How To Record Music at Home Without Equipment

Music recording equipment is expensive, and the same is true for going to the studio and having your music recorded. If you’re thinking of recording a song at home without musical instruments or special recording equipment, good news first; it’s possible. 

Here are 7 steps on how you can record music at home without equipment:

1. Gather the items you’ll need.
2. Set up a noise-free location for your recording. 
3. Install a DAW on your computer.
4. Connect the audio interface.
5. Connect the microphone.
6. Check for levels.
7. Start recording.

Read on to get more details on how to record music at home. You’ll also learn more about other recording alternatives and how to set up a good environment for recording audio. Let’s go.

1. Gather the Items You’ll Need

To record music at home, you don’t have to have expensive and complex equipment. However, you’ll still need certain items to get the job done. Fortunately, these items are easy to get (you probably already own most of them), and some can be sourced for free.

The items you’ll need include:

• Computer
• Audio interface
• Microphone
• DAW (Digital Recording Workstation)

2. Set Up a Noise-Free Location for Your Recording

After getting all the equipment you need for recording music at home, look for a good location to record your music. One of the greatest interferences is usually noise. You have to develop ways to ensure there’s as little noise as possible in your recording environment. 

The most common types of noise during recording include:

Background Noise

Background noise is produced by things or people in the environment. Some sources of background noise include a dog barking, phone ringing, other people talking, and traffic.

To prevent background noise from interrupting your music, move to a quiet room or record when there are no people around or when the surrounding is less noisy, for example, at night.

Handling Noise

Handling noise is simply noise produced by you during the recording process. These include tapping the mic, breathing, and blowing. Try as much as you can to avoid handling noise as it can significantly interfere with the recording.

For example, when using a mic, don’t hold it too close to your mouth as it’ll record your breath. Avoid holding it too far as well as the sound will be unclear.

Voice Echo

Echoes will happen when you record in an empty room or one that doesn’t have a lot of furniture, resulting in bad sounds. The solution to the echoes is to dampen the room. You can do this by adding soft furniture to the room, curtains, carpets, and rugs. These items will help improve the room’s acoustics. 

White Noise

White noise may not be identified when you’re recording but will be heard like a hissing sound when you listen to the record. It’s usually caused by fans, wind, and the AC.

To eliminate this noise, turn off the devices that produce it and close the windows to block the wind when recording.

3. Install a DAW on Your Computer

A DAW is a kind of software used for recording, editing, and mixing audio. If you have an Apple-supported computer, things will be easier for you since it comes with its own pre-installed DAW known as GarageBand. 

This software is free, it functions very well, and isn’t too complex to use. Even if you’re not using a Macbook, you can still download a DAW with much ease. They’re available in several types; some are free, while some are paid for. 

Here are some of the DAWs you can try out:

Audacity

Audacity is a very popular DAW and is free. It’s compatible with OSX, Windows, and Linux operating systems, making it accessible to many people. Audacity allows you to record, import, and edit audio.

Additionally, it comes with lots of built-in digital effects you can use to manipulate your audio recording further.

Cubase LE

Cubase LE provides all the basic tools needed to record and mix audio. This DAW has 23 audio VST effect processors and more than 5 GB of loops and sounds. It’s free, but you can also upgrade to the Paid version, which has more and better features.

Cubase LE will work perfectly for entry-level music producers. However, you might want to go for the paid version for professional recording.

Check out which is better: Cubase vs. Logic Pro.

Pro Tools First

Pro Tools first allows you to record four tracks simultaneously, 16 audio tracks, and 16 virtual instruments tracks. Pro Tools also includes lots of samples, sounds, and loops. Additionally, it contains several effects which you can use to fine-tune your audio when editing.

Check out my other articles about Pro Tools:

• Best Laptop For Pro Tools

4. Connect the Audio Interface

You’ll most likely only need a USB cable and an AC (wall plug) to get the audio interface running. Your computer may recognize the interface immediately or take some time, depending on its type and the interface. 

You may also require to install drives usually loaded on a CD player with your hardware. These drives are available on the manufacturer’s website.

5. Connect the Microphone

Connect a microphone to the audio interface using the XLR cable. 

Several microphones are available in the market; one of the best is the Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone from Amazon.com. This microphone is especially ideal for home recordings. In addition, its transit response is superior and is highly versatile. 

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

However, if you’re on a budget, check out the DSCHLZY USB Condenser Podcast Recording Microphone, also available on Amazon.com. It’s not costly but is still great for recording.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Check for Levels

If the hardware and software you’re using cooperate, you have connected everything correctly. 

You can now go ahead and check for the levels on the mic. This is possible in different ways, depending on which software you’re using. If you aren’t sure where to adjust the levels, check out your software tutorial for guidance.

7. Start Recording

It’s now time to record, but you need to consider the song’s structure before starting. However, you don’t have to know exactly how the full song you want to record will sound like; begin with the foundation of the song you have in mind.

For example, think of the main drum beat and record that first. Afterward, record other tracks to flesh out the song. Thanks to digital recording, you can add on any tracks you wish, whether guitar beats, piano beats, etc. 

Next, record the song’s vocals along with the tracks. Continue experimenting until you feel satisfied with how the song sounds, then edit the whole song, and you’re all done. 

Alternative Ways of Recording Music at Home

If you feel like doing the above is too much hassle, try other alternatives for recording music at home. Here are some of them:

Sing With a Karaoke App

If you’re new to music recording, you’ll probably attempt to do covers for some of your favorite songs. If that’s the case, a karaoke app will come in handy. There are several apps you can try out for this. These include Sing by Smule, Karaoke Anywhere, Ising, and Singsnap Karaoke II.

Use a Smartphone

If you feel like setting up a DIY music studio is an uphill task or very expensive, using a smartphone will be ideal. Almost everyone owns a smartphone, and if you don’t, you can get one easily since they’re readily available and relatively inexpensive. 

You can record music on your phone, whether it’s an android or iPhone. Smartphones usually have built-in recorders, and there are also several apps you can download for the task. 

The built-in voice recorders found in smartphones are basic. If you need more professional audio, there are various apps you can check out.

Recording Music Using an iPhone

iPhones usually have a built-in voice recorder known as voice memos. If your iPhone doesn’t have it, you probably deleted it, but you can download it from the Appstore for free.

Here’s the procedure on how to use the memo to record your music at home:

1. Open the app, hit the record button then start playing your music. Ensure the microphone is facing you and move to an area that doesn’t have background noise. Also, ensure your hands don’t cover the microphone to avoid interfering with the sound quality.
2. Send the memo to another device or use other apps to edit it. 
3. Tap the stop button to stop recording.
4. To name the recording, tap the ‘new recording’ label.
5. Save the audio. You can also tap on ‘play’ to listen to the recording before saving.

Recording Music Using an Android Phone

Android phones also have built-in recorders. Some older versions don’t come installed with it, but you can download them from the Play store. It’s usually known as a voice recorder. 

It might not match the software used by professional music producers, just like the iPhone’s voice memo, but it’s good for non-professional recordings. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the voice recorder and tap the red button to start recording. Avoid background noise to ensure quality results.
2. Tap the grey button to stop recording.
3. Name and then save your recording.
4. Send the recording to another device or send it to another app for editing.

Smartphone Apps for Music Recording at Home

BandLab

BandLab is partly a DAW and a social network since you can use it to share your music once you are done recording. It allows you to record your song on your android phone while tuning it using the Auto pitch. 

This app also has beats and loops, which you can use to enhance the quality of your composition. What’s more? It’s free and easily accessible.

Garageband

Garageband comes preloaded on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This free app performs like a music recording studio providing lessons and sounds such as vocals, percussions, and rhythm. 

One of the most impressive things about this app is its welcoming layout. Even if you’re a beginner, you won’t have problems using it as it’s very user-friendly. It also has a quick help button in case you can’t figure out something.

Check out which is better: Ableton Live vs. Garageband.

Easy Voice Recorder

The Easy Voice Recorder has a lot of options for fine-tuning recorded saves. The app is available for Android users, and it allows the sharing of recording through other apps and even email. A pro version is also available for supported devices, and it has more and better features.

How To Enhance the Quality of Your Audio

Add a Microphone

You can enhance the quality of your recording when using a smartphone by adding a microphone. For example, you can use the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone from Amazon.com, which isn’t expensive and greatly improves sound quality.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A lavalier microphone is also a good option, and they are more affordable compared to regular microphones. One of the best lavaliers available is the PoP voice 16 Feet Single Head Lavalier, also on Amazon.com. It’s lightweight and compact. 

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Or, check out the PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone from Amazon.com. It has universal compatibility, meaning you can use it on smartphones and other devices like laptops and tablets.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Use Headphones or Earphones

If you have a few more bucks to use, you can buy headphones to enhance the quality of your music. However, if you’re on a budget, it’s not necessary to buy them. 

Below are some of the headphones you can check out and choose the most suitable (All recommendations are found on Amazon.com):

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large-Diaphragm Headphone

The Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones have a closed-ear design, making them very comfortable even when used for long hours.

The greatest thing about these headphones is their sound quality, given that they’re not very expensive. Another impressive thing about these headphones is their lightweight nature, as they’re made of mostly plastic.

However, these Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones have a long and heavy cable and are only suitable for use when at home or office. You can still use them if you travel a lot, but the cable might be a nuisance.

These headphones have 40 millimeters (1.57 in), drivers, for quality and detailed sound.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are beautifully designed and available in various color options such a black, tan leather, and dark blue. It’s made of plastic, making it lightweight. 

The headband and ear band materials are professional-grade, which makes it so comfortable. They feature circumaural design contours surrounding the ears, which ensure sound isolation whenever you’re recording in loud environments.

However, be warned, these headphones come with a pretty high price tag.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones

The Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones have super soft pads on the ear cups, making them very comfortable. They also have 40 millimeters (1.57 in) drivers, which ensure high-quality sound.

What’s more, these headphones are flexible and stretchable, meaning they’ll fit your head comfortably. They’re also lightweight and easy on the head and ears.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

There you have it. As you can see, you don’t need to go to the studio to record a song, especially if you’re just starting on music production. You can record music at home using easily available hardware and software.

Recording at home is cheaper, and it also allows you to practice and improve your music recording skills. Good luck!

Sources

• Audacity Team: About
• Steinberg: Download Cubase LE
• Westlake Pro: Avid Pro Tools | First – Free Recording Software Download
• Music Industry How To: How To Record Your First Song From Home Cheaply
• Home Studio Expert: Can You Record Music On Your Phone?
• Wikipedia: Garageband
• Wikipedia: Acoustics
• Google Play: BandLab
• Google Play: Easy Voice Recorder
• Medium: How To Make Music Without Equipment, Talent, Or Experience
• The Home Recordings: How To Produce A Song With No Studio Equipment!   
• Wikihow: How To Make An Album Without A Recording Studio
• Machan Music: Record Good Cover Songs At Home In 6 Easy Steps