It’s not uncommon these days to create song from your bedroom. It’s less expensive, simpler, and, in some respects, superior.

You’ll discover the easy steps you can take right now to start making song in your bedroom.

1. Gather the necessary equipment

Assume you’re recording song in a bedroom with just the most basic acoustic treatment. (We’ll go through therapy in more detail later.)

It may be tempting to spend a lot of money on a high-end microphone.

But hold on…

Why would you buy a mic designed for a professional studio if your recording area isn’t of the same caliber as a professional studio?

I’m not suggesting you buy a cheap microphone.

However, don’t spend $1,000 on a high-end microphone. Your home studio will be unable to realize its full potential.

How can you ensure that your bedroom studio has the finest available equipment? I’ll walk you through the fundamental equipment you’ll need to make music at home.

Laptop

You must have a laptop if you do not already have one.

A mobile device may technically record an entire song or album. However, this isn’t ideal.

In addition, I’ll be discussing a variety of other items. It will not apply to individuals who record using a device other than a laptop or desktop computer.

When choosing a laptop, make sure it meets at least the following criteria:

  • Dual-core CPU (preferably a quad or multi-dual processor)
  • 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM (but the more RAM, the more plugins your computer can handle smoothly)
  • 120 GB of hard drive space

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Simply use GarageBand if you have a MacBook. Every new MacBook comes with it preinstalled.

You may upgrade to Logic Pro X, which is the mature version of GarageBand, at some time.

I strongly suggest Reaper if you’re using a Windows machine. The full version is free to test, and purchasing a license is extremely cheap.

Pro Tools is an option if you have a little extra cash. It’s used by the majority of professional producers, and it’s been around longer than any other DAW.

Audio Interface

Audio interfaces are improving all the time. So you can buy one for a reasonable price that has strong preamps and everything you need.

Microphones and related items

I have some recommendations if you wish to choose your own microphone and accessories.

You should begin with a condenser microphone. These will catch a considerably cleaner sound than a dynamic microphone, making them excellent for voices.

The Shure SM57, Audio-Technica AT2035, or AKG P170 are all excellent first-choice microphones. For not a lot of money, all of these mics are quite accurate.

If you need a second microphone, a dynamic microphone is the way to go. They can withstand greater noises and are very robust.

The Shure SM58 is arguably the finest dynamic microphone on the market.

You’ll also need an XLR mic cable, a mic stand, and a pop filter in addition to the microphone (vocals only).

Headphones

It’s recommended to use closed-back headphones while recording at home. These headphones isolate sound better than open-back headphones.

You’ll have less mic bleed and be able to hear the playback better if you use closed-back headphones.

Multilevel Desk

You’ll most likely be recording songs for hours on end.

You’ll undoubtedly wind up with a crick in your neck or a stiff back if you don’t have a multilevel desk.

That’s not a good thing.

It’s a game changer to be able to use your computer at eye level.

Put your laptop atop an overturned wooden box as an option. Anything to bring the screen to a higher position.

Comfortable Chair

The most underappreciated piece of equipment a home producer has is the chair they sit on while creating music.

We’re constantly talking about the recording gear. However, you will not like utilizing such equipment if you are uncomfortable while doing so.

2. Give Your Room a Change

Okay, you’ve acquired all of the necessary gear for your bedroom studio. It’s now time to install acoustic panels in the space.

Your recordings and mixes will stink if you don’t use acoustic treatment. They won’t be correct.

Sound waves bounce about the space, changing the color of the mix.

The treatment equipment absorbs the frequencies that tend to accumulate. Unwanted reverb and incorrect recordings may result from an accumulation of reflected frequencies.

You’ll be left with nothing but the instrument’s clean tone.

But first, let’s get started…

The following are the major kinds of therapy you’ll require:

  • Acoustic panels (absorb higher frequencies)—NOT acoustic foam
  • Bass traps (absorb lower frequencies)
  • Clouds (absorb frequencies reflected off the ceiling)
  • A rug (absorbs frequencies bouncing off the floor)

Here’s where the panels, traps, and clouds should go:

  • One acoustic panel behind each monitor
  • Two acoustic panels at the very end of your room (opposite the monitors)
  • One acoustic panel on either side of you (usually at ear level)
  • A bass trap in all the top corners of the room
  • Clouds hung from the ceiling between your ears and the monitors

You probably have a lot of things in your room now. And that’s a wonderful thing because it allows for natural dispersion.

Your bed, dresser, and any photos on the wall are all helpful. They may aid in the breaking up of soundwaves, resulting in fewer reflected frequencies.

3. Learn the basics of music production

Now it’s time to have some fun. Let’s take a look at some of the fundamentals of music creation, as well as some music production advice…

Dynamics

This may seem simple, but if your music sounds the same throughout, it will quickly become dull.

That’s why the greatest shows include quiet portions, loud parts, building sections, and so on. They differ.

Consider the ebb and flow of the music.

If your verse is laid-back, make the chorus big. During the final chorus, take a halftime break.

Start with a few layers and build up to dozens by the conclusion of the song.

Assume that the audience will get bored sooner than you anticipate.

Frequency Spectrum

You must also consider the various frequencies present in your song.

Your song will get murky if you have a lot of noises at the same frequency. As a result, you’ll almost certainly need to utilize more of the frequency spectrum.

Have a lot of high noises in your mix, such as hi-hats, shakers, and piano tinkles? Warm acoustic guitar or lower piano notes may be added.

Do you have too many low mids, such as bass or cello? Incorporate some instruments with a mid-high frequency range.

You may also get rid of noises to make the other frequencies stand out more. This may aid in the removal of muck from your mix.

Wideness

Widening your song is more of a process that takes place throughout the mixing process. However, you may pan instruments as you go to assist create the sound you desire.

Don’t be scared to pan the instrument by 50–100%.

When I first heard these figures, I was terrified. Panning, on the other hand, may really assist fill out your song.

This is the general norm. The more in the center something is, the more prominent it will be in the mix.

In addition, higher-frequency instruments are usually better panned. Instruments with more bottom sound more focused.

Sometimes Less Is More Powerful

I often believe that I need to add something to my work to make it more intriguing. That isn’t always the case.

However, in many cases, little is more. Allow the vocalist’s emotion to carry the song while using little instruments.

Having trouble with the production stage? Experiment with deleting components to see what occurs.

Dump Your Thoughts

Return to your project on a different day, when your ears are more open. Then decide what should remain and what should go.

Don’t Experiment Too Much With Effects

I sometimes use effects on my instruments, but only when I have a certain sound in mind.

Hold off on using effects if you don’t have a particular sound in mind. You may always add them once you’ve finished mixing.

So don’t feel obligated to use all of the benefits right now.

Close Your Eyes

Closing your eyelids may assist in the opening of your ears. Sit back, shut your eyes, and press play when your creation is almost complete.

You won’t be able to view or be distracted from your DAW project. So you may concentrate all of your creative energy on the song.

Save a Lot

Save a lot of time on your assignment. More than you believe you need. It’s impossible to predict when your computer will refuse to cooperate.

Take a Break

It’s possible that your ears may get weary. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, don’t go more than an hour without taking a break.

Go grab something to eat. Take a stroll around the block. Pushups are a good way to start. Return to the song after that.

Maintain Consistency

The greatest producers are constantly striving to improve and are diligent in their efforts.

I’m not always referring to work. However, in order to develop, you need make song on a regular basis.

4. Learn the fundamentals of mixing

Some individuals like to mix as they go, which means they mix as they record and produce.

However, it seems that it is preferable to divide the procedure into phases. Producing and mixing should be done separately.

As a bedroom producer, it’s critical to understand fundamental mixing methods. Here’s why…

You’ll ultimately be able to mix your own song. And you’ll have even more creative power over your song as a result.

After that, you’ll be able to start charging other artists for your mixing services.

Here are the fundamental stages in the mixing process to give you an idea:

Prep

Organize your recordings by instrument or frequency spectrum position.

Your tracks should be labeled. Remove any songs that you aren’t utilizing.

The channels may even be color-coded.

The volume should be balanced

The most effective EQ tool is the fader.

As a result, you’ll need to spend some time figuring out how to get the appropriate volume balance between your songs.

Start EQing

Each instrument’s tone is shaped by an equalizer (EQ).

Apply compression

A compressor evens out the volume of an instrument throughout the song.

Use panning, reverb, and delay

These components aid in the creation of space in your track. Make your song sound bigger, richer, and more expansive.

Volume automation

Over the course of the song, become specific with the loudness of each channel.

Is there one word that stands out more than the others? Automate the process to reduce the volume.

Final thoughts

You may begin making song in your bedroom. To create song, all you need is some basic equipment, some simple acoustic treatment, and a strong desire.