You don't have to have high end recording gear to create a decent classroom recording studio setup. Here are some suggested places to start:
More information on this topic is available through the links to the other parts of this article shown above.
Bare Bones (solo recording, small spaces):
- Laptop or desktop computer with free Audacity recording software
- USB Microphone such as Blue Microphones Snowball
- Microphone Stand
- Headphones or Studio Monitors (see Jargon sidebar)
Step Up (small ensemble recording with soloists (jazz band, show choir, etc):
- Laptop or desktop computer with Garageband for Mac or MixCraft for PC
- USB audio interface with 2-4 XLR and/or ¼ inch input jacks
- Microphones (both dynamic and condenser)
- Studio monitors or headphones
Full Featured (multiple miked instruments, most versatile):
- Laptop or desktop computer with Logic, Reason, or other commercial recording software
- Multi channel USB mixer with up to 16 channels and phantom power
- additional selection of microphones for various applications (drums, piano, vocals, etc.)
- Studio monitors and headphones
An edited version of this article first appeared in the February 2013 issue of NAfME's Teaching Music Magazine on page 31 Under the title Putting A Studio In The Mix. A copy for personal research use may be downloaded but no further use of this article is permitted without written permission from the National Association for Music Education.