A professional recording studio is the perfect place to record high-quality music. But, with the right tips, you can get the same results recording music from home, and a professional package that you can be proud of. Here are the key pointers to give you an edge as you start on your recording journey.
Creating Your Perfect Recording Environment
Because sound is not constrained and travels in all directions, you want to reduce these sound waves bouncing off everything and becoming chaotic. All of this will collect in your microphone, distorting your music. Recording studios have acoustic equipment to reduce sound reflection. At home, you will have to use a few hints to reduce the problem.
Sound reflects off hard surfaces such as tables, wooden chairs, steel, and walls. Mute this with ultra-soft furnishings such as very thick curtains, even blackout curtains with a second layer (with the windows to your studio closed). Soft carpeting will prevent the sound from reflecting off the surface of the flooring. Add rugs to cushion areas where there is no carpet. Place big cushions as shock absorbers in the corners of the room. You can also use heavy blankets to drape over tables and other furniture with hard surfaces.
Make sure you cover the area behind where you are positioned. Angle yourself to walls to deflect sound coming back to you.
Eliminate Background Noise
A dynamic cardioid microphone does not pick up sound from the back and is focused on the sound facing it. Again, your position is important, and you probably want to take the time to find the best spot in your studio to record from.
Eliminate background noises by choosing the time of day or night when there is relative silence. For example, while the house is being vacuumed or during rush hour traffic are not good times to record your music. Agree on a time when the people you live with will keep noise levels down.
Switch off all electrical equipment that makes white noise: fans, fridges, and computers.
Choose Equipment Carefully
Ideally, you would have access to similar equipment to a professional studio to ensure the best quality for your recording. The advantage of an Auto Tune Unlimited Subscription Plan is that you have everything you need, and all plugins are free with your continued subscription.
The three most essential items you need are the right microphone, an audio interface, and headphones.
Recording Techniques
Position the mic 12 inches from the sound. Too close and you will magnify the bass. Get a pop filter that clips to the mic stand and place it in front of the microphone to mute “b” and “p” vocalizations. Acoustic guitars can be too loud unless you angle them correctly. The mic should be in line with the 12th fret. Avoid live acoustic drums and rather use software for this instrument as you will get a better mix. Set your recording level for 12 DB as if it is up too high the recording will be compromised.
By following these tips, you will be able to produce professional recordings without needing to rent out a studio.
