A musician’s greatest achievement is to record their own music and make their mark in the world through their compositions. Thanks to technology, it’s possible to start at home. We’re going to give you a quick guide on how to start recording music in your own home, to make that dream a reality.
Quick Guide: Recording Music In Your Own Home
In music recording, starting is the hard part. If it feels like jumping into the unknown, don’t worry. We’re going to teach you how to start recording music in your home with this simple guide:
What You Need To Start Recording Music:
What You Need To Start Recording Music:
- A laptop/ desktop computer – Recording at home will require a laptop or a desktop computer. And depending on how ambitious you get, we recommend you invest in a high-functioning laptop that won’t slow down when you start learning how to start recording music and mixing your tracks.
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) – A DAW is a software that you use to record, edit, or mix your recorded tracks. There are many software choices available for both Mac and PC systems. What’s important is its ease of use. Some DAWs are free, and some can be bought online.
- Microphone – Most laptops have a built-in mic that you can use to start recording. A built-in mic can’t capture the best audio, but you can start with it and work your way to other models that cost around $100 to $120.
- A microphone cable – Your microphone will require a wire, which is also known as an XLR cable. A longer cable will allow you a wider range of movement within your studio, and it’s also affordable at $10 to $20.
- Audio interface – If your computer does not have an XLR port, you will need an audio interface to convert signals from your mic to your computer—a USB audio interface costs around $80 – $130.
5 Steps: How To Get Started Recording Music
- Install your DAW and make sure it is compatible with your laptop’s system.
- Hook up your audio interface. It is relatively easy to connect it to your device, but if there are any other concerns, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the microphone to your audio interface using your XLR cable.
- Do a test to check for levels. If your hardware and software systems are compatible, then there should be no problems with the levels on your mic. You should be able to see the meter rise and fall as you sing to the mic.
- Start recording your track! Thanks to multi-track technology, you can record your tracks separately and upload them all together.
TIP: Brainstorm on the structure of your song before you start recording. You can start with a drumbeat followed by bass and guitar and finally finish it up with vocals. But we each have a unique style, so always follow what you feel is best.
Conclusion
Your dream of achieving your own music studio is closer than you think. Now that you know how to start recording music in your own home, that dream is sure to become a reality. Learn more about music here!