by James Korg

Created on: December 09, 2009   Last Updated: December 24, 2009

Having gone through just about all phases of home recording from the late seventies up until today, I have a few tips for people who may want to try their hand at this special art form. The reason I developed an interest in it to begin with was that I was a musician.. Most likely, you are too. Recording seemed a logical avenue for a musician to create and have way to showcase it. In the same way a writer uses paper or a painter uses canvas. With the onslaught of digital technologies and the prices of the equipment becoming very reasonable there was no reason not to try it. When I started the technology was still expensive. The problems with the cassette tape like hiss and resolution from overdub was tricky to say the least. But soon all these problems would come to an end as we entered the 90's. All kinds of equipment and information came on to the scene. We traded in our analog cassettes recorders for digital trackers. Magazines and experts came on the scene to give us enough advice to kick out some really good and professional recordings mixed on CD and ready for masses instantly thanks to the internet. Home recording gives you, the artist a platform for your music to reach the world along with the occasional gig at the pub on Friday night. There is no better tool for an artist to get a nearly finished product. If you can learn a few techniques, polish them and eventually master them. It will be all you need to get more gigs or submit to a publisher. It’s not imperative that you spend enormous amounts of money either. Get the basic things you need to get going.

The most important piece of equipment in your studio should be your microphones. I've learned you should have a couple of them. One for voice and another for instruments a reputable music store can recommend the ones you will need. For now, Pick up something like a Sure 57. They are good for voice and micing your amps. The next important component would be a pre-amp for the microphone. One that uses a vacuum tube in it like a Blue Tube. It will boost the signal from the mic and take that digital flat sound that comes from any digital recorder and give it luster and ambiance that you will need once you enter the digital world (this is a must) the next component would be a decent pair of wide field monitor speakers you will need for mixing your project. If you position the monitors in you room (try different positions) the proper way, with time you’ll hear everything you want and don't want to hear from your tracks. Finally the recorder. I always start small. If you’re looking to learn I would keep it simple. You can get a reliable four track with percussion, instrument and mixing presets to get your first project rocking for under 1000 bucks. I have had some luck with my small studio and have had songs published in Nashville, which was my dream. Depending how advanced you want to become or maybe like me, you just need a vehicle to bring your dream to life. You can make a brilliant recording and bring out that artist for the world to hear. Without a degree from MIT in engineering.

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