What should I buy first for my home recording studio?

Question

I've decided that I want to build a home recording studio.
So far, I've got a pair of good speakers, a desk,a few instruments and an Acer aspire netbook.
I'm contemplating on wether I should get a midi keyboard, a better laptop/pc and the audio interface or a mic.
Right now i'm tight on budget so I can only get one of those if i want a good one.

Answer 1

You will need DAW software to put on your computer. Your options depend on your budget - you could go for Pro Tools or Ableton Live, or a cheaper option like Garageband (if you have a Mac), or even a free program like MuLab from MuTools.com (which is still good despite it being free).



However, to run a DAW without too many problems, you may need a better computer. Your money will go further with a desktop compared to a laptop as well.



You'll need an audio interface. A great one to start off with is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. You can connect your speakers to it, and it'll connect to your computer via USB.



Do you want to make electronic music, or do you want to record real instruments? If you want to do the former, get a MIDI keyboard, like the Akai LPK25. If it's the latter, get a microphone with a mic stand. A good choice is the Shure SM58.



It can take time and money to build up even the most basic studio, so don't worry about getting everything all at once. Build it up over time.



The first thing I would recommend is a better computer and run MuLab on it. Look for lots of freeware on the internet. You can get loads of free effects plugins, synths etc.

Answer 2

How I record Audio - http://asimplelife.ca/boss.html The Main Mix Out Ports on the Alto Mixer send a Stereo Audio signal to MIC jack on my Canon Camcorder. I, at times use the Phones Port on the Alto Mixer to send a Stereo Audio Signal to the MIC jack on the sound Card I installed in my computer. I, at time, switch these wires and ports around, I do so as needed. Every one of the Microphones I connect to the Alto Mixer produce a Mono Audio Signal. once inside the Mixer, wires make that Mono signal, Stereo. Using a Mixer allows me to add many other Audio sources to the mix.



They sell the Apex 750, the Microphone seen on my site, for $29.99, online. It comes with a 20 foot cable, I cannot remember if the free end had a XLR or 1/4 in point on it though, I own both cables and I have memory issues and I bought this several years ago

Answer 3

Actually, if you do want a free and virus free audio recording software with many features, and the ability to implement VSTs, such as Nectar, reverbs, amps emulators etc, try Audacity. It is a seriously appreciated software multitrack recorder and is used within DAWs to fine tune audio tracks. It records in either mono or stereo.



If you do want to involve yourself in using Midi instruments (and why would you not?).. There are cheap DAWs like Magix with a built in supply of instruments and effects for about $30 at best Buy, Amazon, etc.. It tracks both audio and midi. It's very simple and easy to run..Has drum software and there are a multitude of free midi drum tracks and players out there. These simple midi/audio DAWs do have their limitations however and if you wish to be able to load a VST (midi instrument) like Sampletank (there is a free version with some instruments) you'll need a DAW that can direct channels. If you;ve never used midi and wish to try multitracking, I'd settle for something like Magix...However, when you understand its limitations and need to direct channels (as in being able to access multiple instruments from one VST like Sampletank, or if you want to try side chaining (used often for 'ducking' (lowering the sound of other tracks when you sing or record an instrument so as not to muddy the recording or overpower the main track, you'll need a more powerful DAW. (BTW, DJs use ducking often as they begin talking over the end of one piece of music and into the next piece..). My advice is to buy Reaper, which is about $60. It is as powerful as Protools Cubase, Cakewalk, etc, just cheaper. However, with power comes complexity.

Answer 4

Get an audio interface or USB mixer. Your PC can probably run a couple channels.



Get a budget condensor microphone, and cabling and stands for it.

Answer 5

Get a desktop computer and interface, or a Digital Audio Workstation.