Many people dream of recording and producing their own music. Thanks to more advanced and widely accessible technological equipment, more people than ever are able to make those dreams come true from their very own living room. With a minimalistic and highly affordable set of tools, anyone can get their music recorded without having to book expensive studio sessions.
Hardware
You’ll need a robust enough computer to handle your recording, mixing, and editing needs. These tasks take a considerable amount of storage and processing power from your computer. To avoid trying to work with a system that constantly locks up and loses your work, it’s worth it to invest in a quality computer.
Digital Audio Workstation
A DAW, or digital audio workstation, is a computer program that allows you to record, mix, and edit your music. These range from simple open-source programs like Audacity to industry-standard software like Pro Tools. While you’ll need something like Pro Tools to produce like the professionals, it’s often helpful to start with the simpler programs to get your bearings first.
Audio Interface
This serves as the bridge between your computer and your microphones or other equipment. USB audio interfaces simply plug into your computer’s USB port and run through whatever software you’re using. Serious producers also use a mixing board, which gives them the ability to pan and control levels of each track with precision.
MIDI Instruments
Unless you’re planning on building your tracks by programming beats, chord progressions, and melodies using exclusively digital means, you’ll need instruments to perform each part. Most musicians and producers have at least one type of MIDI keyboard or MIDI controller, which gives them the ability to express their music entirely.
Studio Monitors and Headphones
It’s impossible to mix all the voices in your song effectively without being able to hear an accurate representation of your work. Studio headphones and monitors are built to give you the best idea of what your song will sound like through any medium, be it a car stereo system or cheap earbuds.
Microphones
The right types of microphones are needed to record live sound in a room. The main two microphone types are condenser and dynamic. Condenser mics are able to pick up tiny nuances in tone but are extremely sensitive, meaning the room will likely need to have acoustic treatment for the recording to sound its best. Dynamic mics are able to handle louder sounds and don’t require as much acoustic treatment.