What You Need for a Home Recording Studio

Studio recording isn’t as complicated as it might seem, and it doesn’t need everything that you see in pictures of fancy studios. No 32-channel mixing board, a separate room for recording, etc. All of that is unnecessary.

You can easily set up a recording studio right in your bedroom.

Whether you’re a rapper, singer, or someone who records voice-overs, this a basic studio setup is all you need.

Listed below is some of the recording equipment you’ll need. I also listed examples—specifically recording studio equipment that I use in MY studio. Most of it can be found at an affordable price on Amazon. And just because it’s listed here, doesn’t mean you necessarily need it.

The Bare Minimum

There are a few things that you will need. At the bare minimum, to record and produce your own rap (or singing) music, you’ll need a computer, USB microphone, and headphones. And at the very least, a free DAW like Audacity. But we’ll get into the specifics below.

1. A Solid Computer

Apple Laptop MacBook Pro MPXV2LL/A, 13.3in with Touch Bar, Intel Core-i5 3.1GHz, 16GB Memory, 256GB SSD, Space Gray

Notice we wrote a “solid computer.” A solid computer should have relatively fast processing power, enough storage space to hold your vocals and rap beats, and the ability to run programs required for editing and recording audio.

Specs

Just about any decent laptop or desktop, you buy in the store can get this done. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you already accomplished this step. If so, great. You’re already on your way to success. Just make sure that the computer you’re using isn’t too low quality. If the memory isn’t up to par (at LEAST 2GB of ram), it might affect your ability to record your music.

Mac or PC?

PCs are great, but a lot of hip-hop heads prefer to work with Apple products, such as Mac Minis, iMacs, or Macbook Pros (I switched to a MacBook Pro from a PC years ago, and I’ll never go back).

If You have $1200 or more to Spend

If you have around $1200 to spend on a laptop, the industry standard is Mac—so a MacBook Pro is well worth your consideration.

If you’re On a Tighter Budget

But if you ask me, Macs are still overpriced for what they do—not to say that I wouldn’t pay for one anyway. Really, the Amazon Refurbished Macs are reasonably-priced.

But, for those on a tighter budget, check out an Amazon Renewed HP EliteBook 840 G3– you can get a suitable laptop for just under $500. The specs on this laptop are good enough to record and produce your music.

2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

A digital audio workstation, otherwise known as a DAW, is software for your computer—one of the most important things you will use. Common examples of a DAW are Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Garage Band, and more.

A DAW serves as the bridge to all of your hardware. Essentially, the DAW will connect your microphone, instruments, keyboard—whatever you want to use—directly into your computer.

You might assume that a higher price means higher quality, but with DAWs, that isn’t always the case. You need one that is going to be able to get the job done, so if you can find DAWs bundled with mics and other useful accessories, you should absolutely go for them—especially if you’re on a budget.

I use Ableton Live 10 and I love it.

3. Audio Interface

An audio interface is basically an external (mostly USB) sound card. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great option.

A good USB audio interface will have a microphone preamp built-in. Condenser microphones need 48v phantom power.

4. Microphone

Whether you’re a hip-hop artist, musician, or something in-between, the studio microphone you use is everything. For hip-hop artists, especially, you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-line mic to start out. If you’re a rapper, you want to get a condenser microphone.

But keep in mind, you usually do get what you pay for. Contrary to popular belief, not all microphones are created equal. If you have the right person mixing and mastering your music, they can help make your music sound quite a bit better, even with a bad mic.

Also keep in mind that if you have a condenser microphone, it will most likely need a power supply. You can get these separately, or you can ensure that your audio interface has one built-in.

What I Use

I use the Audio-Technica AT4033A Cardioid Condenser Microphone. It’s a fantastic microphone and isn’t on the super expensive end. But it still comes in around $400.

A More Affordable Option

If you’re on a budget, get a USB microphone – it will take out the need for getting an audio interface (your external sound card). Like I said – with mics you get what you pay for, so if you can afford it, I’d go with the Audio-Technica mic listed above. But if you are on a budget, the Cyber Acoustics USB Condenser Microphone is a great alternative option and will eliminate your need for an audio interface.

5. Studio Headphones

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250-ohm headphones. I’ve owned a pair for years, and I still use them daily.

Headphones are crucial because they’ll enable you to pay attention to the details that are going on in your music. They’ll also make it so you can hear the rap beat, while you’re recording.

If you’re editing your latest vocal track, but you want to ensure the levels are up to par, you’ll want a quality pair of headphones to isolate the good, the bad, and the ugly in your track. Mostly, there are two kinds of headphones you’re going to want to focus on using. The two most common headphone types are closed back and open back.

You’ll also want to pay attention to frequency response and independence when you’re shopping around. A lower impendence set of headphones might require an external headphone amplifier.

Closed-Back Headphones

For recording, closed-back is the better option, to minimize sound leaking from your headphones, and into the mic. Closed-back are also going to run you a little less in terms of money, but they lack overall quality. But they are better for isolating sounds and tracking vocals.

If you’re looking for better overall sound quality for mixing and mastering, you’ll want to look at open backs. But for the sake of recording quality, you WILL need a pair of closed-back headphones to use for recording. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBTs are a great option.

Open-Back Headphones

Open-back headphones are better for music production than they are recording, due to sound leakage. If you’re using the headphones for producing (and have a separate pair for recording), they are also a great investment.

Open-back headphones provide a more-true sound and a wider stereo field.

My favorite pair of open-back headphones are the DT 990 Pro 250 ohm headphones. I’ve owned these for years, and I still use them every day.

6. Studio Monitors

If you’re on a budget, these are optional – headphones will suffice. Studio monitors serve a similar purpose that headphones provide, but they are better for overall tracking and sound quality. They are good for mixing and mastering tracks, as you’ll want to hear how the overall sound plays outside of the confines of your own headphones. While some people don’t opt to use studio monitors, you’ll really regret not having any, as your time from draft to final copy will take much longer.

A great set of monitors is the 2 Rokit 5 monitors (this was my first set of monitors). Now I have 2 Rokit 8 monitors. RP5G3-NA, the price is great, and the quality is top-of-the-line.

An important note before purchasing monitors: It’s important to make sure whether you’re buying a single monitor or a pair. You should buy a pair since you’ll be mixing in a stereo field. But it’s actually more common for monitors to be sold individually, and not in a pair. So pay extra close attention.

7. Cables, Stands, Accessories and More

Cables

Cables don’t need to be super expensive. As long as you have a couple of long XLR cables to connect your hardware to each other, you’ll be in good shape. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of lengths so you can set your studio up to your liking.

Microphone Stand

You should also look into an adjustable mic stand to connect your microphone to. Here is the mic stand that I use.

Studio Monitor Stands

If you’re getting a pair of studio monitors, you should also get monitor stands for them. Here are the studio monitor stands that I use.

Pop Filter

A microphone or stand might come with one, or they may not. A pop filter helps filter out harsh “pops” from “t” and “s” sounds. Here is the filter that I use.

Isolation Shield

An isolation shield is foam reflector that attaches to your mic stand. This device can help catch and absorb any sound that doesn’t make it into your microphone—rather than letting it bounch around the room, and get picked up by the mic in the form or reverb or interference. This is good to have if your recording area isn’t very well treated.

I use the TONOR Microphone Isolation Shield.

Musical Instruments, Virtual Instruments, MIDI Keyboards, & More

If you’re a vocalist, or only going to be working with vocalists, these are optional. These are things you might consider if you were going to make beats as well.

As a creative, it never hurts to learn more!

Bonus: Acoustic Treatment Considerations

Some additional studio equipment you may want to consider is a set of acoustic foam panels to help treat your room. These panels absorb sound waves to stop them from reverberating and interfering with one another. Proper treatment also avoids bass traps, which can alter the acoustics and overall sound of your room.

Rap Beats & Hip Hop Beats for Sale

Once you have all the above checked off your list, you’re ready to start recording. Now you just need rap beats. To stream our selection of hip hop beats for sale, visit our rap beats store at JBZ Beats. We offer a wide variety of high-quality rap beats from 10 producers from all over the world. They aren’t made to sound like other artists; they are made by each producer through their own personal taste. With them, you can build your own style and maximize your potential.

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