Hey digital currency world, today I 'm gonna tell you how I go about recording vocals in my apartment building.
Yes, I dabble in the music releasing a song now and then. I want to get more serious with the music and having a home studio set up really helps. Keep in mind, you don't need the most expensive equipment, you don't need a room with noise canceling foam on the walls and ceiling, you don't even need anyone to be there with you. Get what you can and work with it.
It is definitely better to go to a professional recording studio for the the best equipment and the vibe of it. But in these modern times, it is not necessary. Having your own home studio will save you tuns of money and you will be on your own time, also there will be no unwanted factors around to disrupt your flow. The main disadvantage of strictly using your home studio is that feedback is not instant, you have to send the demo track to get feedback and guidance. But even in a professional studio setting , the owners may just say what they feel will keep you coming back unless they really have your best interest at heart.
Lets look at what I use to record my vocals.
1. XML 770 Mic, cost $75 on Amazon
This Mic has good reviews and is what a lot of Rappers use/used. It is by far the best value for money for anyone just starting their musical journey or even the professional. It works really well and comes with a case fit for a gun to protect it from drops and dust.
Case looks neat doesn't it? The foam also adds extra protection and it comes with a clip to attach to a mic stand and extra rubbers for the clip.
The mic feels really sturdy when held in the hand. You can tell its well built
The XML 770 picks up everything, so make sure all vents, AC units in the next room etc are off. It will even pick up the siren way out yonder.
2. Focusrite Solo audio interface. ( $99.00 on Amazon )
This audio interface is what sends a clean signal of your voice to the PC for recording. The mic and headphones are hooked up to it and a USB cable hooks up to your PC ( the power is generated through the USB). Very simple to use with any recording software. also hooks up nicely to studio monitors. ( I haven't bought studio monitors yet as I am not mixing, the headphones will do for now)
Another very sturdy and well built piece of equipment for an affordable price. It even has slot for plugging in an electric guitar or other instruments to record.
3. Reflector shield and Pop filter
A reflector shield is extremely necessary if you are recording in a cramped space close to a wall and you don't want your voice echoing and reflecting in the recording. This cheap one I got works really well, don't even know the brand but it doesn't matter, just look at the reviews. The pop filter I bought could be better, the one I have, the filter is actually made from a metallic material ( didn't realize until I bought it) . I suggest getting one with the soft cloth like material as I'm thinking it would filter the pops better.
( That hanging cloth is covering a glass window so it doesn't reflect my voice when recording. It also keeps out heat and cold.)
4. Sennheiser HD280 Studio Headphones. $99.99
When I first started recording at my home studio I tried to use my DJ headphones ( yeah I DJ sometimes). It is then it dawned on me that they are two completely different types of headphones. Studio monitors eliminate what you are hearing from being picked up by the mic so only your voice is recorded. They fit around the ears tighter than DJ headphones. These babies are engineered in Germany so you know the quality is good. Very affordable as well for such good quality.
5. iMac & Logic pro x Music Production software
Many people like to use pro Tools because......... many people use it. It is basically the industry standard. I started with Pro Tools but slowly fell in love with the ease of use and lay out of Logic Pro. Gotta give it to Apple, they know how to make a good user experience. I only use Logic Po to record vocals and make demos because I do not know how to mix. I shall begin to learn as it is the most expensive part of song creation ( once you get the home studio out of the way). Mixing can cost anywhere from $100-$500 ( street value and you get what you pay for). Big time labels can shell out anywhere from $3,000-10,000 for a mix from a top engineer and even more at times.
NOTE: When recording vocals, I'm usually home alone so there is no disturbance. I also use the wireless keyboard that comes with the iMac and use shortcut keys like "R" to start recording in Logic pro and space bar to stop.
Once I record some good vocals for a song I want to release, I make a demo, let the producer ( my younger brother) hear it and get feedback from a small circle of people who will tell me the truth. This is one of the harder parts of the process as what sounds good to me may not sound good to the circle and then I gotta go in and re-do or scrap a session. That is rarely ever the case though as I have started to bring my brother into the creation process even through we are thousands of miles apart. I'll make a voice memo playing the beat in the car and adding vocals then I'll message it to him to hear and give feedback. Each step of the way, feedback. Once a full demo is complete then the other trusted individuals hear it
Any PC will do as long as it has decent specs. I use the iMac because I also do movie editing, a bit of graphic design and I find Macs are good for this type of work and it is what I got used to ( and it looks damn good in a studio setting). The computer you use will be the most expensive and most important part of your studio. It is the brains of the whole operation and where your art will be stored.
Here are two singles I released after recording in my home studio and then getting an engineer in Jamaica to mix it down for distribution. The mix is very important as it polishes your creation and makes it beam. There are many people who are for putting out unmixed demo songs and there are many against it. Mostly people in the industry are against it because once you start with that image, it is hard to get out of the mold. But hey, to each his/her own and you can build an audience with quantity.
For my first single "Faith" I used CD baby to distribute it, for the second single, I used Zojack a reggae /dancehall focused distributor. It is rather easy to get a song out on the platforms, marketing and monetizing is the hard part.
Click the images or links below them to take you to the SMART URL with all the sources of the songs. If you are not familiar with Smart URLs and you have apps or songs in multiple places, you should check it out. Smart URL
Now while my home studio is nothing to brag about, I am grateful to have it and I can add more tools and equipment as I go along. The point I'm making is you don't have to have a fancy space and all the equipment just yet to get some projects out and be independent.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment below, let me know what you are using in your home studio or what you plan to do.