If you’re interested in building your very own at-home sound studio, there has never been a better time. With a global pandemic forcing many people to stay indoors as much as possible, building a recording studio in your home will allow you to create music or radio from the comfort and safety of your own home. Whether you want to record some new tracks, or you want to record episodes of a new podcast, by following these guidelines, you’ll be able to get yourself set up quickly and cheaply.
Tips on Planning Your Studio
Keep it simple.
Many people fall into the trap of trying to do too much, too soon. In fact, the more elaborate your studio plans, the more likely you’ll become overwhelmed and throw in the towel. Keep things simple and start with the basics. Once you’re all set up, you’ll be able to expand and improve your studio.
Set a budget.
Recording equipment can be notoriously expensive. Set yourself a realistic, but strict budget for each item and stick to it. If you end up overspending on one item, you’ll find yourself having to buy cheap, low-quality products to make up the difference. Do some research on the average price of the items you need, and be realistic about what you can afford.
Find a good space.
Recording studios need to be set up in enclosed spaces. Ideally, you’ll be able to fashion a small room in your house into a make-shift studio. You’ll need to seal any cracks, cover the walls and floors, and implement certain measures to diffuse the sound. Here’s a great comprehensive guide to transforming any space into a good studio.
Studio Equipment Essentials
What exactly is the necessary equipment for any at-home studio? Here are four of the items you’ll probably need to purchase.
- A computer
You’ll need a computer to store, mix, and save your sound files. Because computers can be extortionately expensive, we recommend using what you have, unless you really need a new system.
- DAW and audio interface combo
A DAW, or Digital Audio Workstation, is the software that you upload onto your computer to record and edit your tracks. You’ll also need an audio interface to connect your gear to the computer, so that it’s accessible.
- Microphones
If you’re already in the business of recording music or podcasts, you probably know there are dozens of types of microphones on the market. Do some research on which types you’ll require. Each mic is designed to capture sound in a specific way, so you’ll notice a very different quality to your recording depending on the mic you use.
- Headphones or monitor
You’ll need headphones to hear the sound quality of your recordings properly. Alternately, if you don’t mind making lots of noise, use a set of studio speakers or monitors to play back your recordings.
Final Thoughts
We hope this quick guide to creating your own at-home recording studio has given you some inspiration. With these basic items, you’ll be well on your way to recording some killer tracks.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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