Before You Set Up Your Studio...

When selecting and setting up a room for your home studio, your goal should be to use a room that's as neutral as possible. When recording, you want what you lay on tape to be the best representation of what is being played. That being said, you also want a room that's accurate when you're mixing and listening. A room that's neutral is very important. You want to minimize recording the room itself, and when you're mixing, you don't want to be mixing to compensate for the room.

If you're like me and rent, you have neighbors to worry about. I lived in my apartment with my home studio up and running for nearly a year before I had any neighbors. The first day I tracked drums after they moved in, it was like the world was ending. Being courteous of your neighbors and their needs and concerns when recording at home is very important, because nothing is worse than being told by your landlord you can't record anymore because your neighbors can't handle it.

The first thing to do is listen. Play something through your mixing speakers at the normal volume at which you'd listen, and walk around. If you can hear it outside your recording room when the door is closed, chances are the neighbors can hear it across the hall. If the noise bleed is a big enough problem, consider a pair of high-quality headphones to mix with. Otherwise, work out an arrangement with those around you; offer to keep your recording times to mutually convenient hours.

Now that your space is all ready, it's time for you to select your gear! Take a look at some of these links; they'll get you started in the right direction to making your masterpiece album at home!