How to Use Recording Studio Equipment

You're thinking of setting up your own recording studio so you can lay down some backing tracks for a vocalist or make a demo to give at shows to increase your fan base. Either way, setting up a recording studio and using recording studio equipment is difficult to get just right. Here are the basics of how to use recording studio equipment to burn your next hit.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick a place to put your equipment. You need a more or less permanent location so you don't have to keep moving the soundboard, mics and the cords that go with them.

2. Eliminate outside noise. You don't want the honk of a passing car to show up mid recording session, so be sure you've got all doors and windows properly sealed.

3. Put up sound deadening material. This could be special high-tech panels or as simple as remnant carpet nailed to the walls. What you choose is dependant on your preferences and your budget. Carpet the floor as well.

4. Get some training on your soundboard. The soundboard is a very complicated piece of equipment and each brand has its own specifications. Get training from the sales guy so you know what to do and what to avoid with the brand.

5. Mic all the vocalists and instrumentalists. Anyone that does not have a line in will not show up in the mix.

6. Make sure your computer can handle the weight. It might be necessary to get a memory upgrade if you're running a 1 GB or less machine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a limited budget, try opting for used equipment. You can save big over new and get some better quality equipment that might last longer.