How to Build a Home Studio for Computer Based Music Recording

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Write a plan of what you want to do.

   Do you want to build a recording studio? Is it a singing booth? Is it an engineering booth? Is it for computer-based music production? Knowing what you want before you start can help you decide which equipment you will need.
   
   Doing extensive research will help at this stage.
   
   Try to find a specialist at PC World, or your local Apple shop, take notes and then find more information on the Internet.
2. 2

   Step 2: Acquire the appropriate equipment.

   This will include such items as amplifiers, microphones, mixers, electric instruments, cables for connecting it all together.
   
   A modern computer built or purchased within the past three years should be sufficient.
   
   If possible, acquire a working high-quality soundcard, such as an M-Audio Fast Track Pro or Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini.
   
   Creative Labs does have a Pro Music line called EMU.
   
   A 1212M PCI system is ideal if you were going to go that route.
   
   Monitor speakers are helpful if you are looking to stick with this for more than a hobby.
   
   The M-Audio Studiophile BX8a's, KRK RP-8 Rokit work well, and if you've got money to burn, the Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors.
   
   If you're into hip-hop, techno, or dance music, a set of turntables will be needed to record your sets or scratches on the fly.
   
   You can also use DJ software such as Traktor or Serato and a USB DJ controller to try out your mixes.
   
   A midi keyboard will be useful if you want to use midi software (which you can use to write bass lines, piano parts, and drum beats).
   
   Nothing fancy is needed, but each person will have their own preference.
   
   There are many advantages to having a midi keyboard because it will give you the tactile feel of a real instrument, which can greatly aid creativity. ,, This is where most of the genius (and perspiration!) comes in.
   
   In general, keep it as simple as possible.
   
   For best playback quality run from the sound card into a mixer or amplifier and then to your monitor speakers.
   
   For best recording quality, run instruments/mics into a mixer(make sure you are getting a perfect signal) then run from the mixer into the sound card. , Also learn how to turn an arrangement into a .wav or .mp3 file. (After all, eventually we want to make a CD with all this awesome music!) , Sound-proof it if possible.
   
   If not, try to use special carpet or insulation that can at least reduce external noise. , Start off with a drumbeat.
   
   Add a bass line or piano or vocal track.
   
   Start mixing.
   
   Explore! It's all about experimentation.
   
   At the beginning, you don't have to write a masterpiece
   - just focus on having fun! , It will help you understand the underlying concepts needed to keep you going for a lifetime. , Lay a bunch of tracks together.
   
   Experiment with processed effects.
   
   Experiment with plugins, loops, new hardware and anything else you can get your hands onto.
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   Step 3: Buy or download music-editing software for your PC.

4. 4

   Step 4: Connect everything up.

5. 5

   Step 5: Learn how to record a sound from an input line and how to arrange pre-recorded sounds.

6. 6

   Step 6: Select a room in your house.

7. 7

   Step 7: Start writing simple tracks.

8. 8

   Step 8: If you have trouble with any of the above

9. 9

   Step 9: pick up a Mixing / Studio Book.

10. 10

    Step 10: Once you've learned the basics

11. 11

    Step 11: start breaking it down.

Detailed Guide

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