How to Wire a Personal Recording Studio

Wiring a personal recording studio can be complex or simple depending on how much and what types of equipment and software you want to use. Nowadays, with excellent technology options available, it's not necessary to put together a complicated studio with a huge multi-track mixing board and super digital recording capabilities since most home equipment records and delivers professional quality sound. Use basic equipment to wire a personal recording studio.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Set up your computer and software before wiring a personal recording studio. Know that you need a lot of RAM to home record and run various types of software and equipment via your computer. Add a second hard drive if you're interested in serious recording. Realize that some needed software and other equipment are platform dependent. Be aware of this when purchasing new computers and selecting software and equipment for existing computers.
2. Buy audio recording software. Note that most recording software allows you to also create and compose music. Check out the "Cakewalk" website online or "GarageBand" at the "Apple" website. Keep in mind that some music software is limited. Purchase software with multiple capabilities and features that's also user-friendly. Note that software, such as "Pro Tools" is not platform dependent and can run on a Mac or a PC.
3. Determine what types of plug-ins you'll want to run, too, before purchasing audio recording software. Plug-in programs add capabilities, such as sound effects and instruments, to your multi-track functionality.
4. Choose an audio interface to wire a personal recording studio. Obtain either a Firewire / USB 2.0 device or a PCI card installation (for desktop computers). Use an all-in-one device to substitute for both. Plug in headphones, microphones and speakers to it also. Have control over the input/output levels of these too.
5. Get hold of a couple of quality condenser microphones (mic) to wire a personal recording studio. Know that they are more sensitive so aren't good for typical live performances, such as concerts, but they are great for studio recording. Use dynamic mics to avoid feedback and breakage. Buy condenser mics between $80 and $6000 for quality recording to wire a personal recording studio.
6. Choose speakers or monitors to wire a personal recording studio. Get a hold of quality speakers for sound accuracy. Keep from making bad recordings by using bad speakers. Plan to spend between $400 and $800 for excellent speakers. Find used speakers online or purchase from people in your locale for less. Caution against damaged or blown-out speakers, however. Listen to the speakers before buying them or make sure you have an option to return bad speakers.
7. Wire it all together—start with sending your sound source to your computer. Create good signal flow by making sure you have the signal going in one direction between equipment. Follow first your wiring directions for each individual piece of equipment. Look for directions in each box or package. Wire basic equipment sending the signal in one direction as such: mic to cable, cable to sound card/audio interface, sound card/audio interface to your computer and finally your computer to your recording software. Add other equipment as needed (e.g., keyboard to computer).

Tips & Warnings

• Know that longer cords and cable eat up voltage. Keep wires short but adequately long enough to work properly and not pose a safety hazard.
• Use high quality surge protectors and line conditioners to protect equipment, especially if you add equipment beyond the basic home studio set up. Know that cheap surge strips don't have the capability to protect a lot of audio equipment.
• Tape down wires running along walls and on floors to prevent accidents.
• Use a ground wire to eliminate unwanted voltage.