Mixing Console

• The mixing console is the center of operations for any music studio. All instruments, microphones, monitors and processors are connected to the console, to enable the engineer to effectively control both the input and output sounds for every device. Depending on your needs, you can purchase mixing consoles in portable or full desk sizes.
  
  

Monitors

• A standard studio uses at least two sets of monitor speakers (one main monitoring set, and one control room set) and a pair of monitor headphones. When purchasing monitor headphones, always look for a minimum of 100 watts, and also look for professional headphones with at least 40mm drivers.
  
  

Computer

• In the analog days, studios would record material onto multitrack tape players and similar devices. In the digital age, engineers capture audio using computers. For professional studio projects, you will want the most powerful processor you can find (absolutely nothing smaller than a dual-core processor). If your mixing console lacks USB compatibility, you will also need an audio interface (external sound card) to connect your computer to your console while maintaining full stereo quality.
  
  

Digital Audio Workstation

• A DAW (digital audio workstation) refers to a recording program, usually a multi-tracking program, onto which you can capture audio. Without a DAW, a computer is just a computer, but when you install a high-end program like Pro-Tools, Logic Pro or Cubase, your computer becomes an invaluable piece of the studio, capable of saving all of the recording sessions in a digital format.
  
  

Audio Cables

• Whether you use your studio to produce your own music recordings or the recordings of other artists, you should always have the appropriate cables on hand. Purchase at least three or four TRS cables (like the stereo cables used for guitars), two or three XLR cables for microphones, one or two MIDI cables for electronic instruments, and perhaps some cable adapters for emergency situations (like MIDI-to-USB, 1/4"-to-1/8", XLR-to-TRS).
  
  

Microphones and Instruments

• Condensor microphones are best for noise-free vocal recordings, but dynamic microphones can work as well. The specific instruments you need will depend on your music or recording goals. You should also have a stand for each microphone, as well as a pop filter (a mesh "shield" that blocks hard consonants from creating pops in your recordings). Other digital components, like drum machines, effects filters and samplers can enhance your overall sound, especially if you specialize in electronic music.