unordered-list

Setup

Room & placement

• Choose a quiet, dry room: smaller rooms with soft furnishings reduce reflections.
• Position speakers: form an equilateral triangle between your listening position and the two monitors; tweeters at ear height.
• Desk placement: avoid placing monitors directly against a wall—shift them forward or use isolation pads.

Acoustic treatment

• First reflection points: place absorptive panels at side walls and ceiling where sound first reflects.
• Bass traps: add in corners to reduce low-frequency buildup.
• Diffusion: use diffusers on the rear wall if the room is larger to prevent flutter echoes.

Gear essentials

• Audio interface: 2-in/2-out USB interface with good preamps.
• Studio monitors or headphones: nearfield monitors for mixing; closed-back for tracking, open-back for critical listening.
• Microphone: a large-diaphragm condenser for vocals and general use; add a dynamic (e.g., SM57) for instruments.
• MIDI controller: compact keyboard or pad controller for virtual instruments.
• Cables & stands: quality XLR/TRS cables, mic stand, headphone stand.

Signal chain & connectivity

1. Microphone → XLR → Audio interface preamp → DAW (recording).
2. MIDI controller → USB/MIDI → DAW (instrument control).
3. Audio interface outputs → Monitor controller or speakers/headphones.

DAW & software

• Choose one DAW: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reaper, FL Studio, or Pro Tools depending on workflow.
• Essential plugins: EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and a versatile synth/sample library.
• Template: create a project template with input tracks, routing, and utility plugins to speed sessions.

Workflow tips

• Gain staging: record hot but not clipping—aim for peaks around -6 dBFS.
• Reference tracks: use commercial tracks to match tonal balance and loudness.
• Backup: save sessions frequently and back up to external drive or cloud.
• Ergonomics: place keyboard and screen for comfortable posture; keep often-used items within reach.

Compact/budget adjustments

• Use acoustic blankets for temporary treatment.
• Rely on closed-back headphones and re-amp later if monitors aren’t available.