Equipping Your Home Studio

Computer

Newer: Mac Pro (desktop) or Mac Book (laptop). Older: Macintosh G5 or Powerbook G4.

Be aware that newer Macs are "Intel" based and require compatible versions of software. Check with your software companies to make sure you can run on the newer Macs. Most music software is now "Universal Binary" which means they are indeed compatible.

You can buy newer computers directly from Apple. Make sure you go to the Education Store and take advantage of student discounts. The Apple Store will give you the same prices. I also like the Mac Store, which will give you the education discount.

Apple will let you configure your own system. I would advise getting a superdrive so you can burn DVD's. If you have high speed DSL or cable, you don't need the modem. If you are getting a Powerbook, make sure to get the Airport card.

I prefer a desktop rather than a laptop for a studio, but the laptop has the advantage of portability. A laptop will handle most audio recording tasks without trouble. If you are building a project studio around this computer, I would not advise getting an iBook or iMac, as they will be challenged by processor intensive jobs.

If you are not building a project studio around your computer, but simply want to do some simple audio or sequencing tasks, a newer iMac or iBook will probably be OK.

Important: if you are buying from Apple, configure your system with the smallest hard drive and least amount of memory (RAM) that they have available--you can get those much cheaper elsewhere.

People have asked about the new Mac Mini. Bear these things in mind. First, the RAM maxes out at 1 GB, and you can't replace it yourself without voiding the warranty. Second, the hard drive runs at too slow a speed for audio--you want a drive that runs at at least 5400 rpm, and 7200 rpm is best. It is not really that much of a bargain anway, since you will need to add the RAM and other peripherals. However it is functional, and is nice and small.

RAM/Memory

Get as much as you can afford, at least 2 GB or more.

Make absolutely sure you are getting the RAM that's correct for your machine. Also be aware that newer Macs often require you buy RAM in pairs. You can probably install the RAM yourself.

RAM bought from Apple is much more expensive than RAM purchased from a reliable third-party. I buy RAM from Other World Computing. My contact there is Chris at extension 159.

Another good place to locate RAM is ramseeker.com.

Hard Drive

It is a good idea to run your applications and ssystem from your main internal drive, and keep your audio files and samples on one or more additional drives.

You can add internal drives without too much trouble. Newer Macs will hold multiple internal drives.

External drives are also fine. If you want to use one for audio, make sure it is firewire compatible. A USB drive is OK for storage.

In any case, make sure any additional drives run at 7200 rpm.

You can drives from many sources, but I recommend a reputable dealer like Other World Computing.

See Backup below.

Audio Interface

I am partial to equipment by Mark of the Unicorn. They make several great audio interfaces, including a 2408 MK3 or the new Traveler.

The 2408 is a PCI card, and installs directly into your computer--you can do it yourself with a screwdriver. You might prefer a Firewire card like the MOTU 896 or the new Traveler, which requires no installation. I prefer a PCI card because I think it is more stable, but the Firewire devices work fine, too, and are the only option with a laptop.

There are less expensive options. You might check with M-Audio.

If you want to use Pro Tools, you will need a Digidesign audio interface, like an Mbox, a 001, or a 002. Digidesign gear is really stable as long as you are using Pro Tools, but it may be tricky to configure for use with other sequencers.

Mixing Board

Get an analog mixing board with at least 16 inputs, and that has phantom power. I like equipment by Mackie, including the 1604 VLZ Pro.

You might also choose a digital board with automation and effects. A good choice might be the Digital 8 Bus from Mackie, but there are other less expensive options.

Some audio interfaces have pre-amps and phantom power which will allow you to plug in microphones, including condensor microphones. You may also choose to use an external hardware pre-amp.

There are people who don't use mixers at all, who have their whole setup "in the computer." I find it handy to have a mixer of some kind, if only for monitoring hardware and mic inputs.

Speakers

Get good speakers if you can afford them. Get powered speakers, so you don't have to buy a separate amp. Consider speakers by Event Electronics, like the The 20/20bas™ Biamplified Monitor System.

Microphone

Invest in a decent, large diaphragm condensor mic, like the 4040 from Audio Teknika. There are many other options to choose from, you might head down to Guitar Center and try out a few.

Pre-Amp

You should have one good pre-amp to set up your mic chain. A good inexpensive one is the Really Good Pre-Amp made by FMR Audio--they also make a good cheap compressor.

Effects Processor

It's good to have a good FX processor/reverb unit. A great, inexpensive unit is the MPX110, made by Lexicon.

Dynamics Processor

You should have a good stereo compressor. Check out the Really Nice Compressor by FMR Audio or the DBX166.

Headphones, Headphone Amp

I would recommend two good sets of reference headphones. To drive them via a send from your mixing board, get a headphone amp from Rane.

Sequencing Software

Did I mention I was partial to Mark of the Unicorn? I would recommend Digital Performer. The most recent version is DP4.5.

If you are on a PC, you will have to use Cubase or Cakewalk. I recommend Cubase since it works on both PC and Mac. If you are on a Mac, you might also consider Logic. There are some others, but these are the big 4.

I would steer clear of Garageband. You will find it limiting almost immediately.

Music Notation Software

I recommend Finale for two reasons: 1) it is an industry standard, and 2) it will nearly anything you want it to if you are patient. The old joke about Finale is "only the first ten years are hard." Finale 2007 is more user friendly than past versions, and worth learning.

The other option is Sibelius, which many users really like. It is considered easier and more intuitive than Finale, and version 4 is quite powerful. It also comes with a good set of sounds for playback.

Keyboard/Sound Module

There are a zillion of these to choose from, and your choice will depend on budget, space, and whether you are a keyboard player or not. Make sure whatever you get is General Midi compatible. You do not need bells and whistles like on-board sequencing or a sampling option, because you do those with your computer.

A place to start would be generally any product by Korg. The Triton is an especially nice all around unit.

If you only need a small keyboard controller, I like the Edirol PCR-30.

Backing Up

As your files get big, and your projects more important, you will want to start offloading files, or backing files up in case your hard drive crashes.

These days, the simplest way to do so is to simply burn backup CD (700 mb) or DVD (4 bg).

You can also acquire an external hard drive, inside a firewire hard drive enclosure, and keep it hooked up to your computer via the firewire port. You can get both from Other World Computing.

For incremental backup, which automatically backs up any files that have changed, consider Retrospect.

Miscellaneous

You will need a lot of cabling, various kinds of adhesive tape, pens for labeling. You may want a 4 to 8 unit rack, and at least one 48-hole half-normalling patchbay to go in it. You will need at least one mic stand with a boom--get something sturdy. You may want to treat your studio walls with some acoustic materials; Auralex has some options.

How to purchase

It is always a good idea to have a relationship with local suppliers. In the Portland area, music stores like Guitar Center, Portland Music, Brownell Sound, and Apple Music give consistently good service. Click here for a list of other music stores in this area.

You should always check prices with Mike Klinger at MIDI Workshop. He doesn't carry everything, but the prices on what he does carry are often the best available for students.

Another source of equipment and software at academic prices is Academic Superstore. There customer service is sometimes spotty, but their prices are often low.

For music equipment catalogue sales, contact Sweetwater. They give aggressively good service, and one can ask questions both simple and complex. Their prices are competitive.

For Apple products, it doesn't hurt to check in with The Computer Store. Often their prices are competitive with the catalogues, and you don't pay shipping. For example, they have best price I've found for Digital Performer, under $300.

For music software, there no reason not to buy directly from the manufacturer unless you find it less expensively somewhere else.

Lastly, pay a visit to Fry's Electronics in Wilsonville sometime, and if you can stand the overload and spotty service, it's a great place to find both selection and bargains in arcane computer gear and software.

Ebay? Sure. I have bought several things there with generally good luck. Check and re-check to make sure you are getting what you really want, and be aware you are buying something that someone else has decided they don't want any more. Locally, you can also check Craigslist

Repair

No place better locally than Inner Sound. Say hi to Jay if you pay them a visit.