Music Studio Vs Home Recording Studio

Many of us at some point in our lives dream of becoming a vocalist or a band member. We want to enter the music industry, share our talent and show our passion for music. But the question, most aspiring musicians ask themselves is "where should I start?" The answer is to create your own music or sample of your composition. This usually takes time because you need to practice so you can present your own music with great beats and wonderful lyrics. Now, how can you possible practice and perfect your music? Of course you need to practice in a music studio or have your very own home recording studio.

But first how could you have your own home recording studio? In the past only well-off music aspirants can afford their very own recording studio and that is because of the high tech equipments needed to create music. Well, they can opt to go to a music studio, use their equipments and pay hourly charges or monthly membership fees. Some music studios charge you high hourly rates which is sometimes impractical especially if you have no enough budget for such fees.

Below are some of the important instruments and equipments you can find and use in a music studio.

Microphone

- The very first thing a singer/composer should have during a recording session

Keyboard

- It is not just a musical instrument but it is also needed in creating the rhythms in your songs which is much easier than other instruments.

Mixing Console

- Also referred to as audio mixer, this is where you will adjust timbre and level of sounds in your songs.

Studio Monitors

- These are loudspeakers used for the audio production.

Multitrack Recorder

- This is a recording gadget that could actually record a multiple source of sound which in the end could create a whole track.

Digital Audio workstation

- This is where all the electronic gadgets are being controlled and adjusted

Effects

- An added feature that can make additional spectacle in your recording.

These are only some of the equipment you'll surely found on a recording studio but with the continual advancement of technology, you can have your own recording studio at home with less equipments needed. There are four basic equipments you can buy to set up your own home recording studio.

Microphone

- A basic equipment which can now be bought at a low price but with the same great quality.

Audio Interface

- You could consider it as a sound card on your computer and the good thing is there are some interfaces where you could connect your playing instrument like keyboard and guitar. The price of this gadget ranges from $150-$250.

Computer

- This is considered the heart of your home music studio. The best brand that you could get is MAC computer since it has its own recording software called "GarageBand Built In"

Software

- There are many software available in the market that you could use, some are free and some are not. Choose a home recording software that is easy to use, flexible and can allow you to create different beats.

Room

- Of course, it is best to have your own small space so you can concentrate in creating your own music.

Having your own home music studio is now possible. So, if you'd like to be a great musician someday start practicing now in your own music studio.

New Hip Hop Producer? Read this

Hip-Hop beat production

Modern hip-hop beat production utilizes sequencers, samplers, turntables, synthesizers, drum machines and live instrumentation. Hip-hop production may involve a drum beat, a bassline, sampled music or originally sequenced loops. Beat and vocals are two basic parts of typical hip-hop song. Sampling and beats are the basic elements for producing the hip-hop music.

Sampling

Sampling is an integral part of hip-hop bit production. Samples are taken from the records and imported into the sequencers or samplers. Producers generally opt for creating totally original recordings using the computer-generated beats. Re-record or overdub the sampled part with the live musician is another solution.

Beats

The drum beat is another important element of hip-hop beat production. It is very essential to understand the beats to know the hip-hop construction. Beats include the following-

• MIDI Drum patterns or audio drum loops which include the complete drum tracks

• A Bassline (MIDI sequence)

• Dubs and snips (samples that accent and give character)

• Supporting orchestration (could be synch pads, horns, string sections)

The beat can be short or long and it is 8 bars in its shortest form. If long, it may consist of different parts for the chorus and verse and may add introduction, break and ending.

The vocal tracks in the hip-hop song consist of

• Main vocal-main vocalist performs the rap

• Second vocal- a guest vocal or second vocal that takes a verse

• Background vocals-created to offer a sense of participation by a whole group

• Overdubbed vocals-the main vocal may be doubled, tripled or quadrupled during the chorus and other parts

Recording

For hip-hop beat production, a multi-track recorder is typically used for recording. Nowadays, digital ADAT tape recorders have become popular. Use of a PC as a multi-track recorder with or without outboard can be good alternative. Professional producers generally prefer the condenser microphone for studio recording because of their high quality and wide-range response. The dynamic microphone is a primary alternative to expensive condenser microphone.

Samplers

Hardware samplers have been involved in hip-hop beat production. Samplers outfitted with pads such as MV8000 and MPC can be conveniently used. Software samplers such as Kontakt 2, Halion, Gigastudio, Battery are quite good and can provide more flexibility if your computer is capable to run inside a sequencer. A control pad surface like the Akai MPD16 can be used to provide some hardware control over your software.

Synthesizers

Synthesizers are frequently used for hip-hop beat production. They are used for basslines, melody, for sound synthesis and as percussive stabs. In addition to the analog synthesizer, old FM synths such as cheap Casios, the DX7 and its offspring and other digital synths can be useful for hip-hop elements.


Coutesy of www.vmusicbook.com ©VmusicBook, Inc. 2008
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