It is priceless to be able to have a home recording studio that is inexpensive to set up and run.A good recording studio is no longer dependent on hardware, but on software.A computer can record multiple pieces of equipment at the same time.
Step 1: There is a room in your home that is warm and comfortable.
For your recording studio location, choose a room in your home.For long periods of time, choose a room that you will be comfortable in.You can control the temperature in a room all year round.Unless your basement is temperature-controlled, it won't make good studio locations.Pick a room that is the proper size for the type of recording you are doing.The closet will work if you only record one person.If you are going to be recording an entire band, you will need a bigger room.
Step 2: To absorb sound, decorate the room with cloth-covered furniture.
If your recording study is large enough, add whatever furniture you need.You will probably need a desk or table for your equipment.If you can fit more furniture, choose furniture that is covered in fabric, as it will absorb the sound rather than distort it.Adding a couch and/or comfy chairs for guests, as well as stools for singers and musicians is something you may want to do.
Step 3: An area rug can be used to reduce sound reflection.
If you have floors with a hard surface such as tiles or hardwood, place one or more area rugs on the floor.One of those area rugs should be under your desk and chair.You can skip this step if your room already has wall-to-wall carpet.Sound waves are reflected by a hard surface floor.You can make sure the floor is mostly carpeted, but you can't install absorption panels on it.
Step 4: Purchase material that will reduce sound reflection.
Purchase a broadband absorption kit, four bass traps, and two isolation pads from a music store or online.Once the equipment is set up, the broadband absorption kit should come with 30 panels that can be placed around your room.The sound from your studio monitors should not be distorted by the flat walls because of the absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusion panels.Bass traps allow you to hear the bass in your recording.The panels prevent sound waves from being reflected off the walls.You don't need diffusion panels for a starter studio.
Step 5: A powerful computer is needed to mix music and sound.
If you have a computer that is less than a few years old, consider this step complete.If you don't have a newer computer or have the budget to buy a desktop computer for your recording studio, purchase a refurbished computer.If you don't need a computer other than a laptop, you should get a desktop.Both a Mac and a Windows computer can be used in a home recording studio.If you only need to upgrade one item in your computer, you should upgrade the amount of RAM to the highest amount you can afford.
Step 6: Try out sound recording software for free.
There are many sound recording software programs.Each program has pros and cons.To find the software that works for you, download trial copies of a couple different options.Determine which option is right for you by trying it out.The full version of some sound recording software is free to download.You can find free software that meets all your needs if you try these options.
Step 7: A pair of studio monitors is required to listen to the movie.
The monitors and speakers are the most important items in the studio.On your budget, choose the best studio monitors.If you need more monitors, you can always purchase them later.You can get by with just a pair of headphones if your budget doesn't allow for studio monitors.Do not use headphones as a substitute for monitors.
Step 8: The best sound can be achieved with a studio microphone.
Purchase a microphone to use in your studio.If you know for certain that you will be recording more than one voice and/or acoustic instrument at the same time, purchase a microphone.Most microphones don't include a stand, so you need to purchase one for each microphone.There are studio microphones that are not expensive.There are many options for less than $150.Purchase a pop filter that can be used with your microphone to make voice recordings.
Step 9: You can get an audio interface to link your equipment.
Purchase an audio interface that works with your computer.You should get an interface that allows for at least 3 inputs.If you don't have an input port for each microphone, you'll only be able to record one at a time.Buying an audio interface with an ADAT connection is a good idea.As your studio grows, you will be able to link multiple interfaces together.
Step 10: You should have all the necessary cables.
Some equipment will not include cables.You can put your equipment in your configuration of choice.To determine which cables you already have and which ones you need to buy, lay the cables on the floor between the various pieces of equipment.Purchase the cables that you need.You can find used cables and accessories at a music store.
Step 11: Soundproof the room with mass- loaded vinyl.
Mass-loaded vinyl soundproofing material can be purchased from a music store or online.You can install vinyl on the walls, ceiling, and floor of your recording studio.Attach the vinyl to the walls with the assistance of a friend.The mass- loaded vinyl should be installed between the studs and the wall.If you are remodeling your home, you can install them directly onto the drywall.
Step 12: The bass traps should be installed in the corners of the room.
You can put a bass trap in each corner of the room.Attach the bass trap to the wall with spray adhesive.If the bass trap has mounting brackets, follow the instructions that came with them.If your room isn't square and has more than 4 corners, you should buy extra bass traps.Bass traps can be installed on the floor.You won't have usable space in the room if you put them near the floor.
Step 13: To organize your equipment, set up a table or desk.
Set up a table or desk in your studio.You can put your equipment on a table or desk you want.Attach the cables to the items.Take a seat at the table or desk.You should make sure the equipment is accessible from your chair.The rest of the studio will be based on where you put your chair.If you're unsure about the location of your desk, try a couple of options.
Step 14: The studio monitors should be set at ear level.
When you sit in your chair, make sure your studio monitors are at the same level as your head.If the studio monitors are too low, raise them up on the stands.Make sure that your head and studio monitors are the same distance apart from each other.If you have placed your studio monitors 10 feet apart, your head needs to be close to each monitor.
Step 15: You can reduce amplification by placing acoustic isolation pads under your monitors.
You should put the isolation pads under the monitors.If the monitor is raised too high, you have to either lower it or raise it to match the height of the monitors.The table or desk surface can amplify the sound from your monitors.
Step 16: Put your microphone near your desk.
If it requires assembly, assemble your microphone stand.Attach your microphone to the stand.The microphone can be placed in front of your mouth if the stand is setup correctly.This will allow you to work on your computer while doing voice work.The microphone stand can be used to move the microphone around.You can use the microphone to amplify someone else's voice.To a certain extent, the microphone stand should be mobile.If your room is large enough, you will be able to move it around.
Step 17: Attach your equipment with cables.
Attach your studio monitors to your audio interface.Attach your microphone and headphones to the audio interface.Attach your computer to the audio interface with a cable.Put your keyboard and mouse together.Attach one or more video monitors to your computer with a VGA or Thunderbolt cable.There is a power outlet for your computer, video monitors, and studio monitors.Purchase a surge protected power bar for your equipment.This will ensure you have enough outlets and that the power surge won't damage your equipment.
Step 18: The best locations for absorption panels can be found using the mirror trick.
You will be doing your recording work in this location.At the same height as your head, have someone stand against the wall with a mirror on the right side of your monitor.It should be on the left side of the monitor if that person moves it along the wall around the entire room.The mirror goes around the perimeter of the room if you look into it from your chair.When you can see at least one of the monitors in the mirror, have your helpers make a mark on the wall.Your studio monitors will direct sound towards you and onto the walls behind you.The sound will bounce off the walls and back towards you, which will distort the sound.
Step 19: The absorption panels will be hung in certain locations.
Attach an absorption panel to the wall in each location you marked while doing the mirror trick.Attach the panel to the wall with spray glue.The side walls of the room should only be hung at ear height.There are panels of different shapes in the absorption panel kit you bought.The different locations of the panels on the wall don't matter.There is no top or bottom side on the panels.
Step 20: Installation of absorption panels is done in front of, behind, and above your monitors.
Even if the wall behind your chair is far away, spray adhesive can be used to attach absorption panels to the walls behind the studio monitors.The panels should be hung on the walls above and below ear level.Attach absorption panels to the ceiling directly above your chair with the same spray adhesive.Don't completely cover the 2 walls with absorption panels.50% of the space should be covered with panels.