Audio and MIDI recording with a home computer is easily affordable these days. All you need is a PC or Mac with reasonably up to date features, an audio and MIDI interface, some software and the means to conect it all.



The computer. You don't need to buy a new comptuer in order to start recording but there are a few things you should know before you start.

The input device. Many people refer to such a device as a "Sound card" however, a dedicated "USB AUDIO/MIDI interface" is generally the best. These currently retail for between £100 and £200 pounds.

Combined Audio/MIDI interfaces usually offer input level controls, output level controls, metering and headphone outputs. Most will offer inputs for microphones (mic) and for synths/keyboards (line) - in all, everything you need to pass good quality audio to your computer for recording.

Other input devices. Some sound cards (especially older ones) only offer only a limited audio input (often only a tiny socket). Some small USB data entry keyboards (like schools use) offer simple audio inputs but again, these are sometimes not up to the job.



Monitor speakers. Do not use ordinary hi-fi speakers or headphones to moitor your music. Studio monitors are not like ordinary speakers, they (are supposed to) tell you the truth about what you have recorded even if it's bad. Many pro-studio engineers can tell when music has been mixed with hi-fi speakers or poor monitors because they can hear the results on their own (much better) monitors. The last thing you should want is a pair of monitors that always make you sound good, it's like having a magic mirror and asking who is the fairest of them all. Very flattering until you give your prized CD to a friend and it sounds awful on their hi-fi. Monitors should be chosen with care and you should spend time in a shop listening to different models and makes until you find some that you feel you can live with. Don't go by size or looks, special offers or even a recomendation from a shop assistant.

Take a CD with you when you go monitor hunting. It should be of music you know well and if possible, generally of the type you want to record. Listen to the same track through each pair of monitors and keep focused on what you actually want from them. Listen for a clear and precise sound with good stereo imaging.

My definition of a clear and precise sound in simple terms is - clear but not screechy high's and a deep but not loud or boomy low end, in other words a nice overall balance and clarity without artificial warmth. Some people may find the sound a bit "Thin and airy" but that's O.K. as long as you can hear the detail in the music.
Stereo imaging is about how easily you can tell where the sounds are in the mix. I can point to exactly where a sound appears to come from between my monitors, the bass drum in the centre, a guitarist slightly to the left and a piano slightly on the right of centre for example. If you can hear more of this detail in a particular pair of monitors you try, give them a plus point.

Useful tip. Powered monitors have amplifiers inside them. This will save you from having to buy a seperate amp as well.