Having a home recording studio used to be a distant dream for most people. However, with all the technological advances over the past few decades, it's become a lot easier for the average Joe to set up a digital recording studio. Not only has it become easier, but it's also cheaper than ever.
Instructions
1. Use your existing computer to download and install a free audio recording program. There are many choices in this regard, as you'll see by checking any free software download site. The common choices are programs like Audacity and Microsoft's Sound Recorder. If you have a big-enough budget, you may consider buying a more sophisticated audio recording program.
2. Read reviews online of both recording interfaces and microphones (see Resources below). This will help you figure out which ones are best for your situation. Common choices in the under $200 range include the M-Audio Preamp USB interface for recording and the SM57 microphone, although there are many other great options on the market.
3. Buy a decent microphone. Which microphone you buy depends on the type of digital recording you're planning to do. If you plan to record voice, a big vocal condenser microphone will be good, but if you want to record instruments, you might consider a smaller condenser mic or even a dynamic microphone.
4. Buy the USB recording interface. Which one you buy depends on the microphone you bought. If you bought condenser microphones, then you need to buy an interface that comes with phantom power--which is needed to power the microphones. But if you bought a dynamic mic, you'll be fine with any type of interface.
5. Put your interface, computer and microphones on your desk. Hook up the interface to your computer using a USB cable, and the microphone(s) up to your interface. Also hook up your headphones to the headphone jack of your interface.
6. Download and install any necessary software for the USB interface on your computer. Because most USB interfaces are plug and play, you probably won't need to download and install anything. Turn on the phantom power if you're using condenser microphones.
7. Open the audio program you've chosen to use for your recording and go to "File," then "Properties." Go to "Input" and select the recording interface. Go to "Output" and select the recording interface. This will make the audio you record play through your headphones.
8. Hit "Record" to start recording. Play it back, and if you hear what you just recorded, then you've successfully set up your digital recording studio.
Tags: digital recording, interface your, recording interface, recording studio, your interface, audio recording, audio recording program