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Time Out!   Q) What are the absolute critical pieces for attaining professional sound?

A) The most critical piece is always your own creativity.  No piece of gear can supplant that. But the items that give that "professional sound" are: 1. Excellent Preamps for the Mics  2. Excellent digital audio converters) 3. Appropriate Mics for the task 4. Excellent monitors that reveal the flaws as well as the strengths 5. Room treatment: A good sounding room that does not mask audio problems 6. The effective use of mixers, signal processors such as eq, compression, reverb, delay.  These may exist in software or hardware. 7. Good sound sources--instruments, amps, synths, samplers, loops.

Types of Home Studio
Systems for Making Music

Assembling 6 different types of Home Studios

Tweak IN

Ok now it's time to put it all together and make some decisions.  So I am going to take you out there so you can see the "big picture".  You will have an easier time of things if you can make at least some tentative choices about what you want your studio to be.  So, what do you want the studio to become?  Just a home electronica studio?  Or a place where you can record your guitar and bring in the bass player and drummer sometimes? Or are you more upscale, and want a modern, clean, super powerful computer DAW running the show and you want it to do everything?  Or maybe you have a garage or big room you can convert and are entertaining the idea of recording bands. 

Below I came up with the typical options and listed the gear that it is important to get initially and that which you can get later.  As you go down the chart we get into the frills and specialty gear. 

The Basic/Mixer Soundcard-Based Studio typically 1-2 people recording track at a time	The Basic "Mixerless" Studio typically 1-2 people recording track at a time	The Basic Multi Track Studio good for small bands, songwriters, live/rehearsal recordings	The Basic MPC Studio good for hip hop and electronica	Large Mixer Based DAW Studio good for typical bands, synth studios, drummers	The Large Mixerless  DAW Based Studio good for bands, music composers, advanced electronica, audio-for-video	Large  Multi-track based  Studio with DAW add-on good for all kinds of work, approaches the pro studio
The Initial "Core Gear" Comes First
Prerequisite: Average Computer with CD Burner and multimedia speakers	Prerequisite: Strong Computer with CD Burner and multimedia speakers			Prerequisite: High Performing Computer with CD Burner	Prerequisite: High Performing Computer with CD Burner
Soundcard with MIDI i/o examples: M-Audio 2496, Emu 0404, M-Audio Delta 44	Audio Interface with Mic Preamps and MIDI i/o Firestudio mobile	Multitrack Recorder examples: Zoom R-16	Akai MPC1000 Roland MV8800 Production Studio	Firewire Mixer example Mackie Onyx 1640i (includes audio interface) --or-- Large Console (examples:  Behringer SX4882  Zed 428 and  Audio Interface with analog i/o.  Examples Delta 1010, Motu 24io	Large Audio Interface with ADAT option and MIDI i/o Examples: M-audio Project Mix, Tascam FW1884, RME Fireface 800, Digidesign Digi 03	24 track Multitrack Recorder with ADAT or TDIF (24 bit)   Tascam X48,  Alesis ADAT HD24XR  Korg D3200
Sequencer Use what comes with soundcard to get started	Sequencer Use what comes with interface to get started	use keyboard's sequencer		Sequencer Logic, DP, Cubase Sonar, Pro Tools LE, etc.	Sequencer Logic, DP, Cubase Sonar, Pro Tools LE, etc.	use keyboard's sequencer
2+2 bus Mixer example Mackie 1402 VLZ3			Mackie D2	MIDI Interface	Additional Mic preamps	Premium Mic preamp
Condenser Microphone Example: Studio Projects B1 B1 Large Condenser	Condenser Microphone Example Rode NT1a NT1a Large Condenser	Mics Large and Small Condensers and a Dynamic NT4 Stereo Small Condensers	Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone	Mics Large and Small Condensers and a Dynamic RE20 Dynamic	Mics Large and Small Condensers and a Dynamic SM81 Small Condenser	Mics Large and Small Condensers and a Dynamic MD421 Dynamic
MIDI Keyboard with sounds Examples: Roland Juno-D	Keyboard Controller Emu Xboard 49 49-Key MIDI Controller	Keyboard Korg M50	Edirol PCR300 32-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller	Keyboard example Yamaha 'Mo	Keyboard Yamaha S90XS 88-Key	Keyboard Roland Fantom-G8 88-Key Sampling Workstation
Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens	Stands and Pop Screens
use whatever speakers you have for now	use whatever speakers you have for now	Studio Monitors	Studio Monitors	Studio Monitors	Studio Monitors	Control Room Monitors
				XLR stage Box or snakes	XLR stage Box or snakes	XLR stage Box or snakes
Headphones	Headphones	Headphones	Headphones	Headphones	Headphones	Headphones
Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos	Website for Music Demos
The Basic/Mixer Soundcard-Based Studio	The Basic "Mixerless" Studio	The Basic Multi Track Studio	The Basic MPC Studio	Large Mixer Based DAW Studio	The Large Mixerless  DAW Based Studio	Large  Multi-track based  Studio
This Level Adds Devices that you want for Unique Sound and capabilities
Dynamic Mic example Shure SM57	Dynamic Mic	Expand Mic Collection	Example Rode NT1a NT1a Large Condenser	Expand Mic Collection	Expand Mic Collection	Expand Mic Collection
	patchbay	patchbay			patchbay	patchbay
Studio Monitors	Studio Monitors	Korg ESX1 Electribe SX Sampler	tabletop CD player	MIDI Modules example: Access Virus TI	Control Surface (if not included in interface)	Studio Room Monitors
Effects processors Example TC Electronic M350 Compressor	Software Processors example: Ozone	Effects processors example Lexicon MX200 Compressor	Direct Drive Turntable	Software Processors	Software Processors example: Waves Platinum	Monitor Control PreSonus Central Station Studio Monitor Control Center
	Soft Sampler example Kontakt	Plugin Boards for multitrack example Massenburg VS	Sample CDs and DVD	Soft Sampler example Kontakt	Soft Sampler example Halion	Plugin Boards for multitrack example: T-RackS VS Mastering Plugin
MIDI Modules, Grooveboxs	Virtual Instruments Example MiniMoog V	Grooveboxs	Music Computer i	Virtual Instruments	Virtual Instruments example Stylus RMX	SRX Cards for Fantom
MIDI Interface	MIDI Interface		MIDI Sound Module	2nd Video Display	2nd Video Display	Video Display for MTR
Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want	Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want	Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want	other Unique Devices you may want	Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want	Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want	Turntables or other Unique Devices you may want
The Basic/Mixer Soundcard-Based Studio	The Basic "Mixerless" Studio	The Basic Multi Track Studio	The Basic MPC Studio	Large Mixer Based DAW Studio	The Large Mixerless  DAW Based Studio	Large  Multi-track based  Studio
This Step Adds stuff to "round out" your studio
Racks	Racks	Racks	Racks	Racks	Racks	Racks
Studio Chair	Studio Chair	Studio Chair	Studio Chair	Studio Chair	Studio Chair	Studio Chair
Small Condenser Mic Example: Rode NT5	Small Condenser Mic Example Shure SM81LC	Audio interface with ADAT Example: MOTU 828mk2		Monitor Control example Mackie Big Knob	Monitor Control PreSonus Central Station Studio Monitor Control Center	24 ch audio interface with ADAT or TDIF Examples: MOTU 2408 Mk3
		Computer and Editing Software example Sound Forge, Peak		Studio Room Monitors	Studio Room Monitors	Computer and Editing Software example Sound Forge, Peak
		Sequencer				Sequencer
Basic acoustical treatment	Basic acoustical treatment	Basic acoustical treatment	Basic acoustical treatment	Advanced Room acoustical treatment	Advanced Room acoustical treatment	Advanced Room acoustical treatment
					Vocal Booth	Vocal Booth
Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required	Studio Furniture as required
				Lighting	Lighting	Lighting
The Basic/Mixer Soundcard-Based Studio	The Basic "Mixerless" Studio	The Basic Multi Track Studio	The Basic MPC Studio	Large Mixer Based DAW Studio	The Large Mixerless  DAW Based Studio	Large  Multi-track based  Studio
This Step May Add the expensive fine quality gear to get your studio more professional
Better Preamp example:  Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster Pro	Better Preamp example FMR RNP	Premium Preamps Example True Systems P-Solo	Better Preamp example FMR RNP	More Premium  Preamps Focusrite ISA428 4-Channel Neve-Style  Preamp	More Premium  Preamps Avalon VT737SP	Preamps Focusrite ISA428
	Better Digital audio converters			Premium Digital audio converters	Premium Digital audio converters	Premium Digital audio converters
		Better Digital audio converters RME ADI2 24/192 2-Channel AD/DA Converter		2nd Computer System and Networking	Add More Digital Gear Lucid Genx6 96	Digital Mixer/Control Surface with ADAT or TDIF example: Tascam DM3200
				Separate control room and studio room construction	Separate control room and studio room construction	Separate control room and studio room construction
				Upgraded Electrical, Audio and Data Distribution systems	Upgraded Electrical, Audio and Data Distribution systems	Upgraded Electrical, Audio and Data Distribution systems
				Furniture	Furniture	Furniture
				Separate Machine Room	Separate Machine Room	Separate Machine Room
Larger audio-interface		Upgrade to a 24 track			Professional Console	Professional Console

The 1st level has what you need to get the project off the ground.  The 2nd level we are adding the items to get the studio up to a state of completeness and on the 3rd level you will have everything necessary.  The final stage adds the touch of excellence.  You don't have to take things all the way.  If, for example, you just want to make music as a hobby, you can just stop after level one. 

You can always start out mixerless, if you have a fast computer, and add a mixer later if you think you need one.  If you don't have a fast computer you can start with a small mixer and the simple soundcard your computer came with.  These are not hard and fast rules.  For example, there is a lot of ground between the 'basic/mixer/soundcard' approach and the 'Large Mixer based DAW studio".  Of course you can use a 4 bus mixer and an 8x8 audio interface and end up with what we could call an "intermediate Mixer-based DAW studio".

After all, it's about the music.  I provide this chart just so you have a sense of how studios evolve.  Knowing this helps you avoid major blunders like investing in a DAW, MPC 2500 and a multi-track, then finding out later that you have three expensive pieces that all do the same thing.  Of course you don't have to rigorously stick to these definitions.  No one is going to bust down the door and say "Aha!  What ARE you thinking! You can't have that effects processor in a DAW based studio, dude!"  Your music might dictate a unique approach.  For example, if you are doing hip hop, then you really don't need lots of soft synths, and turntables may be bumped up the list. 

Which Sounds the Best?  Go to the top of the page and read the 6 critical points.  If you have great preamps, monitors, good mics and excellent converters you are going to sound stellar on any of the 24 bit systems, give that you learn how to use this stuff effectively.  Even with the lowly M-audio 2496 you can add a Great River preamp and an Lucid AD9624 and some DynAudio BM5a monitors and sound like a million bucks, but those three items will cost more than the rest of your studio.  Does greatness in sound quality happen with budget preamps and monitors?  No.  But goodness does.  Add great talent and the result is still great.

And it is about money.  For every item listed you have to make a decision on how much to spend, whether you will get new or used gear and at what quality (perhaps the most agonizing of the decisions).   As you go through Tweak's Guide, you will find dedicated pages on the items listed above.  

Questions and Answers

Q) Tweekie Dizzle!  Wana d Hip Hop and the Rap, no wha Im sayin cuz Im da big popper.  Uh, what is best?  How does the MPC fit in?

A) Yo don't smack me with dat Best tish.  They all can do hip hop.  If your computer is strong and not some crap windows laptop go mixerless to start.  You can go multi track but your timing has to be very tight to get those beats down.  Or you could go with an MPC 1000 or 2500 (which is like a multi track sampler with its own sequencer) and follow the basic multi track scheme for the rest of the gear.

Q) I want to add music to my home videos.  Nothing elaborate I'm not a composer.  Just want it to sound great. 

A) Either of the Basic systems will do.  Get Sonar, or Acid, which allows you to lock together some audio loops and record stuff along with your video, do voiceovers, play guitar, etc.

Q) Tweak I want to write dance, techno, industrial all that stuff.  Which is for me?

A) Start mixerless and upgrade with a lot of software instruments.  Might want to get a synth that makes analog noises.  Note you can crossover from the Basic mixerless rig to a Large mixerless rig by just getting a larger audio interface.

Q) We have a band of 5 old hippies--acoustic and vocals, piano, standup bass.

A) Basic Multi track systems.  Get something with about 12 tracks or more.  Groovy man.  Strawberry Fields.  Number Nine!

Q) Tweek You RAWK DUDE!  Me boys do Zepplin like Led man and I'm the drummer and I want at least 9 mics on my kit. 

A) The last 3 systems will work, but note you have to buy additional preamps if you don't go the large analog mixer approach.  A Lot of drummers like the Onyx Firewire solution cause it can send a ton of channels to the computer at once.  See you when the Levy breaks...(argh what has gotten into me tonight?)

Q) How come you don't list Control Surfaces under Multi tracks as an option?

A) Cause they generally don't work with them.  They manage the mixer inside your computer software. 

Q) I STILL DON'T KNOW WHICH STUDIO IS RIGHT FOR ME.  HEEELLLP!!  I LIKE TO BE SPOONFED.  WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

A) So you are the guy always posting in ALL CAPS.  Aha, a Spoonie too!  Ok, read the Guide...oh rats you ARE reading the guide.  OK, go over to the forums and PM all the top contributors! 

No, don't really do that

Studio-central has tens of thousands of posts like the above where this subject is approached from every conceivable angle.  Search and ye shall find!

Tweak Out.

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Freakin' out? Need to talk about these decisions?  Ask Tweak and the Studio-Central Community in the "Ask your questions" forum.  But be nice to him, he's answered these many, many many times.  :)

Cool Quote:

Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory;
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822), British poet.

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