DAW - Digital Audio Workstation
Computer (The tool for making, recording, mixing, and editing music).
The heart of our recording studio.
The computer can be either an Apple or a Windows PC. If you are using a laptop you are ready to go. If you have a desktop you will also need a keyboard and mouse.
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
External Hard Drive
You need to save your Sessions somewhere. You can save your work on the hard drive that is inside your computer, but we recommend using an external hard drive to keep things organized. An external hard drive is just that, a drive that you plug into your computer and is outside of the computer.
There are many different brands and options related to external hard drives available for purchase. Consult your online or music store salesperson and explain to them you are a songwriter wanting to record your music. They can help you with your purchase decision. Explain to them you want a drive that is fast enough to record audio (7200 rpm or solid-state). A standard drive used for saving pictures (5400 rpm) will not do the trick efficiently.
Software - Pro Tools
Our training is based on the use of Pro Tools.
- Pro Tools is the #1 used DAW in the world. With those many users, it would be good for you to be familiar with it.
- There is a free version available "Pro Tools First" so the price fits into all our budgets.
- The software is upgradeable to more advanced versions and the files in Pro Tools First are compatible with all Pro Tools Systems.
Pro Tools First is available from the avid website https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
Audio Interface
There are many different brands of audio interfaces available for purchase. The prices and options vary quite a bit. Consult your online or music store salesperson for assistance.
Speakers and/or Headphones
Recording is a fun process, but you also need to listen back to what you recorded. Invest in speakers and/or headphones to monitor your music. Again, your salesperson can help with this.
Microphone(s)
For recording vocals, guitar, and any acoustic sounds, microphones are a must. There is a large variety of microphones which vary quite a bit in price range. Once again, your salesperson can assist with your purchase.
MIDI Keyboard
There are two basic types:
- A MIDI compatible piano/keyboard that can be played with or without a computer and has sounds built into it. This type of keyboard allows you to practice without turning a computer on.
- A MIDI Controller. There are no programmed sounds in a MIDI controller, but the controller is capable of playing the software instruments included with Pro Tools.
Drum pad MIDI controller
The drum pad is optional. You can do drum programming from your MIDI controller but honestly, it's a lot more fun using a drum pad. A drum pad also has options that are specifically drums based, it certainly does allow for more creativity. If it fits your budget, it may be a good investment.
Microphone cable and stand
Your microphones need to be on a stand and you need to connect them to your interface. Make sure to purchase the correct cabling you need.
Also
Don't forget about:
- Guitar cables.
- Direct boxes (if needed).
- Headphone extension cable (if needed).
And most of all,