How to

Project studio needs

Moeneeb Galant | 22 Apr 2014 6:28 AM

The project studio is now, finally, a reality and acceptable in today's jungle of music production and creation. However, there is a misconception that your 'home project studio' should be equipped with the best of the best as well. 

Yes, you may have noticed that all of these articles have the same message throughout. Basically, 'it's so easy and simple'.
 
Let's look at the gear and software requirements needed for you to start your project studio. (This will be for a purely digital audio workstation [DAW] based studio.)
 
Computer machine
 
The great MAC vs PC debate... In my opinion, there is  no argument to be had at all! It's different strokes for different folks on this one. I have only two points of recommendation when it comes to the computer that you will use:
  • Buy the machine with the fastest processor and the most ram that you are able to afford - be it a Mac or PC.
  • Do some planning and preparation beforehand. If the DAW that you would like to use only works on a Mac, then buy a Mac.
Audio interface
 
When it comes to your audio interface choice, there are a number of areas that you need to think about. Here are some that you may need to consider:
  • How many simultaneous sources do you plan on recording?
  • Do you plan on using any outboard gear? If so, you will need more inputs and outputs.
  • If you plan on using more than one set of studio monitors, you will need at least four outputs.
  • If you plan on using a certain version of Protools, it will only work with certain manufacturers of audio interfaces.
There will be a debate about the different types of converters, word clocks, etc. I say, if you have to ask yourself the question, "Does it matter?" then you have already answered your own question, that it does not matter... yet. For most, a simple 2 input 2 output audio interface is more than sufficient and will give you great results. I even know of a producer who is selling his Fireface 400 to get a Focusrite 2i2. 
 
Digital audio workstation
 
This is by far the easiest thing to choose. For me, it does not matter which DAW you use - Protools, Logic Pro (Mac only), Garageband (Mac only), FL Studio, Ableton, Cubase, Nuendo, Studio One, Reaper. You want my advice? Choose one, buy it and record your music. Simple as that.
 
I have used all of the above-mentioned DAW's except for Reaper. I was a Cubase guy for years, however, I made the decision to go with Logic Pro which I now use. Of course people will try and tell you, "All the professionals use Protools". Well, those people are lying to you!
 
Microphone
 
You will obviously need a microphone to record your vocals (mostly) or any other source. Keep it simple! Limit your choices. Purchase a Condensor Microphone. The only other choice for vocals that I would choose, when starting out, is a Shure SM57 which is a Dynamic Microphone.
 
Summing it up
 
And that is all you need. Sure there are areas that I have not mentioned. For the home recording enthusiast and aspiring producer/engineer these are the essentials. All of the other areas like acoustic treatment, the room, external preamps etc., will only become relevant as they progress and get better at their craft. What is "their craft" you might ask? Well, that would be music creation, production, quality of recording of the source being recorded, songwriting, arranging, mixing and mastering. 
 
Nowhere have I mentioned the type of gear that they are using. Don't worry, we're almost there. These will be covered in detail. For now, keep it simple and make good music.

[Moeneeb Galant]

Moeneeb Galant is a music producer, songwriter & engineer, in the business for almost 10 years. He has worked with artists such as; Jarrad Ricketts, Clint Brink, Lloyd Jansen; Chad Saaiman and Ebrahiem Inglis. Founder of Gimme Moe Productions, Moeneeb focuses on recording, production, composing, voice-overs, editing, mixing and mastering.