Considerations BEFORE Building a Recording Studio (Hardware)

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If you intend to produce high quality recordings, and use your studio on a continual basis, it is highly recommended to plan your recording studio, or at least take some time to consider your hardware.


Selecting hardware for a recording studio can be a difficult subject to discuss. Hardware can range from the basic and cheap to "professional" or "industry standards" which be very expensive. For example, I know of a colleague that has build a music studio in his house which has an approximate value of over $100,000.00. What a hobby!


This WIKI Project concentrates on providing a lower-ranged cost approach to Recording Studio construction and operation. The following hardware devices were listed since they work with Ubuntu Studio, and are owned and used by our project group members.


Computer Hardware

CPU

The better computer system, the better quality of sound. Although operating system and application requirements may be within the parameters of a less expensive computer system, it is recommended to go "high-end" or at least try to "approach" it. Limitations with a slower CPU and low amount of RAM can lead to "system lock-ups" or noise such as "fizzles" and "pops" when recording your audio product.


If you cannot afford another computer system to devote to a recording studio, then consider installing Ubuntu Studio as a second OS. This means that your computer system will have Dual Boot capacity - when you power on your machine, you will have a choice of your Windows machine or your Ubuntu Studio machine...


I have been told by others that it is better to install Ubuntu Studio (with the Real-time Kernel), than to add Ubuntu Studio as an add-on to an existing Linux system (FYI)...


For reference, here are specifications for my Ubuntu Studio computer (Stand-alone):

  • Pentium IV 64-bit Dual Core
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 750 GB HD
  • DVD/CD RW
  • VGA/CVI AGP Graphics Card
  • USB Mouse / Keyboard
  • Gigabit Ethernet Card


Hard Disk

High quality audio and video data takes up a lot of disk space. You should have a hard drive with a large storage capacity. For example, a hard drive with 500 GB up to 1TB would be considered an appropriate size.


You can combine several hard disk drives to form a larger storage area. You can use LVM (Logical Volume Manager) to span several hard disk drives to create one large storage area. When available, [click here] to learn how to use LVM...


DVD/CD RW

It is a good idea to have a read/write DVD/CD drive. You can use it to burn your finished audio products onto a permanent storage media for playback. In addition, you can store your audio data onto a DVD drive for backup purposes, and future reuse (re-mixing) in order to space hard drive space.


Monitor / Video Card

It is good to have an "open mind" here. Instead of having just one monitor, you can have "multiple monitors". For example, if your video card has outputs to VGA, and DVI, or 2 DVIs outputs, you can connect them to two separate monitors. Then you can select SYSTEM -> DISPLAY in Ubuntu to detect, specify placement of monitors to each other, and remove the "Mirrored" option to have "more space" to work on your audio applications. I am working on a method to use 4 monitors - as soon as I get it working, I will provide a link for documentation...


USB audio/MIDI interface

You will need an interface to record your music into your computer system. One simple way to do this, is to connect a microphone into the 1/8 inch RCA microphone jack of your computer's sound card. Although this solution may be cost-effective, it may not be the best method to solve all your audio recording needs.


Because you will be recording audio from several different sources such as keyboard, guitar and voice, it may be better to spend your money on a USB Audio/MIDI Interface. We will discuss four different techniques to add audio into the computer. Each of the techniques are listed in descending value of cost. We will also discuss the strengths and limitations of each type of interface. There are more expensive interfaces that exist, but these device fit withinlower cost range.


M-Audio FastTrack Pro

This USB Audio / MIDI device is an excellent candidate for your Ubuntu Studio. Project member Scott Apted has this device.


Features:

  • Works with Ubuntu Studio ("Out-of-the-Box")
  • Multiple Inputs for MIC or LINE (2), MIDI Device (MIDI OUT / MIDI IN)
  • Phantom Power for non-powered MICs
  • Unit internally powered from computer's USB port
  • Builtin monitor displays
  • Builtin Sound card
  • A/B Switch for front/Back panels


Cost: Approx $200 CDN

Link to Product Description (and Image):

[ http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro.html ]

Tascam US-122

This USB Audio / MIDI device has been discontinued, and has been replaced with the Tascam US144. Although it may be harder to obtain, you may be able to obtain from private sales (eg. E-Bay) at a lower cost...

Project member Murray Saul has this device.

Features:

  • Multiple Inputs for MIC or LINE (2), MIDI Device (MIDI OUT / MIDI IN)
  • Phantom Power for non-powered MICs
  • Unit internally powered from computer's USB port
  • Builtin monitor displays (Not as numerous as the M-Audio FastTrack Pro)
  • Builtin Sound card


Limitations:

  • Firmware for TASCAM US-122 not loaded in Linux Kernel
    Requires procedure to work with Ubuntu Studio
 (Link to fix problem: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/TASCAM_US-122)
  • No front/back panel switching


Cost: (If you can find it) Approx $50 - $100 CDN (quoted from ebay Canada)

Link to Product Description (and Image): [ http://www.tascam.com/products/us-122.html ]

M-Audio Uno MIDI-2-USB Adapter

Simply an adapter for MIDI to USB, and USB to MIDI. Considered to be the lowest cost of the 3 UBS Audio/MIDI devices. Limited since it only works with MIDI signals and NOT audio...

Project member Michael Bennett has this device.

Features:

  • MIDI Device (MIDI OUT / MIDI IN)
  • Powered from computer's USB port
  • Apparently, works with Ubuntu Studio ("Out-of-the-Box")
    Has yet to be confirmed...

Limitations:

  • Only solves MIDI connection issue. It does not provide audio connection via MIC (unless using MIC input port from sound card)
  • No onboard monitoring
  • No builtin soundcard

Cost: Approx $40 CDN (available in music stores)

Link to Product Description (and Image):
[http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Uno.html]

MICROPHONE into Soundcard

Advantages:

  • to be completed...

Limitations:

  • to be completed...

Musical Instruments

Midi Keyboard(s) / Controllers

Guitar(s)

Microphone(s)

Miscellaneous Hardware

Cables

Microphone Stand(s)

Music/Computer Keyboard Mounts (or table)

Monitor Mounts

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