Planning to set up your own Home Recording Studio?

Be prepared for many hours of work and probably thousands of dollars. However, having a credible recording studio may well be the key deciding factor in getting you and your career in the sound recording business the recognition and rewards you deserve.

Here are the 5 simple steps, in the right order you should follow, to getting your home recording facility set up**.

1. Which Room?

Ideal characteristics:

  • large enough for the type of use you plan
  • rectangular, with few corners and angles
  • able to be soundproofed – unless you have very quiet (and tolerant) neighbors

2. Which Recording Technology?

Digital or Analog, that is the question… For many of us, this will be digital – computer-based.

The recording industry has largely drifted away from analog recording, especially for home recording, or smaler scale project and commercial recording studios. This means digital formats are likely to be a better investment for your recording studio.

3. Which Music Production Software?

As a minimum, you will need a music sequencing software package, which will make it easy for you to record, correct, mix, and master your music.

You may also want samples, which are cuts of music or sounds that can be used to create parts of  your music.

These are just two of the huge range of available programs, but they are basic and versatile enough for a beginner with big dreams. Start her and add extras if and when you have specific needs.

Glen recommends: For more in-depth guidance on selecting the right software for your studio, go to Selecting Sound Recording Studio Software & Equipment. You can get a free course on selecting Pro Audio Gear, or buy Dave Johnstone’s comprehensive ebook.  (Dave is now Technical Production Manager for a major corporate events company).

4. Which Hardware?

If you don’t already have the gear, you’ll need to consider:

  • a computer – as fast, with as much RAM memory and Hard Disk capacity as you can afford
  • an audio interface – with the capacity and audio quality you need for your type of projects
  • professional quality microphone(s)
  • a control desk
    A control desk works with your computer to help you easily record and manipulate tracks. This may not be essential for an individual musician or voice-over talent, but for anything requiring more complex recording and mixing techniques it will make life much easier.
  • one or more pairs of studio monitors, and professional quality headphones
  • high quality cables and connectors
    Cheaper ones can cause feedback, pick up electrical noise, and  will probably not last as long. Many of the problems in operating a recording studio can be traced back to connection issues, so don’t skimp in this area.

5. Studio Configuration

Once you have your software and equipment, you now just (!) need to get set up. This involves

  • layout of furniture, equipment, and performers area(s)
  • connection and setup of equipment

In many home recording studios, acoustics is the biggest challenge, and you may well have to try several different floor layouts before you find the set-up that works best for you and your recordings. The key is to experiment and keep experimenting until you are happy you have the best possible results.

So here they are, in five easy steps – instructions for getting started with your home recording studio which will allow you the musical success and recognition you deserve.

Home recording studios are the best way to get recording experience without the expense of hiring a professional recording studio.

Next, you need to develop and hone your sound recording and production skills using the home studio you have created.

Learn more about: Soundproofing, Sound Recording Software, Professional Microphones, Studio Design, and more at HomeRecordingStudio.com