5 Excellent Essentials and How To Make Music at Home!
Congratulations on your decision to start making music at home! Recording will not only be a hugely satisfying experience, it’ll also help you enhance your musicianship and refine your skills.
Before you can begin recording, it’s important to set up your own home studio. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 essential pieces of equipment that are necessary for every beginner producer and sound engineer.
For those 10 essentials, we provide three different price points for your convenience.
This is Part 1 of the 10 Excellent Essentials and How To Make Music at Home!
Click here for Part 2.
You Want to Know How to Make Music at Home?
When you are beginning your musical journey from the comfort of home, it is not always easy to know what equipment and tools you need. You have a microphone but no idea how to transfer its sound into your computer? Don’t worry – we will guide you through the process!
- Computer
- Desk/Workstation
- Audio Interface
- Speakers
- Headphones
- Dynamic Microphone (mostly for recording instruments)
- Condenser Microphone (mostly for recording vocals)
- Microphone Cables
- Instrument Cables
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
By assembling a comprehensive set of production tools and equipment, you can develop extraordinary tunes from the comfort of home.
Ready to become a master of producing beautiful music right in the comfort of your own home? This guide contains everything you need to make it incredibly simple and effortless. Purchasing equipment for making music at home has never been easier – don’t wait any longer, start today!
Home recording studio setup diagram
Laptop vs Desktop
Your computer is the beating heart of your music production process. Through it, you can connect all the necessary equipment to control and monitor your recordings from start to finish. Allow your PC or laptop to be an extension of yourself – a tool that helps manage and nurture each sound with precision for optimal performance.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying a computer with expensive features that don’t benefit your music-making process. Instead, prioritize which features are necessary for you and focus on those when making this purchase. If, for example, you won’t be taking your laptop all over town then there’s no need to splurge on a slim machine – pick one within budget that caters to what matters most: crafting quality musical productions!
If you’re in the market for a computer to use as your music production station at home, it’s critical that you contemplate which is best suited for your needs: laptop or desktop.
Technical requirements
If you want to make music in a professional and efficient way, your computer must meet certain minimum requirements. These technical specifications guarantee that your laptop can handle the entire audio production process without any problems such as lagging or poor performance. Additionally, if you have an even faster machine at hand it will be easier for you to create masterpieces since there won’t be any obstacles getting in the way of creativity!
Suggested Minimum Requirements
- 8GB of RAM
- 500GB of HDD
- 15″ Video Display
- Best, fastest, most powerful processing speed
When selecting the storage capacity for your PC, you should always go big. Music-making software can take up a lot of space since some programs are even 60GB or larger! Therefore, to support multiple applications and store your music files properly, it is highly advised that you choose a hard drive with ample storage size.
3 laptops that meet the minimum recommended requirements and are affordable
HP Pavillion x360
14” Touchscreen Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD Storage, Full HD IPS Display, Windows 10 Home OS, Long Battery Life, Work & Streaming (14-dw1024nr, 2021)
3 ideal laptops for high speed, ultimate processing
When looking for a computer, don’t settle for anything but the best processor. The quality of its processor determines the speed at which your device runs – quicker processors will help you export and process tasks faster and run programs with higher specs efficiently. Don’t overlook this essential detail; prioritize quickness when selecting your all-important central processing unit!
Music Production Workstation/Desk
No matter how much you have to spend, there is a perfect desk waiting for any music producer. Whether it’s sleek and stylish or practical and budget-friendly, the possibilities are limitless!
It is essential to identify a desk that suits your studio space and provides the necessary storage and area for you to work comfortably.
Studio RTA Creation Station ($)
The StudioRTA Creation Station is quite a bargain for what you get for $259, including shipping.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced music producer, the StudioRTA Creation Station is the perfect workstation for any audio production. Its wide desk and plenty of storage allow you to arrange your equipment to create quickly. Its built-in monitor stand provides a great view of all your music software while also providing generous space for easy maneuvering. The StudioRTA Creation station will make sure that producing beautiful tunes are made easier than ever!
Millenium SD-180 B StudioDesk ($$$)
Our moderately-priced recommendation is the Millenium SD-180 B StudioDesk at $369.
The Millenium SD-180 B StudioDesk is a perfect combination of affordability and sturdiness. Whether you are a music enthusiast who wants to work from the comfort of your own home or an experienced producer in search for something practical, this product has got your back! Made with high-quality materials that make it easy to assemble and light on budget – everyone can now create amazing musical masterpieces at ease.
Glorious Workbench ($$$$$)
Our high-end pick is the Glorious Workbench for about $500.
The Glorious Workbench is the perfect studio workstation for audio, video and music professionals as well as creatives. It’s constructed with top-notch materials to ensure lasting performance that will never fail you in your creative endeavors. Its design makes it an ideal solution for engineers, artists and perfectionists alike – guaranteeing a reliable workspace through many years of successful production!
Audio Interface
The audio interface is the heart of at-home music production, connecting to your computer and converting analog signals (vocals, instruments) into a digital format that the brain – or computer – can then process. Without it, no magic could be made!
As a novice in music production, it’s sensible to select something suitable and affordable. Over time as you create more intricate compositions or possess an improved understanding of what is required for your home recording studio setup, then upgrade accordingly.
Audient EVO 4 ($)
Audient has designed the EVO 4 USB audio interface to meet the needs of a growing community of independent artists, songwriters, and podcasters. This powerful tool enables them to craft high-quality music and podcasts with ease!
If you’re on the hunt for a new audio interface with plenty of features at an affordable price, then look no further than the Audient EVO 4. This interface allows anyone looking for budget-friendly, high-quality sounds to master their craft like never before. Thanks to its Smart gain feature, distortion is out of the question, and your recordings will always sound spot-on – without breaking the bank!
Price: $129
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 ($$$)
If you’re a musician or producer seeking an excellent recording front end with plenty of connectivity, the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 audio interface is your ideal choice. This device can capture up to four mono sources and allows two stereo line sources such as synthesizers or drum machines for added versatility.
Outfitted with two superior Focusrite mic/instrument preamps and an array of convenient combo inputs on the front panel, this device also boasts a rear side featuring two balanced line inputs and four balanced line outputs, plus MIDI I/O.
Price: $249
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII ($$$$$)
Reinvigorating classic analog recording, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII completely redesigns the world’s most beloved professional desktop recording interface for Mac and Windows. It offers superior audio conversion with all of the old-fashioned features that make it reminiscent of vintage recordings. You can even recapture some of those legendary “good old days” vibes!
Price: $999
Speakers
Music producers recognize studio monitors as their most vital piece of equipment. The finest models are designed to precisely replicate the sound you generate in your recordings – an element that is essential for any track’s success. But if you settle for low-grade speakers, then it could mean a rude awakening when hearing your song through other sources like a car or phone speaker; what felt incredible on those cheap monitors won’t translate everywhere else!
KRK Rokit RP5 G4 Speakers ($)
KRK Rokit RP5 G4 is the most popular of the entry-level studio monitors, priced at $378 for the pair.
Electronic music producers everywhere have made these studio monitors their go-to choice, with the distinctive yellow speaker cones being a dead giveaway.
The KRK Rokit RP5 G4 speakers have something unique at this price point: a graphic EQ for altering the frequency response of sounds, making it easier to mix and match instruments or audio. Plus, its room analyzer guarantees that sound is evenly distributed across your studio space – no more worrying about getting the perfect acoustics in every corner!
Kali Audio In-8 ($$$)
The Kali Audio In-8 is our recommended speaker at a moderate price of $318 ($636 for a pair of them).
The Kali Audio In-8 was designed with simplicity in mind. It’s the perfect choice for newbies, equipped with diagrams featuring varying speaker configurations, along with their corresponding DIP switch settings. This makes testing different setups a breeze and allows you to find what works best for your individual needs quickly.
Focal Shape 65 Speakers ($$$$$)
The Focal Shape 65 is our choice for a higher-priced speaker at $899 ($1798 for the pair).
The Focal Shape 65s radiate superior quality. The second you lay your eyes on them, the wood veneer construction and exquisite design will take your breath away! These studio monitors look gorgeous and provide a touch of sophistication to any home recording studio – making it an attractive solution for all aspiring audio engineers.
You are making your music production more efficient and enjoyable than ever before! With these speakers, you will experience the utmost clarity and accuracy of sound – every element, from treble to bass, is delivered precisely. Some may find that the bass output isn’t quite as strong as desired or that the treble can be too sensitive for comfort.
Headphones
Crafting incredible tracks requires a remarkable pair of headphones, and choosing the right one is all up to you. To ensure your selection suits your needs, consider factors such as comfort, design aesthetics, noise cancellation ability, bass quality – or any other criteria relevant to you. With this information in mind, select the perfect headphones to help take your music production to new heights!
If you want to use headphones for everyday listening or on the go, that needs to be considered. There are two kinds of headphones available – open-back and closed-back. Open-back headphones provide superior audio mixing and mastering in environments with minimal outside noise interference, while closed-back headphones offer better sound recording quality. The differences between these headsets have been thoroughly detailed here, so read up before making a choice!
The Sennheiser HD-201 ($)
Our top pick for low-priced headphones is the Sennheiser HD-201, priced at $49.
The Sennheiser HD-201 is an ideal option for beginning producers due to its robust construction and pocket-friendly cost. Additionally, its comfortable design makes it a great choice to consider.
The long cord of these studio headphones makes them ideal for those constantly moving around their music production space. However, the length might be too cumbersome and annoying if you intend to use them as on-the-go headphones while listening to your favorite tunes.
Sony MDR-7506 ($$$)
Our top pick for a moderately-priced headphone is the Sony MDR-7506, priced at $84.
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones stand out as a top choice when it comes to music production. They’re an industry standard for a good reason! It’s no wonder they deliver superior sound quality and remarkable clarity that can pick up on any subtle nuances you wouldn’t be able to detect with other headphones.
Not only are they comfortable to wear for countless hours, but also these headphones feature a lengthy cord that is ideal for music production. This renders them the perfect choice when you need to move around your recording space.
Their durability guarantees that they will last you quite some time. If you want to start recording music with high-end precision, this pair of headphones should be your go-to choice!
Focus Listen Professional ($$$$$)
The Focal Listen Professional is our top choice for headphones to use for music production, priced at $299.
These headphones are the ultimate gear for any occasion. They provide an incredibly immersive sound experience, whether you’re in a recording studio or on the go enjoying your favorite music.
The memory foam ear-cups of these headphones make them ideal for lengthy music mixing sessions, as they block outside frequencies and ensure sound clarity isn’t lost. Also, the detail in your audio will remain crystal clear through extended use.
The Focal Listen Professional headphones provide superior quality at an incredibly competitive price. These headphones are the best in their class because they boast incredible build quality and a comfortable, durable design.
What do you need for your home recording studio setup?
You really need just these 5 items to start but click the link below for the next five! Wouldn’t it be great if someone bundled all of this gear into one excellent home recording studio kit?
Click this link for Part 2 of this article, giving you essentials 6 through 10!
Also, see
How to make music at home for free
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