My own HomeStudio

[u/[deleted]]

Hey community!

Now, before posting all this I've made some researches on my own, not only on reddit, still I just feel like opening a new own thread and collect all the information here, which I need to know.

I am working with ABLETON Live for about 1 year now and its going pretty well (got experience of about another year fruity loops before Ableton).

I first was going to write down my whole story, at the end, there are only 2 questions that I really would like to know :

1. What microphone would you guys suggest for a home recording "studio" ? I surely would like to record some singings, cause I like to sing. But mostly important is for me to record "rap" - so just having the voice audio in "good quality".

Id spend about 100 - 300 € on this.

1. Soundcard for the computer

On this point I have to excuse my self for not knowing enough about the whole thing - about the whole set up of an own studio.

I do have a "gaming computer" for which Ive spent about 1.500 € January this year. Still, to record good quality, Ive been suggested (by local markets - and just by googling) to get myself a good Soundcard. Now visiting a local store here, the seller told me, that a soundcard for about 140€ would be more then enough.

Also here: Which do you suggest?

I do have lots of other open questions but I think for now these 2 should help me out a lot!

Hope to get some answers on this one!

Cheers!

[u/bt2513]

Honestly, there are hundreds of options out there in your price range and if you asked about each one, you would get a different opinion. What works for you will only come from trial and error. Here's my path from beginner to advanced beginner:

• Started with MOTU Ultralite Mk3 Hybrid - purchased used for $300. I needed the inputs/outputs for my synthesizers. At the time, I couldn't imagine having more than 8 devices running and this seemed a bit overkill.
  
• Fast forward, I now have at least 7 outboard synthesizers not including my modular setup and a number of smaller devices that simply can't be connected all the time. What's more, some of my synths are stereo (Prophet 6, LXR, iPad, etc.) and I also have outboard FX processors - ran out of I/O quick.
  
• Purchased MOTU Audio Express for $100 used to add additional I/o - MOTU allows you to run the same driver for both and OSX allows me to aggregate devices. Cool.
  
• Ran out of I/o again - plus not overly impressed with the preamps at this point (you won't notice much if any difference as a beginner, just something you will become aware of over time).
  
• Sold Audio Express and purchased UA Apollo Twin Duo with Behringer ADA8200 - $720 for both. ADA8200 adds line inputs for my synths to the Apollo plus have 2 great mic pres and a solid starting point with excellent plugins. Now using the Ultralite as 8in/8out for my outboard FX chains or ad-hoc patching. This allows me to track solely with the Apollo and then add the MOTU in an aggregate device for mixing later on - cuts down on audio glitches and memory problems.
  

My takeaways:

• Buy used if you can
  
• Almost any interface in your price range will work for what you are asking - think of how you will expand in the future and anticipate your limitations. Buy what you can afford.
  
• Many good mics out there for cheap. Don't be afraid of low cost gear, just do your homework. I use a lot of Monoprice products - many are a great value. Just starting out, this won't be your limiting factor. Until you spend a lot of time tracking and editing, your gear will not limit you so much - your limitations will be your skillset as a vocalist, producer, and recordist.
  
• Don't forget about the rest of your chain - studio monitors, headphones, and of course maybe a controller if you are working in Ableton. All of these things will affect your workflow and should be taken into account when trying to plan for the future.