Hardware Essentials - The basic hardware needed to turn your computer into a music making machine

A/D Converter

Analog to digital converters come in many shapes and sizes: some are soundcards that plug into a PCI slot on the motherboard, while others comprise a PCI card and break out box offering more connections, such as the M-Audio Delta 66 in the picture above. There's also a trend towards running audio in and out via the USB or FireWire ports, which is good news for laptop owners who can't fit PCI cards into their machines.

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MIDI Port

Getting MIDI in and out of the computer is an important consideration if you're planning to use a keyboard. The more ports are better, if you plan to expand the system with external sound sources and other MIDI kits. The Midiman 4x4 port, pictured above, is a typical example of a MIDI box that plugs into the USB port. It offers four input connections and four out, which should be enough for a basic project studio. Some analog to digital converters have MIDI built in along side the audio ports, so you could save time by buying a combined unit.

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Controller Keyboard

While it's possible to enter notes into sequencing software with just the mouse, musical keyboard entry is far more intuitive. And you don't have to be a trained piano player, either. Sequencers offer step time entry, by which you can poke in one note at a time, then edit the precise timing and pitch later. While you could go for a full weighted, 88 key piano, there are plenty of compact, two octave models that do a great job. In common with controller keyboards from M-Audio and Evolution, the Novation Remote 25 Audio, In the picture above, also has MIDI and digital audio ports built in, a great all in one solution, along with a wealth of knobs and sliders for controlling the parameters of software instruments in real time.

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Monitor Speakers

Most modern domestic PCs are bundled with multimedia speakers. Not great if you need the kind of frequency response that's going to help create great mixes. And headphones are not the best means of monitoring music - they tend not to have the bass response necessary. A pair of nearfield reference monitors, plus amplification, is a good vet for the home based project studio, and need not break the bank. Pictured above is a Tannoy Reveal, which can handle 50 watts RMS and has a frequency response of 65Hz (near Main hum) to 20kHz (near bat squeak). It's also available in an active configuration, which has a power amplifier built into each cabinet.

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Headphones

You wouldn't want a to monitor a mixdown of headphones, but they are essential when working with microphones. The padded ear cushions damp monitor foldback so that it doesn't spill into the mic and ruin an acoustic take. The Beyer Dynamic Dt 100s, in the picture above, are classic studio headphones, popular for their comfort and fine frequency response.

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Microphone

Crucial when capturing vocals and other acoustic instruments, a good microphone is essential for project studio owners. The Shure SM58, in the picture above, is regarded by many as a superb vocal mic. It's a dynamic model which means it does not require power, and is ideal for use in live situations. For general purpose applications, consider the Shure SM57, a good all around mic. Further up the price scale you'll find condenser microphones, which need 'phantom power' (48 volts) to operate. Ensure your digital-audio interface has a phantom power facility.

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Related posts:

Musical MIDI - Understanding MIDI
Analog-Digital Audio - Understanding Audio
Pro Tips
Music Production Tips