Are you an aspiring singer-songwriter that has a lot of songs to share? Do you like making covers of your favorite songs with your added twist? Part of loving the environment that surrounds us is participating in our community and giving back where we can. In this age where technology is evolving, it is much easier to share them with the help of various social media sites such as Youtube, Spotify, etc. You do not even need a full band for it, you can do it your own with a guitar. 

It will require you to have the right types of equipment in order to get started. Here are the basic essentials that you will need.

1. Computer

Computers nowadays is more of a need than a luxury. Every school and office has one. Almost everyone has a computer whether it is the latest model or an old beater because they are more or less needed for school or for work. In this digital age, the song recording is pretty much all done with a computer that is why it is a lot easier to do it your own home. 

2. Digital Audio Workstation

This is the program used for recording, mixing, and editing. Important considerations for this kind of software are the computer you are using and the style of music you are producing. It is a good tool for you to develop more of your techniques in playing the guitar.

3. Audio Interface

This is the device used to record vocals or instruments via a microphone or with the instruments directly connected. It is an external sound processor that captures the analog signal and converts it to a digital signal for the computer to work with.

4. Studio Microphone

If you’re just getting started, don’t get swept up in the microphone craze that seems to control every recording engineer out there. You may need more as you become more skilled, or if you have a particularly large band to cut to digital tape, but as you are getting started one or two is enough. To achieve better quality recordings, it would be best to have two different microphones for your vocal and your guitar so that you can edit each track separately.

5. Studio Headphones

You might be thinking that the headphones that come with your smartphone would be enough to get the job done. We all wish that were the case, but unfortunately, it’s usually wrong. Unlike common headphones that apply equalization to the sounds they produce, studio headphones are delivering sounds that are more true to what is actually present in the recording. This is because it is used for both monitoring and mixing, and in order to for you to develop and improve your sound and technique in your recordings, you will need to hear they really sound before any processing.

6. Studio Monitors

Just like the studio headphones, monitors deliver a flat frequency response. It is also for the same reason, to hear the original mix so that you can make any adjustments as necessary.

There are also other pieces of equipment that you might want to add to your recording studio. Here are some examples:

1. XLR Cables – These are the standard style of cables that you will need. As time passes, you’re probably going to need more and more. They have a variety of different uses in the studio, and while quality has improved across the board, you want to make sure you’re using decent cables.
2. Microphone Stands – This is a definite must in recording for as we know, a microphone cannot stand alone by itself. It’s one thing if you are a lead singer belting it out, but most band members are musicians that need to focus on holding and playing their instruments. When you are starting, an inexpensive stand is more than decent enough for you.
3. Pop Filter – This is the mesh screen covering a microphone. It filters the low-frequency blasts of air called “popping” that happens whenever a “p” or a “b” is pronounced.