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Empirical Labs EL7x Fatso Stereo Audio Processor
$2,449.00The Fatso is a full analog tape simulator and optimizer with classic knee compression. The Fatso model EL7x now features a new compressor ratio, enhanced interface and display functions and overall reliability. ...12 Payments of $204.08
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Empirical Labs ELP Pump Single Channel 500 Series Compressor Vertical
$699.00Are you looking for a go-to compression processor that won’t let you down? Look no further than the Empirical Labs ELP PUMP 500 Series Compressor. Packaging together decades of audio engineering innovations, this si...12 Payments of $58.25
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Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor
$1,549.00 - $3,049.00Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is more than just a compressor; it's a legend in the studio world. Born from a love for classic compressors like the 1176 and LA-2A, the ...12 Payments of $129.08
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Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Compressor With British Mod
$1,799.00The Distressor is the product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favor...12 Payments of $149.92
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Empirical Labs EL8X-S Distressor British Mod Stereo Pair
$3,499.00Experience the unmatched power of the Empirical Labs EL8X-S Distressor Stereo Pair. Quite possibly the most desirable pieces of professional audio gear ever created, these integrated units are designed specifically ...12 Payments of $250.00
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Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Digitally Controlled Mic Pre And Compresser
$1,699.00When the engineering team at Empirical Labs sets out to build a microphone preamp, you can be sure it’ll deliver spectacular sound, be effortless to work, and will provide features unlike any other device in its cla...12 Payments of $141.58
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Empiical Labs EL8XXX 30th Anniversary Distressor
$1,996.00The EL8-XXX marks 30 years of one of the most widely-used compressors of all time - the Empirical Labs Distressor! The 30th Anniversary Distressor packs more color than ever with its Triad HS-56 input tran...12 Payments of $166.33
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Recording
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Recording Equipment
How to Build a Recording Studio
The one thing that unites all musicians is recording. Every musician will want to record themselves at one point or another and knowing the basics of recording gear will help you capture your performance. Whether you are just practicing and wanting to monitor your progress, or recording your music to give to your fans, there are many different recording options. You will have to dive into the basics of recording equipment to understand how to record at home.
Gone are the days when musicians needed to save up in order to book time at a professional recording studio. Due to the advances in technology and price reduction in home recording equipment, using a computer is now the most popular way to record your music at home. You don’t have to be an expert in every brand of audio interface to know that your choice has the potential to achieve a quality that is equal to (or even greater than) CDs!
American Music Supply has many great recording packages that will furnish you with everything you need to start making quality recordings at home. Maybe you already have an audio interface but are looking to purchase your first recording microphone. If this is the case, consider a large diaphragm condenser microphone. They tend to have a frequency response that best compliments the human voice and acoustic guitar as well.
The DAW - The Band and Studio in a Box
Once your signal enters your computer it must be captured using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), a specific type of Music Production Software. Many audio interfaces come with an intro version of DAW recording software, which is enough to capture a quality recording. There are many different recording software options, each of them being able to accomplish the same thing. A good rule of thumb for those new to recording is to start with DAW software that your friends and colleagues use. This way if you have questions, you have an experienced person to talk with. All DAW platforms basically do the same things, but the work flow and layout differs in each.
After recording your tracks, you will want to add time-based effects such as reverb and delay, and dynamics processing such as compression. These effects will help your tracks sit comfortably in the mix and give depth to your recordings. A general rule of thumb is that less is more, so be sure to take the time to really use your ears. Recording is part art and part science and know that regardless of technique, if it sounds good, it is!
Recording your signal is only one part of the process. You’ll also need to monitor the output. Studio monitors and professional studio headphones will help you properly mix your recordings. Studio monitors are designed with a flat response, which means they don’t color the sound. This means that when you use studio monitors, your mix will properly translate to other speakers.
You now have your introductory list for recording equipment. An audio interface, microphones, microphone cables, headphones, and studio monitors are at the top of your list. Your recording studio equipment list will most certainly grow over time. Like any art form, practice makes perfect. Some engineers spend many years perfecting their craft. Just as you took the time to learn to play your instrument, recognize you will need to practice the craft of recording to achieve the sound you're after!