lots of u have said when u record, u record at the studio within ur own home.

please help me get an idea on what i would need to save up for or purchase in order to build a studio within a decent budget( in thousands).

what would i need first?
how much did you pay?
how much space will it occupy?
what can i purchase in order to get a studio near what is considered professional?
any specific names? companies?


thanks.

subyduby said:

What you ask is a little general. The trouble with musical equipment is that its very subjective, some people like something, some people hate it.

The best thing is to decide for yourself. Check out The Sound On Sound Website. Here you can read up on equipment you may need & compare different manufacturers & ranges.

thank-you!

Smallest and cheapest way to build a home studio is probably to do the lot with your PC. A decent sound card with optical audio inputs and a copy of Cubase VST can do wonders

You can always get yourself a multitrack cassette or direct-to-disk kit if you don't like using PCs but it's expensive and not necessarily easier to use.

A nice good quality mixing desk, ADAT input into a nice sound card, direct-to-disk recording with Cubase VST and a fast SCSI hard drive, with CD writer for backing up your stuff, and some good mics etc and you are ready to go

A cheap and easy (but effective) home studio, in my opinion, would be to get a good MIDI keyboard with lots of sounds (>$300) or a sampler (with MIDI) and lots of sounds that can play many different instruments at once (under $1500-2000 but worth it), and some songwriting software. There's a lot of decent free programs on the Internet to get you started, or at least some under $100 programs you can buy at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. I like Cakewalk's products (>$400), but other's here like Cubase (Steinberg) which is very well-respected among most musicians I know. Your PC has to be somewhat decent to handle these programs, but not necessarily spectacular. If you use MIDI (so your computer can talk to your music equipment), you'll need a MIDI interface ($<60) which attaches to your computer's serial port or USB port. A CD-writer is nice since you can record your music digitally through your PC and then burn it onto a CD for great sound or else you can plug your PC into your stereo and record through that. This type of home studio takes up no more space than your desk. Of course you can add onto it with tons of junk which really isn't necessary if you have some good music programs.

If you play live instruments, you may want to consider the digital 8 or 16-track machines that are out now for under $1000. Or you can get real basic ones for under $300-400. If you have the money, there's some REAL nice stuff available that does everything starting at $2000 and going all the way up to a quarter-million dollars. Here in Reno, we have what was once called "the best recording studio in the west" (yes, even better than the studios of Los Angeles). It has at least $3 million worth of equipment. They started with their first main mixing board with recording equipment that cost about a quarter-million by getting funding from dozens of different organizations. There's a way if you know how to make it happen. The whole studio is in a Victorian house which they sound-proofed, and they turned the garage into a second smaller "working" studio.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what you can do. To answer your other questions, you might want to check out the music section in the magazine racks at your local big chain bookstore. I like Home Recording, Electronic Musician, and Computer Music. There's many more. I wish you well!

wow! thank-you all. i'm taking great notes. thank-you all.

-what would i need first?

I'd suggest a PC, with a good sound card.
a MIDI Keyboard.
Cubase VST, or if you have Windows XP, I'd go for the new Cubase SX, it's works better with audio.
and lots of VST Instruments, and software samplers, unless you got spair cash, then I'd get a real sampler.
a good Set of speakers is very important, and a good amp too.


-how much did you pay?

the cost never ends, you always want more.


-how much space will it occupy?

Depends how much you base your studio on your PC


-what can i purchase in order to get a studio near what is considered professional?
any specific names? companies?

I'd go with Protools Digi001, or wait till 002 comes out.
but then I'd suggest working on a Mac, and not a PC.

Now I'm no expert but I always recommend TWO ways to people.

The COMPUTER based way or the GEAR way.

The COMPUTER studio is of course, whatever computer you are comfortable using, Windows, Mac, Amiga, Be OS (I know, the last two are almost obsolete if not totally, but I'm not really platform biased!).

Find yourself demos of the software you THINK you might want to use. Go to the music store and see if they have any, DON'T let them sell you anything! Or download them from the sites.

Install and play around with them, of course before that get yourself a General MIDI keyboard and all the MIDI interface stuff. Then decide which software is best for YOU. Then purchase it. Then build from there as your needs grow, which will.

Mind you the software should be a high end type. Not one of those Fruit Loops things for $100. Pro-level, because you're going to grow and will need something that will grow with you.

Now, back to the computer, YOU must be pretty much an expert at using whatever platform you choose. Meaning, no fear of viruses, or changing settings in the system, work fast, like second nature really, WHY?

Because if you think that you will learn using a computer as you learn how to use the music software, you're fooling yourself. You'll be confused, and might run into a lot of headaches that only get in the way of MAKING music. You really MUST love computers!

Now if you are NOT comfortable with computers, the hardware/GEAR way is the other way to go.

What's the GEAR way? Wazzdat? Get the gear and forget the computer.
Look into HARD DISK recorders. Many big manufactures make them. They are like a combination of a multi track mixer, internal hard disk to record sound/performances, have sequencing capabilities, etc.

You're going to nead other types of gear, like effects boxes, microphones, a keyboard of course, maybe a sound module, etc.

Then the other way in GEAR is getting one of those expensive but amazing keyboards with the built in sequencer and mixer and stuff. All in the keyboard.

It's tricky but a lot of fun.

Good luck and I know it was vague but this is just as a guide to TWO ways of going when building a small music studio.

wow!!! more great stuff. thanks! nice notes for the future

That's a tough one Suby, there is sooo much out there...It depends what you play also(guitar, keyboards, etc.)...I will keep my advice simple...If I was starting out now, I would get an up to date keyboard(99-2002)...Have a music store rep show you the newest synths they have available(in your price range)and have him/her demonstrate the sounds and capabilities for you...You seem to have an ear for what sounds good, so this should be easy for you to decide which one you like. With the right keyboard, you CAN create all of your music with just that one instrument...drums, bass, guitar, sax, flute, pads, etc...All the new ones tend to have everything you will need to get you started...As far as "recording" your music, you should get yourself a digital multitrack studio with a built in CD burner(about $700-$2000 for a good one) I'm assuming US funds...All the "mini studios" these days have effects built in as well, and are very user friendly, if you can tolerate a few pages of the "quick start" user manual...You will also need a microphone for vocals...And trust me, you do NOT need to spend alot of money on a mic for home recording. Just don't buy your mic from Wal Mart...Trust a music store rep to show you a decent, and reasonable mic that will do the job. Most of the digital multitrack studios these days have the capability to make an average mic sound really good, IF you use the right effects...You will have to do some homework on your own regardless, as to recording and figuring shit out...I am NOT a manual person, and I am impatient to get the job done...To really figure out the process of home recording took me 2 years, and I am still learning...but I love it!...It's why I get up in the morning. I hope you will feel the same way...Good luck!

subyduby said:[quote]lots of u have said when u record, u record at the studio within ur own home.

please help me get an idea on what i would need to save up for or purchase in order to build a studio within a decent budget( in thousands).



hey subyduby.. probably the pc is the way to go..with something like logic audio or cubase. go to www.tascam.com
and click on the US site. there's an article there called something like... "everything you ever wanted to know about setting up your pc for recording"... i strongly suggest you read it as it will help a lot i'm sure. good luck with it!

subyduby said:

So Suby, are you GOING to get into recording your own material, or were you just curious?

sensitivemthrfker said:

I want to record but I do need tons of money and $30 isn't gonna cut it. These suggestions have given me a slight idea of what I should get/expect in order to record. I really would like to have singing lessons of many different kind of genres. Unfortunetly those cost too much money for me, so I am saving up for them. Until I can be qualified as a singer better than the ones who are having hits right now( britney,ashanti), I am saving up money, getting educated in simple things and praying that I can go ahead and record.

Thanks MrBlues and Sensitivemthrfker. i added those to my notes.

subyduby said:

Your welcome Suby!

Have you ever considered going to school and taking a music and engineering course? Many of my musician friends have gone on to be excellent producers, engineers, and professional studio owners, while they continue to produce their own music and play in bands. If you are REALLY into music which it sounds like you are...Why not try to get a career happening in the industry. I'm not sure what you are doing now, or how old you are, but it's something to think about.

sensitivemthrfker said:

Yes, I've considered school for music. That's why I created the thread about the musicians getting a degree. Doesn't it feel guilty for them becuase they are taught what is correct? Or that if they can learn creation, then anyone can learn it and steal their concepts?
For college or private schooling, I plan to take classes. Of course; money, permission from my parents,high school, time and location will hinder any courses.

Since your friends own studios...do you think if someone hires a studio; do the producers,studio engineers,etc. comes with the renting of the studio? and if someone rents a studio and the producers,etc. are included, can they teach the payer how to work the tools or concepts? Thanks.
Btw, I turned 16 in August22.

You're talking A LOT of money here -- renting a studio + the workers. You'd have to be really good at EVERYTHING else if you want to do this because the cost will kill you, and you'll want to get in and out of that studio as fast as possible.

As far as learning studio tricks, see if there's a local college that offers a music recording class, or at least get some experience at a public access channel's studio mixing board. Call them if you have one. Maybe a local music studio might let you stand in and watch, or be an apprentice -- tell them you're doing research for a school project. It worked for me.

In the meantime, definitely check into reading some books and magazines on this subject. And search for some of that great free music software on the Web. Here's a good site to start with: http://www.intermusic.co.uk/ -- lots of good links from there. Check out the sites in that drop down box in the very top right corner. The UK has some of the best music mags and websites.

subyduby said:

Suby, most studios come with an engineer, and that is included in the cost. He will work the soundboard, help you mic the instruments (drum mic's etc.) and make sure that what you play gets recorded. If you are an independent artist, you would be your own producer, but if you sign a record deal, usually you would hire a producer to come into the studio with you. Most studio engineers do not mind showing you how the equipment works and will often let you get involved in the process.

subyduby said:

First, you will need whatever instruments that you are going to use. I play many, but I made sure that the first thing that I got was a keyboard with a multitrack sequencer on it. I can play on the beat to any tempo, but a sequencer allows you to put the drum hits and rhythms right on the beat that you are recording (less sloppy that way). You will also need some kind of recorder, like a Tascam or comparable. 4 to 8 tracks is plenty if you already have a sequencer to add synth lines and drum hits, and you will need a microphone...Audio-Technica makes great studio mics, but when I first started out, I just used a basic karaoke mic. All of this can fit in a decent size walk in closet. I prefer a small area with relatively high celings and lots of insulation. If you buy a good size professional mix board, you will be needing major space and major money. I bought all of my stuff for under 2,000 American dollars, but a professional outfit would cost you at least 5,000. I try to get the most of what I have and some of my stuff comes out sounding professional even though I have semi-pro stuff.

what would i need first?

- Songwriting talent.

how much did you pay?

- 500 euros of my salary. Monthly. Each month. For as long as I can remember.

how much space will it occupy?

- wow, can't believe this question! Seriously not your first concern. Room acoustics are more important.

what can i purchase in order to get a studio near what is considered professional?

- Professional? A Neve desk or something, dynamic processors, good acoustics, expensive cable. Now ask this question again: what will bring me good results on a budget? But seriously you'll need to understand audio basics before even considering building a studio of your own. First, study the basics... What is a preamp? what do you need it for? What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables? What sort of EQ will you need? If you couldn't answer to any of those questions, then it'd be much better for you to not rush into spending any money. Meanwhile you can experiment with your PC and some shareware programs which can be found in masses for instance at www.hitsquad.com/smm.


any specific names? companies?

TL Audio, Rode, Focusrite, Hughes & Kettner... cheaper end products that perform.


I always tell the young artists that I work with to seriously consider what they would need a own studio for. The thing is, you really don't need your own full studio (which is what I understand by the word studio anyway) to make and enjoy music. One sequential synth or a PC is enough.