* The following setup is a general recommendation. You can always schedule a private consultation with me if you have more questions, specific needs, etc.

* Disclaimer: These are all just personal views. I have no affiliation and receive no compensation from any software provider.

THINGS YOU NEED TO SETUP YOUR STUDIO

- COMPUTER (PC or MAC)- DAW (WORKING ENVIRONMENT)- AUDIO INTERFACE- STUDIO MONITORS (OPTIONAL: HEADPHONES)- MIDI CONTROLLER (KEYBOARD)- SOFTWARE INSTRUMENTS

COMPUTER (PC / MAC)

Without getting into PC vs. MAC fight, you need to consider the following:• Fast hard drive (7200 RPM)• Plenty of operating memory (RAM). I recommend to start from 4 GB and more.• Powerful CPU. At least, Core 2 Duo processor with the frequency above 2 GHz or higher.

DAW (DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION)

There are many working environments out there such as Logic, Cubase, Cakewalk, Studio One, Ableton, Reason, Fruity Loops, Digital Performer, Pro Tools and many others.

I recommend to use Logic Pro (Mac), or Cubase (PC or Mac). In my humble opinion, these are the most universal and popular applications for good reasons.

You can read additional articles here:http://musikality.net/daw/daw-digital-audio-workstation/and here:http://intenseproductions.blogspot.com/2011/01/which-daw-should-i-use.html

Music  Lessonswith  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov,Film  Music  Composer  and  Producer

Play.  Accomplish.  Create.Phone:  778.896.1580

E-­‐Mail:  serge@sergeorlov.comWeb:  www.sevenmagicnotes.com

© 2011  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov

LOW BUDGET BASIC STUDIO SETUP

* Note that Cubase AI or Cubase Lite, which are sufficient to start working with, come free with the purchase of Steinberg, KOMPLETE Audio 6 or T.C. Electronics audio interfaces. It is worth taking advantage from these offers.

AUDIO INTERFACE

• reduces latency - time delay in audio signal. Highly important!• records external audio source (such as voice, guitar, etc.)• connects studio monitors (speakers)

Recommend: • STEINBERG C12 ($169). Excellent choice if you are going to use Cubase. Comes with free version of Cubase AI 5. USB connection. No round MIDI jack connection (DIN5). If you are planning to use Logic Pro, consider choosing different audio interface.Reviewed here:http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/computers-software/peripherals/input-devices/audio-interfaces/c12-231299/review

• T.C. Electronic Konnekt 6 ($199). Great quality. Firewire connection. No round MIDI jack connection (DIN5). Comes with Cubase AI 4.Reviewed here:http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct08/articles/desktopkonnekt6.htm

• KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 ( ~$300). Great quality. USB connection. Has round MIDI jacks (DIN5). Comes with Cubase LE 5 + KOMPLETE ELEMENTS software instrument. Reviewed here:http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/computers-software/peripherals/input-devices/audio-interfaces/komplete-audio-6-459559/review

• Presonus AudioBox ($160) is another good option. Comes with Presonus StudioOne DAW, which I am not familiar with. But if you own Logic Pro or Cubase, it is a good audio interface to consider for the given price. USB connection. Has round MIDI jacks (DIN5).

Music  Lessonswith  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov,Film  Music  Composer  and  Producer

Play.  Accomplish.  Create.Phone:  778.896.1580

E-­‐Mail:  serge@sergeorlov.comWeb:  www.sevenmagicnotes.com

© 2011  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov

MIDI CONTROLLER USB (KEYBOARD)

Listed MIDI controllers have heavy-weighted and full length piano keys.

• Studiologic SL-990 ($480) - very close to piano feel, but no USB connection. Only round MIDI output jack (DIN5). Depending on your audio interface, may require “MIDI to USB adapter” (~ $10)

• Yamaha KX8 (good integration with Cubase) *discontinued. Look for used one.

• CME UF80 88-note - close to piano feel + lots of controllers ~ $560

• Studiologic VMK-188* - very close to piano feel + lots of controllers ~ $800

STUDIO MONITORS (SPEAKERS)

• give stereo image and flat / balanced sound. Highly important!• speakers size depends on the room size. Usually 5” studio monitors are good enough for most home studios + it’s more affordable.

Recommend: • MACKIE MR5MK2 5-inch ~ $150 eachReviewed here:http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul08/articles/mackiemrseries.htm

• KRK RP5 G2 5-inch ~ $180 eachReviewed here (the reviewed model is 6” bigger):http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov08/articles/krkrp6.htm

HEADPHONES (OPTIONAL)

• Sennheiser HD280 Pro ($110) rated best for low-budget.

• Beyer Dynamic DT770 Pro 80 Ohm ($199). These are the BEST! (according to “SoundOnSound” music magazine + personal taste)

Music  Lessonswith  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov,Film  Music  Composer  and  Producer

Play.  Accomplish.  Create.Phone:  778.896.1580

E-­‐Mail:  serge@sergeorlov.comWeb:  www.sevenmagicnotes.com

© 2011  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov

SOFTWARE INSTRUMENTS

• Native Instruments KOMPLETE 8 ($549). This instrument represents massive all-in-one sound bank of 100 GB of samples for almost any genre of music. Great collection for extraordinary price, in my opinion.Visit Native Instruments website for demos and more detailed info. You will be impressed!http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/komplete-8/

MICROPHONE (OPTIONAL)

Consider the following microphone• KEL HM-3C ($199 - $249)More info and audio samples are here: http://www.kelaudio.com/products/hm-3c/It’s pretty good for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

Invest smart in your studio! The recommendations above are for efficient and high-quality output music production, yet within affordable low budget.Please, don’t forget these are all just my personal viewsI hope this guide will help you. I’ll keep posting interesting and useful articles.

All The Best!Play. Accomplish. Create.

Serge Chubinsky-OrlovComposer | Producer | Music Instructor

www.sergeorlov.com - film music

www.sevenmagicnotes.com - music education for youth and adults

www.innerlifeproject.com - electronica project

Music  Lessonswith  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov,Film  Music  Composer  and  Producer

Play.  Accomplish.  Create.Phone:  778.896.1580

E-­‐Mail:  serge@sergeorlov.comWeb:  www.sevenmagicnotes.com

© 2011  Serge  Chubinsky-­‐Orlov