How to Build Your Own Home Recording Studio On a Budget

Television and the Internet have proven that the average person can become a superstar without having fancy studios and

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How to Build Your Own Home Recording Studio On a Budget

Table of contents :
Title Page......Page 2
Copyright Page......Page 3
1. Introduction......Page 5
2. Learning to Mix......Page 7
3. Creating a Solid Plan......Page 9
4. Creating a Budget......Page 11
5. Choosing a Space......Page 13
6. Designing Your Space......Page 16
7. Working on the Acoustics......Page 18
8. Soundproofing Your Space......Page 20
9. Buying a Computer......Page 22
10.  Choosing the Best Recording Software......Page 25
11.  Selecting the Best Interface......Page 28
12.  Microphone Buying Tips......Page 31
13.  Great Advice for Buying Headphones......Page 33
14.  Accessories you must buy......Page 35
15.  Audio Cable Do’s and Don’ts......Page 37
16.  Conclusion......Page 39
About the Author......Page 41
About the Publisher......Page 42

Citation preview

How To Build Your Own Home Recording Studio On a Budget

Published By Shaharm Publications

For a full list of books by Shaharm Publications, please go to: http://www.shaharmpublications.com

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be replicated, redistributed, or given away in any form without the prior written consent of the author/publisher.

Table of Contents Title Page Copyright Page 1. Introduction 2. Learning to Mix 3. Creating a Solid Plan 4. Creating a Budget 5. Choosing a Space 6. Designing Your Space 7. Working on the Acoustics 8. Soundproofing Your Space 9. Buying a Computer 10. Choosing the Best Recording Software 11. Selecting the Best Interface 12. Microphone Buying Tips 13. Great Advice for Buying Headphones 14. Accessories you must buy 15. Audio Cable Do’s and Don’ts 16. Conclusion About the Author About the Publisher

1. Introduction Have you been dreaming of being a musician, yet your budget does not permit you to spend loads of money on studio time. Do you wish there was some way to record your music without worrying about the inconvenience of finding a studio in your local area? Are you working with a limited budget but your musical drive is working on high speed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it would probably be in your best interest to build your own recording studio. Don't start thinking negative thoughts about how unrealistic this idea is since that is not the case at all. There are plenty of people just like you out there who have invested a small amount of money into creating a musical space they can be proud of. Yes, you may be limited a bit since your studio will not be as advanced as some of the more expensive ones out there, yet the possibility to do well most certainly exists. There are many steps that you will have to go through in order to get your studio up and running, but that should be small potatoes considering the rewards you may be able to receive once the space is done. It is quite possible that you may create some musical magic that top producers cannot wait to get their hands on. You will never know unless you take a chance and work on creating a studio of your own. The main thing that you will need is a good space to do your recording in. That will be discussed here, as well as other things, like choosing great equipment and making sure that the acoustics in the room are correct. This is a project that will require a good amount of planning, so do not embark on this journey unless you are ready to invest a huge helping of patience, time, blood, sweat and tears. Again, this may seem like a dream, but it can become your reality soon enough. Television and the Internet have proven that the average person can become a superstar without having fancy studios and expensive equipment at their disposal. For example, Justin Bieber, who is now a multimillionaire due to his musical success, got his start by uploading videos onto a popular content sharing site. If that is not enough to convince you that you don't have to be rich to become a great musical artist, there is not much hope.

While it will take some time for you to establish your home recording studio and make it a space that you can use to seek solace and get your creative juices flowing, the planning and execution of your studio should not take much longer than a month or two. You may have to grind a bit if you want things to be completed sooner, but that is a rough estimate. You do not have to sit around any longer being envious of all of your favorite musical artists. It is time for you to get your own studio up and running so you can join them. The information here is as simple as it gets. By the time you are done reading this, you will know all of the details needed to become the proud owner of a home recording studio. Good luck on all of your musical pursuits!

2. Learning to Mix This may seem like it does not belong here, but that is simply not the case. You will not have an entire production crew at your disposal, so you will be in charge of all aspects of running your studio. It is not very easy to make quality musical tracks if you have no idea how to mix. Dibbling and dabbling may be fun, but it is important for you to gain solid skills in that area. Here are some ideas you should use if you have the desire to mix your own music.

Choose Your Genre Every person who mixes music does not have the same preferences. It is a good idea to pinpoint what your specific tastes are before you embark on your journey. Whether you are into the soulful rhythms of hip-hop or you are into the up-tempo beats that are synonymous with house music, it is a good idea to pinpoint this beforehand. Once you become more experienced, it is possible to combine the genres, but it is easy to stick with one style if you are just getting started.

Intros and Outros Are Made For Mixing Have you ever listened to a song and wondered why it was taking so long to end. While the vocals may have stopped minutes ago, the musical arrangement continues. This is because music writers leave space at the beginning and end of a song in the event that someone may want to mix. This means that you can take a chance at mixing some of your favorite songs.

There Are No Rules Music is an artistic form of expression. For this reason, you should feel perfectly free to bend “rules” and figure out what works best for you. For example, you may believe that two particular pieces will not sound good when

they are mixed together since you have not heard anything like it, but this actually leaves room for you to take the reins and become a musical pioneer.

Educate Yourself There are several ways that you can learn many of the tricks of the trade. You have to think over all of the available options and decide which one is best for you. The choices you have include: 1. Take An Online Course – There are several places online that offer mixing classes. Some of them are as short as one hour long, yet others are far more extensive. Since your goal is to get started while paying close attention to your budget, you should do some serious comparison-shopping when trying to select the best class. 2. Learn from A Friend – If you are friends with people who are already familiar with mixing, you should ask them to lend you a hand. This is a great idea if they are patient and you are willing to let them take charge and lead the way. You should probably offer a small stipend for their help, even though they are your friend, since they will be taking time out for you. 3. Head To The Library – There are hundreds of books out there that were written to help people learn all there is to know about mixing. You can always buy the books, but the library is a better option since you will not have to pay to get the information you need. In the event that they don't have the specific book you want at the library, there is always a chance that they can have it sent to you from another library in the same network. There is absolutely no reason for you to invest any time and money into creating a recording studio if you have no idea how to mix. Even if you have talents that include rhyming or singing, it is always a good idea to know more of the technical things that go into making music.

3. Creating a Solid Plan Like all things in the world, building a home studio involves a large amount of planning. If you try going into it without any solid course of action, that will increase the chance that something will go wrong. The following information is for people who are not very good with planning and may need some guidance.

Write It Down These are not the type of plans you can formulate in your head. While that is where your ideas will form, it is important to get them down on paper. This is a good idea since you can look over the plans, add to them and/or take away information as needed. It is best to write everything clear and concise so there is no confusion later when it is time to bring your plans into action.

Consider Your Neighbors Creating your own recording studio means that loud music will be playing in your home at hours that may not be very convenient for the people who live around you. The best way to get around this would be to consider soundproofing, which is discussed in detail later. If that is not a solid option for you at the time, you may need to postpone your plans until you can allot money for this. You do not want to get into any rows with your neighbor because you are creating more noise than they can handle.

Asking For Help While it is possible to create the studio all on your own, it would take less time if you recruit a few people to help you. Invite a few of your friends to help you and offer them some free studio time in exchange for their assistance. It is also helpful to talk to friends that may have experience in this arena since they may be able to guide you and/or lead you in the direction of people who have moderately-priced supplies for sale.

Be Realistic When you are drawing up plans, it is a good idea to be realistic about your space and what your limitations are. For example, you should not tell yourself that you would be able to buy the best equipment on the market if you know that your funds are limited. Creating plans that are not logical is a complete waste of time; you should focus more attention on those that are.

Set Aside Enough Time This is not a project that can be started today and finished tomorrow. Between designing the space, soundproofing and buying the equipment you need, it will take some time for your plans to take shape. If you have a job and you work long hours, this will probably be something you should work on during the weekends. On the other hand, if you have more free time on your hands, it will not take as long.

Take a Look at Some Pictures There are people all over the Internet who have created studios at home. One good idea would be to look at online pictures and get a good idea of what needs to be done. Many people who post pictures include the prices they paid for many of the items and the dimensions of the room. This type of information could be a perfect starting point for you. You may have heard that it is not wise to jump into anything head first without thinking. This applies here tenfold. You do not want to invest money, even if it is a small amount, and have your project blow up in your face. Planning well will decrease the chances of you having any issues in the future.

4. Creating a Budget One thing that must be done before anything gets started is the planning of a budget. There is no way that you can build a successful home recording studio economically if you don't have a budget. When you are trying to decide how all of your money should be figured out, the following information can help.

Be Realistic While your goal is to create an economical studio, the reality is that you will not be able to do this for nothing at all. There will have to be at least a small investment if you want this to work out. You also have to consider the fact that budget will dictate the materials you purchase. Do not walk in with a few dollars and expect to purchase items that are top of the line.

Equipment Means the Most There are some people who waste so much money when it comes to decorating the space that they have to skimp when it comes to other aspects of the project. This is a large error that can have a negative effect on the music you will produce in your studio once it is complete. It is fine to skimp in several areas, but you should try buying the best equipment you can that falls within your targeted price range.

Give Yourself Some Space You don't want to calculate everything perfectly as if it were an exact science. There is always a chance that something will go wrong during the process and you will need to have some sort of padding. For example, you may have budgeted money for a used microphone, then you realize that the quality is very poor. If you don't give yourself a little wiggle room, you will not be able to buy anything better.

Differentiate Between Wants and Needs Since you are not working with an unlimited budget, there are some things that you will not be able to include when building your home recording studio. It is a very good idea to figure out what your needs are, then balance them against the things you want. For example, you will NEED a computer, yet you may want one that is not really necessary to create quality music. In this case, you would buy the best available that will meet your needs.

Try Sticking To It Some people write budgets as a guideline, yet all of their spending goes haywire when they realize that they will have to actually stay within their budget. What is the point in working so hard to create a solid budget if you are not going to follow it? This is why it is important for you to create a reasonable budget. It will make it more difficult for you to resist sticking to it.

Buy Quality Materials There are some things that you can buy dirt cheap, and this is because they are not really worth anything. It is not a good idea to buy things that are ridiculously cheap at the expense of your recording studio. For example, when you are buying materials to soundproof the room, buying cheap materials may not work and you will have to invest more to fix the problem. Buying quality materials means that it will be done right the first time. Creating a successful budget is more about taking time to plan things carefully than it is about having all of the money in the world. Budgeting well is one of the most important parts of building your recording studio. If you try to forge ahead without taking the time to create a solid budget, this is a decision that you will come to regret.

5. Choosing a Space There are many places in a home that can serve as a recording studio, but this all depends on several factors. You want to make sure that you select the right space or all of your hard work setting things up will go to waste. Here are some facts that will help you choose the best space.

The Basement This may seem like a great place to build a home recording studio, but there are a few things that may make this an unwise decision. Weigh the following pros and cons when trying to decide if this is the best option:

Pros 1. Location – Since basements are situated in an area of the house that does not have heavy traffic, you will be able to practice and record without disturbing anyone in the home. It is also less likely to bother your neighbors since the space is situated below ground level. 2. The Walls – When you are trying to soundproof a regular room, it can be quite complicated, but basements are actually easier. Most of the time the walls are made of cement or brick, which is generally more soundproof than something like drywall. This means that less material will be required to make the room truly soundproof.

Cons 1. Electrical Wiring – In order to operate your computer and all of the other equipment you need to buy, it will be important for you to have solid wiring installed. This is usually not the case when it comes to the basement, and rewiring the room can be very expensive. 2. Dampness – The basement is a space that is very prone to flooding and water damage. If these things affect the area, there is a chance that all of your

equipment will become irreparably damaged. If your basement has not already been waterproofed, it will cost a bundle to do that.

A Bedroom Generally, this is one of the first options people consider when they are working with a limited space. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros 1. Location – This is in the central part of the home, which means that it is easily accessed. Since it is not in a detached place like a shed, you know that your equipment will be safe from thieves. 2. Electrical Wiring – As long as you have great wiring throughout the home, this should apply to the bedrooms as well. You will not have to worry about paying for any adjustments to be made in order to accommodate your needs.

Cons 1. Noise Level – Since this is probably located in an area that is close to other bedrooms and/or other rooms in the home, it is easy to disturb people who are interested in having some peace. This is also a pretty difficult room to soundproof, so you may end up having complaints from the neighbors if you cannot afford anything comprehensive. 2. Privacy – If you are all about having jam sessions when you are alone, then this is not an issue. On the flip side, do you really want outsiders spending time in your bedroom? Close friends may be fine, but it could be pretty awkward if you needed to invite someone who is outside your immediate circle.

The Garage You have probably heard about bands all over the world that use the garage as a place to record their music. If you have ever wondered why this is such a popular choice, the information here should help clear that up for you.

Pros 1. Location – While this is technically a part of the house, it is not a place that needs to be accessed by anyone else, especially if there is no one in the home that actually drives a car. If there is a car that needs to be parked, consider parking it on the street or in the driveway. 2. Noise Level – Most garages have a sealed concrete floor in the garage, which means that you don't have to worry about sound bouncing off of it. There are also solid walls that can keep your music out of your neighbor's earshot.

Cons 1. Sound – Since most garages have parallel walls, this can cause an unpleasant echo when you are trying to make music. 2. Permits - If you are planning to change the structure of the garage to meet your needs, it will be necessary for you to go and apply for a building permit. Those are several of the options you have when it comes to a room to house your recording studio. Weigh the pros and cons of each of these in order to determine which will give you the most benefit.

6. Designing Your Space Once you have chosen a room, it is time for you to decide how you would like the space designed. This may become a room you spend a great deal of time in, so it is important that the look for the room suits you. Here are a few ideas you should think about when you are looking for ways to design the room.

Clear the Floor One thing that you must know about home recording studios is that you will need all of the space you can get. Once you figure out what room you are going to use, it is important that you work on clearing everything from the floor. This includes any clutter or other things that people can stumble over when they are spending time in the room.

Remove Items from the Walls You do not want any paintings or any other items attached to the walls. When you are playing, the sound can bounce off of these objects and create something that is not very pleasant. You may have been thinking about adding photos of your musical inspiration, but this is not a good idea. If you insist on adding any pictures of your favorite artists, painting a picture directly on the wall should do this.

Controlling the Temperature Temperature control is essential when you are working on a home recording studio. There are some parts of the home that do not have the heating and air conditioning it may need. You have to find a way to reach a temperature that s comfortable. If you are in the studio and you are uncomfortably hot or painfully cold, there is no way you will be able to create your best work.

Be Willing To Reshape the Room There are some room types that are not very ideal for people who are trying to play music. As you were told earlier, parallel walls create issues when recording music. If your only room choices are those that have odd walls, you should consider removing them or moving them elsewhere. This may be a bit out of your price range, but you should definitely consider it.

Choose the Right Colors Whether you believe it or not, the colors that you choose to decorate your studio will make a difference when you are attempting to make music. This is because the colors of a room help to set the mood. If you are interested in making music that is upbeat and cheerful, you should choose bright colors. On the other hand, if the music you are planning to record were dark and filled with angst, you would be better off in a room that is decorated with darker colors. As you can see, the way you design your studio will dictate the quality of the music you make. Think carefully about all of this as you are trying to choose the best design for the space. You do not want to choose something that is purely aesthetic if it will have a negative impact on your ability to make music.

7. Working on the Acoustics People with large budgets have a simpler time trying to find ways to get the acoustics of a room correct, but that does not mean that it is not a possibility for the budget minded musician. If you are looking for economical ways to sharpen the acoustics in your new studio, here are some ideas you will find very useful.

Buy a Large Sofa This may not sound like the most technical way to help with sound, but it actually makes a difference. If you place a large sofa in your studio it will act as a bass trap and absorber. This is probably not the best solution that is available out there, but it is probably the best if you are serious about keeping the price down.

Cover Up the Windows If you have no choice but to create a studio in a space that has windows, it would be a great idea to work on covering them up. The best way to do this would be to buy some acoustic panels that can be placed in front of them. If you cannot find any that fit your overall budget, you can create a bit of a sound barrier by purchasing very heavy drapes and using those instead.

Purchase A Few Mattresses Placing a few mattresses behind the microphone is a great way to improve the sound in the room that you are recording in. When you are ready to use the microphone, you will stand behind it with the mattresses behind you. This will create a barrier that will absorb a great deal of the vibrations experienced when you are using the microphone.

Remove All Mirrors

These pretty much work the same as windows when it comes to destroying the quality of your sound. If there are any traditional mirrors or highly reflective surfaces in the room, it would be a good idea to get rid of them. It can do a real number on your stereo image, which means that there will be plenty of echoes when you are trying to mix.

Placing Your Mixer in the Right Spot Whether you know it or not, there is a specific place you should put your mixer in order to ensure the best sound quality. Find the longest wall and place your mixer there. You want to have plenty of room to use your equipment and you do not want the sound to be muffled because the mixer has two walls that are not very far from it.

Buy Diffusing Panels It is important for there to be some blank space on a wall in order to create a small amount of vibration, but having too much empty space is not a good idea. It is in your best interest to buy diffusion panels to help with the sound. These are special panels that are made to reflect sound. They are very easy to install; all you need is some adhesive. Spray adhesives are the best, but you can use Velcro if you are worried about damage to the walls. The way that your music sounds is extremely important, and that is why the acoustics of the room are so important. Even if you choose the best room location and you have the best equipment, bad acoustics will cancel out all of that. Hopefully, you have learned enough here to ensure great acoustics in your space. Use one or more of these ideas in order to achieve the desired result.

8. Soundproofing Your Space The last thing you want when you are working in your home recording studio would be a neighbor distracting you with their never-ending complaints. The best way to prevent this would be to soundproof the room you will be recording in. While this is generally a very costly feat, here are a few economic ways to soundproof your space.

Do It Yourself You may not be a professional, so it might seem like your best bet is to call one, but this is not the case at all. There are so many books and online tutorials available that can help you do it on your own. At this point, it would be a total waste to hire someone to do this for you. If you have money in your budget to cover a pro, go for it, but it is much cheaper to try doing it yourself.

Turn Off the Lights If you turn off all of the lights and look for areas where light is entering, you will know what needs to be covered up. The reality is that sound is able to get in anywhere that light can travel. If there are small cracks, you can use a sealant to cover them. Placing a buffer under the door can stop any sound from coming in or escaping.

Seal Electrical Outlets Did you ever notice that there is plenty of space around electrical outlets once you take the faceplates off? This is a waste of space and it ruins the sound in your space. Try removing all of the covers and caulking up the empty space. While this may seem like some type of hazard, it is actually quite safe and it can significantly improve the walls soundproofing ability.

Hang Fabric on Large Walls As you were told earlier in the book, it is great to have some empty space along the wall, but the key is to avoid having too much. If you are looking for a way to reduce the sound emitted from the room, try hanging tapestries on the walls. Quilts, old blankets and heavy drapes can work as well, but the tapestries are a bit more decorative and they can help change the tone of the space.

Add Acoustic Windows You were told that having windows could ruin the acoustics of a room, but some people work much better in a room that has some natural light. If you insist on creating a home recording studio in a room that has windows, you may want to consider changing the glass. Instead of traditional windows, you can try double-paned windows that have an acoustic layer. This will help keep the light coming in while trapping in the sound.

Install a Fire Door Many home doors are made of wood or metal that has a hollow core. If this is the case in your home, all of the soundproofing tricks in the world will not keep the sound from disturbing others. You may be worried about paying a ton of money for one of these doors, but they are a very good investment. It is also possible to look for abandoned properties that may have doors you can use. While you are in your studio making music, everyone around you does not want to hear that. Try using all of these tips in combination to get the best results. There really is no way to have a studio that is 100% soundproof unless you are willing to shell out a great deal of money. While they are not exactly foolproof, these ideas will help you achieve the best result you can get while trying to keep most of your money in your pocket.

9. Buying a Computer You may already have a computer, but there is a strong chance that this may not be a great one for someone who is trying to operate a recording studio in their home. This is one of the areas in your budget where you will have to avoid skimping. Even so, here are some tips that will help you buy the best possible computer that falls in your price range.

Consider the Price Last A great price is a pretty obvious part of trying to buy a computer when you are on a budget, but there is a method to the madness. You need to think about the price after you have considered many of the other factors. For example, if you are looking for a fast system that will not freeze up on you very often, this is more important than trying to find the cheapest computer you can find. Ideally, you should seek out a computer that can satisfy your needs without damaging your pocket too much.

Buy a Used or Refurbished Computer The great thing is that new computers are not as expensive as they used to be. The bad thing is that the cheaper computer systems may not have as many features as you need for maximum performance. For this reason, you should consider buying a used or refurbished computer. It should not be so old that most of the programs you need will not run properly, but it does not have to be brand spanking new.

Operating System Many people do not realize this, but if you want to find a computer that is optimal for people who are trying to record music, a Mac is probably your best bet. The problem with this is the fact that they are much more expensive than Windows-based computers. The best thing to do would be to follow the last tip

and look for a used or refurbished Mac. If you cannot find one, you will probably have to settle for a computer that has Windows. Also, go for a system with a 64-bit OS since it can handle more RAM.

Look For A CPU with Multiple Cores The reality is that you can never have a processor that is too fast, so look for one that is as speedy as possible. Most of the processing of the music you will be producing is done inside the computer. In order to ensure that your system is running smoothly and as optimally as possible, you should look for a multi-core system. Luckily, there are many moderately priced systems out there that fit the bill.

Purchase As Much RAM As Possible You will need to purchase a computer that will be able to handle all of the programs, plug-ins and effects you will need. The best way to ensure this will be to buy a computer that has plenty of RAM. The more you have, the better your computer will be at handling everything you need. The good thing about RAM is that you can always purchase more if you find a great system that does not have as much as you need.

You Will Need a Large Hard Drive One thing you should always keep in mind is that recording music takes up a great deal of space on a hard drive. A song or two can take up several gigabytes of space, so get the biggest hard drive that fits your budget. You can always add an external drive later if you need more space than your system can handle. Having a hard drive with too little space will have a huge negative effect on the music you produce.

Physical Size This will have to be taken into account since the size of your room has a lot to do with the system you will eventually select. If you are aware that space is limited, this is an indication that you need to buy something that is a bit compact. People who have a severely limited area to work with tend to use

laptop computers instead of desktops since they offer similar capabilities while taking up less physical space. One of the largest expenditures you need to worry about when you are creating a home recording studio is a computer. There is no way that you will be able to make quality music if you are not selective when you are choosing one. Use all of the info here if you want to increase the chances that you will make a wise choice.

10. Choosing the Best Recording Software You will need to get your hands on some recording software after you buy a computer. The music you make will only be as good as the software you choose. With that being said, there are a few things you should consider when you are trying to make a purchase decision.

Consider Your Skill Level If you were very new to this, it would not be a good idea to buy any programs that are too advanced. While they may have more features and produce better music, you will most likely not be able to get the hang of it right away. Also, the more advanced software programs are more expensive, so look for something in the low to moderate price range. Once you hone your skills, you can upgrade at that time.

Free Options There are several programs out there that are available for free, but you must weigh the pros and cons before using one of them. Here is a short rundown:

Pros 1. Cost – Of course this is the main positive aspect of free software. You will not have to use any of the money you budgeted to cover the costs. 2. Development – Most free software is constantly being improved, which means that a program that is average at best can turn out to be pretty amazing at some point. 3. Power – These programs generally use much less CPU space than those that you have to pay for.

Cons

1. Features – In most cases, free software has very limited features. This is not something you would have to worry about so much if you were using a paid software program. 2. Bugs – Since these software programs are often in their development stages, there may be quite a few bugs you have to deal with. 3. Compatibility – Unfortunately, when you use free software, it is sometimes incompatible with all of your equipment. You will have to do some research to make sure that the items you use do not cancel each other out.

Always Check the Requirements It is a very amateurish mistake to buy software without checking to see if your computer meets the system requirements. Buying software that is well priced and useless is not something that you want to deal with. Read all of the requirements carefully prior to making a purchase. That will save lots of time and frustration.

Download Free Promos The best thing about doing this is that you can get a good idea of which program fits you best. There are reviews all over the Internet from people who have experience with many programs. None of these reviews are as useful as trying the program out for yourself. While you may not get the opportunity to use every feature while trying the demo, you can get a general idea of whether or not the software is a good fit.

Never Pirate Software This is not only illegal, but it can be a serious liability. When you are using pirated software, there is a chance that someone has downloaded something terrible onto the file and it is waiting to corrupt your system. You are also relinquishing your right to have tech support from the manufacturer in the event that something goes wrong and your work is at risk. As a person who is interested in making music, you should have more respect for the creator than to use their software without paying. Essentially, this is like taking food out of their mouths since this may be the only way that they are able to make a living and take care of themselves. It may not seem like a huge deal, but it is stealing – and it is wrong.

Purchasing the right software is just as important as buying the right system. This should not be surprising since the two go hand in hand. Whether you decide to take a chance on one of the free programs or you feel making an investment is a better option, this advice should help you reach a decision that you will not regret.

11. Selecting the Best Interface The core of your home recording studio will be the interface you choose. Most of the ones that are available on the market are pretty great, so it is a little complicated to choose one. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are mulling over the options.

A Sound Card Is Not Enough A sound card is a type of audio interface, but you do not want to rely on this when you are trying to create music. If you are looking for sound quality that is on a professional level, you will have to buy an interface. This is also not enough since a sound card does not have all of the outputs that are included on an interface. Sound that is produced with a standard sound card is likely to be jittery and filled with unnecessary extra noise.

The Number of Inputs Needed If you only plan to use a mic when you are recording, you can buy an interface that only has a couple of inputs. On another note, if you are looking to add a guitar or drums to your music, you will need to have more inputs. The best thing to remember is that it is better to have too many than to have too little. Figure out how many you need and add a few extra in case something changes. Keep in mind that more inputs means a higher cost.

Consider Cost People are always quick to suggest the most expensive interface when you walk into an electronics store, but you should be wary. The salespeople are paid to make sales, so they will generally try to direct you to products that cost more. The most costly interface may be more than you actually need at the time, so feel free to decline their suggestions and look for something that is a better fit.

Check the Return Policy It is common for people to buy an interface and they are not satisfied with it. Instead of fretting over wasted money, it is always great when there is a return policy in place. When you are on the hunt for an interface, make sure that you check the return policy before making a purchase. You don't want to buy something that you absolutely hate and you are not able to exchange it for something else or get a refund.

Purchase One That Includes Software Since your goal is to save money while building your dream studio, you should look for ways to smartly cut corners. One method for doing this is to buy an interface that includes recording software as part of the package. This is great since you will not have to buy them separately, which means that you stand to save a good amount of money. It is also likely that the included software will be high quality if your new interface is.

Sound Quality How can you buy an interface without thinking about the sound quality you can expect? Generally more expensive ones have better sound, but you can find good ones that do not cost an arm and a leg. It is best to choose a 24-bit interface instead of one that is just 16-bit. Choosing the latter means that you may end up with lots of problems with distortion and background noise.

Get a Portable Device If you are planning to make music and play in front of an audience, it is best to get a device that can be carried from place to place. When you are traveling between gigs and sessions, you do not want to worry about a big, bulky device getting in the way. Buying something smaller is much more convenient. The portable devices are also easier to use, which means that you will spend less time setting up when it is time to use it.

Looks Mean Something

When you are buying equipment, aesthetics don't mean everything, but it can be considered if the options are equal in all other respects. This means that if you are able to get the same benefit from two different products it is okay to choose the one that you believe looks the best. Now that you have chosen some of the most important equipment for your home recording studio, you need to worry about getting a few other items. The next thing on your list should be buying a microphone. This is an essential part of creating the perfect space in your studio.

12. Microphone Buying Tips There is pretty much no way that you can have a winning home recording studio if you don't have a microphone. As with all of the other equipment mentioned here, you have to be careful if you want to make the right selection. Keep the following information in mind when you are shopping.

Avoid Buying Used Microphones You have been advised to buy some of your equipment used, but this is definitely something that you need to buy new. There are many unseen damages that can occur when using a microphone, and you do not want to become the proud new owner of that headache. It is best to buy a new one that is in a decent price range instead of purchasing a cheap one that may have sustained some unknown damage from the previous owner.

Consider the Place Where It Will Be Used Every microphone is not built the same. You have to figure out if the mic you are buying will only be used in your home studio, or if you plan to use it in other locations as well. If you are not sure, it is best to err on the side of caution and buy one that is fitting for several location types. This is better than buying one that was made strictly for home use and you book a gig where it needs to be used.

Frequency You should always keep in mind that vocals and instruments should be recorded using the microphone set on different frequencies. For example, a vocalist may need to have a microphone that is around 80 Hz, but a drummer will most likely have the best experience using one that is 50 Hz or less. The best thing to do would be to buy one that spans across a wide range of frequencies.

The Sound Pressure Level This is a feature of a microphone that is measured in decibels. This gives you a good idea of the sound levels the microphone you are considering, is capable of. If you are using loud instruments, you will need to purchase something that has a much higher sound pressure level than you would if you were strictly using it for singing soft music.

Wireless Microphones Many people are opting for these because they can be used in a much wider area since there is no physical cord limiting movement. It might seem like there are no affordable wireless mics, but that is not true at all. It is quite possible to find a wireless microphone that can fit nearly every budget. If you plan to buy one, make sure that you buy a unit that includes a receiver. Buying these two items separately may result in an issue with compatibility.

Buying a Package There are some dealers who sell microphone packages that include things like speakers, microphones, stands and mounts. This is a particularly good choice if you will be performing at some point. Since you may need all of this equipment, this is a cheaper way to obtain it than buying everything separate. It may be hard to find a dealer that has an economic package, but it is definitely not impossible. Buying a microphone should not be the most complicated process in the world. The information here will help you find a microphone that will give you the best musical performance in your home studio. It is now time to worry about buying headphones.

13. Great Advice for Buying Headphones When you have a home studio, there may be times when you are mixing or performing other tasks and you will need headphones. There are many brands on the market and some are much better than others. Here is a little help with finding the right ones.

Choosing the Right Type Since you are most likely mixing and/or recording songs, you will need to buy some great headphones. It is best to buy the type that covers your entire ear. Ear buds are very common with people these days, but this is not the best choice when it comes to mixing; they are more useful for listening to live music performances. If it is in your budget, you can purchase both, but if you can only buy one, the larger ones are the wisest choice.

Noise-Canceling These are a great choice if you are really concerned about background noise getting in the way of your musical evaluation. If you are using traditional headphones and there is a great deal of noise in the background, it will affect the listening quality and prevent you from hearing all of the subtleties in the music. Keep in mind that noise-canceling headphones are a little pricier than their noisy counterparts.

Comfort Level and Fit If you buy headphones that are not a good fit, they will not be very comfortable. This can directly affect the quality of the music produced while you are wearing them. It is best to look for something lightweight since you may be wearing them for an extended period of time. Make sure that you select a pair that has an adjustable headband since having one too loose or too tight can be a hindrance.

Durability You want to buy great quality headphones that will not bend or snap when you are not being particularly rough with them. Usually you have to buy heavier headphones in order to ensure great strength, but that is not always the case. Try to find a good balance between weight and durability and you should be fine.

Wireless Do not run out and buy wireless headphones because of the physical range you are offered with your selection. There is a definite downside to making this choice. When headphones are wireless, they tend to have very low signal quality. This is not acceptable if you plan to make musical magic in your new home recording studio.

Cost When it comes to headphones, you definitely get what you pay for. If your goal is to spend bargain basement prices, chances are you will end up with lowquality equipment. There are no set guidelines that say you need to buy the most expensive pair on the market, but this is not an area where skimping will pay off. Do not spend so much that you limit your other purchases, but don't buy strictly because the selection is cheap.

The Cables If you decide to buy headphones that have cables, you have to be very selective. The first thing you will need to worry about is the length of the cable. It is much better to buy a longer one than you need, than to get a shorter one and you find yourself incredibly limited. Another concern should be the quality and thickness of the cable. While thinner cables may look stylish, keep in mind that this is usually a sign that they are capable of breaking at any minute. Now that you are working your way through all of the purchases that need to be made, you should be feeling more confident in your ability to choose wisely. There are many accessories that are must-haves for a home studio, they will be discussed more in the following section.

14. Accessories you must buy There are so many accessories available for people who are looking to build a home studio. There is no reason to buy all of them since that can drain your entire bank account. Here are a few items that you need to buy if you want to get the most out of your new studio.

A Good Desk You will need a place to put your computer, interface and some of your other equipment. There is no reason to spend a fortune on a desk, so be careful about this. Yes, you will need a sturdier desk if you have very heavy equipment, but lightweight gear can be placed on a lighter desk. The best thing about buying a desk is that you can find used ones at garage sales, flea markets and online bulletin boards with ease.

Flash Drives Every time you want to share your music, do you really want to carry around a huge bundle of equipment? Saving all of your files to your flash drive will make things much simpler. The best thing about flash drives is the ability to hold so much in such a small device and the ease of use. An additional benefit is the fact that you can buy a Flash drive from just about anywhere for a reasonable price.

Pop Filter This is a must have if you are concerned about those popping sounds that tend to interfere when singing into a microphone. This is one of the more costly items that are included in this section, but it is very necessary. If you choose not to buy one, you will waste time and money producing music that is not very good. Spending a bit more up front means that you will save yourself a lot of trouble.

A Headphone Extension Cable If you opted for a wired pair of headphones, you will need to make sure that they can be used all over the studio. You don't want to take off your headphones every time you have to move around the room. If you have purchased some and you realize that the cord is not long enough to accommodate you, it is possible to buy a headphone extension cable.

Microphone Stand Do you really want to hold the microphone in your hand every time you go to use it? If you were not fortunate enough to buy a microphone bundle that includes the stand, you will definitely have to get one of these. The good thing about a stand is that there are no specifics that make one much better than another, so any stand that you can afford should be fine.

A Guitar Stand One thing that any guitar player will tell you is that hearing your guitar hit the floor is one of the worst sounds in the world. Most people tend to prop them up against the wall when they are not in use, and this is not a good idea at all. A guitar stand is a very economical buy and it can save you the trouble of having to replace a very expensive piece of equipment. If you buy the type that looks like a dock, you can have your guitar on your desk within arm’s length at all times. As you were already told, you don't have to be in a rush to get out there and buy every accessory that has ever been on the market. As long as you buy the ones mentioned here, you should be all set. Cables are an absolute necessity for a home studio and that is why the next section is solely focused on them.

15. Audio Cable Do’s and Don’ts There are many cables that will need to be purchased for your new studio. While this may not seem like such a huge deal, there is no way to use all of the equipment needed to produce your music if you don't have any cables. If you are not familiar with the buying process, here are a few guidelines that will assist you.

DO avoid cables that have a foil shield. These cables are the ones that are used most often, but you should choose something else. The shield is likely to crack and create a slew of problems. Buying something that has better quality is a better idea, even though it may cost a bit more.

DON'T worry if your coaxial cables do not work anymore. This is one of the cheapest cables to replace since they are so widely used. You will most likely have to replace them several times during the course of owning a home studio.

DO understand that some cables are standard and brand does not matter. For example, if you are looking for HDMI cables, there are some that cost hundreds of dollars while others are much cheaper. The reality is that you are probably better off saving your money and buying one that is less expensive since they will provide the same experience.

DON'T forget to buy extras. You should buy double the amount needed for every single cable type. You do not want to be in the studio and something stops working as it should. This will put your music on hold until you can get your hands on another cable. Having backups is much easier than going out of your way to make another purchase.

DO buy something that will help you keep things organized. You don't want to have cables all over the place and you are unable to locate them when they are needed. Buying a cable caddy is a useful solution to this. If you are not willing to buy one, you can make one for less money.

DON'T buy used cables. Usually when people put cables up for sale it is because there is something wrong with them. You do not want to waste your money on anything that may not offer the greatest benefit. There are plenty of warehouse and auction sites that offer audio cables at a good price.

DO buy multiple USB cables. Many of the items you purchase these days for use in a home studio will need a USB cable to work. These are readily available, so you should not have a problem finding any. You will need to get an adapter if there are not enough ports on your computer.

DON'T neglect to buy extra power cables. Most equipment uses the same type of power cable, so it is great to have a few handy. As you were told earlier, the idea is to be able to continue right away in the event that one of the cables ceases to work. Now that you have been informed about all of the cables you will need in your home studio, it is time for you to get started. You are now ready to plan the studio of your dreams.

16. Conclusion There is a great deal of information here, so hopefully you were paying very close attention. If you weren't, it would be a good idea to go back and reread any section that you may have missed. This may seem like a lot to do, but it is necessary when you are planning on beginning a project that is this large. Even if your home studio will not take up a great deal of physical space, there is still so much to the process that it is crucial you understand it all before getting started. If you are only a casual user, this may not be a project that you want to undertake, but that is a decision that will need to make all your own. No one else can dictate whether or not you are ready to have a studio of your own. Whether you plan on spending most of your time in there alone, or you plan to invite a few friends over, it is still a choice that you will have to ponder and make a decision on in your own time. People who are slightly familiar with the home studio process will probably be able to ease into this as if it were simple, but it will be more difficult for others. You are the only one that can prevent things from running as smoothly as they could. The key is to work on familiarizing yourself with every section here since this means you will spend more time taking action and less time asking questions. There is no magical number that dictates when your studio needs to be done. As you were told at the very beginning, there are people who can have this all done in as little as a week while others flounder months later wondering why everything is not falling in place as it should. This is one of the main reasons that you need to be serious about this endeavor. It would be a waste of time and money if you completed this and then decided that it is not what you want. If you are someone who has a passion for music and you have been seeking a place to release all of your creativity, this will be perfect. Sure, you can get this done rather quickly, but it is better to take your time to make sure that everything is perfect. You can now say that you are about to be the proud owner of your own studio. You can consider allowing others to use your space for a fee if you are looking to recoup any money that you have invested. This is just a thought and

should only be considered if you are totally comfortable with that. It is your studio that you are working hard to create, so it is up to you to do as you wish.

About the Author Ricky Tone is a DJ and producer that has over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. Starting out DJing in his early teens, he soon realised that he could transfer his audio skills to producing music for himself and others. It wasn’t long before he decided to put every penny he earned into creating a recording studio for himself and other artists. 20 years later Ricky is now sharing his wealth of music and recording knowledge via his series of books that will help you to not only get the sound you want in your recordings but also show you how to actually get more gigs and paid work as a musician… plus much more! Read more at Ricky Tone’s site.

About the Publisher Shaharm Publications is focussed on creating high quality non-ficition books across a wide range of topics, written by authors who are experts in their respective fields. We publish across all current digital formats plus paperback versions of each book in our catalogue. Please be in touch with us should you have any feedback or questions at: http://www.shaharmpublications.com