Home Studio Setup Suggestions Options

[Bogdan Radovic]

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.

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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

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