Features
Melody makers
Music production has experienced a radical transformation in Computer Shopper's lifetime. Twenty years ago, the Atari ST unlocked the door to a brave new world of computer-based home studio production. In 2007, the computer hardware and software found in home studios is often the same kit that's being used by some of the biggest names in the music industry.
So how much do you have to spend to get a studio setup that can make release-quality music? The answer depends on the style of music you want to record and the instruments you want to use. Studio equipment is more affordable than ever, but there are numerous hidden costs that can quickly mount up.
Everyone will have their own specific needs, but we have identified three typical musicians and put together the best budget-conscious package for each one. You might find that your requirements straddle more than one of the examples discussed here, so feel free to mix and match as necessary.
Whether you're planning on making glitchy techno, stadium rock or Balinese gamelan, we'll help you kit yourself out to record it to the highest standard without spending a fortune. In next month's issue, after you've had time to flex your credit card, we'll follow it up with a feature on how to use your new recording studio.
Get the basics right
Our shopping lists assume that you already have a suitable PC. The latest generation of software typically requires Windows XP (with Vista support beginning to emerge), a 1.5GHz processor
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The hard disk is another key component. Multitrack audio recording creates large files - a four-minute song comprising 24 tracks of audio will consume 1.5GB disk space, and more if you've recorded lots of alternative takes. Sample libraries and virtual instrument installations can consume many gigabytes of space, too. Hard disk performance can be an issue when streaming lots of simultaneous tracks and samples, so it's often a good idea to buy a separate hard disk just for audio recordings. Internal drives are fastest and cheapest. Samsung's 500GB Serial ATA drive costs £71 including VAT.
PC to Recording Studio
There are four key ingredients for turning a normal PC into a recording studio: a sound card or external audio interface, software, speakers and (optionally) microphones. Most PCs come with sound integrated into the motherboard, and although quality has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, the types of connections they provide and the software drivers they use aren't ideal for music production. Most music applications work best with ASIO drivers, which are available for all the sound cards we've recommended in the case studies (all prices are taken from www.turnkey.co.uk and include VAT).
Previously, sound cards predominantly used the PCI interface. This interface is now being phased out, but few sound cards that use the newer interface - PCI Express - are currently available. Therefore, USB and FireWire audio interfaces are better bets. These have the added advantage of being easy to move between different PCs, and they often include hardware controls and displays, which are much easier to use than software utilities.
You'll also need music-production software. There are lots of fine examples, from free applications bundled with audio interfaces to professional suites costing hundreds of pounds; see our recommendations in the case studies.
