When you first start out as a singer/songwriter the thing everyone goes on about is recording ,which at first glance seems like you're presented with one of two options ;
A) shell out a fortune on studio time or/
B) build a home studio, which is not only presented as expensive, but also as if it requires a level of technical expertise many musicians simply don’t have.
Either of these options require you having access to a large amount of capital which many young musicians don't have. Today I’m going to tell you how to create an affordable home studio that is well within the technical capabilities of even the most technically challenged musician.
What do I need?
The first thing you need in order to record your music is a reliable digital audio workstation (DAW) to do so with. My recommendation is 'sound trap' which is a free online audio editor. The sign up process is super easy meaning you can be making music in minutes. Unusually for a free DAW sound trap this has the ability to multi track (meaning you can layer multiple instruments) ,allowing you to create anything from film scores to acoustic covers featuring only you and a guitar. Sound trap allows you to both record live instruments through a usb audio card (covered later) or to input notes into digitally programmed instruments which have a relatively realistic sound. Additionally 'soundtrap' has multiple account options from their free account up to pro levels meaning that if, at some point, you wanted to upgrade to something with more capabilities you wouldn't have to learn a whole new system, you simply upgrade your account. The only downside to the programme I have found is that their range of synth instruments is particularly limited for wind and brass but overall the pros outweigh the cons, making it a solid choice for a beginner. Something to bear in mind is that in order to input notes you need to have some idea of where notes are on the piano but this isnt much of an issue since a quick google search will pull up a cheat sheet on the topic.
Read my full soundtrap tutorial for beginners (here) .
Whether you need this next piece of equipment depends on whether you intend to play your instruments live into the DAW. If you play a guitar or bass you are going to need a standard mono jack to jack cable ( found here ) and a jack to headphone adapter (found here). However, if you play a keyboard this process can be more difficult. Some keyboards will have a set up the same as for a guitar but it is not uncommon for keyboards to have a 5 point h midi cable ,in which case you will need one of these ( found here) plus and adapter ( found here) plus a jack cable and adapter as in the guitar set up. Although it seems complex ,once you have done it the first time you'll practically be a pro.
The next thing you will need if you intend to record your voice or acoustic instruments is a decent mic set up which is where the audio card I mentioned above comes into play. For clearer audio it is recommended that instead of using the built in mic port on the computer you instead use an audio card, which you simply plug into a usb port on your laptop .You can then use the same as a mic and headphone port on your laptop. Mic wise a great beginner mic is (this one) by 'rock jam' which comes at an affordable price but still works well. There is some low level crackle but this is mostly not noticeable once you have an accompaniment put in. A pop filter (found here) is definitely worth buying since it helps even any audio interference which comes from fast moving air hitting the mic as a result of speaking or singing.
Finally you will need a pair of headphones. The ones pictured are the Sony MDRZX310 foldable headphones which work brilliantly ,particularly if you want to be able to edit on the go as they fold up really small. Additionally ,the sound quality is crystal clear. Another personal favorite of mine is the Ailihen C8 (found here) which again has brilliant audio quality and comes in cool colours, which is always a bonus. A point that works in the favour of the Ailihen C8 is that I find them to be more comfortable for long editing periods.
How to set up your studio?
Ideally you want a dedicated space. I spent too many months lifting my keyboard up and down the stairs each and every time I wanted to record something and injuring myself several times in the process. You want a space long enough to have your laptop and your keyboard next to each other. However, if you're a guitarist you could just work at your desk with your guitar safely secured nearby. You also probably want a chair of some kind. The type of chair you choose is up to personal preference but if your short on space I recommend these collapsible stools (found here).
However you choose to do it you want to maintain a sense of organisation to enable you to work efficiently. To do this you don't need anything particularly fancy -an old tin or painted cardboard box would do. Personally I have a tin which contains all my adapters, a basket which I keep larger items in like my sustain pedal for my keyboard and my mic. I also have some hooks which simply stick onto your wall where I keep cables organised. Something I am looking to get is a larger hook for my headphones to keep them off the desk when not in use but for now they hang out in my basket or on my keyboard.
I wish you success in setting up your studio. If you have any questions please feel free to message me at ashstrowger@outlook.com
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