Home Recording Guide

Transform your space into a professional recording environment

Room Setup: The Foundation of Great Sound

Choose the Right Space

  • Opt for a room with minimal reflective surfaces like glass or tile
  • Avoid small, square rooms that amplify problematic frequencies
  • Use larger rooms with soft furnishings when possible

Acoustic Treatment

  • Start with bass traps in corners to control low-frequency buildup
  • Add acoustic panels to walls at reflection points
  • Use a rug or carpet to prevent floor reflections
Pro Tip: If professional treatment isn't an option, heavy blankets, bookshelves, or DIY panels with insulation can work wonders.

Microphone Selection and Placement

Microphone Types

  • Dynamic Microphones: Durable and good for loud sources (e.g., Shure SM58)
  • Condenser Microphones: More sensitive, ideal for detailed recordings (e.g., AT2020 or our budget pick RCM PRO)

Placement Tips

  • Vocals: 6–12 inches away, angled slightly downward
  • Acoustic Guitar: Aim at the 12th fret for balanced sound
  • Drums: Start with overheads and kick/snare mics
Pro Tip: If you're on a budget, check out our RCM PRO review. It's a surprisingly capable alternative to the AT2020 at a lower price point.

Signal Chain and Recording Techniques

Audio Interface Setup

  • Choose a reliable interface with low latency
  • Set input gain correctly (aim for peaks around -6 dB)
  • Use closed-back headphones for tracking

Recording Best Practices

  • Record at 24-bit/48kHz for high-quality audio
  • Label and organize tracks in your DAW
  • Export stems dry unless effects are essential

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