Negosentro.com | 5 Tips for Finding the Best Studio Equipment for You | Having the best studio equipment possible is the goal of every musician and producer around the world. However, what may be the best option for one artist may not be the same for another. After all, you have to have the equipment that is right for your particular sound, workflow, and vision.
In many cases, the studio equipment you start with isn’t going to be the same that you are using a few years down the line, as you will want to upgrade your items as you refine your sound and improve your skills.
If you are looking to create (or improve) your home recording setup, keep reading for five essential tips for finding the best studio equipment for you.
1. Consider what you need.
First and foremost, you need to take stock of the equipment that you already have and then make a detailed list of what you need. If you are starting your studio from scratch, then there are some essential pieces of studio equipment that you are going to need. These include a computer or a laptop and an audio interface that connects your instruments to the computer. Moreover, you are going to want high-quality headphones, a microphone, and a microphone stand.
In many setups, you may also want to have active speakers. These speakers contain a built-in amplifier, which means you don’t need additional amplifier racks. What’s more, active speakers produce fantastic sound. If you choose to purchase high-quality active speakers, you can be assured that you will have optimized sound quality and performance that remains consistent over time.
Other items you may want to have on your list are a digital audio workstation, controllers, and software/hardware instruments.
2. Formulate a budget.
Now that you have a list in place, it is time to think about the more practical side of things: your budget. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that you are not going to be able to purchase everything on your wishlist at the same time. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize what you need right now to get started and figure out what you can add in the future.
If you already have the basics in your studio and are looking to make some additions or upgrades, formulating a budget is also a crucial step. This is the point where you can ensure that you don’t get carried away spending too much money.
In many cases, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get high-quality pieces of equipment. Instead, you can find makers who are manufacturing brilliant items that are also good for your wallet. By conducting some online research, you can get a better feel for what is available on the market and what price range you should expect to pay. Remember to judge an item on its reviews and reputation, not its price.
3. Speak with experts.
Before you make any purchasing decisions, you should speak with some experts as they have an in-depth knowledge of the available products and brands. For example, your local music equipment store hires people who are passionate and knowledgeable about the items you are looking to purchase. If you tell them what you are looking for and what your budget is, they will be able to direct you towards equipment that suits your needs.
In some cases, you may be able to sell some of your old equipment back to the store for credit. If you aren’t using a piece of studio equipment, then there is no reason to keep it; instead, you can trade it in or sell it and then use the money towards items that you genuinely need. If your local music store doesn’t have a buy/trade system in place, you can always look for online groups to sell your equipment.
4. Examine the space.
The right equipment for you is mainly going to depend on the space that you have to utilize as your studio. For example, some rooms will require sound isolation, especially if you are going to be recording music from a number of sources. Additionally, if you want a high standard of sound quality, you will need to soundproof the space. This will stop noise from traveling in and out. Luckily, all of this can be done quite easily, ensuring that you are able to produce professional sounding recordings from your own home.
Having your own studio makes it a lot more convenient to work on your music as you don’t have to worry about renting a studio for a session and moving your equipment around. Thus, having the capabilities in your home means you can be more flexible with the hours you dedicate to your craft. For many budding musicians, this is a significant benefit of creating a home studio as it reduces the stress of having to coordinate dates and times.
5. Learn your tools.
One of the most exciting parts of being a musician is getting to know the equipment that you work with. For this reason, you want to give yourself ample time to play around and to understand how to utilize the equipment you already have. After all, no matter how much money you spend on your studio equipment, you are still required to commit a lot of time if you are going to become an expert. There are no available shortcuts for the long, hard hours that you have to spend learning your tools.
Depending on where you are in your learning journey, you may want to invest in online classes or training from professionals. This is a fantastic way of quickly learning how to use your new equipment, as it reduces the amount of “trial and error” you will have to go through. You can also read blogs, watch instructional videos, and speak with friends who are using similar equipment.
Are you looking to invest in new studio equipment this year? If so, what items are you considering? What is on your dream wishlist? Let us know your thoughts and any other relevant insights in the comments below!
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AUTHOR BIO
Amrit Shivlani is the Founder and CEO at Music Majlis, a community-driven e-commerce platform that offers a wide variety of musical instruments and equipment for every musician and sound professional. The company’s goal is to make music-making, recording, producing and mixing accessible and available to everyone.
