Last Updated on March 19, 2020 by
If there’s one thing that really gets me going is whensomeone says that you need to have Pro Tools, Cubase… you name it, installed inorder to be a good producer.
The funny thing is that this couldn’t be farther from thetruth.
In order to be a good producer, you need to learn how to properly produce music, the software you use for recording/editing is secondary.
This post covers top Audio Recording Software For Windows 10, 8, 7 PC & Laptop users.The list has various voice recorder programs that are suitable for both beginners & advanced users. So, whether you’re looking for the best free music recording software that can help you in your school/college project or a professional sound recording program, the list is for all! MixPad Multitrack Recording Software for Windows. This premium Windows software from NCH software can be used for easy and intuitive multi-track recording and mix through a single platform that will streamline all the processes and makes it. Jun 10, 2020 A Recording Studio for Your PC. There has never been a better time to buy digital audio workstation (DAW) software. Twenty years ago, to record a music album at a professional level, you needed a. For most audio software, you need at least a dual core CPU. If you want a system that can handle the demands of recording or mixing many tracks (24 or more), you’ll need to step it up a notch or two and get a computer with a quad or multi-dual or quad core processors (Mac or PC – it doesn’t matter). The best software for home recording is the software that meets your budget, can produce your project goals, and one you're able to learn how to use. I know you might be thinking, 'what a cop-out.' Now that you know my answer, let me explain why I believe it to be true.
If you don’t have the proper knowledge, acoustic treatment,equipment, and skills, it doesn’t matter if you use the “best” software outthere…
Your mixes will most certainly suck!
So, before I get into the free Audio recording software, there are some things that need to be addressed.
Table of Contents
- Traverso (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Ardour (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Jokosher (Windows, Linux)
- Ohm Studio (Windows, Mac)
- Pro Tools First (Windows, Mac)
- Tracktion T7 (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Studio One Prime (Windows, Mac)
- Cakewalk by Bandlab (Windows)
- Audacity (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Garageband (Mac only)
But first, something that is a lot more important than the editing software you use, which is…
Improve your skills
Just like with anything else in life, recording, mixing, andmastering are skills that need to be learned… and this takes time.
Think more about which of those skills you are lacking and focus on improving them instead of thinking that you need to purchase Pro Tools simply because someone said so.
If you are excellent at using any kind of software, let’s sayAudacity, do you think that you could achieve the same quality mix on Pro Toolsor Cubase?…
Probably not, right?… At least not until you get used tothose DAWs.
While it might be a good idea to upgrade to some of the moreprofessional recording software/DAWs at some point, I really don’t think thatthis should be a priority.
Lucky for you not only are there dozens of free recordingprograms out there…
But even Pro Tools, Presonus, and other of the big names, have free stripped-down versions of their most popular DAWs.
If you think that you might need a couple courses to improve your skills quickly, then let me recommend the loopmasters website where you can find loads of courses about almost anything music related.
Best Free Audio Recording Programs
Now that that’s out of the way it’s time to get into thelist of the recording programs…
Note: You might be thinking “Hey, but my computercame with one pre-installed, can’t I use that one?”.
Well, yes and no…
If you own a Mac then it means that you get Garageband forfree, and Garageband is definitely on this list since it’s excellent!
If that’s your case then yes.
If you own a PC, like most of us, then you will absolutelyneed to download another program.
Lucky for you, here’s a list of 10 great ones which not onlyare free, but also work great!
Note: I’ll end the post with the ones I like themost.
Let’s get started…
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10. Traverso
The whole idea behind Traverso is to make the workflow aseasy as possible.
They achieve this by allowing you to control the entireprogram through mouse+keyboard shortcuts, which I know may sound a littleintimidating at first…
But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to work thatmuch faster.
Some cool features of Traverso are;
Non-destructive audio editing: This allows you to undo/redoas much as you want.
Cut the track into a million pieces, add effects, and more…and the original file will still be intact.
This is a great feature for beginners to have, since you can’treally run into any serious problems.
Burn directly to a CD: Yes, we almost don’t use CDsanymore, but it’s a nice feature to have.
Once you’re done with a project you can burn it directly on-toa CD without even leaving Traverso.
Note: This is not a simple recording program…
It’s actually a full DAW which is quite powerful and thatcertainly is capable of producing professional sounding music.
So, if you like using shortcuts and don’t mind that initiallearning curve, by all means, give Traverso a try.
You can download it here.
9. Ardour
Ardour is yet another free DAW/audio recording and editing software that is both aimed at the seasoned producer as well as beginners.
It’s a fully featured DAW, and the whole point behind Ardour is to be the go-to choice for engineers who are on a budget and can’t afford to purchase a premium one.
Just like Traverso, Ardour features non-destructive editingas well as 32-bit float.
Not only that, but contrary to Pro Tools first, Ardour doesn’tput a limit on the number of simultaneous tracks you can use.
It also supports VST, LADSPA, AU, and LV2 formats so thatyou can use your favorite plugins.
Additionally, Ardour runs on JACK which is excellent at handling MIDI without any latency whatsoever.
Lastly, would I recommend Ardour to a complete newbie?
Probably not… and here’s why; Qbserve 1 59 – automatic private time tracker.
The user interface is a bit more complex than the one onother free recording software out there, like Garageband which is extremelyeasy to use.
However, I’ve you’ve ever worked with a real DAW before, Ardourwill probably be easy to learn, plus it can do anything a premium DAW can.
You can download it here.
8. Jokosher
Jokosher is one of the most lightweight recording programs you’ll ever find.
It’s not really designed to be able to do any advancedmixing and mastering, like most other programs on this list…
However, what it lacks in functionality it more than makesup in ease of use.
The Inventory
Not only that, but it was designed to use concepts that musicians are more familiar with than the language used in most audio editing software…
Making it a good starting point!
Even though Ardour may not be as in-depth as some of theother DAWs on this list, it still features all the basic editing tools likesplitting, trimming, etc.
It even comes with a decent number of instruments which can be added to a project.
However, if you want do add extra plugins like Orchestral VST,for example, you will only be able to add LADSPA plugins… which Iknow isn’t ideal.
All in all, Jokosher is a great free tool mainly due to its ease of use… it’s very similar to Garageband in that regard.
If you need to do some simple audio recording, mixing, etc.,or if you want a simple tool for podcasting, then Jokosher might be the rightfit.
You can download it here.
7. Ohm Studio
Ohm Studio looks like a regular DAW, or like any other audiorecording software.
But what sets it apart from every other program on this listis not the number of plugins it comes with, or how powerful it can be…
What really sets it apart is that it’s a collaborative recording software.
What this means is that you can give access to otherpeople and they can simultaneously work with you in real time on thesame project.
The reason I included Ohm Studio in this list is exactly becauseof that one feature.
Other than that, it doesn’t offer anything that otherrecording software don’t.
It comes with a lot of effects and instruments that can beused completely for free, and it also supports VST plugins… but only 32-bitfor now.
You can download it here.
6. Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is the stripped-down version of the mostpopular DAW in existence…
It includes the Xpand!2 virtual instruments and UVIWorkstation 3 sample player which give you access to a variety of sounds,from beats and loops, to power chords and more.
Since it’s a lite version of Pro Tools, it only allows forup to four simultaneous tracks to be recorded at the same time…
And 16 tracks can be played back at the same time.
I know this doesn’t sound like a lot but remember that it’s the free version and you can always upgrade later on.
Pro tools First also comes with 23 effects andutility plugins, which are great for basic mixing procedures.
It is free to download and use, but you need to registerwith them and with iLoki also, which takes a bit of time.
Whenever you want to try out free software, having to jumpthrough a couple of hoops isn’t the worst thing, but it would be much better ifthey didn’t make you do any of this.
Note: If you’re thinking about building a homestudio, don’t miss out on this list I wrote about all the HomeStudio Essentials you need!
You can Download it here.
5. Tracktion T7
Tracktion T7, just like Cakewalk, which I will talk about in a second, is a completely freeand fully featured/unlimited DAW.
This means that there is no “Lite” version, there areno track limitations, no plugin limitations, or any other constraint of sortslike on Pro Tools First or Cubase LE.
The T7 version, and all the prior ones, are free.
This is because they want you to try them out and see if youlike the workflow…
If you do, you can upgrade to the latest version that is now called Waveform 9, which isn’t free.
In order to get this one, you will need to register as well.
After this, simply select your OS and download.
The BIG difference between Tracktion T7 and all the otherDAWs I’ve tried is that the workflow is very different.
You have your tracks, which go from left to right, like in any other DAW, but the Mixer isn’t on the bottom, like in EVERY OTHER DAW… it’s on the right.
The controls for every track are on that same track but on the right side of the DAW.
This might be a bit confusing at first, but it makes senseonce you’ve gotten used to it.
However, even though getting used to the different workflowof Tracktion 7 can take some time…
Why would you spend a fortune in order to get some other DAWwhen this one, and Cakewalk as well, can do the same things but for free?
Definitely give it a try!
You can download it here.
4. Studio One Prime
Studio One Prime is a beginner friendly DAW.
The user interface is extremely intuitive and easy to use and it offers ahassle-free workflow.
Therefore, it’s great for beginners since recording a demo in your bedroomwithout any prior experience won’t be such a headache.
I recommend Studio One Prime to people with no prior experience who justwant to learn the basics of mixing music.
The biggest drawback it has is that it can’t load VST or AU plugins.
If you want to be able to do this, you will need to upgrade to Studio OneArtist.
Note: In order to use VST/AU plugins in Studio One Artist,you will need to purchase a separately paid add-on for these VST/AU plugins towork.
Yes, this sucks… But the software itself is great!
Studio One Prime comes with nine Native effect Plugins like delay,distortion, etc. which are surprisingly good.
At the time of writing this article, the current version is StudioOne 4 Prime.
The latest version introduces a couple of improvements added from the Artistand Pro editions of the Software.
These are; An improved instrument editing workflow, theintroduction of drum and melodic patterns as well as MP3 encoding.
This is a stripped-down version of the Artist and Pro editions, if you needVST/AU plugins, or if you want more effects, you will have to either getanother DAW from this list, of purchase the Artist or Pro editions.
Remember that the Artist version requires a separately paid add-onfor VST/AU plugins to work.
Just like with most of the DAWs on this list, you will need to register inorder to download it.
Still, I think that Studio One Prime is definitely worth checking out.
You can download it here.
3. Cakewalk by Bandlab
Cakewalk is considered to be the best free DAW out there,the one issue is that it’s only for Windows users (Windows 7 or higher and only64-bit), but you are getting a $600 value DAW for absolutely free.
It’s basically a rebranded version of SONAR Platinum withall its professional features included.
One of the differences between Cakewalk and ProTools Firstor Cubase LE (light version of Cubase), is that those come with a couplerestrictions;
Like limited simultaneous tracks recording and playing back,and some other features.
Cakewalk is just as powerful as the full versions ofProTools and Cubase, but 100% free!
Not only is Cakewalk my top choice for any free recordingsoftware out there, but it’s also the one I generally use the most.
For years now I’ve been using Cubase and I have to say thatI really like the workflow…
But Cakewalk is very similar in the sense that it’s a fullDAW, while still being absolutely free.
Of course, it comes down to your own preferences.
Maybe you like the interface of some other DAW better, butthis one offers everything the full version of a paid DAW does, and more!
If you are a Windows user, then get Cakewalk, no questionsasked!
Note: Once you downloaded Cakewalk, you will need toregister (you can do this through Facebook or Google, it only takes onesecond).
Then you need to go to the “App” section and installCakewalk.
You can download it here.
2. Audacity
Audacity, while not being the most powerful program outthere, is the go-to recording software for most beginner home music recordingenthusiasts as well as podcasters.
The reason for this is that it’s fairly simple to use, whichis ideal if you are a beginner.
The interface is simple and clean (Ideal for a newbie),which just means that the user experience as a whole will be much lesscomplicated.
Not only that but it can record using your PC’s onboardsound card directly through the mic input and line-in input.
Live streaming is also an option if your sound card supportsit.
It comes with quite the number of included effects which areuseful for getting the sound you desire, from setting the levels right tochanging the sound of your voice even.
From EQs, to pitch correction, delay, reverb, compressor,noise removal, and more… Audacity has got your basic effect needs covered.
Additionally, it even supports VST, LADSPA, AU, and Nyquistplugins, meaning that if you want to load a Drum VST plugin,you can.
Audacity supports a sample rate of up to 192kHz, which isfar more than you’ll ever need since most of the times, even in professionalstudios, the sample rate is 48kHz.
But having the alternative to go this high will allow you todo some high-caliber recordings.
Note: You’ll need the appropriate gear to takeadvantage of this feature.
Audacity may not necessarily come packed with loads offeatures, but what it lacks in added functionality it more than makes up insimplicity.
This is why I think that it’s excellent for beginners, sinceit’s fairly simple to use while still providing you with a whole lot ofoptions.
If you’re just starting to learn about audio engineering orif you are recording simple things, like a podcast, then Audacity is definitelyworth considering.
You can download it here.
1. Garageband
Garageband is an amazing DAW that comes free with any iOSdevice, if you own a Mac or an iPhone you will have access to it.
It is, essentially, a stripped-down version of Logic Pro Xbut completely free.
Garageband is a great place to start if you want to learnabout multitrack recording, using MIDI and essentially mixing, before spendinga lot of money on expensive software.
With Garageband not only can you produce a song on yourcomputer but you also can produce an entire song using just your cellphone,since you have all the tools you need right there.
This means that if you own an iPhone and you want to recordonly using that device, Garageband will be the ideal choice for you.
I wrote an entire article on Howto produce a song with no Studio Equipment which should be of use to anyonewho wants to record using a mobile device.
Garageband is extremely easy to use, which is why I think itdeserves the first stop on this list.
The interface is clean, the design is super intuitive…Perfect for any beginner!
Which one should you choose?
Well, this is a complicated question to answer…
The fact is that most of the audio recording/editingprograms on this list will be able to do almost the exact same things properly.
However, this all depends on your overall music productionknowledge.
If you are a complete newbie then I’d recommend Garageband,for Mac users, and Jokosher, for Windows users.
Garageband is pretty versatile and will allow you tocreate some pretty good sounding music.
Jokosher on the other hand, is very easy to use… butalso very limited, and should be used as a jumping off point.
If you already know a bit about how to use a DAW, then I’ddefinitely recommend Cakewalk, which is Windows only…
Otherwise TracktionT7 is your next best bet.
Conclusion
Like I mentioned in my little rant at the beginning, having thelatest version of a premium software like Pro Tools and Cubase isn’t reallynecessary.
There are loads of free alternatives out there which havenothing to envy the premium ones.
In my opinion, it all comes down to how you feel using eachDAW.
If you prefer the workflow of Pro Tools First, then it mightmake sense to purchase the full version.
Otherwise, just stick to a free one.
I hope this information was useful.
Have a great day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest software to make music?
If you use an iOS device to record, then Garageband is your best bet since it’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
Elbow pro iii 3 8. On the other hand, if you’re a Windows user then I would recommend Studio one Prime, which is one of the easiest DAWs to learn, or Audacity since it doesn’t provide so many features that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Elbow pro iii 3 8. On the other hand, if you’re a Windows user then I would recommend Studio one Prime, which is one of the easiest DAWs to learn, or Audacity since it doesn’t provide so many features that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Can Audacity record MIDI?
Audacity cannot record MIDI. It can only reproduce it if you import it.
Audacity cannot be directly controlled by a MIDI controller either.
Audacity cannot be directly controlled by a MIDI controller either.
Is there anything better than audacity?
Even though Audacity works pretty well, it’s far from the best free recording/editing software out there.
If you want the best free alternatives then I’d recommend either Cakewalk or Tracktion T7.
If you want the best free alternatives then I’d recommend either Cakewalk or Tracktion T7.
Is Audacity Safe?
If you download it from the official website then yes, it’s absolutely safe.
However, you need to be really careful since there are dozens of other websites out there that allow you to download Audacity and you might get some unwanted malware with those downloads.
However, you need to be really careful since there are dozens of other websites out there that allow you to download Audacity and you might get some unwanted malware with those downloads.
Are you an aspiring artist who wants your own recording studio? They say start small, but where do you really start?
Having a home recording studio is something that is now becoming fairly common among music producers, artists, and even hobbyists. The thing about the modern recording studio today – is you really don’t need much to start producing music.
Thousands of branded studio equipment have now become accessible and affordable more than ever, and the digital age has made it easier – with computers and plugins replacing studios.
Know what you need and work within your budget
If you’re on a tight budget, you can go for a minimalist approach and buy gear that’s compact and affordable. As long as it does the job, you’re better off starting with the basics. However, if you have more money to spend, you can go ahead and splurge on a more intermediate set of studio equipment.
Before buying anything, it’s important to set a specific goal.
Is music production going to be a hobby? Or is it something you want to take seriously and make a living from?
Knowing the reason you set your studio will determine the type of equipments you’ll invest in – so write down your goals and purpose.
Written them? Let’s talk about the essentials for a home recording studio.
1. A Music Production Computer (Laptop or PC)
Your computer will be the heart of your studio. Generally speaking, a laptop or PC with at least 8GB of RAM, running on a Core i5 processor is a good start.
Read more:Should I use Mac or Windows for Music Production?
Get A Laptop for Music Production if:
- You plan to record and make music on the go.
- Want to use the same laptop you produce music on – for performances, DJ-ing, etc.
- Doing music production as a hobby.
- You’re not planning to record lush and large film scores.
Get A PC for Music Production if:
- You plan to have a stationed recording studio.
- Need bigger CPU firepower to produce larger scores or music.
- On a budget, and don’t mind losing out on mobility.
- Want to go all-in into a music producing career.
Obviously, the reasons to go for either a laptop or computer will vary depending on your needs. However, you’ll get further with building your own custom music production PC, compared to a laptop. When it comes to computers to do recording and producing – faster storage drives (SSDs), bigger RAM and CPU is your friend.
I’m however a fan of mobile music making. And from experience, depending on the type of music you do, sometimes even a laptop will suffice.
Few music production computers to give you an idea.
- Apple Macbook Pro 15 – If you’re leaning towards using DAWs like Logic Pro, the Macbook Pro 15′ is one of the most popular options for DJ’s and music producers. I like its reliability (as long as you don’t get a defect machine) and Core Audio – the digital audio infrastructure built with all Macs is way ahead from Windows Audio.
- PC Audio Labs – You’re probably better off building your own music production PC. But if you need experts to handle it for you, PC Audio Labs makes pretty good computers for music production.
Read More: Top 10 Best Laptops for Music Production
2. Choosing a Right Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Your DAW is the software that you use for recording, editing, mixing and generally to produce music.
If you own a Mac computer, it already comes with a basic DAW, Garageband. You can then upgrade to the full version called Logic Pro X, available on the Apple store for $199 – which honestly, is one of the most complete DAW, widely used by music producers.
Choosing a DAW again depends on your needs and goals. With so many to choose from, allow me to shed some light:
i. Reliability and Support
Choose a DAW that has good support and updates. It helps to go for DAWs that has a community forum filled with active users. This would be valuable whenever you have questions to ask and there’s a community to help you.
DAW makers like Presonus Studio One and Reaper has strong communities like these. The company also constantly listen to user requests and builds new features into the DAW.
ii. Cross-Platform
These days it pays to use DAWs that works on both Windows and Mac. This opens up more opportunities to collaborate with other music producers around the world who might not be using the same computer OS as you.
iii. Industry Standard DAWs
Like it or not, if you work professionally with music – you’re going to bump into scenarios where you’ll have to work in ‘industry-standard’ DAWs like Pro Tools or Steinberg Nuendo. It pays itself to be a producer who knows how to use Pro Tools.
Other than that, I’d suggest you try a few DAWs to get a feel of producing with them, before settling for a DAW.
Depending on your needs, look for how intuitive the interface is and if it helps you produce music more efficiently. Are the effects, plugins and instruments that come with it enough for your production needs?
Otherwise, here are some quick suggestions.
- Logic Pro – Definitely one of the most complete DAWs at only $199.
- Reaper – Affordable and highly customizable, for Windows.
- PreSonus Studio One Priced for as low as $99.95, this is a DAW that you can scale with.
- FL Studio – Recommended for electronic music producers. From more of a fun software, it has now turned into a more serious DAW, with a complete sequencer, arranger and more.
- Ableton Live – Kind of the ‘staple’ for electronic music and DJ-ing.
- Pro Tools – Industry standard DAW for commercial recording, mixing, mastering and broadcast work.
Read more on choosing that perfect DAW: How to Choose a DAW to Produce Music
3. Audio Interface
An audio interface is like an external soundcard that helps you record analog audio (microphones & instruments) into digital audio on your computer. It also ensures better audio quality for tracking and mixing.
You’ll need an audio interface if you plan on doing any type of recording like vocal recording, guitars and as well as capturing live performances.
For producers who don’t do recordings, having a dedicated audio interface helps you with lower audio latencies – especially when using virtual instruments and plug-ins. Better audio interfaces with good DACs (digital audio converters) also helps with more accurate audio representation on your headphones or studio monitors.
For starters, an audio interface with a basic amount of inputs and outputs is good enough to get the ball rolling. This will, of course, depend on your needs, as well as the type of music you produce and which tasks you need to get done.
You should also consider the type of connectivity that you’ll need and have access to. USB is the most common among users, but Thunderbolt is faster and comes with lower latency.
Some of the most popular interfaces for beginners are:
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo – Known for their quality preamps, Focusrite is a popular choice among artists and producers. This USB-powered box comes with 2 ins/2 outs, 1 mic preamp, 1 instrument input, and a bunch of bundled software programs for Mac and PC.
- PreSonus Audiobox USB 2×2 – For an affordable price of around a hundred dollars, you’ll get an interface with a solid build, decent amount of inputs and outputs, two quality preamps, as well as a bundled full version of Presonus’ Studio One Artist DAW.
You might want to research more on which interface will run smoothly with your chosen DAW because it’s quite inevitable that there will be compatibility issues along the way.
You can explore other options and check out last year’s top-rated audio interfaces by reading this post:
- Top 10 Best Audio Interfaces For Serious Music Production
4. MIDI controller
When it comes to producing music, relying on real instruments to help you finish a project isn’t always applicable to everyone. There are some people who own and can play real instruments but there are also others who don’t. This is where a MIDI controller becomes essential.
While music production is constantly evolving, more and more people are using virtual instruments that sound as realistic as they should be. A MIDI controller enables you to play virtual instruments using keys and pads, while adding musical expressions with the use of effect knobs, pitch bend wheels and other controls.
So how do you know which one to buy?
If you’re a piano player who wants to be able to play without limitation, you can buy a controller with 61 keys. On the other hand, a 25-key controller is perfect for someone who is just starting out, which can later on be upgraded to 49 keys if you want more flexibility without breaking the buck.
You can start with these affordable options:
- AKAI Professional MPK Mini mkII – This $99 MIDI controller is quite popular among entry-level music producers and composers. It’s a USB-powered controller that has 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs and many more. This MIDI controller is also bundled with software programs such as Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech.
A few cons that you might encounter will include some complexities in terms of keyboard to software configuration and a few build issues here and there. Nonetheless, it is still quite competitive for the size, price and features.
- Arturia MiniLab MkII 25 Slim-Key Controller – Coming from the same price range, this aesthetically awesome controller is also a good investment for music producers who care about a solidly designed build with lots of bundled sounds and VST’s to explore. It also comes with the Ableton Live Lite, one of the most popular DAWs among electronic music producers.
If you’re planning to invest in a more mid-range option, you can check out this post which also includes some MIDI controllers on the higher end:
- 12 Best MIDI Controllers Which Are ‘Actually’ Worth Buying
5. Microphone
There are many kinds of microphones for different studio needs.
For starters, including a dynamic or condenser microphone on your list will be valuable if you’ll do a lot of vocal and instrument recording.
You can go for a USB-powered microphone if you want something quite basic and you’re skipping to buy an audio interface. On the other hand, buying a decent dynamic or condenser microphone will be a good investment for your recording needs.
Choosing the best microphone for your studio will depend on several factors.
If you’re a vocalist or a voice over talent, your vocal style and gender will matter, given that both male and female vocals differ in pitch, texture and timbre. This means that most microphones will capture and translate these vocals differently since each of them also have their own frequency responses.
For instance, an MXL 770 will sound just right for raspy female vocals, as well as rap male vocals. A Rode NT1, however, will capture female vocals quite differently and might give it more of that sibilance, while making some male vocals sound a bit warmer.
Choosing the right microphone for your voice will be tricky at first, so it’s better to try it out at a local audio store before buying.
Another factor to take into consideration is the genre of music you want to record. While condenser microphones are often used for Pop, Hip-hop and other related genres, dynamic microphones are great for Rock, Grunge and Metal.
The type of microphone to buy will also depend on what you want to record, aside from vocals. Condenser microphones are often used to record single instruments like an acoustic guitar, while dynamic microphones are better for recording drums.
Here are a few options to start with:
- MXL 770 – One of the most affordable condenser mics on the market, this $70 mic comes with a free shock mount and a rugged carrying case for safe-keeping. This multi-purpose mic will give you that warm sound without compromising the top-end clarity.
- Rode NT1-A – If you’re looking for a complete package, you can purchase one of the most popular mics used by vocalists, studio owners and musicians. Although this one is a bit pricier, this all-around microphone package comes with a studio-grade pop filter, shock mount, a 20-inch microphone cable, a dust cover and an instructional video CD.
Just in case you’re looking for a more in-depth and detailed guide on how to choose the perfect microphone for your studio, here are more posts to read:
- Ultimate Guide To Choosing Microphones for Your Recording Studio
- The 11 Best Vocal Microphones For Your Home Studio
6. Headphones
In order to be able to monitor while recording audio and maybe mix-master on the go, you’ll need a decent pair of cans that can accurately translate your recordings.
While there are many types of headphones for different uses, the most common for recording are the closed-back types. For monitoring, it is best to pick a pair of headphones that won’t bleed noise into the mic while you’re recording.
![Home Home](https://www.uberchord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/studiomusic-1102906_1920.jpg)
Apart from monitoring while recording, you can also use your headphones as an extra reference for mixing and mastering. Take note that it is not advisable to rely on headphones alone, as it may cause hearing fatigue and ear damage.
Mixing on headphones is also considered to give you that unnatural way of hearing sound, given that it will be too close to your ears – disregarding the space and environment which lets us hear music the normal way.
Nevertheless, a pair of headphones is an essential element in audio recording and music production.
Check out these options if you’re just starting out:
- Sony MDR-7506 – One of the most commonly used headphones by recording studios around the world, the Sony MDR-7506 will give you that accurate sound on a pretty affordable deal.
- Audio Technica ATH-M40X – Another affordable headphones from a well-known brand, the Audio Technica ATH-M40X comes in a nice build quality bundled with accessories and a detachable cable setup, useful for proper storage and traveling.
Check out this post to see more options:
- Five Best Headphones for Music Production on a Budget
7. Studio monitors
To give you the most accurate and transparent monitoring, studio monitors are one of the most essential items that you cannot skip in order to help you create better mixes.
Although this is one of the items that will be more expensive to buy, investing on it will give you the best results and best value for your money. Choosing the right brand will depend on your preferences, as well as the size of your recording studio.
Start with smaller monitors if you have a small space. Most monitors will come in different sizes for different room sizes. If you have that extra money to spend, you can consider buying them with a stand or a pair of isolation pads. Don’t forget to buy cables that will match your setup.
These are some of the most popular ones to check out:
- Yamaha HS5 – Recommended by most mixing engineers and music producers, the Yamaha HS Series is one of the best industry standards that will give you that accurate reference with exceptional features for its price range.
- KRK Rokit 5 G3 – Another big player in the studio monitor game, the KRK’s have that neutral frequency response with back-panel controls that let you balance the low-end. This will definitely give you your money’s worth if you’re on a tight budget.
Read more about studio monitor options here:
- Top 11 Best Studio Monitors Worth Buying Despite The Hype
- Find more affordable studio monitors below $500
8. Acoustic foams and panels for acoustic treatment
More often than not, most beginners start with buying expensive gears before considering to treat their rooms or home studios acoustically. Although this is the most overlooked factor among newbies, buying the right kind of acoustic treatment will go a long way, especially when it comes to recording, mixing and mastering.
Take note that soundproofing a room is different from acoustic treatment. When it comes to soundproofing, the goal is to keep the sound from leaking into the outside of your room and vice versa. If you have that extra money to spend, you can, of course, include this item on your list.
In acoustic treatment, however, you are simply controlling how sound is reflected; balancing its diffusion and absorption in order to make better-sounding recordings.
At first, you may not have an idea of which ones to buy and where to put them. Good news is, some companies specializing in these products have room analysis services which you can get for free. Some of them even have an app for both Apple iOS and Android which you can use to analyze your own room or studio.
- Auralex Acoustics
- Acoustic Fields
Once you get an idea of what to buy and where to put them, you can either find a local distributor of these brands in your country, have them shipped or you can also buy these items off Amazon if you want something more affordable:
- Bass Traps – These broadband absorbers technically deal with bass frequencies, but can also absorb some mid to high frequencies.
- Acoustic Panels – The most common that you’ll see in home recording studios, these panels are used for absorbing sound and acoustic correction.
- Diffusers – You can use these ones to treat unwanted echoes and reflections.
9. External hard drive
As you explore the world of audio recording and music production, you’re going to have to deal with a lot of files. You may think that your laptop has enough storage but you will surely be overwhelmed once you start to take your recordings and music production to the next level.
To get the most out of your computer’s performance, make sure that you separate the programs from your audio files by compartmentalizing your storage with an external hard drive.
Install your DAW, plug-ins and VST’s on your computer’s drive and save your exported files, sample libraries and other files on your external one. This will optimize your workflow and save you from those dreaded crashes and slow loading times.
Here are some options worth checking out:
- StoreJet Transcend 1TB Hard Drive – For less than $70, this hard drive gives you 1TB of storage, a military-grade shock resistant cover, an auto-backup button and many more.
- Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SSD – Available in 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, this solid state drive is a better investment for those who are not only looking for more storage but also looking to improve their computer’s performance and speed.
10. Cables, adapters and other studio accessories
The last item on the list are your recording accessories. This may not be the main focus when setting up a studio but you’ll be surprised at how often you’ll use them.
In the beginning, you’ll need to take note of which type of cables your setup requires for microphones, studio monitors, audio interfaces, etc. The most commonly used ones are XLRs and ¼ inch instrument cables or TRS cables. An RCA might come in handy as well, if ever you would want to explore other options for connectivity.
Adapters might also be used for headphones and other purposes. It is best to do your own research on which ones to include so that every accessory will just be within your reach if ever the need arises.
Other studio accessories will include microphone stands, studio monitor stands, reflection filters or portable vocal booths, equipment bags and cases – the list goes on depending on how basic or how advanced you want your home recording studio to be.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of the essential pieces of equipment to buy in order to put up a home studio, you can go ahead and do more research on brand and product reviews. This will help a lot in terms of choosing the right products and spending your money wisely.
For any questions or tips regarding this topic, feel free to leave a comment below.