The Best Recording Gear for Beginners
Music recording used to be something that was only done by professionals in large studios full of expensive equipment. To learn the trade, a person generally needed to enroll in a specialized program or apprentice in a studio, giving them access to this equipment. And if musicians wanted to put their songs on record—even just to make a passable demo recording—they needed to shell out some pretty serious dough to buy studio time.
In recent years, that has all changed.
The ever more powerful consumer devices we use—such as laptops, tablets, and even smartphones—are now capable of powering a low-cost recording setup that virtually any musician can afford. With a few well-chosen pieces of recording gear, just about anyone can set up and operate a fully functional home or mobile studio. And that means aspiring producers can get plenty of hands-on experience right in the comfort of their own homes.
Computers and iOS devices for recording
Nowadays, most recording setups are based around computers. At one time, it was best to use a high-powered desktop computer for the job, but now, technology has advanced enough that even mobile devices like smartphones can get the job done. And laptops are commonly used as the central unit of a full-scale home studio.
For those who want to create a mobile studio, iOS devices (iPads, iPhones, and the iPod touch) are a great option. There is plenty of gear built specifically for these devices, which makes it easy to plug right in and get started. Learn more about our extensive selection of iOS buying guides that focus on various iOS users from DJs to guitarists.
There are hundreds of apps available to do everything from simply tuning your guitar to creating full-fledged compositions using your iOS device. A good place to get started learning about them is with our Top 10 Music Apps to Help You Make Better Music.
With an iPhone tucked in your pocket and a little extra gear, you can do some serious sound capture. Portable USB mics offer a big step up in sound quality over your phone’s internal mic. And there’s a rapidly growing category of smartphone-friendly devices ideal for nailing everything from a fleeting guitar riff to a complete composition.
Recording software and apps
Without audio software programs, computers don’t do a whole lot to help you record and mix music. The software that musicians and engineers use for their music production is commonly referred to as a digital audio workstation (DAW) program, and there are a lot of different DAW options to choose from. Ranging from more basic programs such as Ableton Live 9.7 Intro to Pro Tools—the choice of most professional studios—there is a DAW program that will match your music, budget, and skills. For a complete selection of program options, browse the Musician’s Friend selection of DAW software.
Most digital audio interfaces (explained in the next section) often include some basic software that should be suitable for most beginners to create near-studio-quality recordings. Those looking for something a little more powerful—with tools to help compose, edit, mix, and arrange music—might consider a software package such as Image Line’s FL Studio, an end-to-end music production program that’s both highly-regarded and affordable enough for beginners.
Audio interfaces for recording
If you’re using a computer as the center of your recording studio, you need a way to plug in the microphones and other gear you will be recording with. This is where the digital audio interface comes in. Beyond simply offering the types of connections you’ll need, the digital audio interface processes the sound you’re recording and converts it to digital data so your software can work with it. The good news is that most interfaces with USB connectivity are compatible with all the major DAW software titles that work with Mac and Windows computers‹but double-check to be certain.
When looking at audio interfaces, it’s important to find one that has all the connection types you’ll need. You’ll also need to make sure it’s compatible with the type of computer or device you’ll use to record with. So be sure to check the product descriptions for these details.
Built to handle the needs of anyone who records vocals and instrument together, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface delivers a sweet-sounding preamp and instrument input at a great price. The latest edition improves on the excellent sound of the original with a more even gain structure that makes balancing your mixes easier. The instrument input has been upgraded to handle the hottest pickups. Reduced latency means you’ll perform more confidently and be able to run your favorite plug-ins in real time.
