by Donna Buckheit
Essential Recording Gear for Beginners
When it comes to making music, having the ability to record and produce through your own means is a major source of freedom. Rather than having to sign with a record label, artists today can bypass this entire process and create industry-grade sounds from their bedrooms. An artist can certainly go fully independent with the proper know-how, determination, and of course, the right gear.
Whether you're a beginner just starting out, or you’re a seasoned artist looking to work independently, you can certainly benefit from gathering a bit of your own gear. Even if you have access to a studio space already, it can be advantageous to throw some at-home production into the mix, for demos, overdubs, or sudden surges of creativity.
Where to Start
Acquiring your first pieces of sound equipment can be daunting, especially when there are so many options on the market. One way to learn about production and equipment is to book a few sessions with a recording studio. Finding a studio to do music production in Rockland County or nearby would be a great way to diversify your knowledge of the craft.
When it comes to choosing your own gear, you’ll want to think about value; how to balance a good price with the quality of the product. There are also many different kinds of models specialized for specific purposes, so the more you know about your music production goals and each product, the better.
To make the process of sifting through the myriad of recording and producing products out there a bit less formidable, we’ve compiled a list of main essentials:
Computer/DAW
A computer may seem obvious, but it is essential for most digital audio workstations (DAWs). Ideally, you should purchase a computer with good processing power and compatibility with the DAW and music software you want to use. An iMac or the HP Pavilion 15 are great for music production due to there high processing power, ample storage space, and RAM. Ableton Live 10 Suite, Avid Pro Tools, and Logic Pro X are all great industry-grade DAWs.
Audio Interface
An audio interface is an essential piece of gear for most recording artists. It is essentially the bridge between your instrument and the computer, which then allows you to record, edit, produce, mix, and master sounds on the DAW. Most will have at least two inputs to plug in instruments and mics, plus a USB port to connect to the computer. A good interface should have low latency, high sound quality, and phantom power. Depending on your specific needs, your ideal interface could vary- whether the need is affordability, simplicity, multitracking, or a certain function or sound. If there are specific features you desire in an interface, it’s best to research devices with those in mind. For most beginners, Mackie, Presonus, and Focusrite all offer solid choices in a variety of models.
Microphone
If you are investing in quality instruments and a recording interface, it’s worth it to invest in quality microphones too. A well-crafted microphone can make all the difference, especially if you are going to be recording a lot of vocals or acoustic instruments.[1] Good starter microphones and studio standards are the Shure 58 and Shure 57. When searching for studios that do music production in Rockland County, keep the little details like microphones in mind. Studio gear should have good quality, range, and versatility.
Midi Keyboard
For those with an interest in producing electronic sounds or synthetic atmospheres, a midi keyboard is a must. These electronic devices include piano-style keys, controllers, and pads to produce and alter sounds. Midi can truly open up a world of options for recording artists, making it a great addition to an early collection of gear. The Korg MicroKorg is a phenomenal Midi with a synthesizer and vocoder, and it has been used by a lot of music industry titans such as Ariana Grande, Tash Sultana, Sufjan Stevens, and many more.
Headphones / Monitors
When you’re spending hundreds of hours in the studio recording and mixing your latest tracks, an excellent pair of monitors and headphones are essential. Believe it or not, headphones are likely to be the most utilized piece of gear in a production studio. A great deal of close listening is required in this craft, so a pair that allows you to hear everything in the mix and analyze components accordingly is a must-have.
When it comes time to purchase your new gear Sweetwater is a great place to start. They are a leading music instrument and technology retailer with amazing customer service and technical support. It’s a great resource to browse, shop, and compare products.
Other Add-ons
Once you have the bare essentials, you can begin to listen to your music with new hardware in mind, and then research kinds that would enhance it. Some very purposeful accessories include XLR cables, speaker cables, a pop filter for your microphone, a vocal shield, condensor microphone, compressor, equalizer, and digital instrument / mixing plug-ins for your music production software.
Music Production in Rockland County
There is truly an infinite amount of knowledge and wisdom to gain when it comes to creating music. If you don’t know where to start with your gear, or you simply want to expand upon your knowledge of music production, consider scheduling a session with a professional. To learn recording and producing tricks from an experienced professional and talented artist, call RCT Music Group at (845) 358-1236 or email ryantownsend@rctmusicgroup.com