5 answers
Cypress
Student
Santa Rosa, California
1
Question
Updated
760 views
How do you record and publish music cost effectively with good sound quality?
Tips on recording and places to do so
5 answers
Dallas Gaines
Owner
6
Answers
Orange, California
Updated
Dallas’s Answer
It’s really easy to record at home. I recorded more than 20 songs in 7 months in my own bedroom. I taught myself how to do this by watching YouTube tutorials and asking questions of those around me who are knowledgeable on the subject. I’ll list my equipment and give a quick explanation for each:
1. HP laptop w/ i7 core (this processor is necessary for the speed to run Avid Pro Tools which is my recording software).
2. Avid Pro Tools subscription is $300 a year. (This is one of the more popular recording software and I knew there were a lot of YouTube tutorials available).
3. Focusrite Scarlett 2x2 (this is a preamp that plugs into my laptop via a usb cable, all instruments used are run through this preamp so that Pro Tools can record and process this data).
4. Instruments- 1965 Fender Mustang (custom)
Gibson ES335 dot reissue (1995 reissue of the classic 1965 edition) [these 2 guitars were willed to my by my grandfather and are extremely valuable, I don’t expect many people to have gear like that]
Yamaha RM1X digital sequencer (a great MIDI production tool for everything from beats to strings to strange and really far out sounds)[I bought this brand new in 1999 for about $800, today I imagine you can get one for around $100 -$200. I think it matches up well in the current year because of its diversity, hundreds of sounds and effects to change those sounds]
Roland TD-17VK2 electronic drums (easy to set up, 50 preset kits and room for 50 more custom kits, this has turned out to be a really great tool as it is not loud like an analog drum kit. That suited my living situation plus I enjoy a diversity of sound)[I paid about $450 for these on Sweetwater.com, I got lucky and found a sale. I started practicing the drums seriously a couple years ago and for a mid level e-kit these have been fantastic and have benefited my recordings great].
1966 Wollensach microphone. (I’ve only used this to record vocals, John Lennon popularized this mic, because of its age it has a bit of a classic tin can sound, with compression applied correctly in the final mix this mic puts out a really cool sound and has a reel to reel tape quality to it). [I paid $50 for this on Reverb.com, most of my music is instrumental so I didn’t feel a real need to spend a lot on a mic].
Polytone Mini-Brute 16” solid state guitar amplifier. (This is a great little amp and has a decent amount of power, and is more workable in smaller spaces. I’ve really enjoyed the tones I get out of this amp). [this was also willed to me and I don’t know its value].
The most daunting aspect of recording my own music was learning a recording program, as I said I was already aware that there were a lot of tutorials on YouTube. Rarely did I watch an entire video some can be lengthy and drawn out. I figured out what I need know to get started, things like setting up input and output before recording, fades, breaks in tracks, and eventually principals of audio mixing and understanding sound frequencies and how they apply to different instruments in the mix, understanding compression is another thing you will need in order to bring out some qualities of an instrument or a track or to keep them at a certain level.
If you can get your hands on vintage equipment it will help your sound tremendously, something as simple as my Wollensach microphone, it’s old but still affordable has been a great benefit to my sound. My guitars are considered vintage and I rarely run them through an amp and mic the amp but instead plug them straight into my Focusrite preamp because they sound so great.
1. HP laptop w/ i7 core (this processor is necessary for the speed to run Avid Pro Tools which is my recording software).
2. Avid Pro Tools subscription is $300 a year. (This is one of the more popular recording software and I knew there were a lot of YouTube tutorials available).
3. Focusrite Scarlett 2x2 (this is a preamp that plugs into my laptop via a usb cable, all instruments used are run through this preamp so that Pro Tools can record and process this data).
4. Instruments- 1965 Fender Mustang (custom)
Gibson ES335 dot reissue (1995 reissue of the classic 1965 edition) [these 2 guitars were willed to my by my grandfather and are extremely valuable, I don’t expect many people to have gear like that]
Yamaha RM1X digital sequencer (a great MIDI production tool for everything from beats to strings to strange and really far out sounds)[I bought this brand new in 1999 for about $800, today I imagine you can get one for around $100 -$200. I think it matches up well in the current year because of its diversity, hundreds of sounds and effects to change those sounds]
Roland TD-17VK2 electronic drums (easy to set up, 50 preset kits and room for 50 more custom kits, this has turned out to be a really great tool as it is not loud like an analog drum kit. That suited my living situation plus I enjoy a diversity of sound)[I paid about $450 for these on Sweetwater.com, I got lucky and found a sale. I started practicing the drums seriously a couple years ago and for a mid level e-kit these have been fantastic and have benefited my recordings great].
1966 Wollensach microphone. (I’ve only used this to record vocals, John Lennon popularized this mic, because of its age it has a bit of a classic tin can sound, with compression applied correctly in the final mix this mic puts out a really cool sound and has a reel to reel tape quality to it). [I paid $50 for this on Reverb.com, most of my music is instrumental so I didn’t feel a real need to spend a lot on a mic].
Polytone Mini-Brute 16” solid state guitar amplifier. (This is a great little amp and has a decent amount of power, and is more workable in smaller spaces. I’ve really enjoyed the tones I get out of this amp). [this was also willed to me and I don’t know its value].
The most daunting aspect of recording my own music was learning a recording program, as I said I was already aware that there were a lot of tutorials on YouTube. Rarely did I watch an entire video some can be lengthy and drawn out. I figured out what I need know to get started, things like setting up input and output before recording, fades, breaks in tracks, and eventually principals of audio mixing and understanding sound frequencies and how they apply to different instruments in the mix, understanding compression is another thing you will need in order to bring out some qualities of an instrument or a track or to keep them at a certain level.
If you can get your hands on vintage equipment it will help your sound tremendously, something as simple as my Wollensach microphone, it’s old but still affordable has been a great benefit to my sound. My guitars are considered vintage and I rarely run them through an amp and mic the amp but instead plug them straight into my Focusrite preamp because they sound so great.
Sean Hannans
Music Producer
1
Answer
Dallas, Georgia
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hello Cypress,
I am a little new to this and i want to ensure i provide you the best information that would get you to a place you are comfortable with in your music career. Lets start by listing the the things that you would need to achieve recording and publishing good sounding music. Then how you would actually do the publishing.
Going forward this will refer only to recording music from the comfort of your own home, and in environments that are not traditional recording studios.
1. You will need some form of recording system which would include; a Microphone, Computer, DAW( Digital Audio Workstation), Audio Interfece, Headphones, Cords for connections such as Mic cords, USB Connector, and Power cords. This will be something along the lines of the following cost effective items that sounds amazing.
A) Mic - Shure SM58 Dynamic Mic ($25-30 used). Look around on site's that sell second hand, you will find a good mic for a good price.
B) Computer ( What ever you have will work) or Dell Desktop Computer PC i5 refurbished ($89.00). Dont need to buy the latest and greatest. Just something that meets the minimal requirements for your DAW.
C) DAW- Mac (Logic Pro may come with your system) , Audacity, Waveform, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and Soundbridge. All are free and work on both Mac & Windows. These are the foundation for good sounding music.
D) Audio Interfaces- You dont always need a interface but his makes the process sound professional and clean. These are items such as (Focusrite Scarlett solo, Behringer U-Phoria UMC22, and M-Audio M-Track Solo. All under $50 used or $60-$100 (new). This will provide you with good audio recordings.
E) Headphones- A good pair of headphones will make the difference in what you hear and how you record. So here some cost effective items that work and affordable. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones, TASCAM TH-02 Closed-back Studio Headphone, Samson SR350 Closed-back Over-ear Headphones, All under $20, but sounds good. Any headphone could work, but ones dedicated for the use of recording or music are best.
2. Once you have gear, you will also need a dedicated area in which you can record like a bed room, closet, or designated area to set up your gear. Most people just set up a desk in the room and record from there, but there are people who pimp out there closet for recording and their cloths.
3. Once you have your gear set up and tested, and your room ready to record; it is time to make some good music. Please refer to recording techniques provided so that you can sound your best while recording. This will include but not limited to Microphone accessories, room treatment, singing practices, and room placement.
4. One you have recorded your music please refer to Mixing and Mastering your music. I recommend allowing professionals to do this part or find someone who is a little more advanced in this area to work on your music if you are not aware of how to do this. THIS IS THE AREA THAT MAKES ALL YOUR HARD WORK SOUND GOOD. If you don't have a decent mix on your recordings it doesn't matter how good you recorded the song this will make or break your music.
5. Once you have your song recorded and mixed. You will then pick a way to distribute your music. This can be done by paying a company like ( Tune Core, CD Baby, Distro Kid, and Bandcamp) "Paid", or directly placing your music on websites such as (SoundCloud, Youtube, TikTok, and Unchained Music) "Free". The route you take will need some research on what is needed to sell and distribute and how much it will cost.
Last thing i would like to leave with you is that during this journey you will have a great deal of hurdles and you will have to take time to get to your goals. This is not a get famous over night type of career and job. This will take hard work and dedication to your craft. You don't have to go to college to be a great singer, artist, or producer. It could help, but its not needed to get to where you want to be. Just stay focus, work hard, and ask questions like you are now and you will do great. PLEASE look at the links that are provided from this post and the others in the chat. These are great resources for you to get going and continue with your career.
https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/7-home-recording-studio-hacks-for-the-bedroom-producer.html
https://pirate.com/en/blog/best-music-distribution-services/
https://musicstudiodiy.com/60-tips-for-the-best-home-music-production/
https://www.practical-music-production.com/home-studio-recording/
https://www.law.com/2023/03/13/music-rates-and-royalties-2023-past-present-and-future/?slreturn=20240113152050
I am a little new to this and i want to ensure i provide you the best information that would get you to a place you are comfortable with in your music career. Lets start by listing the the things that you would need to achieve recording and publishing good sounding music. Then how you would actually do the publishing.
Going forward this will refer only to recording music from the comfort of your own home, and in environments that are not traditional recording studios.
1. You will need some form of recording system which would include; a Microphone, Computer, DAW( Digital Audio Workstation), Audio Interfece, Headphones, Cords for connections such as Mic cords, USB Connector, and Power cords. This will be something along the lines of the following cost effective items that sounds amazing.
A) Mic - Shure SM58 Dynamic Mic ($25-30 used). Look around on site's that sell second hand, you will find a good mic for a good price.
B) Computer ( What ever you have will work) or Dell Desktop Computer PC i5 refurbished ($89.00). Dont need to buy the latest and greatest. Just something that meets the minimal requirements for your DAW.
C) DAW- Mac (Logic Pro may come with your system) , Audacity, Waveform, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and Soundbridge. All are free and work on both Mac & Windows. These are the foundation for good sounding music.
D) Audio Interfaces- You dont always need a interface but his makes the process sound professional and clean. These are items such as (Focusrite Scarlett solo, Behringer U-Phoria UMC22, and M-Audio M-Track Solo. All under $50 used or $60-$100 (new). This will provide you with good audio recordings.
E) Headphones- A good pair of headphones will make the difference in what you hear and how you record. So here some cost effective items that work and affordable. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones, TASCAM TH-02 Closed-back Studio Headphone, Samson SR350 Closed-back Over-ear Headphones, All under $20, but sounds good. Any headphone could work, but ones dedicated for the use of recording or music are best.
2. Once you have gear, you will also need a dedicated area in which you can record like a bed room, closet, or designated area to set up your gear. Most people just set up a desk in the room and record from there, but there are people who pimp out there closet for recording and their cloths.
3. Once you have your gear set up and tested, and your room ready to record; it is time to make some good music. Please refer to recording techniques provided so that you can sound your best while recording. This will include but not limited to Microphone accessories, room treatment, singing practices, and room placement.
4. One you have recorded your music please refer to Mixing and Mastering your music. I recommend allowing professionals to do this part or find someone who is a little more advanced in this area to work on your music if you are not aware of how to do this. THIS IS THE AREA THAT MAKES ALL YOUR HARD WORK SOUND GOOD. If you don't have a decent mix on your recordings it doesn't matter how good you recorded the song this will make or break your music.
5. Once you have your song recorded and mixed. You will then pick a way to distribute your music. This can be done by paying a company like ( Tune Core, CD Baby, Distro Kid, and Bandcamp) "Paid", or directly placing your music on websites such as (SoundCloud, Youtube, TikTok, and Unchained Music) "Free". The route you take will need some research on what is needed to sell and distribute and how much it will cost.
Last thing i would like to leave with you is that during this journey you will have a great deal of hurdles and you will have to take time to get to your goals. This is not a get famous over night type of career and job. This will take hard work and dedication to your craft. You don't have to go to college to be a great singer, artist, or producer. It could help, but its not needed to get to where you want to be. Just stay focus, work hard, and ask questions like you are now and you will do great. PLEASE look at the links that are provided from this post and the others in the chat. These are great resources for you to get going and continue with your career.
Sean recommends the following next steps:
HECTOR HERNANDEZ-ORIOL
beat maker , musician
3
Answers
San Leandro, California
Updated
HECTOR’s Answer
Hello Cypress,
After carefully considering everyone's advice here, I can confidently say that I've made the right investment decisions.
Here's my suggestion to keep things cost-efficient:
Sign up for BMI or ASCAP; it's free, and they'll assist in collecting your royalties at no charge.
Stop paying for distribution plans. TuneCore offers a free subscription plan where you can upload unlimited songs, though they do take a 20% cut of your royalties.
SoundOn by TikTok is another free distribution service. If your song goes viral, you'll be featured on CapCut and TikTok platforms without any cuts.
Regarding sound quality, it largely depends on your experience and how long you've been making music. Nowadays, achieving excellent sound is much easier with the help of AI plugins. One of my favorite companies to work with is Izotope; some of their plugins are free, and you own them for life. While they may be a bit pricey, trust me, it's worth it. (I'd advise against investing in Waves.)
I hope this advice proves helpful to you in any way.
Best regards,
TheGr8Hect
After carefully considering everyone's advice here, I can confidently say that I've made the right investment decisions.
Here's my suggestion to keep things cost-efficient:
Sign up for BMI or ASCAP; it's free, and they'll assist in collecting your royalties at no charge.
Stop paying for distribution plans. TuneCore offers a free subscription plan where you can upload unlimited songs, though they do take a 20% cut of your royalties.
SoundOn by TikTok is another free distribution service. If your song goes viral, you'll be featured on CapCut and TikTok platforms without any cuts.
Regarding sound quality, it largely depends on your experience and how long you've been making music. Nowadays, achieving excellent sound is much easier with the help of AI plugins. One of my favorite companies to work with is Izotope; some of their plugins are free, and you own them for life. While they may be a bit pricey, trust me, it's worth it. (I'd advise against investing in Waves.)
I hope this advice proves helpful to you in any way.
Best regards,
TheGr8Hect
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Cypress !
I am so happy to give you advice for such a superb career choice. There's really no way at first to do this cost free because it is an initial investment but it can be done and many people are doing it.
You need look no further than your own home. This best way to do this for now will be to set up a home studio and invest in the necessary equipment which is explained in the several links I have provided for you below. It would help to obtain a part time job and save to buy everything you will need. You will need the hardware as well as the software. The links I have provided below have a wealth of information that you will need to read and understand before you start out. Also go to You Tube and watch videos on the subject.
You will want to upload your music to platforms on line. Just type in a search "music platforms for your music" and lists will result and you can read about the multitude of platforms that you can share your music on. Register for My Space, too because it is a music site as well.
My advice is to consider going to college and obtaining at least an Associates (if not a Bachelors) in Music. At college, you will have the perfect opportunity to meet musical oriented people, students and professors who will be valuable connections and business partners for you. Give it serious consideration and think about taking some computer courses related to digital recording. You will work on projects that will hone your skills and learn in a motivating and structured environment.
When you are ready to publish your compositions, lyrics and songs, get a copyright for every one. You can find how to do this online.
Don't feel discouraged - all of the performing arts require an initial or occasional monetary investment to be involved in a career one loves. It's well worth it ! By self publishing and recording, you will be saving A LOT of money by not paying a studio or publisher to do it for you.
I hope that this was a bit helpful and that the resources I have provided help to get you started. Have fun and never give up !
MUSIC PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT https://composercode.com/equipment-for-making-music-my-favorite-production-gear-2022/
HOME RECORDING STUDIO https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/home-recording-studio-essentials/
GUIDELINES FOR STARTING OUT https://www.wirerealm.com/guides/best-beginner-music-production-equipment
MUSIC INDUSTRY HOW TO https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/top-hardware-needed-for-music-production-a-beginners-equipment-list/
TIPS FOR RECORDING https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/25-pro-tips-for-better-home-recordings-169382
I am so happy to give you advice for such a superb career choice. There's really no way at first to do this cost free because it is an initial investment but it can be done and many people are doing it.
You need look no further than your own home. This best way to do this for now will be to set up a home studio and invest in the necessary equipment which is explained in the several links I have provided for you below. It would help to obtain a part time job and save to buy everything you will need. You will need the hardware as well as the software. The links I have provided below have a wealth of information that you will need to read and understand before you start out. Also go to You Tube and watch videos on the subject.
You will want to upload your music to platforms on line. Just type in a search "music platforms for your music" and lists will result and you can read about the multitude of platforms that you can share your music on. Register for My Space, too because it is a music site as well.
My advice is to consider going to college and obtaining at least an Associates (if not a Bachelors) in Music. At college, you will have the perfect opportunity to meet musical oriented people, students and professors who will be valuable connections and business partners for you. Give it serious consideration and think about taking some computer courses related to digital recording. You will work on projects that will hone your skills and learn in a motivating and structured environment.
When you are ready to publish your compositions, lyrics and songs, get a copyright for every one. You can find how to do this online.
Don't feel discouraged - all of the performing arts require an initial or occasional monetary investment to be involved in a career one loves. It's well worth it ! By self publishing and recording, you will be saving A LOT of money by not paying a studio or publisher to do it for you.
I hope that this was a bit helpful and that the resources I have provided help to get you started. Have fun and never give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Tony Andriamanana
Musician
5
Answers
Antananarivo, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Cypress,
I will speak only as far as I know on how to record cost-effectively and publish your songs while having a good sound quality, I recommend you to:
1/ Buy yourself the cheapest audio interface, headphones, monitors and mic you can find on thomann. In my case, I bought a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen 2i2, a Superlux HD681 as Headphones, a mic called Samson C01 but I also recommend the Behringer B-01. Find the dryest room in your house. You would start to record at your own home now.
2/ I tried lots of of software to record but the one that suited me the best was Reaper. It is very light, powerful and customizable. It has great tutorials made by a man called Kenny Gioia. You could also find their tutorials on their website reaper.fm
3/ 4 years ago, I found out about Cambridge Music Technology. There is a pdf that I recommend you to read called Mike Senior: Mixing Secrets for Small Studios where it explains all the process you need to record, mix and master properly your songs.
4/ When you will have a finished song, it's time to look for as an online Distributor Platform as TuneCore, Distrokid, etc. But they have their own business models and it is a bit overwhelming, so check them out before publishing anything. Then, you will have to register your songs with a Performance Right Organization in your country.
5/ I didn't want to overwhelm you so if something is unclear, feel free to ask
I will speak only as far as I know on how to record cost-effectively and publish your songs while having a good sound quality, I recommend you to:
Tony recommends the following next steps:
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