beginner recording studio
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Nightburst
New member
Re: beginner recording studio
Recording is one thing to do, the next step is to be able to handle and process the things you record.
Get a good DAW like cubase or protools and make sure your pc is powerful enough to handle it (quite an investment already). Find some reasonable monitors so you can listen to your recordings.
Then learn how to work with these materials and develop basic mixing skills. Good luck!
Recording is one thing to do, the next step is to be able to handle and process the things you record.
Get a good DAW like cubase or protools and make sure your pc is powerful enough to handle it (quite an investment already). Find some reasonable monitors so you can listen to your recordings.
Then learn how to work with these materials and develop basic mixing skills. Good luck!
jtougas
New member
Re: beginner recording studio
Other things you need to start:
Reasonably good monitors, to hear what you're mixing. WARNING: For the most part, cost is commiserate with quality. However, there are some very reasonable monitors you can use to get you off the ground; I recommend KRK Rokits, preferably the 6" versions - you'll get reasonable accuracy and performance out of them. A powered sub is a good idea, if you can afford it. The idea is to accurately relate what is happening in the mix, not give you a tailored sound (this is why it's a bad idea to mix on your home stereo or computer speakers).
Also, good headphones. Note: this does not include Beats.
DAW software - You'll probably try a few different packages out before you find the one that fits your brain and your workflow. Go with it.
Plugins - effects, processors, all the stuff that makes the end result sound like what you want to hear. Good news is there are some very decent ones available *FREE*. Bad news is the *really* good ones cost an arm and a leg. Finding the bang for the buck is the fun part. Happy hunting.
Books - learn how to use your software & hardware.
A few more mics - the '57 is the Ultimate Workhorse, but you will want a few other flavors. Add them as you can, but I'd suggest at least a '58 for vocals, depending on the music you want to do. For delicate stuff, a good condensor mic, like the Audio Technica AT2020 - not very expensive, but it sounds very good on a wiiide variety of sources.
Other things you need to start:
Reasonably good monitors, to hear what you're mixing. WARNING: For the most part, cost is commiserate with quality. However, there are some very reasonable monitors you can use to get you off the ground; I recommend KRK Rokits, preferably the 6" versions - you'll get reasonable accuracy and performance out of them. A powered sub is a good idea, if you can afford it. The idea is to accurately relate what is happening in the mix, not give you a tailored sound (this is why it's a bad idea to mix on your home stereo or computer speakers).
Also, good headphones. Note: this does not include Beats.
DAW software - You'll probably try a few different packages out before you find the one that fits your brain and your workflow. Go with it.
Plugins - effects, processors, all the stuff that makes the end result sound like what you want to hear. Good news is there are some very decent ones available *FREE*. Bad news is the *really* good ones cost an arm and a leg. Finding the bang for the buck is the fun part. Happy hunting.
Books - learn how to use your software & hardware.
A few more mics - the '57 is the Ultimate Workhorse, but you will want a few other flavors. Add them as you can, but I'd suggest at least a '58 for vocals, depending on the music you want to do. For delicate stuff, a good condensor mic, like the Audio Technica AT2020 - not very expensive, but it sounds very good on a wiiide variety of sources.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: beginner recording studio
If I were to use a DAW other than the console I use, I'd use Reaper. Tons of flexibility, inexpensive, tons of excellent freeware plugins. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
Bass: I'd start with just DI'ing it. Have the signal go to two tracks simultaneously. One track clean; panned however you want (I prefer center for this track), and the second track with slight OD; panned however you want (I prefer ~60% right). I also like to add a chorus effect, EQ the clean track to be heavy on the 100-250 Hz range, slightly bumped 500 Hz, heavily dipped 1KHz, boosted at 2KHz, then gradually rolled off after that (but not a LPF). For the OD track, I like it heavy in the 500 Hz-1KHz range, HPF at 100 Hz, LPF at 5KHz.
Guitars: Experiment with SM57 placement. That mic is the workhorse for recording electric guitar in nearly every studio. Play around with the distance, keeping in mind the proximity effect, and that the closer the microphone is to the speaker, the microphone captures less of the full speaker and is focused on a certain part of a speaker. It all depends on what the part needs. It wouldn't hurt to get a second SM57 and place it at a completely different part of the speaker as the other SM57. Experimenting with double or even multiple tracking and panning will also do wonders for a mix. I usually EQ less aggressively than with bass - HPF at 100 Hz, a wide bump in the midrange, with the peak to taste (sometimes around 800 Hz, sometimes higher than that), and a LPF at 17K-18KHz. You could also experiment with placing an SM57 in a more middle-ground spot of the speaker (not too close to the dust cap, but not too close to the edge of the speaker), and place a condenser mic in the room at about ear-level without a whole lot of EQ. This will really add the room to the sound, add high end detail, natural room reverb, and sound more like what you hear in person.
For vocals, I'd recommend either starting with a large diaphragm condenser, or you could use the SM57. Both will need a pop filter (you can make one real easily out of pantyhose). The SM58 is just the SM57 with a different windscreen with a pop filter built in. Pretty subtle difference.
If you ever want to get into ribbon mics, don't skimp on mic preamps. Preamps make a WORLD of difference with nearly any ribbon mic. Also, ribbon mics tend to be delicate, can be destroyed if used with phantom power, and can be destroyed if exposed to sound waves blasting it way too hard (don't put the mic up against a blaring Marshall stack).
If I were to use a DAW other than the console I use, I'd use Reaper. Tons of flexibility, inexpensive, tons of excellent freeware plugins. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
Bass: I'd start with just DI'ing it. Have the signal go to two tracks simultaneously. One track clean; panned however you want (I prefer center for this track), and the second track with slight OD; panned however you want (I prefer ~60% right). I also like to add a chorus effect, EQ the clean track to be heavy on the 100-250 Hz range, slightly bumped 500 Hz, heavily dipped 1KHz, boosted at 2KHz, then gradually rolled off after that (but not a LPF). For the OD track, I like it heavy in the 500 Hz-1KHz range, HPF at 100 Hz, LPF at 5KHz.
Guitars: Experiment with SM57 placement. That mic is the workhorse for recording electric guitar in nearly every studio. Play around with the distance, keeping in mind the proximity effect, and that the closer the microphone is to the speaker, the microphone captures less of the full speaker and is focused on a certain part of a speaker. It all depends on what the part needs. It wouldn't hurt to get a second SM57 and place it at a completely different part of the speaker as the other SM57. Experimenting with double or even multiple tracking and panning will also do wonders for a mix. I usually EQ less aggressively than with bass - HPF at 100 Hz, a wide bump in the midrange, with the peak to taste (sometimes around 800 Hz, sometimes higher than that), and a LPF at 17K-18KHz. You could also experiment with placing an SM57 in a more middle-ground spot of the speaker (not too close to the dust cap, but not too close to the edge of the speaker), and place a condenser mic in the room at about ear-level without a whole lot of EQ. This will really add the room to the sound, add high end detail, natural room reverb, and sound more like what you hear in person.
For vocals, I'd recommend either starting with a large diaphragm condenser, or you could use the SM57. Both will need a pop filter (you can make one real easily out of pantyhose). The SM58 is just the SM57 with a different windscreen with a pop filter built in. Pretty subtle difference.
If you ever want to get into ribbon mics, don't skimp on mic preamps. Preamps make a WORLD of difference with nearly any ribbon mic. Also, ribbon mics tend to be delicate, can be destroyed if used with phantom power, and can be destroyed if exposed to sound waves blasting it way too hard (don't put the mic up against a blaring Marshall stack).
Last edited:
Demanic
PenultimateTone Member
Re: beginner recording studio
Get a Zoom H4 or H4n. They will do about anything that you would ask for when starting out. The H4n will record with the built in stereo mike along with the other two inputs. Which means you can do a room/board (or close mic) mix in one take. You can record in either mp3. or a higher grade wav. file if you want to work with it later. I have an H4 and am getting ready to update to the H4n.
Get a Zoom H4 or H4n. They will do about anything that you would ask for when starting out. The H4n will record with the built in stereo mike along with the other two inputs. Which means you can do a room/board (or close mic) mix in one take. You can record in either mp3. or a higher grade wav. file if you want to work with it later. I have an H4 and am getting ready to update to the H4n.
dominus
King Midas to Cheap Guitars
Re: beginner recording studio
Powerful PC, not absolutely necessary, but definitely a good thing if you can afford it. Expensive DAW software? F-ing waste of money.
Cubase - $600
Pro Tools - $300/year on a subscription model, or $900.
Reaper - $60 for two versions. (I bought version 4 three years ago, and version 5 is coming this year, and I'll have a free upgrade to that.)
I sold Pro Tools and bought Reaper. I use the money I saved to buy other things.
Powerful PC, not absolutely necessary, but definitely a good thing if you can afford it. Expensive DAW software? F-ing waste of money.
Cubase - $600
Pro Tools - $300/year on a subscription model, or $900.
Reaper - $60 for two versions. (I bought version 4 three years ago, and version 5 is coming this year, and I'll have a free upgrade to that.)
I sold Pro Tools and bought Reaper. I use the money I saved to buy other things.
ginormous
Understatmentologist
Re: beginner recording studio
+1 for Reaper, major fanboy here. It's got a learning curve, but every program does. It does what the big name programs do, records to the same file formats, and it is quite a deal.
You'll have to decide for yourself, however, because project files (the info about what track goes where, edit points, fades, automation cues, etc.) aren't compatible.
Reason, Reaper, Pro Tools, Cubase, etc., are all proprietary.
At one point, one of those songs is going to need vocals. Ribbon mics are getting cheaper, but the real price drop is in large-frame condensors.
The Neumann U87 is the standard-bearer, but most average guys can't drop $3500 for one mic.
Look at brands like Rode, Mojave, Royer, sE (that's how they spell it), AKG and so on. Not to be outdone, the American brands like Shure and EV are still in the game there.
There are some low-end brands like CAD and MXL, but they're good for "beater" mics you wouldn't mind getting run over, or getting hit by drumsticks.
Since condensors need phantom power and preamps, a decent mic pre is a a no-brainer.
+1 for Reaper, major fanboy here. It's got a learning curve, but every program does. It does what the big name programs do, records to the same file formats, and it is quite a deal.
You'll have to decide for yourself, however, because project files (the info about what track goes where, edit points, fades, automation cues, etc.) aren't compatible.
Reason, Reaper, Pro Tools, Cubase, etc., are all proprietary.
At one point, one of those songs is going to need vocals. Ribbon mics are getting cheaper, but the real price drop is in large-frame condensors.
The Neumann U87 is the standard-bearer, but most average guys can't drop $3500 for one mic.
Look at brands like Rode, Mojave, Royer, sE (that's how they spell it), AKG and so on. Not to be outdone, the American brands like Shure and EV are still in the game there.
There are some low-end brands like CAD and MXL, but they're good for "beater" mics you wouldn't mind getting run over, or getting hit by drumsticks.
Since condensors need phantom power and preamps, a decent mic pre is a a no-brainer.
dystrust
Well-known member
Re: beginner recording studio
I agree that you need good monitors, but I wouldn't recommend KRK Rokits for guitar-based music. The Rockit series are voiced for hip-hop, so they're scooped and boomy with a sizzly high end. If you're on a budget, the best bang for the buck are probably Presonus Eris E5s. Be sure to buy somewhere with a good return policy as their reliability / QC isn't the best. Another good option are Yamaha HS-50 / HS-5 which have a VERY mid-forward sound that is pretty much the opposite of KRK Rokits. They don't sound all that pleasant to listen to, but monitors need to tell you what your mix sounds like; they aren't intended for casual listening. If you have more money to spend, check out Equator D5s. They're probably the best monitor available for less than $500.
I absolutely agree that you shouldn't mix on computer speakers or a home stereo (though they are good to verify a mix), but I have to disagree on a subwoofer. They can be a little difficult to properly calibrate, and in a small or untreated room they frequently do more harm than good in terms of accurately hearing your mix.
I likewise agree that you should probably avoid beats (due to not being honest sounding) unless their coloration flatters your voice and helps you to lay down better vocals tracks. If this is the case, they'd be fine for tracking, but you wouldn't want to mix on them. Going further, you'll probably want at least two sets of headphones since different types are useful for different applications. For recording instruments or checking a mix, I like an open or semi-open design like AKG-K240s. They work well for this since they tend to have a more honest frequency response (for mix checking) and because they allow a little bit of room sound to bleed through for overdubbing. If you're recording vocals you NEED a pair of closed-back headphones to prevent your backing track from bleeding into the vocal mic. This is particularly important if you're using a condenser mic since they're much more sensitive than a dynamic. Sony MDR-7506s are very popular closed-back headphones; they sound great and they're even pretty inexpensive. My only complaint is that they don't have a detachable cable which of course failed on my pair. I've heard great things about Audio Technica's ATH-M50X, though I don't own a pair. They're a bit more expensive than the Sonys ( $169 new vs. $99 ), but they're collapsible and have a user-replaceable cable. A pair is currently near the top of my home studio GAS list.
Agreed that you want an SM57, but I'd skip a 58 unless you need a mic for live use; I'd likewise skip the AT2020. The $99 price sounds attractive, but when it comes to condensers under $1000 you REALLY get what you pay for. For a little bit more money you can get something like a used Rode NT-1 which is probably the best vocal mic available for less than $500. I've also heard good things about the AT4040 / 4050, but they're a bit more expensive than the Rode.
I agree that you need good monitors, but I wouldn't recommend KRK Rokits for guitar-based music. The Rockit series are voiced for hip-hop, so they're scooped and boomy with a sizzly high end. If you're on a budget, the best bang for the buck are probably Presonus Eris E5s. Be sure to buy somewhere with a good return policy as their reliability / QC isn't the best. Another good option are Yamaha HS-50 / HS-5 which have a VERY mid-forward sound that is pretty much the opposite of KRK Rokits. They don't sound all that pleasant to listen to, but monitors need to tell you what your mix sounds like; they aren't intended for casual listening. If you have more money to spend, check out Equator D5s. They're probably the best monitor available for less than $500.
I absolutely agree that you shouldn't mix on computer speakers or a home stereo (though they are good to verify a mix), but I have to disagree on a subwoofer. They can be a little difficult to properly calibrate, and in a small or untreated room they frequently do more harm than good in terms of accurately hearing your mix.
I likewise agree that you should probably avoid beats (due to not being honest sounding) unless their coloration flatters your voice and helps you to lay down better vocals tracks. If this is the case, they'd be fine for tracking, but you wouldn't want to mix on them. Going further, you'll probably want at least two sets of headphones since different types are useful for different applications. For recording instruments or checking a mix, I like an open or semi-open design like AKG-K240s. They work well for this since they tend to have a more honest frequency response (for mix checking) and because they allow a little bit of room sound to bleed through for overdubbing. If you're recording vocals you NEED a pair of closed-back headphones to prevent your backing track from bleeding into the vocal mic. This is particularly important if you're using a condenser mic since they're much more sensitive than a dynamic. Sony MDR-7506s are very popular closed-back headphones; they sound great and they're even pretty inexpensive. My only complaint is that they don't have a detachable cable which of course failed on my pair. I've heard great things about Audio Technica's ATH-M50X, though I don't own a pair. They're a bit more expensive than the Sonys ( $169 new vs. $99 ), but they're collapsible and have a user-replaceable cable. A pair is currently near the top of my home studio GAS list.
Agreed that you want an SM57, but I'd skip a 58 unless you need a mic for live use; I'd likewise skip the AT2020. The $99 price sounds attractive, but when it comes to condensers under $1000 you REALLY get what you pay for. For a little bit more money you can get something like a used Rode NT-1 which is probably the best vocal mic available for less than $500. I've also heard good things about the AT4040 / 4050, but they're a bit more expensive than the Rode.
jtougas
New member
Re: beginner recording studio
Not trying to start an argument, just defending my choice on the AT2020:
https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb06/articles/at2020.htm
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul10/articles/vocalmics.htm
But I do agree that there are plenty of other options out there. It's just that, for the money and a tight budget, it's a very good mic to have on hand.
In recording, mics are a lot like any other instrument - it never hurts to have a lot of flavors to choose from.
Not trying to start an argument, just defending my choice on the AT2020:
https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb06/articles/at2020.htm
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul10/articles/vocalmics.htm
But I do agree that there are plenty of other options out there. It's just that, for the money and a tight budget, it's a very good mic to have on hand.
In recording, mics are a lot like any other instrument - it never hurts to have a lot of flavors to choose from.
dystrust
Well-known member
Re: beginner recording studio
Agreed, and I wasn't trying to start an argument either. I apologize if I seemed to imply that the AT2020 isn't a good mic. It's a great mic for the money, and I would absolutely buy one if I needed a mic and only had $100 to spend. However if you can stretch that $100 to $180, you can get that Rode NT-1 instead which is a much better mic. You really got that last part right. In recording the most important element is your source, immediately followed by the microphone. People spend TONS of money on all sorts of recording gear, but without a good source and microphone a lot of that expensive gear's potential goes to waste.
One final thought on having a number of microphones... It's great to have a good sized mic collection, but you need to strike a balance between quantity and quality. For example a Sennheiser MD-421 is pretty expensive for a dynamic mic at around $300-350, but it's maybe the most versatile dynamic mic there is. You can record guitar and bass with it, even kick drum and vocals. If I had the choice of a Sennheiser 421 or a handful of other less expensive mics, I'd probably pick the 421.
Agreed, and I wasn't trying to start an argument either. I apologize if I seemed to imply that the AT2020 isn't a good mic. It's a great mic for the money, and I would absolutely buy one if I needed a mic and only had $100 to spend. However if you can stretch that $100 to $180, you can get that Rode NT-1 instead which is a much better mic. You really got that last part right. In recording the most important element is your source, immediately followed by the microphone. People spend TONS of money on all sorts of recording gear, but without a good source and microphone a lot of that expensive gear's potential goes to waste.
One final thought on having a number of microphones... It's great to have a good sized mic collection, but you need to strike a balance between quantity and quality. For example a Sennheiser MD-421 is pretty expensive for a dynamic mic at around $300-350, but it's maybe the most versatile dynamic mic there is. You can record guitar and bass with it, even kick drum and vocals. If I had the choice of a Sennheiser 421 or a handful of other less expensive mics, I'd probably pick the 421.
Snake Aces
Singlecut Slut
Re: beginner recording studio
I have been happy with Studio One by Presonus as my DAW. It's very affordable with prices ranging from around $40 to $50 up to $200 for the full versions.
I have been happy with Studio One by Presonus as my DAW. It's very affordable with prices ranging from around $40 to $50 up to $200 for the full versions.
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