STU SETUP
Getting into music can be an expensive hobby, but here are some straightforward setups to help you get quality sounding music for a fraction of the price. All of these setups are going to include an : interface, microphone, and DAW (digital audio workstation). If you have any headphones or earphones lying around, you can use those, however headphones were not considered into these budgets. I recommend staying away from USB microphones as most daw’s are catered to interfaces (latency compensation, i/o setups etc…).
200$ budget
If you don’t want to commit huge amounts of money at first, or if you saved up a few hundred dollars this setup is going to be the absolute bare minimum when it comes to getting your foot into the music game.
Interface : M-Track Solo - 50$
This interface comes with 2 inputs, (an xlr/trs compatible mic input and a trs input for plugging in an instrument)an output knob to control the volume between the headphones and the RCA outputs for speaker connections.
Microphone choice #1: Audio Technica AT2020 - 100$
This microphone is the best bang for your buck as it has a wide dynamic range as well as a frequency response between 20hz - 20khz, which is all you need when it comes to recording vocals (anything under 30hz and above 16k is usually useless when it comes to mixing vocals). This is a condenser microphone with no self powering unit, which means you will need to run 48 volts of phantom power to it, which the M-track solo does provide. In addition, the mic is also a cardioid pattern, which means anything that is not directly in front of the microphone will have a weaker signal.
Microphone choice #2 : Shure PGA181 - 100$
If you want something different than the Audio Technica, this is another good option for a condenser, cardioid pattern microphone. This was also the very first mic that I picked up and it carried me through my first couple mixes, landing me a few clients. The frequency response on this mic is from 50Hz-20kHz, which again is perfect for recording vocals and guitars.
DAW: Pro Tools - 30$/month
In my opinion, Pro tools gives me the most fluid workflow when it comes to recording and mixing vocals. Reason being, plugins show up next to the audio tracks in the playlist view window, which allows for easy access when i’m trying to dial in settings while recording.
(if you need help setting up pro tools contact me through email jakintoh@gmail.com)
500$ budget
This is a standard studio setup that will carry you through a lot of different songs and will help you focus on your skills as a mixer.
Interface : Focusrite Solo - 80$
This interface can be found for around 100 brand new or 80 refurbished. check online and you’ll find these going around for a good price. Look for one that has trs outputs on the rear panel so you can eventually hook up studio monitors to upgrade your studio setup. However, this interface will have gain meters allowing you to see if you are clipping and recording too hot (red) or if you are recording at a good level (green). On top of that, this, like the m-track, has 2 inputs both xlr and trs compatible and a output monitor knob for your studio monitors.
Microphone choice #1: Audio Technica AT2020 - 100$
read last description..
Microphone choice #2 : Shure PGA181 - 100$
read last description..
Daw : Pro tools - 30$/month
Waves plugins : 232$ (req6, cla comp, rverb, h-delay, rcomp etc..)
The goal when recording is to get immersed into a space and hear it in your headphones as close as possible to a final product. Check out my waves recording template in my templates tab to check out what you need to get started into recording. These plugins should round up to around 250$ and will give you everything you need to get close to a vocal mix. These waves plugins will help introduce you to mixing which in my opinion is more valuable than any of the equipment you end up buying.
2500$ budget
Once you have gotten a good grasp of a basic recording setup, it is time to step up the quality. Or if you have the money to spend if you’re a big baller than this is a solid setup to get quality sounding vocals without entirely breaking your wallet on a 5000 mic.
Interface : Apollo Twin - 1000
This interface comes with one of my favorite buttons, the mono monitor switch. It also comes with 2 unison preamps to allow for a clean pure vocal signal to pass through. If you also have an isolated vocal booth and want to record artists, this interface also has a talkback button, allowing you to communicate with whoever is on the opposite end of the output.
Microphone : slate ML1 - $600
With this cardioid condenser microphone you get 8 mics in one:
FG-47
FG-M7
FG-800
FG-251
FG-800M
FG-269
FG-12
FG-6
all of these mics are emulations of high quality microphones often times way pricier than the ML-1 itself.
for 600$ this is probably the best deal on a microphone, as you can switch between different mics to pull out the tone you’re looking for in your vocal.
Pro tools : 30/month$
Waves horizon bundle - 400$this bundle is gonna include everything you need from effects, vocal chains, and mastering limiters to help you learn how to mix and master your own songs.
Honorable mentions
Hs5 - 500$
Studio monitors that provide a similar frequency response to the famous ns10s (flat midrange sound).
Avantone mixcube - 250$
Midrange speaker that paired in mono can help you create depth and separation on a whole different level once switched back to stereo. (no rear or front port for the bass)
Big Knob Passive - 70$
Cheap monitor controller that you could hook up to your focusrite to help listen to mixes in mono, dim, or switch between different speakers.
Shure SM7B - 600 $
dynamic microphone that must be paired with a cloud lifter or preamp. This microphone helps negate room noise and provides a great frequency response. It honestly sounds just as good as my neumann u87.
Bluebird sl - 300$
This microphone despite its crunchy distorted high end, can be great for recording r&b and hip hop as it provides a decent frequency response with a boosted high end for air clarity.
