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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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Solid State Logic Ultraviolet EQ
$699.99The ULTRAVIOLET Stereo Equaliser (UV EQ) brings the renowned minimum phase-shift Violet stereo EQ section from Fusion into a 500-series format. It features two fully parametric SSL mid-band EQs with precision 'Focus...12 Payments of $58.33
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Golden Age Pre-573 Premier 500 Series Classic 107
$399.99The PRE-573 PREMIER is a one-channel vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The microphone and line inpu...8 Payments of $50.00
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Mackie Mix8 8 Channel Compact Mixer
$99.99The Mix8 8-channel compact mixer is reliably rugged, with the proven quality you expect from Mackie, the world leader in compact mixer design. Perfect for straightforward applications with minimal input needs, Mix8 ...6 Payments of $16.67
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Rupert Neve Designs 511 500 Series Microphone Pre
$849.00The Rupert Neve Designs 511 Microphone Preamp is a big, bold preamp with the flexibility of variable Silk/Texture to combine classic sonics with 500-series value. Incorporating the 517's powerful preamp, the 5012's ...12 Payments of $70.75
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TASCAM Model 12 Integrated Production Suite
$599.00Quite possibly the most powerful mixer, DAW controller and direct-to-SD recorder anywhere near this price! For modern creators, songwriters and live players, the TASCAM Model 12 is a compact all-in-one integrated mi...12 Payments of $49.92
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Mackie DL16SE 16-Channel Wireless Digital Rack Mixer
$719.95 - $799.9916-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer Mackie DL16SE brings all the powerful DSP, renowned Onyx+ mic preamps and Built-Like-A-Tank reliability that the DL Series is known for, in a stagebox/rack form factor that conn...12 Payments of $66.67
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dbx 286S Single Channel Mic Preamp Channel Strip Processor
$339.00<strong>The DBX 286S is a full featured Channel Strip Processor that delivers a studio quality microphone/instrument preamplifier and four processors that can be used independently or in any combination.</...8 Payments of $42.38
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PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB 16-Channel Digital Mixer
$999.99PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB 16-Channel Digital Mixer The PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB is a compact powerhouse that delivers stunning live sound and seamless recording capabilities in one small footprint. It’...12 Payments of $83.33
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Zoom LiveTrak L-12 12-Channel Digital Mixer - Recorder
$549.99Compact and lightweight, the LiveTrak L12 is your board that does it all; Mix, Record, Monitor, Playback, and Remix. The L12 combines a digital mixer with 12 total input channels (8 mono and 2 stereo), a multitrack ...8 Payments of $68.75
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On Stage WSR7500 Rack Cabinet
$239.95The On Stage WSR7500 Rack Cabinet is a 12 single space rack stand provides easy access to all of your rack equipment. It can stand alone and be used with or without the included casters, or be paired with the WS75...6 Payments of $39.99
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Heritage Audio 73Jr II 500 Series Class A Microphone Preamp
$949.00The 73JR II is a true 73 style mic preamp in a single 500 series slot, with some added features that will satisfy the most demanding of recording engineers. The 73JR II is an update to the already classic 73JR. Empl...12 Payments of $79.08
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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!