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Cloudlifter Mini CL-25 Mic Activator
$149.00Offering the same award-winning circuitry and performance specs as the original, patented Cloudlifter CL-1, the Mini CL-25 is a custom engineering collaboration with Neutrik. The unit’s ultra-compact in-line design ...6 Payments of $24.83
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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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IK Multimedia iLoud Sub Compact Powered Subwoofer
$599.99Perfect studio sound — from the bottom up iLoud Sub redefines what a studio subwoofer can be, delivering deep, accurate, and impeccably controlled low-end performance in the smallest footprint on the market, whi...12 Payments of $50.00
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NUX Axon 3 Studio Reference Monitors
$249.00A/B ROLL is your Home "ABBEY ROAD" Studio Your Creative Companion Step onto the next level of recording overdub. The NUX A/B ROLL Octave & Loop pedal is more than just a looper – it’s a musical ode...6 Payments of $41.50
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Peavey Unity 4 Compact USB Digital Mixer
$399.99The Unity 4 Digital Mixer brings microphones, instruments, and music together in a compact, easy-to-use format for live sound, recording, streaming, and podcasting. Designed for creators and performers who need clea...8 Payments of $50.00
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Peavey Unity 6 Compact USB Digital Mixer
$449.99The Unity 6 Digital Mixer offers added flexibility and control for live sound, recording, streaming, and podcasting applications. Featuring USB-C computer audio, Bluetooth input, phantom power, and studio-quality EQ...8 Payments of $56.25
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Peavey Unity 8 Compact USB Digital Mixer
$424.95 - $499.99The Unity 8 Digital Mixer is designed for expanded live sound and production needs, combining USB-C computer audio, Bluetooth input, phantom power, and studio-quality EQ and effects with built-in feedback suppressio...8 Payments of $62.50
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PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 16R Digital Rack Mixer
$999.99The 18-channel StudioLive SE 16R packs the power of a large-format digital mixer into a sleek rackmount design. Equipped with 16 fully recallable XMAX-R mic preamps and powered by the PreSonus FLEX DSP Engine, it de...12 Payments of $83.33
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PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 24R Digital Rack Mixer
$1,299.99The 40-channel StudioLive SE 24R delivers the power and flexibility of a large-format digital console in a rugged rackmount mixer. With 24 recallable XMAX-R mic preamps and advanced DSP powered by the PreSonus FLEX ...12 Payments of $108.33
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PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE 32R Digital Rack Mixer
$1,599.99Designed for large-scale productions, the StudioLive SE 32R combines a 40-channel processing engine with 32 recallable XMAX-R mic preamps in a compact rackmount mixer. Powered by the PreSonus FLEX DSP Engine, every ...12 Payments of $133.33
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Rupert Neve Designs 5046 OptoFET Compressor
$1,999.00The OptoFET is a highly versatile analog compressor & wave shaper, combining a newly-designed FET compression circuit with an optimized Optical compression circuit into a single rack space. There are two primary...12 Payments of $166.58
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Rode RODECaster Video Core Console
$599.00The RØDECaster Video Core is an innovative all‑in‑one console for video and audio production, delivering a complete solution for producing professional content. Designed for software‑based control or as part of a mo...12 Payments of $49.92
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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!