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Basic Home Recording Setup
by
Marc Schonbrun
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- Use a corner of a room or desk area
- Multitrack recorder is essential
- Use an all-purpose plus a specialized mic
- Computer speed limits what you can track
If you work alone, you are almost definitely going to want a multitrack recorder. The ability to layer track upon track affords you the ability to create complex arrangements on your own. On the low end, a cassette tape–based recorder can get you started for a very low price. Many people who are new to recording opt for this method to get used to working.
You can choose a standalone, all-in-one studio, such as the Roland VS series or one of the many systems available from Tascam, Fostex, Roland, and Yamaha. These studios contain everything you need to get started: multitrack capability, internal effects, faders for mixing, EQ, and, in many cases, built-in CD burners.
On the computer side, many people find that the editing power of computer software makes the computer a very attractive choice. Recording technology is headed toward the computer at this point. Standalone units will always be around, but as the years go on, they are starting to resemble computers more and more. You can even get a standalone recorder with a monitor, mouse, and keyboard jack in the back. So what’s the difference?
A studio-in-a-box comes with some guarantees. If the box states that it can record eight tracks at the same time and play back sixty-four, then it’s going to do that without a glitch. If you use a computer, the number of tracks you can create is limited by the power of your machine. The more powerful your machine, and the faster your disk, the more you can do.
Many “solo” engineers/players own just a few microphones, usually one all-purpose and one specialized microphone. A lot depends on what instruments you plan to record. Many studios involve MIDI to control drum machines and keyboards. If MIDI is involved, you’ll find a computer in the studio for sure.
While there are standalone sequencers, they are rarely used anymore. The computer is far more prevalent. The solo home studio owner doesn’t require huge amounts of space, and usually a corner of a room or a desk area is enough to get anyone started. Since the computer is so popular, many home studios are found around computer workstations and desks.
...from The Everything Home Recording Book.
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