Home music studio ideas from Kayotic Music Review – by Kanaan Minks

These days it seems as if there are more and more independent musicians setting up studios in the comfort of their own home. With the advancements in software, it is much more easier to run a full home set up than before, without compromising sound quality. In this post I’m going to give some ideas to those independent musicians or new artists who are wondering what does it take to set up studio in your home.

Setting up a small home studio is not hard to do, but you need to budget and spend a nice amount of money to make it happen. Even though it doesn’t seem like it at first, when you have your won home studio set up, you will save money in the long run. You will not have to spend money on recording time, or studio hours charged by external studios. You can take as long as you want in your own studio, and you can also charge others once your skill set is up to par. I am going to list a few items that are necessary in starting a home studio.

First off you need a good, solid computer. Your computer should be able to perform all of the tasks of processing effects, samples, running programs etc. Your computer is usually the main piece in your home studio set up. For me my computer is very vital because I use all virtual instruments to build my tracks. For those bands who play live instruments, computers are used more on a recording and tracking basis, but still just as important non the less.

Next, you need to get a good audio interface (sound card). I personally use the Motu Audio Express 6×6 hybrid fire wire interface. It is east to set up, it has good sound, and it doesn’t break the bank by any stretch of the imagination. Your sound quality ay home still had to be very good as if you were in a external studio so dong short change yourself on your interface. Compare and research a few and then decide what fits your needs and budget.

Other components of setting up a home studio are of course a good microphone ,studio monitors and headphones . I personally suggest condenser mics, they are solid and they are good for recording live instruments as well as vocals. You can find plenty of them for nice prices at most pro-audio stores these days. Monitor speakers and a pair of good headphones are definitely a must for a home studio. You want to select a pair of “flat” monitors so you can hear exactly what your music sounds like as you mix it. Monitors these days come in various price ranges for all budgets. I personally like the KRK brand of monitors, but again this is a personal choice so I advise listening to a few different brands of monitors before making a decision.

Recording software of course is a component of the home studio in order for you to lat vocals down, or to record live instruments. There are quite a few multi track recording software that are available these days to help bands and artists accomplish this goal. Make sure you read up on all the products out, even try some of the free demo software as well that most of the bands offer to get a feel before you purchase. There are other miscellaneous items you need such as midi cables, mic cables, surge protectors, cables for guitars or other instruments, synths etc. All these accessories are a part of your home studio. Also be prepared to sound proof the area you choose to use as your studio. Treating the room is almost as important as gathering the equipment to be totally honest. If the room is not sonically correct, you will still not have a good sound no matter the equipment. In all make, sure to budget, plan and prepare for all the necessary items for you home studio if you want to be taken serious as a musician. From there you are on your way!

KayoticMusic
http://soundcloud.com/kayoticmusic

Review by Kanaan Minks