Basic Equipment Needed For Recording Original Music on a Computer

It is surprising how little equipment is actually needed for recording original music on a computer. However, it is important that you know the ins and outs of that equipment, and the function of each component to produce a quality recording. The quality of each piece of equipment will ultimately have an effect on the sound quality of the finished product. This being said, however, most people start out with very basic level equipment and work their way up. So don't be shy to start out small. Your recordings will improve with time and knowledge concerning the equipment you use.

Basic hardware components include, but are not limited to: a microphone and instrument, or instrument that plugs in directly, a sound card, a computer, headphones or speakers, and cables to connect the components together. Basic software components include a sound card mixer with which to route the audio signal, and recording software. This is the bare minimum. So if you've got all the components, you're ready to record.

Understanding recording means understanding sound and how it works. The signal always starts at the microphone (or instrument), where it travels into the Mic Input on the sound card. This is where it is converted to a digital signal, then moves to your recording software. Once it is here, it is stored as a WAV file. When the recording is finished and you play it back, the recording software reads the WAV file, and passes it on to your sound card. Here it is converted back to analog, then travels to the Line Out jack and into your speakers or headphones. It is a very basic path, and very easy to understand. However, understanding this is vital to setting up for your recording process. As mentioned, each component of the path will affect the final sound of your recording, and so they must each be considered.

Within this simple setup, you don't really need too much in the way of cables. The speakers that would accompany a desktop computer are outfitted with cables and plugs that would work with a standard sound card. This is the same for most headphones as well. A standard desktop microphone also will generally fit into the Mic In jack of a standard sound card. If this is not the case for your equipment, you will find everything you would need to do you recording at a local electronics store such as RadioShack.

A final point to make here concerns the quality of the sound found generally on PCs and laptops alike. Standard sound cards are typically 2-channel. Better quality-consequently more expensive-sound cards tend to perform better conversions between analog and digital sound, have more channels, and better quality results. This may require a more complex setup, but it can oftentimes be advantageous. As previously mentioned, however, you can achieve a decent recording using minimal quality equipment and work your way up. Regardless, understanding the path of sound is essential for recording original music on a computer. Once you do, you'll be set up for success.

For any additional information, visit http://www.AudioMinds.com.

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