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2 Responses to “What Order Should I Buy My First Home Audio Equipment?”

1. TJ on February 14th, 2012 at 7:27 pm

   This is no one ideal order as it depends on what the person in question is trying to achieve with the equipment. But if you’d put me on the spot, this is how I’d do it.

   1) Audio Interface: This would definitely be my top purchase. To do almost any kind of recording/production, an audio interface would be required. The stock sound card that most computers come with just cannot handle even a few tracks or effects used in a project. So I am guessing you have a bare basic set of headphones/speakers. And these you can connect to the interface for sound output. Buy an interface that has phantom power. Otherwise, you won’t be able to power your mic.

   2) Microphone: This is an optional call here. What are you planning to record? If it has to do with vocals or acoustic instruments, you would obviously need a mic. In fact if that is the case, I would advise you to buy the mic along with the audio interface. You can buy a single mic at first. Like a versatile one like the AKG C1000S. It can handle almost anything thrown at it. And later you can either replace that mic or add other mics.

   3) Midi Keyboard: Again this can be done at this level or maybe after wards depending on your need. But in my experience, midi keyboards are of immense value in song writing. Yes, you can use your mouse to click notes in programs like ableton/fl studio. But a midi keyboard makes your workflow so much faster. And you can start out with a basic midi keyboard. Example: The Alesis 25 costs around $50.

   4) Monitors: The main function of monitors is clear replication of sound for production. Yes it is very important in itself, but in my opinion not as important as the above peripherals as you can still make do with headphones or regular speakers. In fact if need be, you can even buy flat response headphones at first. And later you can upgrade to monitors.

   5) Mixer: Last but not the least in importance, would be mixer. The function of the mixer is very important. But when on a budget, you can do all the functions within the software mixer in the program that you will be using. In fact some programs come with in built software mixers that are replicas of very high grade mixers. But yes, a physical mixer makes your life easy in terms of workflow. So since your work is not impeded without a mixer, I give it least priority.

   A tip: I am not sure where you live, but try to use the local classifieds section and websites like craigslist to your advantage. You often find used gear for very nominal prices. For example, I started out with used gear. I found a Yamaha Audiogram 3 interface, M-Audio Nova Microphone, XLR cable, mic stand and pop filter all for $110. If bough new, that stuff would have costed me $280+ at the time. So either search for listings or put up a wanted ad. Good luck with with your investments.

2. adaviel on February 14th, 2012 at 7:27 pm

   Get cheaper or used equipment from a pawn shop and upgrade when you have the cash and more experience.

   Or start with consumer-grade stuff, but you’ll spend a lot of time messing with connectors and converting between balanced and unbalanced signals if you want studio-grade in the end.