
discover affordable, high-quality home studio gear for songwriting, from a suitable computer and DAW to a Focusrite Scarlett Solo, microphones, headphones, MIDI keyboard, cables, stands, and a pop filter.
Compare three paths to a songwriting studio: a free setup with an Apple computer and Garage Band, budget build, and a serious studio with Pro Tools First and B1 microphone.
Set up your home studio by connecting and powering your audio interface, configuring input/output in GarageBand, and wiring microphones, instruments, and MIDI controllers for immediate recording.
Discover how a streamlined home studio, with affordable equipment, delivers simplicity, mobility, and a focused setup to write and record high-quality music.
Compare studio monitors and headphones to optimize a home studio setup, weighing affordability, portability, room reflections, consistency, and setup challenges to choose the right monitoring solution.
Compare studio monitors and headphones and explain why I mostly use monitors. Outline three reasons and share affordable monitor recommendations and quick tips for using monitors in your studio.
use studio monitors when you have dedicated space and a budget, then minimize buzz by lowering input gain and using a ground loop isolator cable.
Select a dedicated recording space after wiring your gear for live setup, and learn which setup details matter or don’t, plus basic recording techniques.
Identify a dedicated recording space with a quiet environment to save setup time and maintain consistency, and embrace a simple, mobile setup when a dedicated room isn't available.
Select a recording space based on solid techniques rather than looks. Show that space appearance and room shape don't affect sound, and great recordings come from technique.
Learn to troubleshoot your home studio system by addressing three common technical issues and using step-by-step methods to diagnose and fix problems in a simple setup.
Fix common home studio issues like buzzing hums from tangled cables and no sound due to phantom power or input misconfigurations; unplug, reattach, set input, check mute/solo, and restart program.
Develop your home studio by focusing on skill as the secret sauce for high quality recordings. Hone songwriting and recording craft rather than chasing gear.
This course is designed to help you build your first high quality home studio! We look at a variety of topics including: what gear you need to have a fully functioning home studio, experience based recommendations on what gear might be best for you, step-by-step instructions on how to set everything up, what you are looking for in setting up your specific recording space, how to avoid room reflections, studio monitors, troubleshooting common issues, and more! If you have ever wanted to build a studio and begin recording high quality music from home then this course is for you!
A Note From Dean (Course Instructor): "This course was created out of my experience of writing and recording for more than a decade in my home studio where I write/record/produce/mix original music, teach classes on songwriting/music production, and produce music for paying clients... ALL using the same gear, set up, and techniques that I share with you in this course!"