Q&A for How to Make a Cheap Recording Studio

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Will a headset with a mic work?

Community Answer

Yes, but headsets with mics generally don't have very good quality. You'll get better sound if you use a real microphone and separate headphones.

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Are snare drums and bass drums different?

Community Answer

Yes. The bass drum (aka the kick drum) is the big drum on the floor in front of you, and you use a pedal to create the sound. The snare drum is the main drum in a kit, next to the crash cymbal and hi-hats.

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Instead of a computer can I use a laptop?

Community Answer

As long as the computer you're using has roughly 4GB of RAM or more, you should be fine.

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Question

How do I sell the record when I'm done making it?

Community Answer

Put videos of yourself on YouTube to promote your music and get people to listen to it. Make your own website or Facebook page with information on how people can buy your record. You can also sell the record during live gigs that you play.

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Question

How do I purchase recording software?

Community Answer

Download the software of your choice online and you will get an option to use it as a trial version or purchase the full edition.

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Question

What is the smallest budget possible for setting up a studio at home?

Community Answer

A budget under $600-700 would be possible. There are actually some really good cheap microphones. The budget you will need depends on what you want to buy.

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Question

Is a mixer necessary?

Community Answer

If you are working with more than one instrument, it is necessary since you want to be able to change the tone of each instrument so it does not out-sound another. If you are planning to use one instrument, such as a guitar, you might need a guitar mixer, which take cares of all the sounds and tones of a guitar. There are different mixers for different instruments, including voice. So, if you are using more than one, then definitely consider buying one. If you are using only one instrument, you could still get one but it's not necessary.

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Question

Is it necessary to have an audio interface?

Community Answer

Audio interface is the most important part, what isn't necessary is the audio mixer.

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Question

How much it will cost?

Community Answer

It depends on the brands you get. A budget under $1,000 is feasible.

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Question

Can I do without a studio monitor at first if I have studio headphones?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as they are studio headphones, you don't have to have monitor speakers right at the start.

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Question

Is a mixer necessary if I only want to record my vocals?

Community Answer

Some audio interfaces have microphone inputs into them, in that case a mixer would not be necessary.

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Question

Can I transfer recordings from my phone to my computer and then edit them?

Community Answer

Yes, usually you can import them as Mp3 files and edit them with software such as Audacity.

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Question

How do I sell the record when I'm done making it?

Community Answer

Advertise online using social media and/or sell it at your performances.

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Question

I am new in this field. What instruments do I need?

Community Answer

The most essential instrument has got to be the Midi keyboard. If you have any money to spare, you can also get a drum kit.

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Question

How can I make a soundproof device?

Community Answer

You can use a sound cancellation material, like star foam or the package your eggs come in.

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Question

Can I use an instrument for making music in this type of studio?

Community Answer

You can record an instrument and mix it together with other audio tracks. That way you can play original music in a song.

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Question

How do I record songs?

Josh1997

Community Answer

You can do it on Sound Cloud, which is a popular way of recording songs that you are singing. You can get on your laptop/PC or phone. You may also decide to have a microphone if you want your voice to be picked up clearly. A Carol Dynamic Microphone would work for this, as it is a basic, easy-to-use wired mic. This may need to be plugged in to a mixing desk. If you are using any instruments, they can be plugged into a mixing desk also. You may need to purchase any necessary cables if you do not already have them.

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Question

What is the lowest cost of setting a home studio in Indian money?

Community Answer

Around 40000-60000. It all depends on the brands you choose. Some good stuff might need to be imported, so the cost may go up.

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Question

How much space should I have for a home recording studio?

Community Answer

Not much space is needed if you're just starting with a small studio. It could even be inside your bedroom.

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Question

Can I use a Windows tablet to build a studio?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't recommend this. Windows tablets suffer latency problems when recording multiple tracks in my experience.

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Question

I have a decent karaoke system with a separate mixer, what else do I need to record?

Josh1997

Community Answer

It depends on how good the karaoke machine is. Since it may need to be connected to a computer, a mixing desk may be better. You might want to invest in a decent microphone. Carol, Shure and AKG are good brands. A dynamic or condenser recording mic on a mount may also work. This would need to be plugged into a mixing desk. You may need studio monitors/speakers and assorted cables as well.

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Question

Is it important to have a monitor?

Community Answer

Not a monitor specifically, but if you don't have a monitor, you should get some headphones.

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Question

Can this be purchased for under 600 dollars?

Community Answer

It totally can, just do your research. What you can also do is buy everything but the mixer and the monitors. You can mix with headphones and then later upgrade.

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Question

Will the mic in my computer do a good job?

Community Answer

No way, sorry. To achieve any kind of decent sound, you should invest in a quality microphone.

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Question

How do I limit sound reflection and get a better quality recording?

Community Answer

Set up acoustic foam around your microphone/recording area and stay around 4 inches away from the microphone. Use a condenser microphone for the best quality recordings. You might need a power supply with it, though, as they use too much power for a computer alone to power it.

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Question

What equipment do I need to have to record using three different microphones?

Community Answer

Audio interface, more microphones, a studio mixer and software that can record several voice at a time.

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Question

Can I just use an audio interface and not a mixer if I am only recording acoustically?

Community Answer

Yes. Most software options will have mixers in them anyway, so analog mixers are pretty unnecessary for small recording sessions.

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Question

Can the audio interface work without a mixer?

Community Answer

Yes the audio interface can work without the mixer. The mixer helps when you're recording with different instruments, but the audio interface can be used for one instrument.

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Question

Where do I get equipment for a recording studio?

Community Answer

Amazon, Guitar Center, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Kraft Music, American Musical Supply (AMS) and zZounds are all good places for gear.

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Question

Can I download a separate mixer app on another laptop to serve as a mixer?

Community Answer

You can, but software like Pro Tools and Logic Pro should come with faders and EQ bands.

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