In this episode
we'll try to put a real studio together.
It won't be Abbey Road or Colombia
but it will get you going
and offer you immense satisfaction.
What do we need?
Well what do you want to do?
Is it work with music, edit, design
or voice? Let's look at a simple setup
that will cover a lot of bases.
So let's suggest that it's computer-based
because that will give you the most
versatility for what
you might want to achieve.
Which computer type?
PC or Mac,
iPad or Android?
Well it's up to you.
We're going to try
and make a space that suits you
and allows you the freedom to create.
If you're a Mac head or prefer PC's
then get whatever helps you work
in the most natural fashion.
I will say this I feel that a computer
as opposed to a tablet
has a much better option for versatility.
Computers allow you connectivity,
power and expandability. Don't get me wrong,
I love tablets and I think that they offer
so much to audio production
but I will always see them as an add-on to a
permanent studio set-up.
One huge benefit to all studio setups
and multiple monitors, if you can,
try and get at least two monitors running.
The additional real estate will pay you back in spades.
When you've chosen your computer
we need a means of getting audio in
and out of your system.
This is the basis of what a studio is
an audio interface.
This machine lets you get a signal
from a mic or any other audio equipment
into your workflow.
You can also connect your
speakers up to the interface to get high-quality playback
from your computer.
What interface?
There are a million types;
USB firewire, Ethernet,
Thunderbolt, PCIE,
I'd be looking at budget,
versatility and expandability.
Buy the best machine you can.
They start at around 80 bucks
but you'll soon grow out of those.
Look at how many inputs and outputs they have?
For example if you intend
to record a live band
you may need 8 inputs
and that'll dictate your requirements.
If you're a picture editor
working in stereo
then you should only need a couple
of outputs. Connectivity is a bonus.
Some interfaces can hook up
to an iPad as well.
Now you have a Field Recorder.
You should consider an interface
with MIDI connectivity
especially if you're using your setup
for any type of music creation.
Now there are lots of other applications
for MIDI quite aside from music.
We'll delve further into MIDI
in another few episodes.
Check out the pro audio equipment section
on www.adorama.com
and browse through their offering.
Chat to somebody on there
who will guide you through your options.
Connecting your interface
to your equipment should be as easy
as plugging in a USB
or whatever other connection it has.
Get those drivers installed
and away you go.
Speakers are the making
or the breaking of your setup.
You can have the best gear connected
to your setup but if you cannot hear your audio
through proper speakers
then the rest is a waste of time.
You need to invest in good powered speakers.
We've looked at this before,
unless you have good monitoring,
you will not hear what you're listening to.
If you can't hear what you're listening to
then you won't be hearing
any problems or getting good response
so that you can monitor your mix properly
Should you get a mixing desk?
Well it is up to you?
There are a number of other options
than getting a big expensive mixing desk.
You could if you wanted
bring your tablet into play here?
There are a number of apps
that connect directly to DAW's
to control levels and panning
and give you transport
and other functions.
You may require quick access to
though you don't have the tangible feel
of a fader on your fingers.
Like the audio interface,
the mixing desks come in all shapes
and sizes. And every price range.
Some have specific jobs,
others don't.
Why not start with the iPad
controlling your DAW and then see
what you may need
before you go and invest in an expensive mixer.
Now down to the nitty-gritty;
the software.
This is where what you want
comes into play.
You'll need a DAW
and that comes down to budget.
Video editors may have Fairlight
on one of the tabs
if they're using DaVinci Resolve.
If you want to get into sound editing
and design why don't think about
getting a free version of Cubase AI
when you buy your audio interface,
it's free and it allows you to work to picture.
What about Pro Tools
which is an industry Stallworth.
It's available from their online store
and you can pay on a monthly basis.
I'm not suggesting specific products
because I want you to learn what is best for you.
Anything that I may have in my studio
will not necessarily
be the best thing that will suit you.
Space the final frontier.
This is where you're going
to be doing your work
so you need an environment
that is comfortable
and as quiet as possible.
You will absolutely need a good
quality chair,
also somewhere that will not get you in trouble
with your neighbors.
This needs to be your space
for you in your time.
I'll talk about treatment and materials
for soundproofing in another show.
I'm Keith Alexander
and you've been watching AdoramaTV.
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