You’ve finished writing the songs. The band has been assembled. Now the only thing left to do is record the album.
But before you can do this, you’ll need to get the right equipment.
The last thing you want is to end up spending thousands on gear you don’t need. To make this easier, we put together the essentials to produce your first album.
Computer
The first thing that you will need to get is a computer. There are a few reasons why this is so important.
First, you will be able to use it to run all your editing software to mix your songs. We’ll discuss how to choose this software later.
Also, if you are planning on becoming a DJ and performing live, a good laptop will be key. It will hold all the songs you need.
Because it’s so important, you should spend a little extra time to get the best possible computer. There are a few things that you should look for.
To start with, you’ll need a big memory. This will let you store all the sounds you need and will make running the mixing software easier.
The size of the memory is measured in RAM. 8 GB is the minimum for most software packages.
Next, check the number of ports it has. You will need to be able to connect all your cords and cables to record the track.
It’s a good idea to try to pick a laptop that has a large screen. This will ensure that you don’t have any problems when using the editing software.
Check how much noise the computer will make. You don’t want the mechanical noise to be in the background of your recording.
If you are choosing a desktop, look at the dimensions in the product specifications. You want to make sure that it will be able to fit in your studio.
Before you buy, read through the online reviews. This will give you a good idea of some of the problems that you might face. You will be able to use this to compare the options.
Microphones
The next thing that you’ll need is a high-quality microphone. You’ll use this to record your performance.
How many microphones you’ll require will depend on the type of music you are making.
For example, if you have a large band each member might get a microphone. This will allow you to isolate the sound, making the editing process easier.
If you are working by yourself and only play one instrument, you might just need one microphone.
The good news is that microphone technology has been steadily improving. You should be able to find an excellent model for under $100.
Once you’ve got the microphone you will need to attach it to the computer. To do this, you will need to get a cord.
You will need to get a microphone stand. This will hold it in the right place during the song. You might need to experiment a little to find the perfect position.
Lastly, you might want to consider a pop filter. This is optional, but it will help improve the quality of your recording.
When you are singing, the ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds will produce a strong burst of air, producing a thump. The pop filter absorbs the air before it hits the microphone.
Audio Interface
The next thing that you’ll need is the audio interface. You’ll be able to plug the instruments into this. The interface will then produce the electronic signal to send to the computer.
It’s common to find audio interfaces that come with a lot of fancy features. For example, they might be able to act as a mic preamp. This amplifies the signal from your microphone.
Before you purchase the interface, make sure that it has the right connections. Most PCs and Macs will use USB connectors. Some Macs, though, will require a Firewire.
When buying your audio interface, you don’t need to spend a fortune. You should be able to find an excellent model for less than $150.
DAW
DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. This is the software that you will be using to record, edit, and mix your songs.
You’ll get to spend a lot of time using this software. So, you want to make sure that you choose something that you enjoy.
The good news is that there are plenty of DAWs available for you to choose from. Take your time to look through each of the options.
You should be looking for something that you understand how to use. You’ll also need to get something that will be powerful enough to handle your workload.
The best place to start is with a free DAW. These often offer the same features that the paid options do. Additionally, many DAWs will offer a free trial.
The free models will let you build your skills. So, you’ll know what to look for when you choose a paid model.
While we’re talking about DAWs, you might want to think about subscribing to a sampling service. These will provide a wide range of songs that you can legally sample from.
Whether or not a sampling service will help you will often depend on the type of music you want to create.
Headphones
Headphones are one of the most important parts of the recording process. They let you hear what the instruments sound like. This will allow you to focus on your performance.
There are two types of headphones that you will need. These are open and closed. Which one you use will depend on which stage of the recording process you are in.
First, you will need to get use closed headphones. These allow you to isolate the sounds.
This type of headphone is used when recording, so you can focus on your performance. The sound won’t bleed into the live microphone, ruining the recording.
The closed headphones are used when you are mixing the music. These won’t offer as much isolation. But they will give you a better sound quality.
The alternative to using closed headphones when mixing is using a studio monitor. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the next section.
Studio Monitors
Many professionals choose to use studio monitors when mixing their songs. They can sometimes provide details that you might have missed using headphones.
Studio monitors look like normal speakers. But they aim to provide a flat frequency.
Because of this, you’ll be able to hear the imperfections in the track. This will allow you to adjust the mix properly, so it sounds great when you play it.
This type of equipment can often prove costly. But you don’t need to spend a fortune. A good set of studio monitors will start at around $300.
MIDI Keyboard
Getting the right MIDI keyboard is key to making the recording process easy. You’ll be able to use the MIDI to control the DAW. This will let you make sure you get the sounds you want.
There are a few ways that you will be able to use your MIDI keyboard. For example, you can use it to play virtual instruments. This will let you add new layers to your songs, without needing to hire a new band.
Producers also like to use MIDI to help mix their songs. It can be an easy way to sequence your music.
Because this tool is so important, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting a high-quality device. Here are a few things that you should be looking for.
The first thing that you’ll need to think about is the number of keys you want to include. This will often depend on how well you play. If you are a fluent player, you might want the 88 key option.
The number of keys you want can also depend on the amount of space you have available. If you want a compact model, you should be able to find one that has 25 keys.
Next, you’ll need to consider whether or not it is compatible with pedals. These will give you more control over the type of notes you can create.
Lastly, you’ll have to think about how much the MIDI keyboard will cost. Most modern options shouldn’t be too expensive.
Hopefully, you’ve got an idea of what to look for. If you want more tips and to see what’s out there, check out this MIDI keyboard list.
A Space to Record
Once you’ve got all the equipment you need, there’s only one thing left to do. Start recording your album. Before you can do this, you’ll need to find a space to get all your equipment set-up.
When deciding where you are going to record, there are a few things to look for. First, you’ll need to make sure that the area doesn’t have a lot of background noise.
If it does, you might need to try to block it out. Closing the door and shutting the windows can help. You can also try to add soundproofing material. This video will give you plenty of tips.
Next, you’ll need to find a room that will be big enough to contain all your equipment. Usually, you will need to get a desk or table to set everything on.
After you find the right room, you’ll need to start getting it set-up. Generally, you’ll want to have two stations.
First, you’ll need to have a place to record. You should have enough space to stand up and perform.
Then, you’ll need to have an area to mix the music.
What type of set-up works best will depend on you. For example, some people will want a bigger space to handle multiple musicians. Others will be doing it alone, so they can have the instruments clustered around them.
It’s usually best to experiment, finding the perfect set-up for you.
Conclusion
Recording an album at home is doable. This is where many artists start their journey. As we’ve seen, you don’t need to spend a fortune. As long as you can get the right gear, you’ll be able to start recording your first album.
