand
Go for quality here. Cheap, flimsy stands will be the bane of your existence. I prefer ones with three legs over those with a circular, weighted base. They tend to be more stable and don’t fall over as much.
What I Recommend: On-Stage Stands MS7701B
Pop Filter
A mesh screen that sits between your microphone and vocalist. It helps diffuse the blasts of air that accompany certain consonants (like “p” and “b” sounds). Left alone, these blasts will overload your microphone’s diaphragm, leading to boomy, muddy recordings. This essential accessory will significantly improve the quality of your tracks.
Pro Tip: For a pop filter to work well, there needs to be a few inches between the filter and the mic, as well as the filter and the singer. If you push the filter right up against the mic or put your mouth on it, it won’t be able to do its job.
What I Recommend: On-Stage Stands ASFSS6GB
Speaker Stands
As you’ll learn below, it’s best to get your speakers off a desk and onto stands. This is an easy move that will lead to a significant improvement in sound quality.
What I Recommend: On-Stage Stands SMS6000
MIDI Keyboard
With a MIDI keyboard, you’ll be able to “play” any instrument imaginable. You can use it to fill out and orchestrate your recordings. If you’ll only be recording real instruments or vocalists, you won’t need one. But if you’re a beatmaker or electronic music producer, it’s almost essential.
What I Recommend: Akai MPK249 (don’t forget the sustain pedal)
Desk
You may have a desk that works already. If not, I’m a big fan of the On-Stage Stands WS7500. This is what I use in my home recording studio now. It’s a great way to get started!
Comfortable Chair
If you’re going to be logging some serious hours in your home recording studio, it makes sense to be comfortable, right?
Invest in a comfy chair with good support. You and your back will thank me later.
What I Recommend: Alera Elusion Mesh Mid-Back Office Chair
Back To Table Of Contents
How To Set Up Your Room For Studio-Quality Sound
Every decision you make while recording will be based on what you hear. If what you’re hearing isn’t accurate, you won’t make the right decisions. This will lead to recordings that sound good in your studio, but fall apart on other speakers.
You can avoid this by setting up your home recording studio properly. Don’t overlook this crucial step! If you follow the guidelines in the video below, you’ll be well ahead of most home studio owners. Your recordings will sound better too!
Taking Your Room To The Next Level With Acoustic Treatment
After your home recording studio is up and running, you’ll want to invest in acoustic treatment panels. These will improve the sound of your room by evening out acoustic problems. While acoustic treatment is beyond the scope of this article, I’ve put together a PDF with resources that will help you get started.
It’s Time To Build The Home Recording Studio Of Your Dreams
There will be nothing more satisfying than hearing your own recordings play over the speakers in your new home studio. You now have everything you need to make this happen.
The next step is for you to take action. Order the equipment you need, set up your room using the guidelines above, and start recording! Remember, once you get all this out of the way, you can get on to the good stuff—making great music!
But before you go, leave a comment below and tell me—what will you use your home recording studio for?
I wish you the best of luck on your home recording journey!
*[Editors Note: This is a guest blog written by Jason Moss. Jason is an LA-based mixer, producer and engineer. His clients include Sabrina Carpenter, Madilyn Bailey, GIVERS and Dylan Owen. Check out his mixing tips at Behind The Speakers.]
Tags:Anyone who has mixed a song will know that mixing is easier when each track is recorded individually. Because of this, most recording engineers will want to track each instrument or vocal part independently when recording a band. This works fine if you play lead guitar, but for some performers, it presents a major problem.
Take a singer/songwriter for example. Most of their musical life is spent singing and playing the guitar at the same time, but then suddenly you expect them to separate these two activities and give you the same performance? It should come as no surprise then, if the results are less than stellar.
Rather than making life more difficult for the performer, sometimes you have to make some sacrifices on the recording end in order to capture the best performance. The question is, how do you go about capturing both the guitar and the voice at the same time without making the recording sound unnatural? Here are a few options to consider.
1. One Mono Mic
The simplest option (or so it would seem) is to use one mic and find the perfect spot for it. This is the way it was done on a lot of old recordings, and if you’re looking to create a vintage feel, using a single mic can be a useful option. Of course, finding the perfect spot is easier said than done, so you should be prepared for some trial and error if you want to use this technique.
With a single microphone, you’ll most likely want to position the mic closer to the singer’s mouth to emphasize the vocal performance. This will lead to a guitar that sounds somewhat distant in the mix, compared to what you’ll get with the other methods mentioned here. Still, for a demo or a recording with a more live feel, this can be a good method to work with.
2. Two Mono Mics
If you want more control over the sound of each source, and you’re not concerned about stereo recording, using two mono mics is a good option. There are many variations on this technique, so let’s focus on three basic techniques that you can play with to find your ideal sound.
The first is to use a dynamic mic like a Shure SM7B on the vocals and some sort of condenser mic on the guitar.
Tracking vocals through a dynamic mic might not be the best choice for every genre, but for something like rock music, where many singers track their vocals through a dynamic mic anyway, even when a condensor is an option, this method gives you a pretty well isolated vocal track to work with. Heck, while we’re at it, why not try out an SM57 on the guitar as well? This might not sound too convincing on its own, but sometimes in the context of a larger mix, a single dynamic mic on the acoustic guitar is all you need.
The second method is to use two cardioid or hypercardioid condensers.
Small diaphragm condensers will work well for this, as they tend to have good off-axis response, but sometimes a large diaphragm condenser will give you a better sound for vocals. The mic positioning with this method will likely change with each person and each song you record, so it will usually take a few attempts to find the perfect position for both mics. Some recording engineers like to have the two mics right next to each other, pointing in opposite directions, while others are happy with mics that are placed farther apart. Whichever setup you choose, the key is to keep the front of each mic pointed at the source you want to capture, while pointing the back (the “null” of the mic) towards the source you want to reject. Using two condensor mics won’t give you as much separation as the other mic techniques mentioned here, but with good mic placement, you should be able to get a nice balanced sound without too much off-axis weirdness.
A third method is to use two mics with figure 8 pickup patterns. Since figure 8 mics tend to have strong null points, you can use the null to your advantage by pointing that part of the mic towards the source you want to reject. You can use a similar setup to the one mentioned above for cardioid condensers, but with figure 8 mics, you’ll get more separation between the vocal and guitar tracks.
3. One Vocal Mic + Stereo Pair on Guitar
If your final product will be a sparser recording, you may want the acoustic guitar to fill up more space in the mix. This is where stereo acoustic guitar recording techniques come in handy.
A spaced pair of cardioid pattern condenser mics on the guitar often works well, as you can pan the left and right guitar mics nice and wide while focusing the vocal mic right down the middle. However, if the guitar is the only instrument in the mix, the spaced pair can sometimes create an off balance feel to the overall sound. If this is a problem, then an XY or ORTF stereo mic setup will give you a more focused but narrower guitar sound.
4. One Vocal Mic + Mid-Side Pair on Guitar
Another interesting option to try is a single mic for the vocals and a mid-side pair for the guitar.
The mid-side pair on the guitar gives you more control over the stereo image in the mix, and the single vocal mic gives you a focused vocal track that you can pan right down the middle of the mix.
This method can be a good option if you don’t want the mix to be too wide, but still want to add some stereo interest.
Conclusion
Multi-mic setups will give you the most dynamic sound for a guitar/voice recording, but when you’re working with multiple mics on the same source, it’s always important to keep phase coherence in mind, both when recording and when mixing. Always check your mics in mono when setting up a stereo recording and when working on the mix. It’s also a good idea to record each mic to its own track in your DAW so you can make micro-adjustments to the timing if necessary to fix the phase alignment of the tracks.
In the end, more mics usually means more work, but if you’re patient enough to get the placement right, using two or three mics will result in a richer and more rewarding sound.
Missing our best stuff?
Sign up to be the first to learn about the latest articles, videos, courses, freebies, giveaways, exclusive discounts and more.