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MAIN FEATURE
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NAVIGATION
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HOME STUDIO SETUP
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Not long ago the expense involved in building a professional recording studio was prohibitive. How times have changed with the advancements of computer technology. What once could easily have cost $50,000 to $100,000 and more to accomplish can now be done for as little as $2,000, assuming you have the appropriate computer (minimum: 233 mhz., 28.8 modem w/sound card and cd burner) and premesis on which to house the facility. Beyond that all one really needs is a sound source (microphone, cd or cassette player, Internet or broadcast programing, etc.) and an editing program (software). Thanks to all the filters and processing features that come bundled with most editing software, even soundproofing the room isn't quite the issue it once was. Nevertheless, you may decide to proceed with soundproofing, in which case $250 - $500 can be added to the afforementioned total. And obviously, other considerations may come into play like more microphones if you plan to record a multi-piece band simultaneously, or music and sound effects libraries if you plan to do commercial production. But your basic needs are met for less than 5% of the expenditure required just ten years ago.
THE 2-STEP
If you plan to use a microphone, quality is of the essence. Remember, we're talking about professional results here. At the very least "dynamic" microphones should be considered for vocal reproduction, and "condenser" microphones for musical reproduction. We recommend you allocate at least $1,200 of your budget toward the cost of a good one and any accessories that may go with it such as suspension arms and windscreens. To get a good idea of what's available visit www.fullcompass.com and order the free catalogue. While you await its arrival try their search feature. Also, it is possible to find greatly reduced used equipment in good condition at auction sites such as eBay.
The remainder of your funds should go toward editing software. In fact, if you're inexperienced at audio manipulation you might consider shopping for this first since owning a microphone is pointless if you don't know what to do with the sound file after you've created it. At the time of this writing Cool Edit Pro ($399.00) and Soundforge 4.5 ($499.00), are just two of the best user friendly windows programs out there. They each offer a partially functional demo version and user's manual for immediate download at their respective sites, enabling you to "test drive" the software prior to purchase. Cool Edit Pro even includes easy-to-follow tutorials on the installation disc should you decide to buy their program.
GOOD TO GO
With the sound source and editing software in place all you have to do is record, edit, process and burn to CD. Depending on your level of skill and through the use of a few
readily available plug-ins you can now accomplish anything the big boys can accomplish.
MEAT AND POTATOES
For in-depth analysis of specific home studio applications, the article entitled: Setting
Up The Ultimate Digital Home Studio is an invaluable resource for both pros and amateurs. Bear in mind that, since technological advances are moving at warp speed, some of the content may be slightly outdated, but the nuts and bolts remain the same.
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