1. Build Your Own Recording Studio

2. So What Do I Need? Computer Audio Interface Speakers (Monitors)
MIDI Controller
Microphone

3. Computer Mac or PC Laptop or Desktop
Some software is Mac only… Some is PC only but most are “Cross Platform”
Doesn’t need to be “top spec” but will have to be able to keep up. XP or above is recommended.

4. Audio Interface Heart of the Studio
Any sound going in or out of the computer must pass through this!
Powered by the computer… Very good for “on location” recording.
Normally have “Phantom Power” – Power a condenser microphone (Vocal mic)
Can plug in Jack or XLR connections

5. Speakers (Monitors) Connect to the Audio Interface
Different to regular speakers because they are not enhanced in any way to make the recordings sound better.
They are what is known as “truth” speakers. When mixing your song, you get to hear exactly what is going on rather than what the monitors make you believe.
Often sold as singles rather than pairs.

6. MIDI Controller
Doesn’t produce any sounds – Simply sends MIDI signals (data) to the software
Typically they are 25, 49 or 61 key – Controls on the keyboard allow you to access all octaves.
MIDI can be used to control anything from music to lights to water features and fireworks.
You get different grades of MIDI controllers. You can get basic “Key Only” or sophisticated ones with lots of other knobs to control other parameters of the software.

7. MIDI Controller
Doesn’t produce any sounds – Simply sends MIDI signals (data) to the software
Typically they are 25, 49 or 61 key – Controls on the keyboard allow you to access all octaves.
MIDI can be used to control anything from music to lights to water features and fireworks.
You get different grades of MIDI controllers. You can get basic “Key Only” or sophisticated ones with lots of other knobs to control other parameters of the software.

8. Microphone
Condenser
There are 2 main types of microphones – Condenser & Dynamic.
Condensers are good for recording vocals for a very clean cut.
Dynamics are typically used on stage rather than studio but are still used for some recording applications like drums.
Condenser Microphones are very sensitive and can clearly pick up quite soft sounds in room even if they are not close to the mic!
Dynamic Microphones are very robust are designed to let “rock stars” throw them around on stage.
When using a dynamic microphone you must be very close to it so it can pick up the sound.
Dynamic

9. So How Does it all Connect???

10. So How Does it all Connect???

11. So How Does it all Connect???

12. So How Does it all Connect???

13. So How Does it all Connect???

14. So How Does it all Connect???

15. Software! Mac Only Cross Platform PC Only
Sequencing Software is also known as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Some DAW’s are MAC only – Some PC only, but most are “Cross Platform”
All do the same thing but in different ways
All of the software above has been used to make chart music!

16. Cubase
Logic
Reason

17. The DAW’s take real life components and make them digital.
Makes it better
Cannot break!
Can be updated!
Cheaper
Easier to use
Doesn’t take up the room!

19. Front
Back
Software is extremely sophisticated in Just because you are working in a state of the art studio doesn’t mean you will get better recordings!

20. Contact Me Chris Nicol chris@normans.co.uk 08000 281415
Skype: Christopher.Nicol79