By Full Compass LiveA basic home studioDefinition:
A recording studio located in a residence that may be dedicated to a hobby, or to commercial projects. See also: Project Studio. for recording and mixing only needs five components: a computer, DAWDefinition:
(Digital Audio Workstation): A computer program or stand-alone device that provides digital audio recording, editing, and mixing. software, an audio interfaceDefinition:
A device to convert audio signals into digital code suitable for use by a computer; typically communication occurs through a port such as USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, etc. , microphones and studio monitors. Here is our guide to a few of the best products in each of these categories, including affordable options for students and beginners.
DAW Software
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software lets you record, edit and mix audio files like songs, film soundtracks or even speeches and podcasts. Here are three of the most well-known DAW products.
Avid Pro Tools 12
Avid Pro Tools 12 includes a huge numbers of virtual instruments, strong processing power and multiple effects, so you can easily produce big, rich sounding and complex mixes. Plus, with the Avid Video Engine, you can play and edit HD video right in the Pro Tools timeline. This software can be expensive to purchase, but discounted 12 month subscriptions make it much more accessible for eligible students, teachers and educational institutions.
Presonus Studio One 3
PreSonus' Studio One 3 Artist features a flow-oriented drag-and-drop interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer. which makes recording and mixing fast, easy and fun. With version 3, Studio One Artist introduces new virtual instruments, better ways to quickly find the right backing tracks, step sequencing for programming, a new interface with multi-touch support and context-sensitive documentation.
Ableton Live 9
Ableton Live 9 Suite lets you invent new ideas, make changes without stopping and captureDefinition:
To acquire audio and/or video, and convert it to a file. everything as you work. Live's Arrangement View is a familiar working space; but it also features Session View: a unique sketchpad for improvising, playing and performing without the constraints of the timeline. Almost everything in Live works in real-time, all without interrupting your creative flow. Looking for a simpler and more affordable option for a beginner? Ableton Live 9 also comes in an Intro Version.
Computer Interfaces
Computer interfaces allow you to directly connect instruments to your computer. Because there are many different options, make sure you do your research to ensure that everything will be compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software. with your equipment and goals. Here are three of our favorites.
Focusrite Scarlett
Focusrite's Scarlett series of compact audio interfaces are equipped with a single natural sounding Scarlett mic preamp, a newly designed instrument input and super-low latencyDefinition:
The amount of delay a signal, data, sound, video, or control signal acquires within a device, system, or long-distance connection.. The interface simply plugs in with a single USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. cable along with mic and instruments to begin recording studio quality audio. It is compatible with all major DAWs, on both Mac and PC.
Presonus Audiobox
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 recording system is a USB bus-powered audio recording interface featuring 2 microphone/instrument inputs with 48V phantom powerDefinition:
A source of power for a microphone (usually condenser) that travels to the microphone over the microphone's cable. There are different voltage standards and requirements for different microphones, but the most common standard is 48 Volts. It derives its name because there is no visible power cable., 2 balanced TRSDefinition:
(Tip Ring Sleeve) Phone style connector. 3 conductor (Stereo) originally 1/4" diameter, also 1/8" and smaller and the TT style for patchbays. Used for headphones and patching. outputs and MIDI in/out. The AudioBox USB is bundled with PreSonus Studio One DAW to also include 2 microphones with cables, headphones and recording software.
MOTU 896MK3
MOTU's 896mk3 audio interface offers eight channels of pristine 24-bit 192 kHzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Kilohertz: 1,000 Hertz, or one thousand cycles per second. analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. recording and playback, combined with sixteen channels of optical digitalDefinition:
A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. I/ODefinition:
(Input/Output): 1. A pair of connections that provide input(s) and output(s). 2. The connections that link a computer to devices outside the computer., stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. AES/EBUDefinition:
(Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union): A 2-channel digital audio format created by the AES and EBU that uses XLR connectors, and is similar to the S/PDIF digital audio format., S/PDIFDefinition:
(Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) A protocol for a stereo digital audio connection, based on AES3, that uses coaxial cable or TOSlink optical cables. and separate analog main outs. The 896mk3 is flexible, and is equally well-suited for studio and stage. It also works with or without a computer! As an interface or standalone mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals., the 896mk3 provides 28 separate inputs and 32 separate outputs, including dedicatedDefinition:
Designed or used to do a specific task or set of tasks. main outs on XLRs and two front panel headphone outs.
Studio Microphones
Having the right microphones on-hand is essential to home recording success. Each style of music (and even each singer within a style) may require different features. Here are three very different microphones to consider for your studio.
Shure SM57
The classic Shure SM57 is the "workhorse" microphone of stages and studios around the world. Its unidirectionalDefinition:
A microphone pickup pattern with most sensitivity in one direction. See cardioid. dynamic microphoneDefinition:
A microphone that attaches a coil to the diaphragm, which moves within a magnetic field. Sound waves moving the diaphragm generates electrical current. is exceptional for drum and instrument ampDefinition:
Abbreviation for either Ampere or Amplifier. pickupDefinition:
1. Transducer attached to a musical instrument that converts mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal for recording or amplification. 2. The part of a phonograph that translates mechanical motion from grooves into electrical signals for subsequent amplification., in addition to vocals. With its brightDefinition:
In audio, a sound quality that emphasizes high frequencies. Also called "crisp," "clear," or "sparkly.", clean sound and carefully contoured presenceDefinition:
An EQ effect that boosts audio, typically between 2 kHz to 7 kHz, to add clarity and articulation. rise, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcementDefinition:
Originally meant to electrically augment acoustic performances, but now means any public address system. See PA. and recording.
AKG C414/XLS
If you already have a dynamic microphone that you love, the next purchase for many home or professional studios is a condenser microphoneDefinition:
A microphone with a charged diaphragm over a stationary plate, with an internal amplifier that requires power (battery or phantom power). . These microphones have an extended frequency responseDefinition:
The range of frequencies that an audio, video or data device can pass., which means they can record a voice or instrument with great detail, and capture a natural, warm sound. The AKG C414/XLS is a good choice due to its flexibility in the studio. It has Selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application, three attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPLDefinition:
See Sound Pressure Level. and three different switchable bass-cutDefinition:
1. In film or video, a sudden transition from one scene to another. 2. With computers, to remove data. filters to reduce wind noise, subsonicDefinition:
Sounds or signals with frequencies below the range of human hearing. noise or proximity effectDefinition:
A phenomenon where most microphones with cardioid or figure-8 polar patterns exaggerate bass frequencies as the sound source moves closer to the microphone. Also called Bass Tip-Up..
Sennheiser e 614
Will you be recording loud instruments like drums? The Sennheiser e 614 evolution Series Polarized SupercardioidDefinition:
A unidirectional microphone polar pattern that is narrower than a cardioid mic, but wider than a hypercardioid mic. CondenserDefinition:
An archaic term for Capacitor. Overhead Drum Microphone is designed for demanding instrument recordings and performances that require extended frequency response to handle loud sounds. The e 614 also works exceptionally well on percussion, fitting comfortably into tight setups.
Studio Monitors
Studio monitors allow you to listen to what you are recording, mixing and masteringDefinition:
Compiling individual recordings into an album or collection of songs, or an individual song for a single release, often with added equalization, dynamics processing, and other signal processing to create a consistent and optimized listening experience. With albums, mastering can also involve determining the sequence of the individual recordings., so making sure that you invest in powerful, accurate monitors is essential.
JBL LSR308
The JBL LSR30 is an affordable, compact reference monitorDefinition:
1. (audio) A loudspeaker or headphone/earphone used for accurate reference monitoring for recording or broadcast. 2. (live performance) A device that reproduces sound, like an in-ear monitor or speaker wedge, so performers can hear themselves. See: IEM. 3. (computers) A device that provides a graphic representation of operations occurring inside the computer. 4. (video) A device that enables seeing what is occurring with a video shoot, or program material from a broadcast or other video media source.. The patent-pending design of the Image Control WaveguideDefinition:
Pipes, fittings, and horns for guiding and projecting radio frequency or sound waves. precisely controls the sound emanating from the speaker in the vertical and horizontal planes, ensuring the presentation at the listening position is neutral and accurate. It uses two Class-D 56 WattDefinition:
Abbreviated W. Amount of electrical energy, derived by multiplying Volts (voltage) times Amps (current). RMSDefinition:
(Root Mean Square) An accurate measurement of average power that can be produced by an amplifier, or consumed by a speaker, or generated by an audio signal.. amplifiers; one for low frequencies and the other for high frequencies.
Yamaha HS8
The Yamaha HS8 is a 2-way bass-reflex bi-amplified near-field studio monitor with an 8" cone wooferDefinition:
A low-frequency driver or speaker. and a 1" dome tweeterDefinition:
A loudspeaker's high-frequency driver element. in a Black finish. This monitor features 38 HzDefinition:
Abbreviation for Hertz. Unit of measurement for frequency, formerly called CPS (Cycles Per Second), that measures periodic waves, audio and radio frequencies, and mechanical repetitive motion. Example: 1000 Hz means a periodic waveform has 1000 cycles/vibrations per second. - 30 kHz Frequency Response, Room Control and High TrimDefinition:
A gain control for microphone inputs. response controls, and XLR and TRS phone jackDefinition:
A connector, normally female, that works in conjunction wit a plug. Usually located in a piece of equipment, or as part of a cable. inputs that accept balanced or unbalancedDefinition:
A two-conductor signal connection where one wire connects to ground. Unbalanced connections are prone to ground loop hum if equipment is not in close proximity. signals.
Focal CMS-50
The compact Focal CMSDefinition:
(Content Management System): Manage the elements of a web page. 50 has a 5” mid-woofer that reaches down to 55Hz, while offering a controlled bass and a totally linear midrange. The midrange register of the CMS 50 has unequalled neutrality in its price range. The Al-Mg inverted dome tweeter offers outstanding dynamicsDefinition:
In a musical performance, changes in overall volume levels, often accompanied by timbral changes. Example: Classical symphonic music has a wide dynamic range, while dance mixes have a much narrower dynamic range., and a degree of definition in the treble that allow precise measurement of reverbDefinition:
Short for Reverberation. The myriad echoes of decaying amplitude created in an acoustic environment. Reverberation may be simulated electronically, mechanically using springs or a metal plate, or in a specially built physical chamber with reflective surfaces where a speaker sends audio into the chamber, and a microphone picks up the reflections. and other effects which are normally very difficult to hear and assess. Focal offers many capable studio monitors to consider.
