Necessary Equipment for Setting Up a Recording Studio
Building a recording studio ranges from a simple, straightforward home hobby studio that involves just the basics, or to a complex and expensive business, complete with custom soundproofing. At the very least, a studio space should be free from intrusive noise and echoes. A basic studio consists of a suitable workspace, a microphone, recording equipment and speakers.
Studio Space
Selecting a studio space is the most important aspect of setting up a recording studio because it will determine the sound quality of your recordings. External noise, such as road noise or a neighbor's lawn equipment, can make its way onto your recordings. Internally, echoes and standing waves can wreak havoc on an otherwise clean recording.
To reduce external noise problems, consider putting the studio in a basement or a room with small windows that can be easily covered. For internal noise, acoustical foam panels are used to reduce echoes, and are available in different materials that address problems with sounds of different frequencies. It isn't necessary to cover the entire room with acoustical panels in order to reduce noise.
A good studio will also have enough room to set up musical instruments, a desk with a computer, a microphone, the recording instruments, a chair, and the musician(s) and recording artist. Larger rooms will also have less of an echo problem. Make sure the room has enough electrical outlets so that all of the equipment can be plugged in and properly grounded.
Microphones
Microphones work by converting sound waves into an electrical signal, which can then be broadcast or recorded. There are two basic types of microphones: condenser and dynamic. Condenser microphones are commonly used in studios because they have a wide range of recording frequencies and are quicker to pick up a sound than a dynamic microphone. However, they also pick up unwanted sounds, so they are usually limited to studio work. Dynamic microphones are usually less expensive and have a narrower range of frequency response. On the plus side, they are rugged and moisture resistant. The type of recording done in the studio should dictate the choice of a microphone.
Recording Equipment
Recording equipment can be as basic as a cassette tape recorder, but digital is most common. Some computer software programs function as recorders, and these take input from the microphone and record it to a hard drive. Software offers the recording artist the ability to use multiple tracks and provides a wide variety of special effects, including adding reverberation, reducing hiss and popping sounds, and other audio filters. For the high-end recording studio, stand-alone multi-track recording units are available. Optional studio equipment may include specialty sound cards for the computer, audio mixers, keyboards, preamps, headphone amps and other audio equipment.
Speakers
A good set of speakers is necessary to hear the range of bass, mid-tones, and high-frequency notes captured by a recording. Called studio monitors or reference speakers, a set of studio speakers are unlike regular stereo speakers in that they are designed so that they deliver the sound that was recorded without any manipulation. Reference speakers should be set up on stands and away from walls or corners. Ideally, the speakers are in front and at an equal distance to the listener so that they form a triangle with the listener.
