Thanks to increases in music technology, it’s much more possible for a person today to produce perfectly good sounding recordings from their own home. Thirty years ago, it wasn’t nearly as possible. It was almost impossible because there just wasn’t cheap technology like there is today. The reason so many bands and solo artists could only record in fancy recording studios was simply because those studios were the only ones who could afford the big tape machines, sound boards, microphones, and other things involved in their recording process.

Things have changed. The tables have turned, and they turned against the record companies and fancy recording studios, and towards you, the individual. Not only that, I personally believe we have only begun to imagine the possibilities, and that the future holds even more surprises when it comes to empowering the individual’s ability to write, produce, and sell their music without industry giants.

If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to produce stellar recordings at home, think about this: there are now software programs like Pro Tools that can do the work of a giant mixing board, all on a computer screen. So how do you do it? Where do you start? Here are some things I’ve found helpful when you’re wondering how to produce music at home:

1. Get a Space – Where are you going to record? The space you record in is of great importance. The main thing people forget when they’re wondering how to produce music at home is the simple fact that, yes, it will be at home, but where? And can the space be some place where you can play loudly? Set up sound traps? Have decent space for a bit of natural reverb?

2. What will your means of recording be? – Are you going to get a laptop or computer and get software? Will you get a digital 8-track recorder? Maybe you’ll go old school and use tape of some sort? Find out what you think will work best for your situation. The truth is, there’s no right way, there’s only what you feel most comfortable with and what sounds best to you. Do some research and think a lot before you buy anything.

3. What microphones will you use? – You’ll obviously need microphones to record, so what will you buy? For a beginner’s recording, and because you probably don’t have a giant budget, try to think about what instruments you’ll be recording. There are tons of possibilities out there but don’t be intimidated. Any microphone is better than none at all. Just remember that dynamic microphones are typically used for instruments that have a lot more of a brash sound to them, such as trumpets, electric guitar, or snare drum. A very popular example of a cheap dynamic microphone is the Shure SM-57. Condenser microphones are generally used for things like voice, acoustic guitar, stringed instruments, or cymbals. They generally pick up more high end noise spectrum. Then there are things like bass mics which are designed to pick up low end noise. With a little research you can buy a decent collection of home microphones to begin with.

I hope this helps you produce music at home. Like anything else in life it takes time to learn, but then once you know you'll never have to wonder how to produce music at home again.

Want to learn how to produce professional sounding recordings without a fancy studio? Check out my Music Production Lessons.