Want to set up an in-house recording studio but are afraid it’s not feasible?

Setting up a full-featured recording studio with pro quality AV gear and recording equipment is easier and more affordable than you think.  Going to big time recording studios can cost a fortune and if you’ve got some money saved up, you can invest in your own equipment and get the personal studio you’ve always dreamed of.

If you’re an audio engineer reading this, you probably already have access to a wide variety of exceptional mics, preamps, interfaces, monitors, and other recording gear, however do read on, Pacrad is sure to have some cool add-ons for your current setup.

From a start-up to an advanced recording studio setup, there are some basic pieces of AV equipment you need to get started. The beauty of creating your own personal studio setup is you can start small and scale up as you need, based on your requirements and budget.  So whether you need a two-channel interface for recording podcasts or a simple music job, or a complete multi-channel board for full band studio recordings we’ve got you covered.

The Recording Studio Gear Checklist:

Microphones

One of the most important pieces of equipment in any recording studio is a good microphone. It’s important not to compromise here as generally speaking you can get a pro quality mic for a fairly decent price, and to get the best quality recording you have to have a quality microphone. Usually the size of your studio area comes into play when selecting a mic, and if you drop in to visit, or call us before shopping online we can help you pick one.

Audio Mixers

In recording studios the sound engineer/producer controls the console that is responsible for recording, playback and mixing. The console is also more commonly known as the board or mixer. Most non-techies are often baffled by all the buttons, knobs and switches, which control the levels and route signals for each instrument, but to a seasoned sound engineer the mixer is a critical component of the studio, allowing creative manipulation of sound – anything is possible and there are no rules when it comes to sound experimentation! If you’re serious about recording, add a quality audio mixer to your list.

Preamps

One of the most important relationships in your studio setup is the marriage between your microphone and preamp – the hardware that controls audio levels and boosts the mic’s signal for recording. Investing in a pro quality mic plugged through a cheap preamp is not a good idea, just as running a low-grade mic through a quality preamp will not give good results. Just like a happy marriage both need to work hand-in-hand to give the best sound recording possible! PacRad carries a comprehensive range of Radio Design Labs Preamplifiers, one of the leading names in the AV market.

Speakers, Monitors and Amplifiers

The studio speakers (also known as monitors) you choose for your recording studio should be extremely accurate in reproducing raw sound, without adding any distortion or making the music sound better.  An amplifier or amp, gives boost to low-level audio signals and helps to power speakers/monitors. Power amplifiers take low-level signals from a preamp and use electrical power from an AC outlet and can drive single-channel, stereo or multiple speakers all at once. A quality pro amplifier is essential to power studio speakers or monitors resulting in clean, uncolored sound that is distortion free.

Racks and Mounts

In any good studio setup, whether it’s a professional recording studio or a small home studio, organization is key. Especially when you’re dealing with power amps that generate heat, it’s important to make sure you install a solid rack system to house your equipment and ensure effective heat distribution and cooling. Being careless can compromise cable integrity, causing electromagnetic interference and twists and bends that can lead to poor signal transmission and unnecessary headache.

Getting the right studio equipment is critical to achieving the best recording possible. Today, home recording has become easier than ever due to pro quality high-performance AV equipment available at a budget home users can afford.

Here are some more products that might interest you: Interfaces for digital audio workstations, mic stands and mounts, headphones, patchbays, converters and a lot more!

If you’re a home studio novice with pressing questions, give us a call at 800.634.9476 and one of our AV experts will be glad to help – and as always we’re here to help experienced sound engineers and producers with all your pro AV recording studio gear needs!