What do I need for my 1st home studio?

[descendent22]

My wife and I just bought our 1st house. I’m stoked to finally have my own studio. I’m building a studio and I’m in need of a recording software.what should I use. I need something basic/simple.im not all that good with computers.something cost friendly. I’m just basically trying to record my ideas and make songs.not trying to make a hot album.also what kind of mics should I get? I have an audio interface.please leave helpful comments

 

[knumbskull]

Free software: Audacity
My fave: Ableton Live Intro (80USD I think)

both pretty easy to use.

if you have a Mac, Garageband will do OK too.

mics: is this for bass only? Or vox/other instruments?

 

[Beersurgeon]

A lot of I/Os come with free software albeit a limited version. My first I/O came with Cubase and now this is the DAW that I use for my recordings with upgrading versions over the years. My advice, learn the software that comes with the I/O!

What is your I/O?

 

[MonetBass]

If you don't have a recording interface, I'd say that's the first step. And as mentioned, most come with DAW software. My Presonus USB Audiobox came with Cubase, but I now use Studio One Prime (free from Presonus). Reaper is also a popular choice on here, which is free to try and only $60 to buy.

Second would be some quality headphones for recording and powered monitors for mixing.

As far as the computer goes, more RAM (memory) is better. My current setup has 16 GB, but 8 GB is fine for most DAWs.

 

[Crater]

Everyone loves REAPER, including me. (It's recording software, what's commonly called a D.A.W., for digital audio workstation). Sixty dollars for the full license, free to try.

Basic needs:
1. Some kind of computer (PC or Mac) and DAW software. And of course, a recording interface (which you already have)

- OR -

You can buy one of those digital multitrack recorders, but I'm not a fan of them.

2. A microphone or microphones. You should budget at least $50 (used) to $100 each for decent quality mics. (And an XLR mic cable, of course). Mic choice depends on what source(s) you want to record.

3. Studio monitor speakers. A lot of beginners just get by with headphones, but monitors are nice to have.

4. Acoustic treatment for your recording/listening space. No, the idea is not to make the room "sound proof", but to lessen the little echoes and room reverberations. I made my own bass traps out of 1 x 4 lumber assembled into a frame, with mineral wool insulation and covered with fabric.

5. Patience!! Any recording program or device will have a "learning curve" so give yourself the space and time to learn. Go through any tutorials for your DAW, and read the manual.

 

[Tosh]

I use a DI box for my recordings. The only time I use a microphone is for recording my acoustic bass, or other acoustic instruments.

My favorite mic is an SE Voodoo2 (active ribbon mic).

If you use a Mac, then GarageBand is the way to go. Ultimately you may want to move up to Logic.

Audacity is a great free DAW, that runs on all PC platforms, but it will require some learning time.

 

[AceOfBassFace]

+1 for Reaper - Recording and editing is very easy once you get through the initial learning curve an d figure out how to use the basic functions. Works on Mac or PC.

If you're on Mac, Logic Pro is really powerful, and has a very complete and great-sounding set of virtual instruments and plug-ins. Pricier though, and the learning curve is a bit steeper.

 

[And I]

The basics would be an audio interface (which you have (but which one do you have?)) and a DAW. Any DAW will have a steep learning curve for you if you've never used one before. I use Reaper as well but whichever you choose, be prepared to learn how to use it, spend time viewing tutorials, reading documentation, etc.

The other things you may need depend entirely on specifics. What instrumentation would you be using to record ideas and make songs? Obviously bass, but what else? Do you have a drum kit? If not would you want to program drums? Will you be singing?

 

[descendent22]

Free software: Audacity
My fave: Ableton Live Intro (80USD I think)

both pretty easy to use.

if you have a Mac, Garageband will do OK too.

mics: is this for bass only? Or vox/other instruments?

Bass,guitar,vocals

 

[descendent22]

If you don't have a recording interface, I'd say that's the first step. And as mentioned, most come with DAW software. My Presonus USB Audiobox came with Cubase, but I now use Studio One Prime (free from Presonus). Reaper is also a popular choice on here, which is free to try and only $60 to buy.

Second would be some quality headphones for recording and powered monitors for mixing.

As far as the computer goes, more RAM (memory) is better. My current setup has 16 GB, but 8 GB is fine for most DAWs.

I have a Scarlett interface and it came with pro tools 1

 

[descendent22]

Everyone loves REAPER, including me. (It's recording software, what's commonly called a D.A.W., for digital audio workstation). Sixty dollars for the full license, free to try.

Basic needs:
1. Some kind of computer (PC or Mac) and DAW software. And of course, a recording interface (which you already have)

- OR -

You can buy one of those digital multitrack recorders, but I'm not a fan of them.

2. A microphone or microphones. You should budget at least $50 (used) to $100 each for decent quality mics. (And an XLR mic cable, of course). Mic choice depends on what source(s) you want to record.

3. Studio monitor speakers. A lot of beginners just get by with headphones, but monitors are nice to have.

4. Acoustic treatment for your recording/listening space. No, the idea is not to make the room "sound proof", but to lessen the little echoes and room reverberations. I made my own bass traps out of 1 x 4 lumber assembled into a frame, with mineral wool insulation and covered with fabric.

5. Patience!! Any recording program or device will have a "learning curve" so give yourself the space and time to learn. Go through any tutorials for your DAW, and read the manual.

I forgot to mention I have a PA,PA monitors and 2 pairs of studio speakers

 

[Sean150]

I would suggest you get a Shure SM 57 as your first mic. I just bought one because I didn’t like what I was getting for sound direct through the interface and was very impressed with the quality and functionality. It is also unidirectional so you do not have to worry as much about the acoustics of the room.

I find GarageBand to be easy to use if you have/want a Mac and it is similar to Pro Logic which is a top level daw from what I’ve heard. Before I bought my Mac I looked at other daws and they were all pretty comparable in functionality once you figure out the specific interface that works for you.

Oddball suggestion: if you have the room and funds I would suggest an electric drum kit. I personally find you can get a bit more character playing drums in the traditional sense than you can get from a sequencer.

I am not an expert by any means but this is what I’ve done to try to get my ideas recorded.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

You got the computer, interface, DAW, and the studio monitors. Get yourself a DI box*, a dynamic mic, and a good set of headphones first. Get a MIDI keyboard if you can play the keys, otherwise you can write the notes in your DAW. Do a little research about basic room treatment especially if you're going to use the monitors. And get the necessary cables to hook up everything.

*Edit: your interface probably has instrument inputs, so you can skip the DI.

Congrats on your 1st house btw!!

 

[AngelCrusher]

If you have a room it would be ideal to treat it a little before you set it up with gear. It’s a game changer and will give you a different vibe when you walk in as well. Maybe you already did that.

Besides that I would second the SM57 and a basic interface while you get your feet wet.

 

[Guild B301]

I also prefer Steinberg Cubase for home studios. There is a free download version called Cubase Studio LE. Since you already have an interface, you probably only need a good microphone. I’d suggest checking out the
Audio-Technica AT2010. Those few things should do about everything you need for recording at home.
Plus, whichever headphones you prefer. If you don’t already have them, I would suggest the Audio-Technica ATH M40x.

 

[outoftune]

My setup has grown over time but right now I am using:
Tech 21 GED (rack-mount version)
Quilter Interbass
Axe I/O
MacBook with Reaper
Headphones and monitors.

I also have an Alexis nitro mesh Drum kit I can run into EZDummer 2
KORG keyboard
Amplitube for guitar amp emulation

What I really need is - TIME

 

[littlebun]

My wife and I just bought our 1st house. I’m stoked to finally have my own studio. I’m building a studio and I’m in need of a recording software.what should I use. I need something basic/simple.im not all that good with computers.something cost friendly. I’m just basically trying to record my ideas and make songs.not trying to make a hot album.also what kind of mics should I get? I have an audio interface.please leave helpful comments

This is what I use: Logic or Garageband, Apogee Duet 2, Yamaha HS80M powered monitors, U87ai mic, Mic pop filter, SE Electronics Mic reflection filter with mic stand, LED TV monitor. This is all you need for a great home studio.

 

[triode6L6a]

If you're going to be singing while you play bass or guitar, then you'll want some closed ear headphones (as opposed to open back, which will bleed sound into the room). I've been using the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro series for that duty for years. Then I'll use my favorites, the open back Sennheiser HD 580 phones for late night mixing.

Along those same lines, if you'll be using headphones for recording, make sure you have enough outputs for those phones. You may already have that covered, but if you don't, I've been using an Alto HPA6 for years. It's relatively inexpensive and, combined with the Focusrite Control program (included with your Scarlett interface), allows you to send each person their own separate mix. This can be a life saver for when the guitar dude wants to hear the guitar louder and vocals softer.

For a microphone, yep, you can't beat the Sure SM 57 as an all around workhorse, but if the mic is specifically for vocals, I'd HIGHLY recommend you just go ahead and invest in something like the Rode NT 1000 condenser microphone. It does require +48 volt phantom power, but your Scarlett interface should provide that, and yes you'll also want to spring for the Rode SM 6 shockmount (with included pop filter), and of course a boom mic stand. It will seem like a lot of money, but once you hear your voice through that, you'll never regret spending the cash.

As far as DAWs go, if you've got an Apple computer, Garage band is an excellent place to start, but heck, for $200 there is no better bang for the bucks than Logic Pro X. But start with the free Garage Band. It's pretty amazing too.

And MYLOWFREQ mentioned adding a little MIDI keyboard and some acoustic treatments for your recording room, both excellent suggestions. The keyboard will let you take advantage of virtual keyboards, which can sound amazing in a mix and are easy to play one note at a time, and the small amount of time you invest in treating your studio walls will pay big dividends when you're listening back to your mixes.

Anyway,remember that it's all about the journey, so have fun learning all the new stuff about recording, and don't be afraid to try weird stuff to get the sound you want.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

My wife and I just bought our 1st house. I’m stoked to finally have my own studio. I’m building a studio and I’m in need of a recording software.what should I use. I need something basic/simple.im not all that good with computers.something cost friendly. I’m just basically trying to record my ideas and make songs.not trying to make a hot album.also what kind of mics should I get? I have an audio interface.please leave helpful comments

Computer: Alienware. Although, you can get a pretty darn decent HP from Costco or Walmart that'll do just fine for a good price.

Interface: We all use Focusrite. Different models, but all Scarletts.

DAW: Anything really. They all do the same thing. I use Reaper (its free, and very extensive) my guitarist uses Ableton live 10 (expensive, but very cool. Reality though, it does the same thing reaper does, except it costs like 600 bucks) my other guitarist uses Studio 1 (it came with his pre sonus mixer. Its dope.) My keyboard player uses Sony Acid studio (just like reaper). We all share files and waves back and forth. Just pick one and get familiar with it. Also, download a whole mess of plug-ins. Those are the amps, cabs, and effects you'll use for production.

Equipment : cables, mics, amps, iso booth (you can just fab something to fit around a mic stand out of some foam. It works cherry.), DI box (yes, the interface has preamps and inputs for all things, but a DI box usually yields better results than plugging in straight. Plus, you have the option of a tube DI for a different tone).

That pretty much it, unless you want to buy an electric drumset. Or drumset in general. If so, youll need a whole mess of mics, stands, and sound proofing. Plus, electric kits usually plug in MIDI, and you can do whatever you want with it afterwards.

Thats about it bro. Have fun.

 

[Highroler79]

My wife and I just bought our 1st house. I’m stoked to finally have my own studio. I’m building a studio and I’m in need of a recording software.what should I use. I need something basic/simple.im not all that good with computers.something cost friendly. I’m just basically trying to record my ideas and make songs.not trying to make a hot album.also what kind of mics should I get? I have an audio interface.please leave helpful comments

Lots of great info, Sonar by BandLabs is free now and is a fantastic DAW Before Gibson filed chapter 11 it was like $600.00. Reaper as people said is great to and only $60, and Ableton is unreal for looping and creating songs.

Have fun with your studio,

Here is my Ableton set up