Hey guys, I'm looking to finally create a home recording studio and put together an effects rack for playing out in public. Any recommendations on what's the best and most cost effective home based recording system that I can assemble to make demos, play along with myself for multiple guitar parts, vocals, etc. I don't want to spend thousands but I do want to get professional quality recordings. All suggestions welcome. Thanks

Welcome Petere

I couldn’t describe it better what you said about Robert lessons. And I think Robert will be very pleased to hear this.

As you said you will get involved on the forums I would really appreciate if you could share your experience and practice with us. So we can share your joy of playing all together.

And I’m sure there are players here around who can give you some tips on creating a home recording studio.

Enjoy playing, Birgit

Welcome Back to action, Petere!  

I use Apple computers and record in Garageband and Logic.  But if I wanted recording and live performance I would use Ableton Live.  You can control Ableton and other DAWs with midi pedalboards such as Nektar Pacer.  Focusrite and presonus make affordable good quality instrument/mic interfaces to get your sound into the DAW.

I've used the built-in mic on my laptop and ipad to capture acoustic performance that includes the character of the room or outdoor space.

Hey, great to hear this. First of all, what computer system are you on? Mac or Windows?

Do you have an audio interface?

Will you be singing too? Will you mic your amp or would you prefer software for guitar tone?

Tell us more.

Lots to think about.

@robert @Birgit @Clayton Thanks for the replys guys. I will be using my Mac Air. I have Garageband but have not really used it yet. I also have a windows based laptop that I could use, but I really like the Mac. 

Right now I will probably be using the studio only for recording and playing at home. Eventually, I would want to use it for performing as well. 

I don't have an audio interface. I will be singing too. I'm not sure about micing my amp or software. I'd like to try both methods.

Again, thanks for the rpely guys.

Robert, Here's something that I thought might interest you. I think you just bought something very similar. I've attached a photo of my main squeeze. I bought this axe back in 74 for $250. It was all the money I had at the time and I never looked back.

It was hidden away in the closet of one of my dad's musician friends who just wanted to unload it for some quick cash. It's a 335 Trini Lopez Gibson. You'd have to killl me and pry it from my dead fingers to take it.

Going with the Mac Air and Garageband is an easy entry to quality recording.  Both the Scarlett and Presonus interfaces such as the 2i2 have inputs for mics and/or instruments, and have phantom power.  These days, I'd look for the interface that can work with Mac OS and IOS, which 3rd generation Scarletts can do without need for a power source when hooked to the iPad.  

I can't speak to Windows systems, although I use them for word processing and standard computing, I don't know the DAW performance and costs for PCs.  With Mac, the GB is there, and Logic is a modest upgrade if you grow into that need.

I'm always grabbing mics when there's a sale to use them for vocals and acoustic instruments, but I don't use them much for amps.  Direct in is so easy and your clean sound is preserved.  I have used the emulated output on my Blackstar HT-5R into an interface, which gives me the amp sounds into the interface without need of a mic.  For higher end emulated line or balanced direct out, I think Hughes & Ketner do this direct out process very well.  On the modest end, I believe both Fender Mustang & Boss Katana also do a direct/line out that bypasses the need to mic the amp. 

You can plug in other effects software into GB and use them if you like a particular pedal effect.

Hi, busy time here! I am behind on the posts in the forum. It's a mad scramble.

Mac Air, that's the MacBook Air laptop, right?

There are many options for an interface. I just got a new UAD Apollo Twin X. Very good but expensive - it's using Thunderbolt. However, most simple USB interface will work great with your Mac. I recommend Audient ID14 - I have one of those too. However, Scarlett, Presonus, etc - they are all more than good enough.

Logic is the way to go for software. It's what I use, and it's packed with amazing technology. I highly recommend it for you. 

Microphones, well that is harder to give advice on. For guitar, an SM57 will likely be all you need. For vocals, much harder to say. I have an AT2035 that I like. Take a look at this shootout - I don't have enough knowledge in this area. 

For drums and bass, look no further than EZ Drummer and EZ Bass from my old friends at Toontrack.