What do I need to make a home recording studio?

Question

Ok well I started a singing group and we need some help on finding out what we need to sound more proffesional to make a small and simple home recording studio.We dont want anything big or too complicating just something to make us sound good but that is not hard to use.We really dont know what kind of hardware or software to get.Our group is a rap group and we are all 12-15 years old and we live in Chicago.We really dont know anything about all the music stuff but we do make some really amazing raps for our age.But we do have a microphone but we recorded our selves and it didnt come out that good.We checked out some websites and there was alot of stuff but we really didnt know what the things were for.We need help on finding easy to use hardware and software that makes us sound proffesional.So please help my group any I out.Give us some websites and other stuff that will help us out..thanx!!

Answer 1

First off, you need the proper software:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--CAKHS

That is a link to Cakewalk/Sonar Homestudio.  Great program that will cost you right at, or a little less than 100 dollars.

Next you need the hardware:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

That is a link to a fantastic (considering the price) USB audio interface for about 150.  The purpose of the audio interface is to connect a microphone to your computer in a very audibly clean way.

The next step is getting a decent mic.  The shure SM58 would be perfect and compatible with the USB audio interface.  You can get this mic for right at a 100 dollars (which is not bad for a good mic).

Mic link:

http://www.interstatemusic.com/webapp/wc...

I have personally used all of these products and was more than happy with the quality.  All of this total will cost near 400 dollars, but if you are serious about what you want to do than this is a FANTASTIC price, especially split between a few people.