I need help building my 1st home studio!!!

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unobus20

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Hi everyone,

This is my first post and I hope to glean much information from all you knowledgable folks out there. I'm wanting to build a small home studio for myself. Nothing too complicated but I really have no idea where to start. What kind of books do you recommend on how to set up a home studio? I've heard "The Musician's Guide to Home Recording" was good but doesn't have a thorough section on digital-based systems. I'd like a good book that would address recording techniques, analog vs. digital and other such topics. If you have any ideas, let me know.
Now, I've been thinking about leaning more towards digital recording since it seems to be easier than analog-based recording, from what I've heard. Should I get a computer program like Cubase with a soundcard and a separate mixer or should I get the stand-alone hard-disk multitrack recorder with the built in mixer? I'm assuming products by Foxtex, Roland, Yamaha and Tascam would do the trick. What are your thoughts on these products? Also, I need a couple of good monitors. What brand should I get and should I get the ones that have their own amplifiers? Should I get a couple rack units as well (compressor, noise-gate, effects processor)? I already have a couple of Shure mics and a pair of good quality Sony headphones so I basically need everything else. I'd like to keep everything under $5,000 if at all possible and I'll be recording guitars, vocals, keyboards and bass mostly. If any of you good people could lead me in the right direction, I'd be much appreciative. Thanks a lot.

Unobus20
 
Hi Unobus!
Welcome to the world of homerecording...

If you're completely new to homerec. I suggest you check out the http://www.homerecording.com site first, it'll give you tons of information. It's better than any book!

Setting up a studio isn't so hard, but it depends on the space you have. Basically you can build a homestudio anywhere, some of our members have their studio on lofts, attics or basements, and I myself have a genuine bedroom-studio. Eemm... make that "part of a bedroom-studio".

Digital or analog, that's the question...
I think analog is easier than digital, I mean, I have a TASCAM 424 Mark II, you pop in the microphone, hit the "record" button and off you go. It won't get easier than that! Digital however does mean better sound quality (although some analog-recorders don't approve with thi"s), if done right. If I had the chance to begin all over again I would go for digital, but I have my TASCAM now and I fell in love with it!

I suggest you do some research first, to find out what your preferences are. Don't go spending your bucks without knowing what you're buying!! First find out if you want to go analog or digital. There's no wrong or right here!

Second think over if you want a stand-alone unit or a software-based programme. If you buy software, most of the effect units are already included! If you choose hardware, also consider a second-hand multitracker.

Don't go buying those expensive studio-monitors yet!! If you have your basic stuff, get some experience in recording first. Hell, maybe you don't even like it (I think you will, don't worry), if you don't there isn't too much damage done.

If you have your basic recording skills, then you can think about monitors or rackmount. They're not basic stuff, when you get to the mixdown part of homerecording you can check your mix on several sound systems (including the one in your car but you can read all about this on the website!).

So, check the site first, and if you have any questions afterwards my fellow homerecorders and I will be glad to help you out!

Good luck so far!
Dirk Demon

BTW $ 5000,- is a lot of money, I wish I had that kind of cash when I started out...
 
I forgot to ask!
Do you play any of these instruments yourself?
Not that it does matter, just curious! I also play everything myself, I think it's fun to do (TOTAL control over everything, man!) but it's also hard, because when you record everything after each other you don't have a reference. i.e. you have to lay down the drum track first, than the bass, keyboard, guitar, vocals, etc. It's hard but possible.
Dirk Demon
 
Thanks for the info Dirk Demon!!!
I checked out Homerecording.com and found out a lot of good info. Yes, I do play all these instruments myself and would like to get a drum machine since I don't have space for a drumset in my recording room. My studio is just going to be in a separate bedroom in my house which I hope to soundproof someday.
I have a couple questions. You said if I get the computer program, I should get a second-hand multitrack? Does this mean they work in tandem? Is the multitrack easier to use or is the computer program easier? I think I'm going to purchase Craig Anderton's book on Home Recording since it looks like it has a bunch of good beginner info.
As a matter of fact, I also have a Tascam 424 Mk II that works great but it keeps breaking down on me and I'd like to upgrade to something a bit more versatile and safe (i.e. hard-disk/computer based recording).

Thanks again!!

Unobus
 
Let me rectify the quote above about my Tascam 424 Mk II. When it wants to work, it sounds great but most of the time it decides not to work for some reason. But I agree, it is pretty simple to use and the sound quality is great.

Unobus20
 
Hi Unobus!

So you already have the TASCAM 424... Too bad it doesn't work on you!

I meant get the multitracker 2nd hand, you can use a multitracker and a software-based programme with each other, but why would you?

As far as the drumset, I don't have a drumset either, but I use the drumkeys on my keyboard. I never heard this before, but they sound OK and more lifelike than any drum computer.

If you're dedicating a whole bedroom (you lucky sombich!) to your studio it's worth checking out http://www.saecollege.de out too, they have a studio plan for all kind of sized rooms. Also loads of basic info on acoustics and stuff!

I think computer based recording programmes are more difficult to learn, but once you get the hang of it nothing can beat 'em. I have no experiences with Cakewalk, but it is said that Cubase and Pro Audio are better... but again, I'm not a diggie so I don't know...

Good luck!
Dirk Demon
 
Did I say pro audio? I meant Logic Audio!
Greetings,

Dirk Demon
 
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