Music Tech and Equipment

The Artist, Studio and Store

When we talk about music and music creation, there is always that one place that comes to an artist’s mind – The Studio. There is so much investment when it comes to the equipment found and used in a studio. However, once one has access to some of the best and most reliable sources of this equipment, then their life might just get even easier.

In Australia as an example, Store DJ has provided equipment to creatives since 2000. Their vast line of products includes; media players, digital DJ equipment, DJ software, turntables, mixers, sound systems, studio recording equipment, music production software and lighting equipment. From manufacturers such as Pioneer, Numark etc, This offers everything you need for your party, event or celebration. They have many stores and can assist you to start your recording/DJ career.

Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or a professional music producer, Store DJ might just be the right go-to hub for everything you need in recording and production. Nonetheless, someone out there could be wondering what it takes to kick-start a career as a recording producer. Let us help you break it down in a language common to us all;

Best Recording Equipment Suggestions

Setting up a recording studio can be stressful and confusing because you always see those amazing images of different pro studios on the internet, and then compare what options you have. To help you understand the steps in setting up a recording studio, including some of the best equipment you might need, let us first address the four stages of studio growth.

Usually, with a recording studio, it is better to start with those small steps and later expand towards your ultimate dream. The four stages of studio growth start with; Bedroom studio – Dedicated Home studio – Semi-Pro studio – Pro studio.

With a bedroom studio, some of the best recording equipment you might need include;

1. A computer

Starting can be rough but as a creative you need a workstation for everything that you do. A desktop computer or laptop will be one of the initial items that you need to add to your studio.

• DAW

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is the software used for recording, cutting and mixing your production on the computer.

Pros of a DAW

• Easy to work with if compared to the Analog system.
• Much cheaper than purchasing the actual physical workstation.

Cons of a DAW

• It might not be easy for you as a beginner to fully understand and utilize the DAW because of its complexity.
• Audio Interface

Its primary role is to help you provide all the necessary connections to send your music into your computer when recording and out of the computer during playback. An audio interface comprises so many different sub-components that you can get in just one item. For a beginner producer, we can recommend starting with the M Audio Air 192 which you can find for around $199 .

• Microphones

A basic item found in every recording studio. Whereas there are so many different kinds of microphones, we recommend you start with only one or two types.

Since most people only record vocals at the beginning, we recommend you start with a classic large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

Pros of a condenser microphone

• They offer better performance in a quiet environment and have a low internal noise factor at raised volumes.
• A condenser microphone is considered better for vocals due to its responsiveness and detail.
• They are more able to pick up on subtle changes in volume and infliction during sessions. This allows for more detail and provides more response in the high end that contains less energy when compared to the db in the low-frequency range.

Cons of a condenser microphone

• Require more de-essing on vocals due to their sensitivity to high frequencies.
• They tend to pick up more external room noise due to their higher sensitivity.

Recommendation; The Behringer C-2 Studio Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair) for less than $100

• Headphones

While starting as a beginner, you might spend most of your time recording alone. This is why you need to invest in a good pair of headphones.

You can grab yourself a reliable brand of headphones for as low as $100.

• Studio Monitors

Studio monitors have much flatter frequency ranges and thus provide a neutral and unadulterated sound. Most mixing in a home studio takes place with open headphones.

Studio monitors can be expensive for a beginner, but there are also many cheap options to choose from.

Recommendation; Presonus Eris E3.5 High Def 3.5″ Studio Monitors (Pair) for approximately $299.

• Microphone Stands

Whereas beginners tend to consider all microphone stands to be the same, a cheap & stable stand is more than sufficient for the beginning. Microphone stands can be expensive, and we know that most beginners have a tight budget.

Our best recommendation; ICON MB-03 Desk Mount Scissor Style Microphone Stand around $89.

• Pop Filter

This is never a must-have for beginner studio equipment. However, many rising producers find it cool to have pop filters added to their studio setting. Could be for a cool appearance, but they also serve the purpose of filtering disturbing sounds of the speaker/singer.

If you really need the pop filter to be part of your studio, you can start with the Rycote InVision Universal Pop Filter (6″ Diameter) Mics) around $50.

For under $2000, you can set up your bedroom studio and kickstart your recording career. Although, this might not be the ultimate goal in the long run. As a producer and a creative, the more you invest in your dream, the better results you realize.

Moving from a beginner studio to a more advanced kind of set-up will require money of course, but also more equipment to expand your studio.

In case you wish to move your small studio set up into a more advanced studio, these are some of the equipment we recommend you should get; Bass Traps, Monitor Isolation pads, Reflection filters, Digital converters, Master clocks, Analog Hardware, Microphone preamp, MIDI controller.

Why you need a go-to hub for all your recording needs

As a music enthusiast, it is wise to have a trustworthy source of equipment that can be reliable at any time. At a stores like Store DJ – Australia, one can find all the equipment listed above in just one place. This becomes easy for you as a producer because you don’t have to waste a lot of time trying to look for individual equipment and matching them up.

They offer a guarantee in the quality of products and are authorized dealers of lucrative brands such as Pioneer, Yamaha, Rode, Roland, and Shure, among others. Visit their website today and sign up to be a member such that you don’t miss out on the best offers on some of the best production equipment.