Hello world!

Welcome to the Home Recording Studio Blog!  This is my first post and I wanted to discuss why I started this blog and what I want to write about in future posts.

I’ve been recording at home since the mid 90’s. I started in my parent’s house, in my bedroom and loft, when I was about 19.  I bought a Tascam Portastudio, 4 track cassette- tape machine, second-hand, and began recording my guitar and vocals with just a Shure SM58.  Soon after this I begin using computers to make music, with MIDI at first and then as the software and hardware improved, recording audio as well.

This all seems like ancient history now and I can only imagine what it must be like for teenagers that have access to far superior technology at much more affordable prices.

I suppose what attracted me to recording at home, rather than hiring a professional recording studio, was the DIY aspect and the ability to experiment without having to watch the clock. I’ve always felt that it was possible to produce good quality music at home. It just takes time and investment, not only in equipment but in learning the skills that are required to get to that ‘professional’ level.

I have used professional recording studios (on rare occasions!) and also studied for a degree in creative music technology, and while having access to better rooms and better equipment does sometimes help, it doesn’t always guarantee a better recording at the end of it. There are many small details that all add up to make a finished recording, but if you learn what your limitations are and how use what you have to your advantage you can achieve great recordings at home.

Along the way I’ve been in various bands, some with original material and some covers bands; I’ve also recorded many bands (for a short time I ran my own recording studio) as well as producing over 3 albums worth of my own material.

I’m a long-term Pro Tools user (since 2003) and although this is my main DAW, I also use Logic Pro, Adobe Audition and have previously used Cubase and Reason.

Although, much of my interest and experience is in music production, I also like to explore other areas of sound recording such as sound for moving image, field recording, Foley, ADR, Ambisonics – and this in turn has influenced aspects of my music production.

This blog will offer advice for those just starting out, and those looking to improve their skills.  There is always something to learn in the world of sound recording.

As I write this in October 2020, many people are starting to record at home for the first time as they have no other option.  Covid-19 and social distancing has meant that this is a safer option. Other people are starting as a means to learn new skills while the world is in ‘lockdown’ waiting for life to return to normal.

But whatever the reason I hope to be able to demystify some of the aspects of recording that may have put people off in the past. At the same time, like any skill, it takes time, but like a famous Chinese Philosopher once said: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Just like this blog.  First post done. Now, that wasn’t too painful was it?

Jon Chapman – The Home Recording Studio

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