Let’s get to the point! These are the essential components of a functional studio.
1. Microphones. A mic’s sole purpose is to convert mechanical energy from sound sources into electricity so that you can record it using analog and digital gear. There are two main types of microphones: condenser and dynamic. There is a difference in how each mic converts vibrations into electricity. Condenser microphones are more sensitive than dynamic mics, so they are often used to record sound sources with high frequencies, such as acoustic instruments.
2. Preamps are used to boost the signal from the microphone to a level that is sufficient for audio reproduction (from mic/line-level to line/level). These babies can add your sound to the song, along with other components in the signal chain. Each pre-amp brand has its own color and character. Even those with a low budget can still be used in unique situations. Pre-amps for audio are similar to lenses for visual. They determine the sharpness and blurriness of an image. Pre-amps with clear definition and transparent sounds can be expensive. However, engineers always recognize that different situations require different measures. Sometimes, the gear at the lower end of the budget might be just what we are looking for Tubidy.
3. Soundcards/converters. When we talk digital music production, this is the third device you need in your signal chain. Sometimes called soundcards, the converter’s job is to convert the audio signal from the microphone into digital bits (analog-to-digital conversion or A/D). The converter can act in both directions (A toD and A toA) in a small home studio. However, higher-end studios may require separate devices to accomplish each step. This allows for better audio reproduction. There are two options: you can use only converter soundcards or audio interfaces which combine preamps and converters into one piece. Each interface has its own advantages and necessities. One is not better than the other – it all depends on how the product is used.
4. Computer (or hard drive recorder strong>) All those bits must be stored somewhere. This is where your computer comes in to play. Home studio enthusiasts usually start out as hobbyists. You can use almost any Pentium IV computer (sometimes even PIII) to create music. You can record the sounds to your hard drive as AIFF or WAV files. As you gain experience, it is worth upgrading to a computer specifically designed to handle audio data and editing. Although there is some debate about which computer is best for studio use, the choice is entirely up to the individual taste and needs of the engineer or musician.
5. These are not your typical multimedia speakers that you can buy at the computer shop. However, you can still start with them. A good pair of monitors will help you produce music that is acceptable in quality. Monitors are available in a range of prices, from as low as US$300 per pair for the basic models to the more expensive ones that can cost thousands or even thousands (used in professional studio environments). Monitors that are accurate and without adding artifacts or color allow you to hear the music as it is. Mixing is done to ensure that your song sounds the same whether it’s played back through different playback systems, such as boom boxes or home theater sound systems. Although mixing with headphones is a bad practice, some engineers have claimed that they can mix well with headphones.
