Making Pro Music In An Amateur Studio

Despite what others are saying, it's absolutely possible to create high-quality Hip-hop, Rap, and Trap in an amateur studio.

CHAOTIC SOUNDS | NICK

Music Producer, Artist, Songwriter, Entrepreneur

Come on… We live in an era where you can start a million-dollar business from your bedroom!

There's no excuse not to make great music anymore. And great music is not determined by the equipment you use.

Money is always the issue (or excuse.)

I often hear the excuse of not having the right equipment to record quality tracks.

Yes, you do need some gear to record your music.

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Computer or laptop

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Audio interface

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Studio microphone

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Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

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Headphones

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Studio Monitors

Assuming most people already have a computer or laptop, you can get the rest for under $700. See this as an investment, not an expense.

It becomes an issue when artists blame the quality of their music on their equipment.

And they start to believe that the quality of their music can only be improved by going to a fancy studio.

This is not true.

R&B artist Tinashe explains how she feels about recording in her home studio.

She started off by creating mixtapes in her bedroom and is now signed to RCA Records.

"It's interesting having a home studio because you always are under the impression that you need to be in something super, super fancy to get the best quality. But I've kinda come to realize that, not only am I more comfortable in my own environment, but some of the best sounding music that I've created has come right here out of this mic and this equipment"

– Tinashe

Studios don't make hits; artists do

You tend to believe that you need expensive equipment or a fancy studio. And I get that. We see artists recording in these studios, so that must be how they produce their masterpieces.

Sorry, but that isn't the case.

Studios don't create hits. Producers, writers, recording artists, and engineers do. Not on their own. Together!

If you don't have—for example—a mixing engineer yet, then that means you need to wear that hat yourself first. This is an opportunity because you will experience firsthand what goes into mixing a song.

This is crucial for later when you expand your team, as communicating will be easier.

If you're a writer/artist, you must focus on becoming the best writer/artist you can be.

Your equipment will only magnify the talent and potential that is already there.

Making professional music in an amateur studio

Recording at home has its downsides. I won't disagree because I've also experienced the struggles when you're recording at home.

For example, your mixes sound like crap or not even close to what you hear on the radio. You have no clue if what you do is right. You do what you think sounds best.

To avoid you from taking a road leading to a dead-end, I will give you some tips on how to do things correctly.

1. Recording Techniques

First, you need to understand what it takes to mix vocals. Only then you'll find out why recording quality vocals is so important.

If you don't know the proper techniques to record vocals, you'll end up messing around with your mixing project for hours.

Without seeing any results.

Crucial for recording:

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Microphone placement

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Microphone distance

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Performance behind the mic

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Movement behind the mic

2. Vocal Production

Producing vocals is like making beats. But instead of adding new instruments, you're adding vocal layers.

You stack layers on specific lyrics to emphasize them more.

Building up the vocal production for a chorus. E.g., adding backing vocals, harmonies, or ad-libs.

It's important to learn in which situations you should use vocals layers and in which you shouldn't.

Unsurprisingly, some vocal producers in the industry have made it their expertise. The vocal production is a determining factor for the potential of your song.

3. Reference Tracks

The use of reference tracks is widespread in music production. But it's not about copying someone's style. It's about cross-referencing your song with another to measure the quality of your music.

When it comes to learning vocal production, it can help to study and analyze the acapella version of a song.

Cross-reference your vocal production to other songs and check if it sounds similar.

Reference tracks are used for mixing purposes as well.

4. Learn basic EQ, Compression, and Effects ✨

Whether you mix your music or let someone else mix it, you must know the basics.

If you're unsure whether mixing is something you see yourself doing... at least learn the basics of mixing vocals.

People are making a full-time living off mixing music from their bedroom studios. This proves that mixing your music from your home studio is possible.

Take the time to watch some YouTube tutorials.