Audio Kindergarten #1 - How to build a recording studio for less than $500!
Many people believe that in order to achieve great sounding recording vocals you need to purchase top dollar recording equipment. The truth is you can achieve great sounding vocals on a very modest budget. Recording your own vocal can have many benefits. Some of the benefits are, that it is very cost-effective, you can take your time with recording yourself, and it's a great deal of fun learning how to manipulate your vocals in the way that you want them to sound. With the introduction of computer based recording technology in the recent years it has made it more affordable for artists and musicians to create their own home or project studio.
This article will walk you through all the steps and the items that you need in order to start recording on a modest minimum budget of $500. This budget is assuming that you already own a suitable computer for vocal recording. If you do not own a computer you will need to purchase one and then return to this article.
There are three main items that you will find in any modern recording studio around the world, they are:
- A Microphone
- Audio interface
- Studio monitors
Microphone
The first Item that you will need to purchase is a microphone. There are many different types of microphone phones and they can range anywhere from $50 to $2,500. For the purpose of this article we will look at condenser microphones, as they are great for recording vocals. I recommend buying the AKG P420 Dual-Capsule Condenser Microphone. This microphone is absolutely phenomenal and is only $169.02! It is a One-inch dual-diaphragm microphone with three selectable polar patterns that is just right for selecting the perfect setting. It also has switchable attenuation pad for high SPL applications up to 155 dB SPL and Low noise electronics and transformer less output for high dynamic range. This microphone is a great bargin.
AKG P420 High-Performance Dual-Capsule True Condenser Microphone - $169.02
Audio Interface
The next Item that you will need to purchase to start recording vocals is an audio interface. An audio interface is a piece of hardware that expands and improves the sonic capabilities of a computer. Audio interfaces give you the ability to connect professional microphones, instruments and other kinds of signals to a computer, and output a variety of signals as well. I recommend purchasing the Presonus audiobox USB 2x2 recording. This audio interface comes equipped with 2 award-winning XMAX Class-A mic pres, midi input/output, and Studio One Artist (DAW). The fact that the Presonus audio interface comes with Studio One Artist 3, a Digital audio workstation already included saves you a great deal of money. This audio interface is worth every penny!
Studio Monitors
The last item that you will need to purchase to start recording vocals is studio monitors. In very simple terms Studio monitors are loudspeakers specifically designed for audio production applications, such as recording studios, filmmaking, television studios, radio studios and project or home studios, where accurate audio reproduction is crucial, whereas reference monitors are loudspeakers generally used to gauge what a recording will sound like on consumer-grade speakers. Studio monitors are very essential to any studio and I recommend purchasing the Presonus Eris E5 Pair, which cost $224.90 on Amazon. This pair of studio monitors is wonderful and affordable and would complement any studio setup.
Presonus Eris E5 Pair - Pair of High-Definition 2-way 5.25 inch Near Field Studio Monitors - $224.90
