Studio Basics:
 |
 |
 |
Home Music Studios come in many shapes and sizes from very simple set ups to elaborate arrangements that rival professional facilities. Fortunately the budding songwriter or producer can start small and grow with time.
Let's start with a conceptual explanation of the devices that are employed:
- COMPUTER: This website is devoted to the production of music using computer based technology. For those that are not comfortable with computers or don't wish to learn there are stand alone devices available that record and usually burn to CD-See your local music shop and good luck with your quest.
- SOFTWARE: A recording or music sequencing program manages all the recorded audio files, can apply effects and allows the engineer to mix the various tracks together. Virtual instruments allow the user to reproduce a huge variety of sounds within or in addition to the sequencing software.
 |
Tascam US122L is a relatively in-expensice audio interface with dual microphone and high-z inputs. It includes Cubase LE4 audio and MIDI music sequencing software. |
- AUDIO INTERFACE: also loosly called SOUNDCARD: This is the first and most important piece of hardware that is required. Most domestic computers these days do include an audio interface, whilst these are improving all the time a dedicated audio interface is highly recommended it's simple: Quality and Reliability. Audio Interfaces can be installed inside a desktop computer such as a PCI or PCIe card, sometimes they have break out boxes attached to house the audio inputs and outputs. External devices connect to the computer via USB or FIREWIRE Busses.
- MIDI INTERFACE: This allows the computer to communicate with external MIDI devices such as synthesizers, electronic drum kits or guitars fitted with a MIDI pick-up. These are often included with the audio interface. NOTE: It is nowadays very common to find a USB-MIDI interface included in the external equipment, thus it can be connected directly to the computer via USB.
 |
Yamaha MW8CX provides a mixing desk in built pre-amps and also functions as an external USB audio interface. |
- MIXING DESK: Once there are more than one (usually stereo) audio sources such as the computer and a MIDI controlled synthesizer they need to be mixed together as to be heard in the speakers or headphones. The mixer is often connected to both the inputs and outputs of the audio interface allowing discrete sources to be selected or bussed to the computer, usually via alternative outs or sub-groups. More elaborate audio interfaces with multiple inputs often include internal mixing facilities. If no external MIDI equipment is used a mixing desk may not be required for example a songwriter that only wishes to record guitar and vocals.
- PRE-AMPLIFIER: Microphones and instruments like guitars need to be connected to a MIC-PRE or HIGH-Z input before being send to the computer. Many audio interfaces have these included. If you wish to record multiple microphones silmultaneously such as a drum kit the audio interface must contain the required microphone inputs. The mixing desk may also be used. Very often as the studio developes a dedicated Pre-amp will be sourced. The difference in quality from an audio interface pre-amp and a dedicated unit perhaps using a valve or tube and including EQ or compression is immense. You get what you pay for.
 |
Avalon Design VT-737SP is a quality microphone preamp with compression and EQ. |
- MICROPHONES: For recording vocals and instruments such as acoustic guitar a condenser microphone is normally used. These have the trait of picking up all the nuance and detail of the source. Usually phantom power is required which may be supplied by the audio interface, mixing desk or dedicated pre-amp.
- MONITORING: When it comes time to tune your mix the better you hear the sound the better you can make adjustments thus good quality speakers or headphones are desirable. Recording via the microphone should ideally be done without the speakers turned up to avoid spill hence closed headphones should be used. Studio monitors and quality headphones aim to have a flat frequency response.
These are concepts rather than specific models. Often one piece of equipment fulfills more than one function for example: Audio and MIDI interface with pre-amps; Audio interface and mixer; Microphone with in-built audio to USB interface.
 |
 |
 |