Over fourteen decades ago, the first instrument that could capture and reproduce the human voice was made, and Thomas Edison was responsible for this huge step in art. When he did his first presentation, those that witnessed it thought he was performing a magic trick, they didn’t know they were witnesses to the first ‘record’ ever made.
Over time, more people started making music and the way they made it has also changed. Better equipment and advancements in acoustics meant better quality sounds, but this came at a price- expensive hardware. Companies were formed specifically to produce music, and specialists: sound engineers, instrumentalists etc, were employed to work as professionals. All these meant music production required would require a form of ‘investment’. A lot of people had the talent, the dream and the determination to make music but not the funds. Until technology came on the scene, then instrumentals and effects could be done with the touch of some buttons on a laptop. This marked the beginning of home production. Then anyone could aspire to be an artist through the use of platforms that support independent artists like Show4me.
A reason for setting up a “home studio” is that it enables you to play around with tunes or beats, thus improving your creative prowess. At other times, you may just have a ‘burst’ of creativity and may want to record the beat either for later use or sale. But this can only be done when you have the necessary tools.
We can admit to the fact that technology has radically changed the production of music. Of course, tech has made a lot of things different, allowing anyone with a laptop to be able to make a beat. However, the difference in sound and sophistication between laptop-produced records and studio equipment-grade equipment can not be denied; this is why people endeavour to go the extra mile to set up ‘mini-studios’ in their place of residence. So let’s get a rundown on the procedure of getting a record produced at home. We will be starting with some of the equipment you are going to need.
- An audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2.4 (2nd generation).
This double channel interface is ideal for house production. Its versatility coupled with its compactness gives it an edge over others. It has conversion and sample rates of up to 192kHz/24-bit and all you have to do is plug it into your system or computer using its USB plug. You could easily get this from the Amazon store for a little over $200.
- Studio Monitors: JBL 305P
This monitor is perfect for your home studio as it can easily sit on your desk. It uses a low-frequency port for excellent bass response. It has two Class D amplifiers. It supplies audio meticulousness, specific imaging and an awesome dynamic variety to enhance the mix talents of any present-day workspace. The magnetically-shielded 305p MkII functions twin 41w magnificence-d amplifiers, which electricity the 5″ low-frequency woofer and woven-composite 1″ neodymium tweeter. The mixed output of the woofer and tweeter offer a frequency reaction of forty-nine Hz to 20 kHz with a peak SPL of 108 dB. It comes with oscillation insulators to prevent your surface from shaking each time there is a low-frequency pulse. (You sure don’t want your desk trembling each time you play a bass note). For your home space, you should get two, one for each side of your desk. You can purchase each one for about $150.
- Balance Cables
You use these to connect your audio interface to the monitors. You could get them for between $15-20.
- Mini Keyboard: Akai MPK Mini MKII
For a home studio, you really don’t need a standard size keyboard to get the tones, a mini keyboard will do. This red and black piece of wonder can do all the work you need with its 12.52 in length, so you can easily put it by the side of your laptop. It comes with a USB cord which you will use to connect with your laptop. The most fantastic fact is that you can use it without a computer. In case your system is unavailable, you can improvise with its built-in sounds and effects. It costs about $120 to get this (pretty affordable, right?)
- Microphone: Audio Technica AT 2020
The AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone features versatility in its design and use. It is highly recommendable for low-scale content creation be it music production or podcasting. Its design pattern ensures that it delivers superb audio output without background noise (that radio noise that rambles when your radio has a low signal). Although it costs just about $150, you will need a mic stand to be able to use it effectively, which you can get for about $30. You would also do well to get a pop filter which would be attached to the stand, and they go for about $10. Picking the brains of design experts, you could purchase a dozen-foot cable to connect the mic to your interface while placing the mic itself in a shielded space to prevent interference.
- Headphones: Tascam TH-02
For your audio feedback, you need to get headphones, and Tascam’s TH is perfect for that use. It is a wired headphone. It produces balanced sounds, regardless of the pitch of the tones. The lows are projected appropriately and the highs are moderated. But these features are not the most amazing things about it, the price is. Yes, these just cost a paltry $20 to get.
Conclusion
Tadaaaa! There you have it: your home studio where you can produce… whatever can be produced for less than $800. You could invite a friend over for a free session (only once, next time you charge), you could produce beats to sell to rappers, singers, or movie producers. You could even host online concerts on platforms like Show4me etc. You could host online concerts with “actual” online concert tickets for whoever wants to join. You could get them at Show4me, a music interaction network where you get to meet other independent singers and bands like yourself.
Note: You should make sure the studio space is inaccessible by children, or even adults (when you are not present); because a little spill, a little pull or a little slip could make all that work, time and money go to waste.
