Advantages and Disadvantages of Producing Music in a Home Studio

Computer / Mac

A solid computer is an essential part of any music production setup. In recent years, iMac and MacBooks have become popular choices for music production due to their reliable operating systems and often good processing power. If you already own a Mac, it's definitely a good choice for music production. But if you're more accustomed to Windows, it's also possible to use your current computer, depending on the size of the projects you're working on.

Choosing the right computer for music production can be a complex task, and there are many factors to consider. Generally, it's important to ensure that the computer has a powerful processor—preferably at least 2.0 GHz and ideally quad-core—and runs a 64-bit operating system. Additionally, it should have at least 8 GB of RAM and plenty of hard disk space, preferably SSD.

It's important to note that the choice between a Mac or a Windows computer is not a decisive factor in whether you can produce music at a professional level. Both types of computers have their advantages and disadvantages, and the most important thing is to find a computer that fits your individual needs and requirements for music production. And in some cases, which DAW you want to use as well.

DAW

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It is an abbreviation for audio software you can use to record, produce, and edit your music and audio files. There are many different programs available, both paid and some free, but the best program depends entirely on your needs and how your workflow is. Some of the most popular programs are Ableton Live, Logic Pro X (Mac), FL Studio, Pro Tools, Garage Band, REAPER, Audacity, etc.

Still a bit unsure about what it is? Follow the link and read our guide on what a DAW is and which one you should choose.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is crucial for your home studio and helps ensure that your sound is recorded and played back in high quality. It acts as the heart of your setup, routing all your audio through a small box that you connect to your computer. It's also where you connect your speakers and instruments.

Most audio interfaces have at least two types of inputs: one for instrument cables with 6.3 mm jack plugs and one for microphone cables with XLR plugs, and most have combined inputs that can handle both types of cables.

When choosing your audio interface, it's important to consider how many inputs and outputs you need. If you plan to record a band or multiple musicians simultaneously, it might be a good idea to invest in an interface with at least four inputs. Similarly, consider what outputs are suitable for your speakers and monitors (e.g., large jack inputs, RCA, or AUX jack), and if you want to switch between multiple sets of speakers/monitors, choose an interface with at least two sets of outputs.

When it comes to recording settings, there are a few important things to consider. Most audio interfaces have a capacity of 24-bit, so it's a good idea to stick with this setting. However, there is some debate among audio professionals about whether to record audio at a higher sample rate than the standard 44.1 kHz.

The argument for choosing a higher sample rate is that it will improve the quality of your recordings, as more frequencies are captured. But in practice, the human ear is limited to perceiving sounds up to 44.1 kHz, so it is rarely necessary to record at higher sample rates. If you use samples with a lower sample rate than your project, they will be artificially upscaled, potentially leading to a slight loss in quality.

Generally, it is a good idea to record at a sample rate of at least 44.1 kHz, as this is sufficient in most situations. Additionally, be aware that higher sample rates can require more processing power and take up more space on your hard drive, and the benefits are lost if just a few of your samples have a lower sample rate.

If you're using Windows, it might be necessary to install a "driver" for your audio interface if your computer doesn't automatically recognize it when you connect it. The easiest way to find the correct driver is to visit the manufacturer's website and search for the model number of your audio interface. You can then download and install the appropriate driver for your system.

Some manufacturers use the ASIO4ALL driver, which is a free driver that allows you to record with low latency. In some cases, it can be a good idea to have the original ASIO4ALL driver as a backup. If it wasn't installed with your DAW software, you can find it for free online.

Having a MIDI keyboard with piano keys or other MIDI controllers can be beneficial for many, as it allows you to control various functions in your DAW. For example, you can assign some of the buttons to mixer faders in your DAW, making it more tactile and enjoyable to create and work with music. However, it’s not a requirement, and you can still make music without it.

MIDI keyboards come in different sizes, from 25 to 88 keys, and with or without trigger pads, which you can use to record rhythms with your fingers. Larger models often have 'faders' and rotatable knobs. It's important to consider your needs when choosing a MIDI keyboard, as it can be an investment, and it's crucial to select a size and features that suit your needs.

If you already have a keyboard or an old one lying around in the basement, there's a good chance you can add it to your setup. If the keyboard isn't too old, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable if it has a USB output. If your keyboard has a classic 5-PIN MIDI output with 5 small holes, look for a 'MIDI Out' port on the back of the keyboard, as shown in the picture above. If your audio interface has a 'MIDI In' port, you can use an old 5-PIN DIN cable to connect it. If your audio interface doesn't support MIDI input, you can buy a 5-PIN MIDI to USB adapter to connect it to your computer.

When producing music from home, it can be tempting to use the speakers or headphones you already have. However, this can be problematic because consumer speakers often color the sound and can give a misleading impression of how the music actually sounds. Studio monitors, on the other hand, are designed for recording and music production and provide a neutral sound that reproduces audio without coloring it. Therefore, you can rely on the sound from neutral monitors, which will give a more accurate result when sending the music for mixing, as the mixing engineer will hear a more precise representation of the music.

Studio monitors come in various sizes to fit different needs. A good rule of thumb is that monitors with woofers larger than 5-6 inches are not ideal for most small rooms. If you have a larger room, it may be worthwhile to get monitors with 7-8 inch woofers or larger. However, it should be noted that monitors react differently in different rooms.

If you find that monitors do not provide enough deep bass, you might be tempted to look for a subwoofer. However, for home studio use, a subwoofer can create more problems than it solves, especially if you have a small or square room that is not properly treated acoustically. Therefore, consider getting a monitor subwoofer only if you have a sufficiently large and well-treated room.

It can be somewhat challenging to find the right monitors and/or subwoofers, so before investing in expensive equipment, consider booking some different professional studios and working with their gear to get the best experience and make the right choice. Check out our list of studios and book a studio for your next session.

Studio headphones are designed to serve the same purpose as studio monitors—to provide a neutral sound representation so you can trust what you hear. However, there are some differences in how the bass works, as many musicians prefer to feel the bass rather than just hear it. Often, the bass in studio headphones feels lower than in consumer headphones, which typically boost the bass.

If you use headphones solely for music production, you might encounter differences in sound quality when you later listen to the music on speakers. To minimize this difference, we have two suggestions: listening to reference tracks and cross-referencing your music.

Listening to reference tracks involves listening to songs that you are already familiar with so you can get used to how your headphones sound. It's a good idea to listen to various music genres, but it can be smart to select a few songs that you can always use as a reference. For example, when working on bass, listen to how high or low the bass sits in a finished mixed/mastered song and try to match the level with the bass in your own track.

Cross-referencing involves listening to your music on different sound systems. You can listen to your music on all your headphones, in your car, on Bluetooth speakers, on phone speakers, your TV, and any other system you can think of. This way, you can get an idea of how your music will sound on various sound systems and more easily hear what needs adjustment to make your music sound as intended.

If you're struggling to get your music to sound just right and need help with mixing, mastering, or both, check out our extensive list of mix and master engineers and find the one that suits you.

If you want to record vocals at home, it's a good idea to invest in a quality microphone. There are different types of microphones, each with their strengths depending on what you want to record. The primary types are dynamic microphones, condenser microphones (large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm), and ribbon microphones.

When choosing a microphone, it’s important to consider what you’ll be recording. Dynamic microphones are well-suited for instruments, drums, and guitar or bass amplifiers, but they are typically not as sensitive to higher frequencies. Therefore, large-diaphragm condenser microphones are often recommended for vocals, as they can capture more high-frequency details while providing a pleasant sound. Small-diaphragm microphones are also versatile and can be used for almost anything, including recording choirs or orchestras.

It's important to note that all voices are different, and each microphone within these categories varies as well. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s crucial to try different microphones and find what works best for you. Condenser microphones typically require +48v phantom power to operate, so make sure your audio interface has this feature.

While you’ll likely use a dynamic or condenser microphone, it’s also worth mentioning ribbon microphones, as they can provide a specific tone that some people find desirable for vocals. However, ribbon microphones can also be expensive.

USB microphones

USB microphones used to have a bad reputation, but today there are many high-quality USB microphones from brands like RØDE, Audio-Technica, and Blue Yeti. If you're on a tight budget as a vocalist and only need to record vocals, it can make sense to save money and choose a USB microphone.

However, if you already have an audio interface or plan to get one, we recommend opting for an XLR microphone. This will make it easier to integrate everything, as USB microphones appear as an additional device that you need to set up in your DAW settings.

Pop filter

A pop filter is an essential accessory for recording vocals, designed to reduce or eliminate plosive sounds caused by hard consonants like "P" and "B." These sounds can create unwanted bursts of air that result in distortion or clipping in your recordings. 

A pop filter is typically a mesh screen placed in front of the microphone. It can help ensure a cleaner and more professional vocal recording by smoothing out these plosive sounds. Pop filters are inexpensive and easy to use, making them a valuable addition to any home recording setup.

Other accessories

If you have the space, a sturdy microphone stand can be essential for certain types of microphones. There are also smaller desk stands that can be placed on your desk, allowing you to keep the microphone within easy reach.

For professional audio engineers, it's common to use a preamp (pre-amplifier) to boost the signal from the microphone before recording. Some types of microphones require more amplification than others and work best with a preamp that can provide the necessary extra power. Preamps can also offer a "warmer" sound that many prefer. However, it is important to note that most audio interfaces have a built-in preamp that is sufficient for most tasks. Good preamps can be expensive, but for home studio use, you can usually manage with your audio interface unless you're looking for a very specific tone.

Consider a professional recording studio

Many studios have both high-quality, expensive microphones and the right acoustic conditions to achieve the best recordings. When you’re ready to finalize the vocals/recordings for your songs, you should consider booking a professional recording studio so you don’t have to compromise on the quality of your music. It doesn’t have to be expensive to book a studio, and you can view our list of studios nationwide, find one that fits your needs and budget, and book a studio right here.

The acoustics of a room can significantly impact sound quality, and professional studios are typically equipped with good isolation and acoustic treatment to minimize the room's influence. While the goal for most home studios may not be to achieve the perfect mix, better acoustics can help create a more accurate representation of the sound and make it easier for a sound engineer to fine-tune it.

There are some simple tricks you can use to improve the acoustics in your home studio, even if you don't have unlimited funds to invest in professional acoustic treatment, which is typically only found in professional sound studios. Think of it as shaping the edges of a sculpture, while the sound engineer can focus on the finer details.

1. Placement of Monitors

The placement of your monitors in the room can have a significant impact on how the sound is reproduced. Therefore, many speaker manufacturers recommend placing them at equal distances from each other and from the position where you sit - see the image below.

For example, if the distance between the left and right monitors is 168 cm, you should sit at a distance of 168 cm from both speakers. For the best sound experience, the monitors should face towards your head or ears, and the tweeters (the small cones at the top of the monitors) should be at the same height as your ears. If possible, it’s also best to place them at least 1.5 meters away from the wall and avoid placing them directly against corners.

2. Microphone placement and recording tips

Distance  

A good rule of thumb when recording vocals is to maintain about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) of distance between your mouth and the microphone.

Sound Absorption  

A simple trick to reduce unwanted reflections from the room is to create some sound absorption around the microphone. You’ve probably seen many artists in a vocal booth, which is an isolated space for the microphone, often with a glass window. If you want to book a studio where you can use a vocal booth, you can find our list of studios right here.

The principle is the same here—you need to use some soft material to "box" yourself and the microphone in. There are many creative solutions; you can use anything from blankets to mattresses and pillows. The key is to stack it like a box that you can stand in. This way, you cover reflections from the room’s hard walls.

If you must place your microphone in a corner, you can position yourself with your back against the corner and cover both the front and the corners with mattresses or similar materials.

It is true that having the right equipment can make a significant difference in your recordings, but it’s also important to remember that creating high-quality recordings requires a certain level of experience and technical knowledge. Even with the best gear, you might face challenges such as poor acoustics, environmental noise, and unforeseen technical issues.

Therefore, it can be a good idea to consider booking time in a professional studio where you can work with experienced engineers and access advanced equipment and specialized rooms designed to optimize sound quality.

While building your own home studio can be fun and rewarding, keep in mind that there are limits to what you can achieve without professional assistance. So, consider whether it might be worth investing in collaborating with experienced sound engineers who can help you take your music to the next level.

Find our list of professional recording studios here, and our list of mix and master engineers here.