An excellent, highly trained professional musician came by one of the ISP labs to record a few tracks and ask for advice on some software to install. When he saw the studio and how simply everything was operated on the computer, he blurted out a phrase that particularly caught my attention: “Man, I'm stuck in the Stone Age; I'm ten years behind when it comes to technology.” I remembered that on other occasions he had told me how much he dreaded the idea of setting up his own small computer-based recording studio. That day, I discovered his reasons. I decided to pitch this article to the magazine. I think it can be useful for those of you who feel more at home with a pencil than with a computer, but want to get up to date.
This is a basic article. I don't think advanced users or professionals will find it useful. However, those of you to whom the whole “thing” sounds like Greek, or who find the subject of recording confusing, will be able to put it to good use. I'll try to use simple, clear language.
Recording on a computer causes problems and doesn't work well
This is one of the reasons that tends to discourage people from venturing into the “home studio” experience. But if we look at the common mistakes and typical actions that keep things from working, we'll see it's not that complicated.
Many inexperienced users make their first attempts with a home computer that is poorly prepared and lacks the appropriate hardware and software. Fine, it's normal not to want to spend money before knowing how things will go, but keep in mind that if you run your tests on outdated, badly set up, unsuitable or “pirated” platforms, the result will most likely be disastrous. Don't let it discourage you; it's pure logic. Here are some of these common mistakes
I have a general-purpose computer
It has a “department store” audio/multimedia card and I'm trying to record with it. Well, these basic cards built into desktop (or laptop) computers are designed more to meet multimedia needs such as playing MP3s, listening to audio while playing videos and even some kinds of interaction with your operating system through audio messages. Very simple recordings and not much else. This hardware (card) is generally not designed for multitrack recording or to support dedicated music software. They tend to cause latency problems, and the result is almost always a failed attempt and despair.
Solution: It's not a question of money. You need a device designed for this purpose, that is, an audio/MIDI interface compatible with what we want to do and with the music software we're going to use. There are currently small (and in some cases very cheap) USB 2.0 or FireWire devices on the market that you can install right away. Some affordable options include, among others, M-Audio, Behringer, Terratec, small Digidesign systems, Steinberg's entry-level offerings, etc. It depends on your budget. Going up, the sky's the limit. For less than 30 euros you can solve this problem to get started.
The software doesn't work well, it's confusing, it's in English, there's no sound. Nobody can figure it out. If you have been reckless enough to download “bootleg” software, there's no need to dig very deep into your problem. You most likely downloaded a “hacked” version, by bad (or good) means, that is driving your system crazy. It's also possible you got hold of an (illegal) program from ten years ago, and what you're trying to do wasn't possible ten years ago.
Solution: Forget about pirated software. That's our recommendation. It may seem like you're saving money, but the time you'll lose going crazy trying to figure out why it doesn't work is well worth that investment. Buy an original program, with its license keys and warranty. Start with one that is simple and cheap, but current, modern and guaranteed to work. It could be any of the “Little” versions of Cubase, Pro Tools, Cakewalk/Sonar, etc.
Well, I bought a small interface and some software at a music store and there's no sound, and it doesn't record.
It's important that you read carefully how each thing should be connected. The basic setup is extremely simple.
Solution. Read carefully how to set up or install the new gear. Try to make sure the products you buy have manuals in your own language (you should insist on it). The interface usually connects via a simple USB or FireWire cable (with its drivers properly updated). And we connect MIDI and audio to the interface. If you have problems, you can visit specialized forums, such as www.ispmusica.com (forums), and share your questions.
The computer speakers sound really bad
They might do to start getting familiar with things and check that everything makes sound. You need to be sure that everything is properly connected before you start exploring the possibilities of your new software. After that, ideally you should send the audio output from your new interface to a pair of powered (studio) monitors. You'll find them from countless brands and at all prices: Behringer, M-Audio, Roland, Yamaha, Digidesign, Tapco, Mackie, JBL, Genelec, PMC and a long list of quality levels and prices.
Solution. Add a pair of powered studio monitors.
I've done some experiments and you can't do much with the computer anyway
Chances are that, even if you've managed to get things working properly, you may be stuck with old versions and never really find out what you can achieve today. Some users still have in their heads the MIDI developments of a decade ago. They also hold a poorly idealized notion of how the work is done, because they used prehistoric programs.
Solution. If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to work with basic, simple, small programs. That way you can gradually get familiar with the tools without feeling overwhelmed. Today's technology is truly powerful for achieving fantastic results. The remarkable improvement in the performance of modern computers has made it possible to develop virtual instruments, samplers, loop tools, instrument and track or clip tuners, tempo-change tools, precise editing of MIDI, notation and audio files, and an endless list of other things. Get to know each possibility little by little and build up your “arsenal” gradually. But read. You need to stay up to date and know what's new. In computing, and not only in music, anything from six months ago is generally old.
I've carefully and knowledgeably followed all these steps, but the computer really doesn't work well.
This recording-at-home business is a waste of time. You have the interface, the software and everything properly connected, but it doesn't run well. Your computer stutters, gets stuck, locks up or freezes, takes forever.
Solution. First, you need to check that all your drivers are up to date. Second, that your interface and your software are compatible. For example, Pro Tools software only works with Digidesign hardware. Logic only works on Mac, and CUBASE or Steinberg products work under the ASIO specification. Although most products are now trying to standardize, it's important to make sure there are no compatibility issues.
If you've already checked all this and still have problems, you need to check your computer and its performance. A state-of-the-art program (even in a small version) won't run well on a computer that's a historical relic. The software (on its box) usually lists both compatibility information and the minimum requirements your computer must meet for it to run properly. You need a sufficiently current and fast processor and the minimum required RAM. Better a bit more than strictly necessary in both cases.
My microphone recordings come out terrible. In many cases we're used to hearing the results of recorded acoustic guitars, vocals, etc. on other people's records or recordings. There are two things to keep in mind:
a) First: what you hear on a record has been mixed, EQ'd, filtered and properly processed. You generally aren't hearing a natural sound but a crafted one. It depends on each case. Your recordings need that processing to get results: EQ, compression, general dynamics touch-ups, etc., depending on the case.
b) I often come across people who tell me about the poor quality of their recordings. When I check what mic they're using, I see they're working in their “home” studio with a dynamic mic (or even a toy one they bought one day for chatting online) with poor signal pickup, cheap and shoddy. On top of that, this user usually has no idea what a preamp, a condenser mic, etc. is. Keep in mind that the recordings you hear on things that “sound good” are made with truly specialized mics, more expensive than you can imagine, with high-quality preamps, etc.
Solution: going all-out from the start usually isn't the answer, if only because you need to learn to handle each thing properly. But having a minimum of gear so you don't despair is. So it's very advisable for your new interface to have balanced XLR inputs for connecting condenser mics. It's important (and not necessarily expensive) for that interface to have phantom power (the 9 V current your condenser mic will need to work). It should also have a small (or fantastic, depending on your budget) preamp that lets you adjust the signal strength. That way you can raise or lower the input signal level and set it to an optimal level. In principle, the better the mic, the more natural the sound, the less colored (by false frequencies), and the clearer, crisper and more manageable its signal will be. There are cheap condenser mics. The idea is to get started and, as you get the hang of it, move up according to your needs and desire.
Conclusions
We could go into many, many more concepts. However, this guide aims to help those who have tried but got discouraged by a lack of even minimally motivating results. If that's you, follow these tips. You'll start to see that it does work, and that it's amazing. You'll keep learning and needing to improve your gear more every day. You'll then be ready to learn more about mics, preamps, different types of monitors, specific virtual instruments, mixing, signal processing, mastering, control surfaces, multiple monitor or headphone outputs, talkback and countless other things.
So instead of going over to a friend's house one day and being blown away by how his setup sounds and what he does with his computer, you'll be blown away live in your own home studio.