How to build your own home music studio
We look at the technology and devices helping budding young musicians turn their homes into music studios.
With the ability to create epic music using multiple connected devices in your house, Aussie talent such as Flume and Cosmo's Midnight have been able to kick-start their careers at home.
The best part of all: it’s pretty simple to get started! Here’s a guide into how you can create a functional home studio environment, with some of the necessary equipment to help you become a pro.
Create your optimal set-up
Scope out your home and pick the ideal spot to set up. It’s important you choose an area that can be rearranged into a studio setting, so here are a couple of tips on how to get started.
Create the ideal workspace
Pick the best room around and allow for as much space as possible to ensure sound quality – not to mention it will come in handy when squeezing in all of your equipment!
If your only option is a small space, then don’t panic, you can still make it work.
Just remember to pick a quiet spot so your recordings are not disrupted by the outdoor hustle and bustle or the goings on in the kitchen.
Once you’ve selected your ideal location, pick the room apart by removing all unwanted items, specifically objects that could vibrate on hard surfaces.
Sound-proof your home studio
This won’t be possible for everyone, but it’s a great way to ensure background noise doesn’t sneak its way into your recordings.
Sound panels for example can really help contain the sound in one space to stop it bouncing off the walls.
Using floating floors can also help prevent vibrations and sound distribution; creating an elevated platform where equipment can stand can make all the difference, although it can be a time-consuming process to set up, so you might want to wait and see if you think it’s necessary before jumping right in.
Room ventilation
Ensure the room you pick is well ventilated to avoid moisture settling on your equipment or sound-proofing and causing anything to potentially break down, to mention nothing of your own comfort.
If you’re going to be sitting in there for hours on end, you’re not going to want your creative process stifled by stagnant humidity or heat.
Basic hardware and software
Kit out your space with all that’s needed to create a working sound studio. Here’s a list of various devices that you can invest in that could help get you operational.
Computer
In this digital age, a computer’s essential for making great quality digital recordings in the comfort of your own home.
Combined with high speed internet, you’ll have most of what you need just a few clicks away.
Digital audio workstation software (DAW)
These programs allow you to record, edit, add effects and mix various music on your computer.
It will require an investment for the better-reviewed options, but you can start with something simple to ease you into how it all works, as well as look for a free trial to test the waters.
Check out some examples of DAW’s here including Avid Pro Tools, Cubase Pro and Studio One (among many others) and pick the one that would best work for you.
MIDI controller
DAWs can be operated via MIDI controllers, which lends a certain old-school charm to your interface, and can help increase your precision and smooth out your flow.
Audio interface
This hardware will connect your equipment to your computer.
Prices range vastly and it’s essential you pick an audio interface that best suits the genre of music you specialise in to ensure you get the best outcome.
Other stuff
It’s also potentially worth investing in any of the following equipment depending on your musical requirements: microphones, microphone stands, a pop filter, instruments, headphones and studio monitors. Don’t forget XLR cables – you’ll need them to connect and bring everything together.
More software
Once you’ve got your hardware together and in place, it’s time to ensure you invest in the relevant computer software to enable you to achieve a musical masterpiece. Take a look at our top picks for your consideration below:
Dropbox
Dropbox is a great free way to sync some of your files between devices. You can save all your music and get access to it anytime, anywhere. Google Drive, Apple's iCloud and Microsoft OneNote should also get the job done.
Ableton
This is a software company that produces Push and Live; hardware for music creation, writing and production.
You can check out Ableton here.
Soundcloud
An audio platform that allows people to listen to the music they love as well as upload, record and share their own original sounds.
You can check out Soundcloud here.
With fast broadband over the nbn™ network, you can outfit your home studio setup with the digital gear and software solutions you need to get your music out into the world. Check your address to see if the nbn™ network is available at your home or business.