Cheap home recording studio

[Cs342]

Hi guys, I'm a musician on a budget and I currently own a few electric guitar, a bass, an electronic drum kit and a powerful PC. I want to start recording my own music but I'm not sure where to start gear-wise. What is the cheapest way to get started with recording if I already have all the instruments I need and a computer? Please list specific products if possible. Thanks!

[Prastupok]

Hi guys, I'm a musician on a budget and I currently own a few electric guitar, a bass, an electronic drum kit and a powerful PC. I want to start recording my own music but I'm not sure where to start gear-wise. What is the cheapest way to get started with recording if I already have all the instruments I need and a computer? Please list specific products if possible. Thanks!

 

As a starting point, you'd be good to get a mixer and audio interface. For a beginner, I'd recommend these:

 

Mixer: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1204USB

Interface: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i4

 

and if in need of some over ear monitors: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD280Pro

 

That company (Sweetwater) is in the town I live in, and I do a great deal of business with them. Fully recommended.

[Cs342]

As a starting point, you'd be good to get a mixer and audio interface. For a beginner, I'd recommend these:

 

Mixer: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/1204USB

Interface: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i4

 

and if in need of some over ear monitors: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HD280Pro

 

That company (Sweetwater) is in the town I live in, and I do a great deal of business with them. Fully recommended.

I can only afford either the mixer or the interface. Which one should I get?

[Prastupok]

I can only afford either the mixer or the interface. Which one should I get?

 

Are you going to be recording multiple instruments at once?

[Cs342]

Are you going to be recording multiple instruments at once?

One at a time for now

[Prastupok]

One at a time for now

 

Then the interface.

[Cs342]

Then the interface.

 

Then the interface.

Is there a cheaper one I could get? I'm also thinking of getting some good speakers.

How are these: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-GigaWorks-Multimedia-BasXPort-Technology/dp/B001S14DYO

[Prastupok]

Is there a cheaper one I could get? I'm also thinking of getting some good speakers.

How are these: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-GigaWorks-Multimedia-BasXPort-Technology/dp/B001S14DYO

 

Those aren't good speakers... Granted I'm a bit spoiled in the speakers I use in my position. But those aren't worth using for real sound. The headphones I linked you are indeed Professional-grade at least.

 

And, as with most things, especially pro audio... you get what you pay for.

[Cs342]

Those aren't good speakers... Granted I'm a bit spoiled in the speakers I use in my position. But those aren't worth using for real sound. The headphones I linked you are indeed Professional.

I'd prefer speakers because I need them to watch movies and listen to music as well

[Prastupok]

I'd prefer speakers because I need them to watch movies and listen to music as well

 

These are fairly decent, at least for the price: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ErisE4.5

[Cs342]

These are fairly decent, at least for the price: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ErisE4.5

Are there any for $100 or below? I'm really short on cash since I'm gonna be buying a new laptop as well

[Prastupok]

Are there any for $100 or below? I'm really short on cash since I'm gonna be buying a new laptop as well

 

That's about the lowest I'd recommend... Don't skimp out, you'll regret it.

[Cs342]

That's about the lowest I'd recommend... Don't skimp out, you'll regret it.

Can't I just get some non-monitor speakers and then a decent pair of monitor headphones for a lower price?

[Prastupok]

Can't I just get some non-monitor speakers and then a decent pair of monitor headphones for a lower price?

 

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Especially not since you're planning a proper home recording studio.

[Cs342]

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Especially not since you're planning a proper home recording studio.

I also need some sort of keyboard that has sound effects

[mr moose]

Can't I just get some non-monitor speakers and then a decent pair of monitor headphones for a lower price?

 

So long as you can eq them to flat then I don't see why not.  If you are going to use headphones for monitoring then I would be looking at the HD280 pro or the MD7506.   But really good speakers are the best.

 

I get good results from reaper, a basic 2 in 2 out USB low latency interface. and a small mixer for the mic pre amp, line in, etc.  If you want sound effects you are probably better of getting  midi keyboard and finding software or voices for the sounds you want.

[StefanAbad]

Let me Give a Specific hardware list.

 

Sony MDR7506 - Monitor Headphones

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AJIF4E

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - Monitor Headphones

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVLUR54

 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2Input - Audio Interface

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OZE9SA

 

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone - Multipurpose Condenser Mic

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VA464S

 

Shure SM57-LC - Guitar Amp / Multipurpose Mic (Everyone has this)

www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AQRST

[Cs342]

Let me Give a Specific hardware list.

 

Sony MDR7506 - Monitor Headphones

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AJIF4E

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M40X - Monitor Headphones

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVLUR54

 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2Input - Audio Interface

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OZE9SA

 

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone - Multipurpose Condenser Mic

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VA464S

 

Shure SM57-LC - Guitar Amp / Multipurpose Mic (Everyone has this)

www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AQRST

Thank you very much!

I actually already own quite a decent mic

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B003QKBVYK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1429891348&sr=1-1&keywords=zoom+h1

 

but I would like to buy a MIDI keyboard. Do you have any suggestions for a good cheap one? Also is there any USB Interface I could get that's under 100?

[StefanAbad]

Thank you very much!

I actually already own quite a decent mic

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Handy-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B003QKBVYK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1429891348&sr=1-1&keywords=zoom+h1

 

but I would like to buy a MIDI keyboard. Do you have any suggestions for a good cheap one? Also is there any USB Interface I could get that's under 100?

 

Here Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller with Joystick

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ6QAO2

[bimmerman]

My two cents: The Sony MDR-7506s are pretty much the gold standard monitor headphone. The vast majority of the music, TV/movie sound editing, podcasting, and radio you have ever heard has been mixed/monitored on these headphones, because they're affordable, consistent sound and build, and last forever. I wore mine out (earpad cable frayed) after 15 years of constant 3+ hour a day use and loose-in-backpack/bike bag carrying.

 

I can't speak to the others, but the Sonys are a bargain for their durability and longevity. Sound pretty good too.

 

The Shure SM57 and 58 microphones are very popular among instrumental players as well (brass, in my case).

[Cs342]

My two cents: The Sony MDR-7506s are pretty much the gold standard monitor headphone. The vast majority of the music, TV/movie sound editing, podcasting, and radio you have ever heard has been mixed/monitored on these headphones, because they're affordable, consistent sound and build, and last forever. I wore mine out (earpad cable frayed) after 15 years of constant 3+ hour a day use and loose-in-backpack/bike bag carrying.

 

I can't speak to the others, but the Sonys are a bargain for their durability and longevity. Sound pretty good too.

 

The Shure SM57 and 58 microphones are very popular among instrumental players as well (brass, in my case).

Are the sonys only good for monitoring or do they sound good with movies and music as well?

[bimmerman]

Are the sonys only good for monitoring or do they sound good with movies and music as well?

 

I use them for everything. I have a few pairs of fancier/more expensive/audiophile-y headphones as well...and the Sonys are the ones I use most often.

 

They're just....good. I won't claim they're the best at anything, but they're very enjoyable.

 

[Cs342]

I use them for everything. I have a few pairs of fancier/more expensive/audiophile-y headphones as well...and the Sonys are the ones I use most often.

 

They're just....good. I won't claim they're the best at anything, but they're very enjoyable.

 

Ok thanks!!

Also I already have this USB interface:

http://lexiconpro.com/en-US/products/alpha

 

Do I need a new one and how does this compare to the Focusrite?

[Prastupok]

Audio noob here - what does Mixer and Interface do? Can you just connect mic to PC and record? I've seen mixer but idk what it does. First time I hear about interface.

 

Mixer allows you to mix (mixer) different instruments together, at controlled levels and EQs. Some have an integrated interface, but not as high quality as a dedicated one.

 

An interface allows the audio to connect and be transferred to and from the computer.

[StefanAbad]

My two cents: The Sony MDR-7506s are pretty much the gold standard monitor headphone. The vast majority of the music, TV/movie sound editing, podcasting, and radio you have ever heard has been mixed/monitored on these headphones, because they're affordable, consistent sound and build, and last forever. I wore mine out (earpad cable frayed) after 15 years of constant 3+ hour a day use and loose-in-backpack/bike bag carrying.

 

I can't speak to the others, but the Sonys are a bargain for their durability and longevity. Sound pretty good too.

 

The Shure SM57 and 58 microphones are very popular among instrumental players as well (brass, in my case).

MDR 7506 vs ATH M40X

 

I think the M40X has more to offer. Better Looks (sorry for this haha), lower resistance / impedance, detachable cable, very flat sound signature.

Lower impedance would really help him because WHAT IF he cant afford a good unit a decent amp. and he could use on with his phone.