Home Studio Setup Suggestions |
|
Home Studio Setup Suggestions |
|
|
|
|
Apr 13 2015, 11:33 AM |
Hey everyone
I always like to look for good music gear deals, even though I'm not really buying rather just window shopping. As I know that getting a home studio setup can feel complicated and sometimes intimidating to beginners, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try to get together some suggested setups? We could do it together finding the "best bang for the buck" gear and then posting it neatly in organized manner explaining the setup. We can get started here: MY FIRST HOME STUDIO * PC or Mac computer * audio interface : * monitors : * software : * other gear : Intended purpose of the setup: record guitars at home over backing tracks. Being able to create simple backing tracks using free plugins and record guitar over them. This setup should be based on software only, no real guitar amp should be needed. This setup should also be as budget friendly as possible. _______________________ I'll go first and suggest some possible components for the above setup : * PC or Mac computer (can someone help me what would be the minimum required configuration where intended purpose of the setup could be achieved on?) * Audio interface : since this setup is intended for recording guitars only, an interface with a guitar input should be enough. I personally have experience with POD Studio GX ($99). My second choice in this price range would be Focusrite Scarlett Solo. I like the POD Studio GX as an option as it comes with POD Farm software which allows for guitar amp and cabinet simulation right out of the box. What do you think about the above audio interfaces? Does anyone have experience with any cheaper options which allow for recording guitar and doing in the computer mixing/midi programming of backing tracks? * monitors : now at this intended use of the setup, I don't think real monitors are actually needed. A nice 2.1 computer sound system can do a nice job as well. Now, does anyone have any recommendations for "Best value for the buck" 2.1 computer speakers system? Or if real music monitors can be got for the same price, then that would present the better option I guess? * software : I think the choice here is pretty straightforward and it would be - Reaper as the DAW (digital audio workstation or audio recording software). In case of using POD Studio GX, software for simulating a guitar amp/cabinet would not be necessary. To produce backing tracks, I'd suggest starting out with Addictive Drums 2 trial (it offers functional but limited drum kit). Again, I need your help choosing a free bass VST as well as some other instrument VSTs which are free (for piano, strings, organ etc). * other gear : for this setup one would need a guitar cable to connect to the audio interface. Also cables or adapters will be needed to connect the PC speakers (or monitor speakers) to the audio interface. I'd like to invite everyone to share their opinions and gear suggestions in setting up ultimate "my first home studio" setup -------------------- For GMC support please email support (at) guitarmasterclass.net
Check out my lessons and my instructor board. Check out my beginner guitar lessons course! ; Take a bass course now! |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Apr 14 2015, 05:54 AM |
Hmm. Well, just to start with I'd say if you (or anyone thinking of doing this) already have a PC, maybe think about building a MAC setup? I have a mac setup running LOGIC X and I am very impressed with LOGIC X. I"d seen it in various studios around town and I understand why. PRO TOOLS is still very standard but still requires certain hardware it seems? Anyone know if you can run pro tools without special hardware/interface/dongle etc?
Anyhoo, you can get a Mac Mini for $499 U.S. http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ and use any gear that is already at hand, e.g. pc monitor/keyboard/mouse, etc. Even use your current audio interface. But before we get in to this, what is your Window Shopping budget? This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Apr 14 2015, 05:55 AM |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Apr 14 2015, 10:11 AM |
Hmm. Well, just to start with I'd say if you (or anyone thinking of doing this) already have a PC, maybe think about building a MAC setup? I have a mac setup running LOGIC X and I am very impressed with LOGIC X. I"d seen it in various studios around town and I understand why. PRO TOOLS is still very standard but still requires certain hardware it seems? Anyone know if you can run pro tools without special hardware/interface/dongle etc? Anyhoo, you can get a Mac Mini for $499 U.S. http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ and use any gear that is already at hand, e.g. pc monitor/keyboard/mouse, etc. Even use your current audio interface. But before we get in to this, what is your Window Shopping budget? Thanks for the tips Todd - I'm not shopping for a home studio myself rather I'm looking to pre-design some setups which people just starting out could use as inspiration for building their own. The goal with this first one is to be the cheapest yet decent and functional solution Once we get some setups done, we could list them in the opening post in a neat way with all the components etc. p.s. When it comes to Mac setups, I also think they are great. I have been recording in a studio which uses Logic and I'm starting to experiment with this DAW myself too. Most of the studios locally here operate PC setups though with Cubase or Nuendo. -------------------- For GMC support please email support (at) guitarmasterclass.net
Check out my lessons and my instructor board. Check out my beginner guitar lessons course! ; Take a bass course now! |
|
|
||