Nowadays, many producers are finding themselves at home, wanting to record music with no means to express their creativity. For those of us who don’t have money to splurge, recording and production equipment can be hard to come by. However, there is a solution for music enthusiasts on a recording budget. Here are five recording hacks for you to make music without breaking the bank.
1. DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
Avid Pro Tools is known as the industry standard, but unfortunately, some of us don’t have industry-standard money. Luckily, you can still access some of the same recording software programs found in Studio 300 for next to nothing. If you happen to own one of many Apple products such as a MacBook or iPhone, you’ll be happy to know that GarageBand comes pre-installed on your device. You can also download Audacity, a free, open-source digital audio editor and recording application software. Additionally, some companies offer free basic versions of their software, such as Studio One 4 Prime from PreSonus.
2. Midi Keydboards
You don’t necessarily need to go out and purchase a 49-key MIDI controller for an insane amount of money. For half the price, you can buy a smaller, portable 25-key controller. If you really want to be frugal, some programs like GarageBand include a virtual MIDI keyboard that you can control with the computer sitting right in front of you.
3. Microphones
As I said earlier, sometimes the solution is right in front of you. If you’re one of the few lucky people that own a laptop, it means that you also have access to a built-in microphone. It may not be the best quality, but it’s already included with your device. Although, if you want to spend a little on getting a microphone, you might want to consider a USB microphone for Mac and PC computers, which usually go for a fair price.
4. Monitors
Now you probably think I am going to say, “If you don’t have monitors, just use the tiny built-in speaker on your laptop or computer.” But you would be wrong. Many TV viewers who appreciate a little extra power in their audio tend to have a soundbar. If that soundbar happens to have a Bluetooth or 3.5mm AUX connection, well, there you have it. You can just pair your soundbar with the Bluetooth or connect the AUX to the headphone jack on your computer. On the other hand, if you truly have your heart set on owning a pair of monitors, but don’t want to put a hole in your wallet, keep in mind that most brands offer smaller monitors at a low cost.
5. Acoustical Treatment
Not many of us have the privilege of owning our own sound booths—or even being able to afford professional acoustic treatment for that matter. Nevertheless, there are a few techniques that can help you MacGyver yourself out of many acoustic situations. For example, all you need to DIY an instant pop filter is a wire hanger and a silk stocking. Remember all those egg cartons you always throw in the garbage? They can come in handy when trying to reduce distinct echoes and sound reflections. Just tape them to walls in the room where you’re recording. Finally, put those old rugs and blankets sitting in the closet to good use by hanging them from the wall. They will help with any reflections in the room that are causing a build-up of frequencies.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Five home recording hacks that will hopefully help your recordings have a more professional sound. You can always switch it up a little and experiment with each one to see what works best for you.