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Focusrite ISA One Microphone Preamp
$699.99The Focusrite ISA One Microphone Preamp provides Focusrite's prestigious ISA transformer-based pre-amp in a rugged and portable chassis, at a groundbreaking price. ISA One features the classic vintage micropho...12 Payments of $58.33
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Zoom H1Essential Handy Recorder
$109.99The Zoom H1Essential is the world’s easiest recorder. With the push of a button the H1essential captures perfect audio for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and content creators. Simply hit record and discover the ...6 Payments of $18.33
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Mackie 1642VLZ4 4 Bus Mixer
$719.95 - $799.99With 10 Mackie Onyx mic preamps, a 4-bus design, 16 total channels and professional reliability, the Mackie 1642VLZ4 4 Bus Mixer  is perfect for bands, clubs and more! From every input to every output, the 1642VLZ4...12 Payments of $66.67
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dbx 231S Dual Channel 31 Band 1/3 Octave Graphic Equalizer
$335.00The DBX 231S Dual 31-Band Graphic Equalizer meets the needs of the most demanding sound reinforcement environments, while offering the simplicity of straightforward controls. When the pros need an EQ, they turn to...8 Payments of $41.88
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- Minor Blemish
PreSonus StudioLive AR12c 12-Channel Hybrid Digital Analog USB Mixer
$445.95A musician’s mixer: lightweight, versatile, feature-rich, and packed with analog connections and digital tools, yet easy to learn and use. The StudioLive AR12c USB-C 12-channel hybrid mixers make it simple to mix an...8 Payments of $55.74
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PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT 8" Studio Subwoofer With Bluetooth
$209.99The surprisingly loud PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT 8" Studio Subwoofer packs 100 watts of power and provides sonic clarity that reaches down to an impressive 30 Hz. It's perfect for producing better mixes—you'll feel the b...6 Payments of $35.00
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Warm Audio WA76-D2 Two Channel Discrete Compressor
$1,199.00The WA76-D2 accurately reproduces 2-channels of one of the fastest and most loved studio compressors of all time known for its generous headroom, ultra-fast dynamic control, and rich analog tone. Using premium and c...12 Payments of $99.92
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Solid State Logic PureDrive Quad 4 Channel Mic Pre
$1,699.99PURE DRIVE QUAD continues the Origin legacy into rack format, delivering four microphone preamps with ORIGIN’s renowned PURE and DRIVE modes. However, it takes it further, adding a new ‘Asymmetric’ DRIVE, advanced d...12 Payments of $141.67
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Audient EVO SP8 8-Channel Microphone Preamp
$609.95 - $679.99The EVO SP8 analogue mic preamp is designed to deliver the most accurate, clean and true to source version of your audio, no matter what you’re recording. Eight sonically stunning EVO preamps will effortlessly level...12 Payments of $56.67
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Zoom H5 Studio Handy Recorder
$349.99Save $20 Today! Price Was $369.99!The Zoom H5studio handy recorder gives you studio quality sound, anywhere you go. Â Your Best Work Starts Here The H5studio was made for seamless and professional production. Creators can record flawless ...8 Payments of $43.75
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Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor
$1,549.00Empirical 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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Primacoustic London 10 Studio Room Kit
$899.99The Primacoustic London 10 Studio Room Kit is an all in one solution for those who want to optimize their studio for mixing, editing and playback. Designed for rooms of about 100 sq ft (9.3 sq m), the London 10 ki...12 Payments of $75.00
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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!