Getting Started with Home Recording - 04/01/10
By: Eric Hill
Part 2: Hardware Vs. Software
In the previous article, we discussed putting together a budget for your studio. Now that you’ve done that, it’s time to begin the fun part. Let’s buy some gear! One thing that I like to stress in all of these situations is planning. You should always have a plan before you head out to buy some gear. The main reason is that once you get inside a Guitar Center, let’s say, you can lose your mind with all of the blinking lights and shiny things that you convince yourself that you have to have. I remember going out looking for a bass guitar and I came back with this 8-string bass with a silver sparkle paint job. I didn’t even try it out before I bought it. I saw it and I heard the angels singing and the seas parted. I later realized that it was not functional for the music I was working on at the moment, and I really tried to make it work. I eventually gave it to one of my friends who had the same reaction to it that I had when I first saw it. I’m pretty sure that it’s now in his basement in a corner.
I mention this story to illustrate what can happen if you get swept up in the moment. When you’re just starting out, this is easy to do, because you’re excited and you want to get everything right away. I certainly understand that. But at this point, you really need to be focused when buying, because this initial purchase basically dictates what you buy in the future. So be sure that it’s the direction you want to go in.
There are two main options for home recording, hardware and software recording. Hardware recording is when you use a stand-alone recorder to record your music. Stand-alone basically means that it records on it’s own without the need of any other gear. You will be able to record your music, mix it, and burn it to CD (in most cases), all within the unit. Hardware recorders with CD burners in them, costs more than those without, obviously. If you don’t have a computer, or if your computer is old and you can’t upgrade, this is your best option. They have a very wide price range, so you will be able to find one that fits your budget.
Another option is software recording. If you have a fast computer, this might be a better option for you. Before you buy any recording software though, it is very important to check your computer’s specifications (hard drive space, amount of memory, etc.). Write them down and take them with you when you go to get any software. Make sure that what you’re buying is compatible with your computer. Whether you use a PC or a Mac makes a difference with software. Also, look for the amount of memory and hard drive space the software needs to work on your computer. There is a wide price range for these products also and you should be able to stick to your budget. I would discourage you from getting recording software that is too advanced. As a beginner, you want to be able to start recording right away and learn some things as you go. If you have a Mac computer, you already have the perfect beginner recording software. It’s called Garageband and it is perfect for beginners. If you don’t own a Mac, no worries there are plenty of software choices for the PC.
In closing, there are pros and cons to both types of recording and you should make your decision based on what you’ll be recording and for what purpose. Everyone has their preference and there is no right thing or wrong thing. If you plan to get really in depth with this stuff and you want to be a producer, software recording is the way to go. If you just want to plug in and play and record your own demos, choose a hardware recorder. They are easier to use and you don’t need a computer. Do your research and ask questions. A lot of the people that work at these stores are musicians too, and they are happy to help you out to get what you want.
Next up, I will focus on getting started with an actual recording. For hardware recorders it’s a snap, for software, not so much. Stay tuned for ‘Cables and Interfaces’, or if you prefer, ‘Hook me up’.
Eric Hill BIOGRAPHY
Eric Hill is a musician that has been part of the musical community in Chicago for over 25 years. He plays drums, guitar, bass guitar and keyboards. He’s been in several bands here in Chicago, primarily as a drummer.
He is well versed in many styles of music including Rock, Punk, Metal, Funk and Jazz. He records under the name LIFEAFTERSIX, which has released 9 CDs since 2001. His music has been played on the radio locally and streamed on the internet. Eric Majored in Theater/Music at Columbia College and has Received an Excellence in Journalism from The University of Illinois.
Most recently, Eric has focused more on helping younger artists realize their potential in music. “There is nothing like watching a young musician start to figure out what they can do. After a class or two, you can sense their excitement and it’s very cool to be around and ultimately very rewarding for me as well.”
Eric works from his modest home studio and also records bands live for CDs and DVDs. “This is a very exciting time. With all that is possible with the new technology, you’re only limited by your imagination. How cool is that?”
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