For those of you just choosing (or expanding) you studio tools or workstation, this can be a daunting task. However, the links below should act as great aids and starting points for creating a place where you can be creative and compose effectively.
Home Studio References
Graduated Studio Setups
① Basic Setup
A: A computer with reasonable processing power is a requirement when working with audio. Running audio and video simultaneously can be even more taxing a computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit). Current desktop systems run on anywhere from four to twelve cores to accommodate the processing load.
B: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Keyboards/controllers emerged in the eighties and have remained an important composing and production tool. The keayboard triggers software instruments and samples stored on the computer.
C: Audio interfaces transfer the MIDI/audio signal from the keyboard, microphone, etc. via USB, Firewire, or Thunderbolt to the computer.
D: Computer Monitor(s). See below for dual-screen monitoring.
E: DAW—or Digital Audio Workstation—is the term used to describe software platforms used by composers and producers for programming, recording, mixing and editing. Logic Pro, Cubase, and Digital Performer (DP) are used most widely by professional composers. Few composers sequence on Pro Tools, as the software is known more for its audio editing features. Other DAWs include Ableton, FL Studio, Reaper, Reason, and Sonar.
F: Reference monitors are speakers used specially for audio production/editing. Good monitors provide an accurate or “flat” representation of what your mix sounds like so you can make the appropriate edits. Standard stereo speakers have the tendency to emphasize certain frequencies.
② Intermediate Setup
A: See above.
B: Weighted and touch-sensitive keyboard controllers allow for dynamic graduation, and are preferred for greater playability.
C: See above.
D1, D2: Dual screen monitoring is the preferred method for working with audio and video. Many composers prefer to have an arrange window open on one screen, and a piano roll or digital mixer open in another. In studios running multiple computers for video playback, a third monitor may be added for video (see the Author’s Studio).
E: Reference monitors are speakers used especially for audio production/editing. Good monitors provide an accurate picture of what your mix sounds like so you can make the appropriate edits. It’s not advisable to edit on stereo speakers, as certain frequencies are often emphasized in playback.
F: See above.
- Kontakt and Maschine by Native Instruments
- Best Service Engine
- Nuance by New Sonic Arts
- M-Tron by G-Force
- G-Player by Soundlib (for Gigasamples)