There was a time when creating a recording studio was not a realistic project for ordinary individuals. This was mainly due to the inaccessibility of the necessary equipment, but also to the high cost of acquiring it if it were to become available. The situation is very different today with regard to the developments observed in recording equipment .
It is in fact possible today to create your own home recording studio . The real challenge is finding the right equipment to get started in a home studio. These are notably available in several price ranges to satisfy all budgets.
A computer to centralize the recording studio
The first equipment you need to start in a home studio is a computer. The latter is necessary for audio recording , music mixing , digital audio editing and music production . Mastering the audio mix can also be done from the computer.
There are several considerations you need to have when choosing a computer to get started with a home studio. The first is choosing between a desktop and a laptop. The laptop is the right choice for a beatmaker who needs to work on their workflow at all times. He can make music on the go by carrying his computer with him.
The biggest disadvantage of laptops is the ratio between price and performance. A laptop can cost up to 40% more than a desktop computer for the same level of performance. However, they make up for their high price with portability.
Desktop computers are more accommodating in the ratio between cost and performance . This is especially true if it is a computer whose parts can be chosen separately. You can actually spend more money on the essential components for creating music on the computer. These are the processor , RAM and storage devices .
A distinction should also be made between PCs and Macs when choosing a desktop computer for music computing . PCs or “personal computers” are desktop computers whose components are not restricted by the same firmware. This means that it is possible to choose each part of the PC, subject to respecting a few compatibility rules.
Macs are desktop computers manufactured by Apple in the United States. They are assembled with parts that are neither removable nor interchangeable with those of another brand. This limited possibility of modifying Macs is nevertheless compensated by their considerable power and the exclusivity of the software which can be used there.
PCs can also come in the form of parts selected and installed in advance by a specific brand. In this case, it is a pre-assembled or “prebuilt” PC. Brands like Alienware, Dell, Corsair and MSI can all offer prebuilts.
However, the parts of a “prebuilt” are not restricted by a specific “firmware” as is the case with Macs. They can always be replaced by parts from another brand , subject to respecting certain accounting guidelines.
“Prebuilt” is an interesting option for those who do not want to take care of assembling their PC themselves. Compatibility concerns between different parts can also be eliminated by purchasing a “prebuilt” one. However, it is not guaranteed that you are getting the best parts for your money by deciding to buy a “prebuilt”. Manufacturers can also inflate the PC budget with components that are not really useful for music production.
It is also necessary to distinguish a computer installation from a computer itself. The computer itself is the heart of the IT installation. It is from it that computer operations are carried out. In this case we also speak of a central unit.
The other major elements of a computer installation are monitors and peripherals . The monitor is the screen on which the computer displays its information . Peripherals are accessories connected to the computer for the purposes of its use. The most essential in this regard are the input-output devices , namely the mouse and the keyboard.
Laptops integrate all the elements mentioned into one piece of equipment. It is also this convenience that makes them quite expensive. Apple also offers a computer and monitor combined into a single device in the form of its iMac. However, the iMac's input-output devices remain independent, unlike a laptop.
In addition, discover our test and opinion on the IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 . It is a microphone that can work with a mobile device. This guide gives you the full overview of this microphone, along with its technology and our opinion on its sound quality.
The Best Laptops for Music Production
The most accessible: Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is the smartest choice of affordable laptop for those who want to do music production . It comes with a dual-core Ryzen 7 4 GHz and 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB .
Such a configuration is sufficient to use the most popular computer music, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live and FL Studio software. The battery offers 5 hours of autonomy, but this can drop to 1 hour when the laptop is used at full potential.
The right compromise: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Surface Pro 8 isn't just a good laptop for music production . Its removable keyboard and touchscreen control surface make it both a laptop and a touchscreen tablet.
It also offers a very decent setup for computer-assisted music. This includes a Core i7 , live memory from 8 to 32 GB and SSD storage from 128 GB to 1 TB . The battery also has a substantial autonomy of 16 hours .
Most expensive: Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch M1
The Apple MacBook Pro is one of the most expensive laptops for music creation, but the benefits it brings are worth it. This starts with its 8-core Apple M1 , RAM from 8 to 16 GB and an SSD from 256 GB to 2 TB .
The battery can last up to 20 hours compared to 10 hours in intensive use. The laptop also runs macOS, so it is possible to use Logic Pro and other software exclusive to this system for music production.
Computer-assisted music software
It is essential to have computer- assisted music software At least that's the case if you don't want to bother with a mixing desk or mixer for studio recording .
MAO software provides all the mixing and mastering functions that a sound engineer needs to work on an arrangement . Analog mixing management is notably ensured by the computer's external sound card.
The choice of operating system determines the type of computer music software that can be used on a computer. There is a wide choice of MAO software on the market. Some of them, however, may be designed to work on a specific operating system rather than another.
Most computers today can have one of three operating systems, namely Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Windows and Linux are mainly used on PCs. Mac OS is an operating system reserved for Mac-type computers.
Ableton Live, FL Studio, Protools, and Logic Pro are the most popular options for computer-assisted music . The first three software are available for both Windows and macOS.
The Logic pro software is, however, only available for macOS. The advantage of one MAO software over another depends on the functions offered. This includes the virtual instrument library or Vst and the extensibility of the software with a list of plug-ins.
See also : t.bone RB 500 microphone test and review . Through this guide, you can discover an overview of the directionality and the multiple applications of this ribbon microphone, its sound quality, as well as its technical characteristics and our opinion on its use.
The best computer music software
The most accessible: Logic Pro
Logic Pro X is very reasonably priced considering all the features it offers. This includes the usual music production , but also direct integration with iCloud .
You can save and access your creations at any time from Apple's popular Cloud. Logic Pro
The right compromise: Pro Tools
Pro Tools is the most suitable choice for MAO software if you are a sound engineer. It indeed provides more features compared to Logic Pro X for workflow management .
Most professional studios use Pro Tools in particular as part of their activities. Pro Tools works on a subscription basis. You can subscribe to the software for an entire year and pay a monthly subscription fee for its use.
Most expensive: FL Studio
FL Studio is the most versatile computer-assisted music software. It offers a large gallery of melodies and loops on which you can work for your musical creations . FL Studio also stands out from other MAO software by its great extensibility through plug-ins. This includes plug-ins as popular as those from Native Instruments or IK Multimedia.
A USB audio interface
The USB audio interface converts analog signals into a format recognized by a computer. Analog signals can be generated by studio microphones or musical instruments such as an electric guitar.
USB audio interface or is an external sound card in its essence. However, not all external sound card models are USB audio interfaces. The difference is the type of connection used to connect to a computer.
A USB audio interface connects, as its name suggests, to a PC using a USB cable. However, there are external sound cards whose connection to the computer is made using other types of connectors . These are essentially Thunderbolt , Firewire or RJ45 .
So, it is not essential to use a USB audio interface if you want to start in a home studio using a single microphone for your recording studio.
The microphone used must still be a USB microphone . An external sound card, however, is essential if you are going to start in a home studio using more than one microphone at a time in your music studio. This is also the most likely scenario for a professional studio.
An external sound card is also more accommodating for monitoring speakers due to the integrated volume buttons. The jack port of an external sound card also delivers better sound quality for monitoring with headphones. It's even possible to have multiple headphone and speaker inputs on a single sound card.
The following criteria are worth considering when choosing an external sound card:
- The connection type supported by the computer: USB, Thunderbolt, or Ethernet
- Using multiple microphones in the mastering studio
- The need for volume control for speakers and headphones
- The need to generate separate feedback for someone in another room
- The presence of an digital sound processor or DSP
- Recording the song at a high sampling rate : between 96 kHz and above.
- Producing phantom power for devices without external power
- Preamp outputs for use with a vinyl turntable
The best external sound cards for your computer
The most accessible: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a very good choice of audio interface in terms of the features it offers for its price. It starts with two XLR/TRS combo inputs that each deliver 48V phantom power .
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 also has a dynamic range of 110.6 dB , making it perform well in several ranges of sound. Its most distinctive function nevertheless remains its Air mode for emulating the ISA preamps that have made Focusrite famous.
The right compromise: Solid Stage Logic SSL 2
The SSL 2 is one of the best products offered by Solid Stage Logic on the audio hardware market. It comes with an XLR input, a ¼ port and a USB-C input to simplify connecting multiple types of microphones.
You also benefit from 2 headphone outputs , an RCA port for speakers and a MIDI input/output interface. A preamp switch in Legacy 4K mode is also available for optimal sound reproduction from different instruments.
Most expensive: Apogee Symphony Desktop
The Apogee Symphony Desktop is the equipment to choose if you are aiming for the best audio quality without compromise. It comes with 2 ¼ format outputs, 2 headphone outputs, 2 XLR ports and a ¼ input on the front. You will therefore have no connection problems with this sound card.
The Symphony Desktop also offers 2 mic preamps with Apogee Alloy emulation technology, a digital sound processor and a touch screen.
A MIDI sequencer for creating arrangements
The MIDI sequencer is a type of mini synthesizer designed specifically for use with computer-assisted music software. It allows you to compose all aspects of a beat from the same interface. This includes the melody, bass, rhythm section or percussion, and effects for each instrument.
It is even possible to take vocals directly from a mix from the sequencer by connecting it to a microphone. This makes this mini MIDI keyboard essential equipment for all composers who want to speed up their workflow .
The technology of a MIDI sequencer varies from one model to another. It is nevertheless important that the MIDI sequencer includes the following functions:
- Real-time and step-by-step recording
- Functions for editing an audio recording
- Quantization and transposition of the mix
- Cut/copy and paste functions
- Arranging an audio mix
- Sound cutting
- Loop playback
- The undo function
Live recording means that the device can record the footage you play on it in real time. The proposed concept is nevertheless more extensive than with a cassette recorder. You can indeed change the tempo of the music or do transposition on the mix.
Step recording involves playing one note at a time in the arrangement . You can also decide the location of each note and the length of their respective readings.
Quantization is a function through which a note can be moved to the most precise and closest subdivision of a measure. You usually have to play based on the internal metronome in the sequencer to use the quantize function .
Transposition allows you to transpose a note by any amount without affecting its length. It is then possible to move an entire composition or a section of it to another note.
The best MIDI sequencers for your arrangements
The most accessible: Arturia Keystep
The Arturia Keystep is the best sequencer for beginners in music production. It presents itself as a single track sequencer with 32 keys and 8 polyphonic voices . It is therefore very accommodating to use it with a synthesizer.
However, the Arturia Keystep can also be used as a simple MIDI keyboard . Its capacitive touch and arpeggiator are also compatible with both vintage gear and more modern modulation devices.
The right compromise: Akai Professional MPC One
The MPC One appears smaller in comparison to the MPC X. It nevertheless retains all the quality that one would expect from an Akai Professional sequencer.
The MPC offers all the functions expected of a working interface for digital audio . This includes slicing and beat sequences The MPC One also replicates the familiarity of the MPC X pad and can be used for different sections of the arrangement.
Most expensive: Elektron Octakrank MKII Black
The Elektron Octakrank MKII Black is intimidating considering its price, but its features are worth it. It is designed as both a sequencer , a sampler and a DJing tool . The sequencing offers 8 audio tracks and 8 midi tracks with respective patterns of 64 steps .
Each track has its own duration and time signature. The MKII Black also comes with a stage crossfader for seamless transition from one track sequence to another.
Monitoring speakers
Monitor speakers are used by a sound engineer to check the quality of the signal in an audio recording. Monitoring speakers can take three forms, namely stage , studio and in-ear .
The studio monitor or reference monitor is the type of monitoring speaker you need to complete your equipment to get started in a home studio. This type of speaker reproduces the sound of a mix in its raw quality so that the sound engineer can work on it cleanly.
It is important not to confuse studio monitors with the hi-fi speakers in a home audio system. Hi-fi speakers have passive technology which means that they must be connected to an external amplifier to work.
Studio monitors, on the other hand, have active technology (such as the KRK Rokit 5 G4 monitoring ), which means that the amp is integrated into the speaker itself.
Monitor speakers are also built to have three types of speakers in the same box. These are the woofer for bass, the tweeter for treble and the mid-range driver for midrange. The separation of frequencies across these three types of speakers allows for cleaner, more detailed sound for monitoring.
The first aspect to consider when choosing a studio monitor is the size of the woofer . Larger woofers deliver more low-frequency feedback . This can be useful if you want to hear the lowest octaves in your audio recording. 6-inch speaker is sufficient to hear frequencies as low as 20 Hz .
The second factor to take into account when purchasing a monitoring speaker is the number of amplifiers it is equipped with. This will determine the number of speakers built into the speaker. You should at least look for a bi-amplified or two-way . This means that it has a separate amplifier for a woofer and another for the tweeter.
The most accommodating solution nevertheless remains that of a triamplified or three-way (like an Adam S3V monitoring for example). This means that the speaker has three built-in amps for the needs of 3 types of speakers .
These are the bass woofer, the treble woofer and a midrange driver. The most expensive models of monitor speakers are often three-way speakers.
All studio monitors additionally come with a graph to indicate their frequency response . The flatter the curve displayed on the graph, the more precise the sound reproduction on the speaker.
However, it should be noted that the results provided in these graphs have an indicative value, because they result from laboratory tests. The performance of the monitoring speaker can greatly change by the configuration of the recording chamber .
Remember to check that the monitoring speaker is equipped with a bass port . The latter is a sort of hole strategically integrated into the design of the speaker to reinforce the resonance in the low frequencies . The results obtained where applicable are much more satisfactory than with the classic woofer of a monitoring speaker.
It is also advantageous if the studio monitor is equipped with its own equalizer. The purpose of the equalizer is to adjust the operation of the studio monitor to counteract the acoustic irregularities of the recording room . This is possible thanks to equalization functions like bass reduction or room control.
Finally, check the distance at which studio monitors should be placed to reproduce sound optimally . Two types of monitors can exist if applicable. These are near-field monitors and far-field monitors.
Near-field monitors ( such as the Avantone MixCubes monitoring ) must be placed at a listening distance of a few meters to be perfectly audible to a person or two. Far-field monitors deliver highly accurate sound throughout the room.
For far-field monitors , they are most useful for large recording studios and are installed directly into walls. It's unlikely you'll have that much space to get started with a home studio. It therefore makes more sense to opt for near-field monitors to start with a home studio or a home studio.
The best monitoring speakers for your studio
The most accessible: Presonus Eris E3.5
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 is the right choice for those looking to buy a studio monitor without breaking the bank. Its frequency response is much more neutral than other models in its price range.
Its Kevlar low-frequency driver also ensures excellent transition response. The speaker is not as limited in connectivity since it has two balanced TRS inputs, 2 unbalanced RCA inputs and a 1/8 auxiliary input.
The good compromise: KRK Rokit RP5 G4
The KRK Rokit RP5 G4 is the 4th generation of a series of monitoring speakers popular with sound engineers around the world. Its 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter , both made of Kevlar, ensure optimal reproduction of both treble and bass.
Settings can be made from a mobile application thanks to the speaker's Bluetooth connectivity . The RP5 G4 also comes with foam insulation to decouple from the surface where it is used.
The most expensive: Neumann KH 120 A
The Neumann KH 120 A is the best in monitoring speakers. All the expertise of Neumann's craftsmen is reflected through the design of this studio monitor. This is primarily reflected by the dispersion waveguide , which has been modeled mathematically.
This results in horizontal directivity with the narrowest vertical dispersion There is no risk of sound being reflected off the surface of tables or mixing consoles.
Studio headphones for listening to arrangements
Studio headphones are a monitoring accessory in the same way as studio monitors. It is then legitimate to wonder about the usefulness of studio headphones if there are already monitoring speakers. The answer is that studio headphones are of no use to the sound engineer himself. Rather, it is necessary for the people who work with it in recording a song.
These people can be singers or musicians. They need the studio headphones to hear their performance in real time as they work on a song. The sound engineer can also hear the performance in real time, but uses the studio monitor for this purpose.
Good studio headphones should have good sound isolation . Sound should not escape from the headphones during monitoring. Otherwise the microphone risks picking it up, which will compromise the recording. These sound leaks are particularly problematic when recording cymbals, a bass drum, a guitar, a piano or a wind instrument.
The appropriate design for studio headphones is closed-back ears . It is not appropriate to use open-back headphones for studio work due to the risk of sound leakage. However, sound isolation is not an important criterion if you are working on already recorded sound. This is why open or semi-open designs exist for studio headphones.
The neutrality of the sound is another criterion that deserves to be taken into account when choosing studio headphones. It's about finding headphones with minimal coloration on the sound delivered. Coloring refers to the addition of effects to a sound using a given piece of equipment.
These effects result from changes in frequency response , harmonic distortion, or dynamic compression. All of these effects must be eliminated by the headphones to deliver as pure a sound as possible .
The solidity of the design of studio headphones should not also be neglected, especially regarding the connection cable. The latter must be able to withstand multiple twists in addition to being detachable, which simplifies its replacement if it no longer works.
This criterion must be considered well before the quality of finish of the coating or other aesthetic aspects of the headphones.
The best headphones for listening to your recordings
The most accessible: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is the best choice for those looking for high-performance studio headphones at a good price. The cable is detachable, so it can be replaced if it becomes damaged or you are dissatisfied with its signal transmission.
The cushions are neatly designed horizontally and vertically for optimal comfort on the ears . The sound response seems a little weak on the treble, but the overall restitution remains satisfactory on different types of music.
The right compromise: Rode NTH-100
The Rode NTH-100 are the ideal studio headphones for those who aim for , precise and reliable sound when listening to a recording. It is very comfortable to wear even for a long period of time, which sometimes gives the impression of using a wireless headset even though it is wired.
Its cable is also detachable so that you can replace it easily. The headset also comes with a ¼-size adapter for use with stereo equipment.
Most expensive: Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro delivers premium features in studio headphones. Its design makes it very comfortable , even when using it for several hours in a row.
The listening experience is very precise whether on treble or bass thanks to the headset's Tesla driver. The Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro comes with two detachable cables, one of which is looped while the other is straight. It also comes in a sturdy and stylish box for storage.
Microphones for varied recordings
There are two considerations to have when choosing microphones when starting out in a home studio for vocal or instrument recording. The first relates to the microphone transducer technology The second concerns the type of directivity proposed for capturing sound with the microphone.
A microphone can have a dynamic , ribbon , and condenser . A condenser microphone contains two capacitor-shaped plates. One of them moves and responds to vibrations of the diaphragm to create electrical signals.
All types of condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. They are mainly used for recording vocals and musical instruments.
A dynamic microphone contains a rigid coil that is used as a transducer. The coil moves in a magnetic field. The disturbance created generates an electrical signal. Most dynamic microphones can operate without phantom power . They are useful in harmonizing guitar and drums.
Ribbon microphones have a similar principle to condenser mics in creating an electrical signal. The voice coil, however, is replaced by a pleated aluminum ribbon in the shape of an accordion. Newer models of ribbon mics are made of a plastic diaphragm with a conductive alloy to make the system less fragile.
It is rare to find ribbon microphones for those who want to start a recording studio. They can, however, be useful for recording sound from harmonicas or brass instruments .
Directivity indicates the direction in which the microphone picks up sound waves . Most studio microphones can offer five types of polar pattern. These are omnidirectional , cardioid , hypercardioid , supercardioid and bidirectional .
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from 360 degrees . They are useful for capturing ambience or recording a choir. Cardioid mics only pick up sound from the front of the diaphragm. They are not very sensitive to background noise or spatial reflections. This type of microphone is very versatile and is very useful for picking up vocals and instruments.
A supercardioid mic (like the T.Bone SC 400 ) is very sensitive to sounds at the front of the diaphragm. Sounds behind the diaphragm are also picked up at low sensitivity. Hypercardioid microphones, on the other hand, have low sensitivity to sounds coming from multiple directions. However, it is at the front of the diaphragm that sounds are most perceptible.
Bidirectional mics have high sensitivity to sound from both the front of the mic and the back of the mic. They are, however, insensitive to sounds generated within a 90 degree angle of the microphone . Bidirectional microphones can be used for duet vocals .
The best microphones for voice recording
The most accessible: MXL 770
The MXL 770 is one of the best cardioid microphone models you can find at an affordable price for vocal recording. Despite everything, it delivers very decent performance for sound recording.
This is possible thanks to its -10 dB attenuation switch 150 Hz high frequency filter . The MXL 770 is also built in a sturdy body and comes with a shock mount to reduce vibration during use.
The right compromise: Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 microphone is a microphone with a 1-inch condenser capsule and cardioid polar pattern. This particular design results in a personal noise level set at just 4.5 dB , which is remarkable for its price range.
A custom suspension kit and double-layer stainless steel windshield are included with the mic at a small additional cost . This makes the NT1 the strongest contender for all mid-priced vocal pickup mics.
The most expensive: Neumann TLM 170R
The Neumann TLM 170R is well worth its high price considering the advanced features it offers for voice recording. This starts with its large diaphragm and condenser transducer which allows it to have multi-pattern directivity.
It can thus be used as a cardioid , hypercardioid , omnidirectional and figure-8 . A special setting called “R” also allows you to control the pattern from the supplied power unit.
The best microphones for musical instruments
The most accessible: Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 isn't the most impressive of microphones in its design, but does a remarkable job for instrument recording .
It must be said that Audio Technica has limited its design to the essentials to deliver the best cardioid microphone for a reduced budget. It stands out in this respect with a high sensitivity of 144 dB for good sound capture and a design that is as elegant as it is robust.
The right compromise: Rode NT2-A
The Rode NT2-A brings multi-pattern microphone technology to a mid-range price. It can be used as an omnidirectional , cardioid or figure-8 .
The captured sounds are very precise thanks to the 0 dB for 40 Hz and 80 Hz and the 0 dB to -10 dB . The Rode NT2-A comes with a shock mount and pop filter for more stable handling. An XLR cable is also provided for connection with a sound card.
The most expensive: Neumann TLM49
The Neumann TLM49 only offers a cardioid polar pattern, but the rest of the technology justifies its presence among high-end microphones . This starts with its ability to reproduce the lowest frequencies without generating any sound coloration.
It is also equipped with an elastic suspension to filter out parasitic noise such as vibrations and air noise . A pop shield is also provided for using the microphone at close range.
