To begin with, home recording is something you can do at quite a high level, without a very high budget, as there are now many value for money product options!

So let's take it step by step!

Sound Card

The most important product you will buy, as it replaces your computer's sound card. Why? Because your PC's card is made to play sound from songs and videos, not for processing sound from a musical instrument or your voice.

How to Use It

• Connect it via USB to your computer and plug your guitar/keyboard or microphone into the appropriate jack
• Select the Line setting for high-intensity instruments like drums and keyboards, while for instruments like an electric guitar that connects directly without an amplifier, choose Instrument
• Adjust the input gain so that when you play or sing loudly, the corresponding indicator on the switch does not turn red
• Open the software (DAW) of your choice and start recording

Microphone

There are 2 main types of microphones: condenser and dynamic.

The former are very sensitive to every sound and require additional power supply to operate. They offer the best possible sound, but due to their increased sensitivity, they should be used in a controlled recording environment.

Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are more durable and less sensitive to ambient sounds, making them work better the closer you bring them to you. They are ideal for recording loud instruments such as a distorted electric guitar.

Whatever type of microphone you choose, don’t forget to get a Pop Filter so it can cut down on consonants that are more pronounced in speech and can ruin your take such as "p" and "s", as well as an XLR cable, if the microphone you get doesn’t already include one.

Microphone Stand

To avoid holding the microphone permanently, you need to get a stand. However, be careful, as the stand is something that can make your life easy or difficult if you choose one that is unsuitable for your needs.

If you will be sitting at your desk for podcasting or streaming, a desktop stand is ideal, as you can bring it to the perfect height while sitting, keeping your hands free.

On the other hand, if you want to record an amplifier speaker or play guitar in a chair, a standing microphone with an adjustable joint is a quite economical solution.

Speakers

After recording all the parts you want, the final step is to listen to the result with a pair of quality studio monitors or self-powered speakers!

The characteristic of this type of speaker is that it reproduces the sound exactly as it is from its source, without the need for an amplifier, hence the name. Thus, it will act as a blank canvas for you to check your work and make any necessary changes to the EQ.

Tip: After you have finished editing your song, don't forget to listen to it using simple everyday in-ear headphones, as most people will listen to it from their mobile phones.

So don't wait, get the necessary equipment and start creating today!