The recording console and interface are the central parts of your recording setup. Through the recording console, you connect to the recording interface, which is likely your computer with a program like Cubase or Pro Tools. Through the console and recording interface, you interact with the recording program, triggering the computer to record and manipulating recorded sounds.
A recording console is an advanced form of an external sound card, which connects to your computer and prepares the sounds for electronic processing. A recording console often connects to a computer interface by USB or Firewire.
A patch bay and cables are an essential part of a recording setup if you have more than one instrument or sound-processing device to connect to your recording console. Some recording consoles are designed to work with patch bays with a large number of connections, while other recording consoles are limited to as little as one input. If you need more than one input on your recording console, you can expand the number of plugs you have by getting a mixer or building a powered patch bay to connect multiple instruments to your basic recording console.
Microphones are an essential part of any recording setup; without a way to get the sound in to the system, you will not be able to record sound. There are two basic types of microphone: dynamic and condenser. There are multiple types of dynamic and condenser microphones, which are applied differently in many different recording situations. Generally, a condenser microphone is more delicate than a dynamic microphone, so you shouldn't use a condenser microphone in a setting where it might be struck, dropped or otherwise abused. Dynamic microphones are good for use in live recording because they are more durable.
Most recording engineers will tell you that you need at least two good microphones as a beginning recording artist. The best microphones for each situation will very, but you can start with one smaller-diaphragm dynamic microphone, such as the Shure SM-57 or a comparable microphone, and one large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
A preamplifier, or preamp for short, is a unit that you run the signal through into the digital converter or recording console. It is also called a control amplifier. Preamps are the last link in the sound-processing chain before the recording console. All sounds go through the preamp, and the preamp shapes and adjusts the sound to give it better tone before it reaches the recording console. If you ask recording engineers what their most vital piece of equipment is, they will tell you that you need to have a quality preamp. Don't skimp and buy a cheap preamp; it is the key to the tone and feel of your sound.
You will need a speaker to hear the sound you are recording. It is essential that you have a good set of monitor speakers, or you won't be able to hear what you are recording. If you can afford several monitor speakers, that is the best way to make sure you get the best sound out of your monitor system. A system that allows you to switch between speaker sets will help you hear how your music sounds on different types of speakers.
A compressor places limits on the volume of your sound, so you don't overload your equipment. A good preamp will likely have a compressor function, and if you can keep your levels within an ideal range so you don't overload your equipment and cause it to clip, you can use the software compressor in many programs like Pro Tools as a plugin. Using a hardware compressor will keep you from clipping within the software, so you only have to worry about whether you're overloading the compressor or preamp. A compressor makes a lot of things easier, especially for the beginning recording artist but is not completely necessary in a basic setup.
A simple recording setup which allows you to produce high-quality sound recordings will cost you between $1,500 and $6,000 to set up, depending on the level of quality you choose to buy. If you are a bargain hunter or a shrewd haggler, you may be able to locate a great deal on used recording equipment. Check Craigslist and classified listings for recording consoles, preamps and mixers. If you need monitor speakers, you will find that your local thrift store has a wide variety of quality vintage speakers.
Check your local guitar and recording equipment shop for used equipment. Solder your own cables.
Be sure to check out the equipment inch by inch, test its functions and inspect it for damage before making the deal. If you are buying speakers, take off the cover and look at the cones. Make sure there are no fraying to wires or visible damage to the outside of the equipment. You won't get a chance at a refund.