How to Setup a Home Recording Studio

• 1). Select a location in your home that is appropriate for recording music. You should consider practical matters in making your selection such as acoustics, availability of electricity, Internet access and space to accommodate visiting musicians.
  
  
• 2). Install digital recording software on your computer. Some recommended options for free software include Audacity, Music Editor Free, Power Sound Editor and Sound Engine. Select a program which includes the features you want and is compatible with your instruments. Audacity is a good choice because it's open source; it works with a variety of formats and has built-in noise-removal options. On the other hand, Sound Engine is easy of use, yet has powerful mastering options. Depending on your level of expertise and recording needs, you'll want to carefully consider your options by exploring the Resources section.
  
  
• 3). Configure the microphone on your computer with your digital recording software. Try testing the microphone to make sure it transfers the audio to your digital recording software.
  
  
• 4
  A 1/8- inch audio cable can connect instruments to your computer.Audio cable image by Yanir Taflev from Fotolia.com
  
  Connect any instruments to your computer using the "Line In" connection on your sound card. Make sure that your digital recording software recognizes the instrument. In some cases, you may need a device to power your instrument before connecting it to the computer.
  
  
• 5
  Drum machines are much cheaper than drummers.male drum player image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Install software for any instruments you don't have. For example, you may wish to install Hydrogen so that you can create drum tracks and add them to your recorded instrumental or audio tracks.
  
  
• 6). Record your instrumental and vocal tracks in your home recording software and save them to your hard disk.
  
  
• 7). Mix all of your various audio tracks using your home recording software. If your recording software doesn't contain the mixing features that you'd like, consult the list of free audio-mixing software in the Resources section.