It sounds like the quest for the Holy Grail, but recording professional quality records at home is not only possible, it should be expected. The truth is, absolutely any multitrack recording software that is available can more than adequately handle the task of release-quality recording.

All we have to do is give the multitrack software what it most needs:
•    High quality sound
•    High quality “capture”
•    High quality input
•    High quality output

The items above are the 4 pillars of a great multitrack recording. The good news, each item is achievable with minimal financial outlay and minimal technical knowledge.
Let’s look at each item and define how we will achieve it.

High quality sound:
High quality sound broadly refers to supplying either a good performance, on a good quality acoustic or electric instrument, or good quality electronic instrument and/or device, or some combination of the above. In other words, well played with no buzzing and hissing.

Achievable affordably and simply? Yes.
High quality capture
High quality “capture” refers to using a good quality microphone for voice and acoustic instruments and good quality cables for connecting electric and electronic instruments and devices. In other words, avoiding immediate loss of quality and injury to the original sound due to poor quality mics and insecure cables.

Achievable affordably and simply? Yes.
High quality input
High quality input when multitrack digital recording, refers to using a high quality in/out device, also known as a digital audio interface. The first step to having high quality input is to avoid using your computer’s built in sound card for recording purposes.
Simple pro quality external audio devices are available whose sole purpose is to funnel your sounds from the outside of your computer to the inside of your computer without degrading the sound’s quality.

Achievable affordably and simply? Yes.
High quality output
Although our in/out device is also supplying the output signal, our ability to complete a professional sounding mix is dependent the final stage of output which is our speakers (monitors.) There are excellent and reasonably priced home recording studio monitors available, but this is one area where we will have to make a moderate investment to achieve professional recordings at home.

Powered studio monitors (with built in power amps) are a good choice and save the expense of separate power amps and also make good use of limited space in most home studios.

Written by Owen Critchely – Author of Easy Home Recording Blueprint – the bestselling step by step guide to producing pro-quality recordings at home using free recording software and very little equipment.

If copying the exact method I use to record music for movies, tv, cd release and licensing, sounds like a great way to kick start your music career, you will love the Easy Home Recording Blueprint with newly added videos to let you watch the entire home recording process…