Why Learn to record your music?

Why learn recording? Simple. Recording leads to paid work:

  • Commissions on your voice or instrumental performance
  • Submitting tracks to music libraries
  • Laying demos and preparing for studio production
 

It can be daunting to understand the world of recording, but you do not need to know everything to record – mostly you will record a dry audio track and then send to someone else to mix. 

As with marketing, negotiation, and performance techniques, this is a large field to cover, so let’s dive into the basics.

Learning to record requires some basic equipment; Software (DAW), audio interface and a microphone

Start-Up Costs

To get started, you’re going to need two fundamental tools:

  • DAW – software to record and process audio (ÂŁ80 – ÂŁ500).
  • Audio Interface – hardware that converts analog to digital (ÂŁ100+).

 

You can also purchase these in bundles to reduce costs. There’s a myriad of equipment you can buy, and it’s very easy to slip into that rabbit hole. But if you’re just starting out, these this is all you need!

DAW

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. This is the software that you’ll use to record your music. Here are some examples you may already be familiar with:

 

A DAW enables you to lay down recordings, edit audio, mix tracks, add MIDI (virtual musical instruments) plug-ins, and much more.

It can be confusing at first, but don’t shy away from it—the basic skills you’ll need are setting up a recording track, and a lot is automated these days. There are step-by-step guides that make it super easy to get started.

Logic Prox X is a popular DAW for both beginners and experienced engineers. Recording through your DAW allows you to "bounce' (save) down files that producers can easily use in their own software, meaning you can sell directly to producers
The SSL2+ is an audio interface that converts the analogue (microphone or instrument) signal into digital format that is useable in your DAW

Audio Interface

This is a specialised piece of equipment that processes sound from your instrument or microphone and converts it into a digital signal for your computer. Generally, there are XLR and jack inputs to the interface, which is then connected to your computer (commonly via USB).

An interface usually contains multiple input channels (jack or XLR), separate noise level controllers, speaker and headphone outputs (jack or XLR), and phantom power. Here are some reputable interface brands:

  • Focusrite Duo (2 channels)
  • SSL 2+ Interface
  • Behringer UMC22
 

Make sure to double-check your computer’s operating system is compatible before you buy.

Condenser Microphone

Whilst you can use a dynamic microphone, which is more robust—a condenser microphone has a more sophisticated structure and therefore a wider frequency range for higher clarity on recordings.

It requires phantom power, which is an additional voltage to help power the microphone (put simply, a button that powers the mic via the interface).

These microphones are specialised for recording and generally too sensitive for live shows; however, their clarity will greatly enhance your recordings to a high enough quality to sell.

Quality and cost vary, but spend wisely because you get what you pay for—reputable brands include AKG, Behringer, Neumann, and Røde.

Where to Learn

This may all seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of places to learn online. All the information you need is available through easily digestible online blogs, social content, and vlogs. The best places to start are:

  • Searching tips on Google
  • Watching YouTube videos
  • Following social media influencers

By following these influencers, you can start to absorb the information over time. Learn the basics, and then pick up tips along the way. The best time to start is right now!

Commercial & Business Uses

Once you understand this concept, you can record audio and sell it to others who can benefit from your talent. For example, someone may want your vocals on a track they wrote. You’ve worked hard on your talent, and people are willing to pay for it!

This can be done through networking, private commissions, or even commercially through online libraries. Tracks are easily transferred online through websites such as WeTransfer.

You may have already started making money from your music via busking or live shows—learning this skill is not as hard as it seems and will open doors for you as a professional musician.

Once you have everything set up, you can charge a premium for both your performance and your equipment—prices depend on the project, but generally, you can charge the same for a show as for a recording.

Look out for future newsletters to learn more about making money from your music!