You’ve been playing and writing songs for a while, and you’ve decided that now is the time to start sharing your music with the world.
In the past, musicians had to go into a studio to record their work. They would either have to pay for this themselves or be signed to a record label. This is no longer the case. Home recording is on the rise all over the world. Even established bands and artists are turning to home recording to get their music out there. This basic home studio buyers guide aims to help you make the right decisions when setting up your first home studio.
THE BASICS
So, you’ve had an honest look into what it takes to record at home, and you’ve decided that home recording is the right choice to make. What next?
There are a few basic elements that go hand in hand to build a great home recording setup.
PC/Laptop – This will run the recording via a DAW
DAW – Digital Audio Workstation (the software used to record, edit, and mix the music)
Audio Interface – This, as the name suggests, acts as an interface between the raw audio signal of your microphone or instrument, and your computer.
Microphone – A large diaphragm condenser is our recommended all-rounder studio mic
Monitors – Either Studio monitor speakers, or headphones. Take a look at our piece on Studio Monitors vs. Headphones to help you make the right decision!
MIDI Controller – Usually in the form of a piano keyboard, this will allow you to play and record a host of virtual instruments.
DAW - Software
There are a massive amount of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) available, with Pro Tools, Ableton, FL Studio, Logic, Cubase, and Reaper being some of the most popular options. Deciding which one is right for you really comes down to preference. They all do more or less the same thing and can deliver similar results.
Our recommendation is to start out with the software included with your Interface, or MIDI controller, and go from there. If that works for you, great! If not, give something else a shot. Fortunately most DAW’s offer trial versions for you to get a taste!
Audio Interfaces
You’ve got a PC ready to go, and you are now you’re ready to start building up the gear you need. Where do you start? The interface is the first piece of gear you will need to buy.
The first task is to figure out how many channels you need. (ie: how many separate instruments/mics are you looking to record simultaneously?)
A basic rule of thumb is to always take more inputs than you would need. Even if you’re likely only going to record one element at a time, a 2-channel interface is still a great starting point. You never know when you’re going to want to expand your recording process.
In terms of recording fidelity, most entry level interfaces provide similar sample rates and fidelity, and all of them are of a very high standard. So the next things to keep an eye out for is expandability, and monitoring options!
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Studio & Recording, Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre Dynamic Mic Preamp
-
R15,995R13,495FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
- Studio & Recording, Audio Interfaces, Content Creation, Audio Interfaces
Rode AI-1 Audio Interface
-
R3,895R3,115FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
- Studio & Recording, Audio Interfaces, Content Creation, Audio Interfaces
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 Audio Interface
-
R2,150R1,548FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
- Audio Interfaces, Audio Interfaces, Clearance Sale, Content Creation, Studio & Recording
Mackie Onyx Artist USB Audio Interface
-
R3,195R1,960FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
- Audio Interfaces, Audio Interfaces, Clearance Sale, Content Creation, Studio & Recording
Mackie Onyx Producer Audio Interface
-
R4,395R2,540FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
NEW!
- Studio & Recording, Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
-
R5,350R4,349FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
NEW!
- Studio & Recording, Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
-
R3,795R3,085FREE DELIVERY - Select options
Microphones
A great place to start for your first studio microphone is a Large diaphragm condenser. They are the most common studio microphones and stand as the best all-rounders. From vocals to acoustic instruments, and even percussion, a large diaphragm condenser mic is the perfect introduction to the world of studio microphones!
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Studio & Recording, Recording Microphones
Austrian Audio CC8 Cardioid True Condenser Microphone
-
R10,255R8,195FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
- Out of Stock
- Studio & Recording, Recording Microphones, Content Creation, Microphones for Podcasting
Mackie EM-91CU EleMent Series USB Condenser Microphone
-
R1,295R740FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
-
Sale!
- Studio & Recording, Recording Microphones
Mackie EM-91C – Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
-
R1,150R800FREE DELIVERY - Select options
Monitoring - Headphones or Studio Monitors
Monitoring is one of the most fundamentally import parts of the recording and mixing process. Which type of monitoring you jump into first will depend on your budget, and environment. If you have a nice, quiet space, and sufficient budget, studio monitors are incredible! If you plan on travelling regularly, have an unpredictable, loud space, or are looking to save a few pennies, headphones can be a fantastic option too!
Take a look at our piece on Studio Monitors VS Headphones for more information on monitoring!
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- DJ & Beat Production, DJ Headphones, Headphones
Sennheiser HD25 Plus Professional DJ Headphones
-
R5,590R4,585FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Closed-back Bluetooth Monitoring Headphones
- R1,850FREE DELIVERY
- Select options
-
-
- Studio & Recording, Studio Monitors
M-Audio BX4 4.5″ Powered Studio Reference Monitors – (Pair)
-
R3,799R3,535FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
- Studio & Recording, Recording Headphones, Headphones
RØDE NTH-100 Professional Over-Ear Headphones
-
R4,895R3,915FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
- Headphones
Roland RH-5 Multimedia Headphones
-
R1,295R905FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Studio & Recording, Studio Monitors
Yamaha HS8 8 inch Powered Studio Monitor Pair – White
-
R25,920R19,100FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
MIDI Controllers
If you are looking to record any digital instruments or elements, such as drums, keyboards, or brass instruments, a MIDI controller can be invaluable. It allows you to control the digital samples of these instruments, usually in the form of a piano-style keyboard.
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Keys & Pianos, MIDI Keyboard Controllers, DJ & Beat Production, MIDI Controllers
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 – 61 Key MIDI Controller
-
R13,860R9,700FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Keys & Pianos, MIDI Keyboard Controllers, DJ & Beat Production, MIDI Controllers
Novation 61SL MkIII 61-key Keyboard Controller with Sequencer
-
R16,055R12,525FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
Request Stock
- Out of Stock
- Keys & Pianos, MIDI Keyboard Controllers, DJ & Beat Production, MIDI Controllers, Studio & Recording, Studio Controllers
Novation FLkey Mini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
-
R2,995R2,195FREE DELIVERY - Select options
-
-
- Keys & Pianos, MIDI Keyboard Controllers
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 61-key Keyboard Controller
-
R5,000R4,500FREE DELIVERY - Select options
Get Recording!
Once you’ve got these basics together, you’re ready to charge full steam ahead into recording. There are many products that can make your process easier or more versatile that you can pick up and grow with along the way, but this is the quintessential starter pack. Happy recording!
Next: Read our Home Studio Setup Guide
How To: Set Up a Basic Home Studio
Setting up a basic home studio is easier than ever, thanks to the advancements in technology and the affordability of high-quality equipment. Whether you are