In this post, I will be opening the door to the bedroom studio and examining how you can produce top-notch music from the comfort of your own home.

Of all the changes that have taken place in the world of music and production, today’s ability to produce high-quality release-ready music solely on a laptop has to be one of the most democratising. Whereas once you would have had to hire or build a studio, you’re now unshackled and free to make music wherever the mood takes you. The term bedroom producer has entered the musical lexicon, referring to someone making music from a small space such as a spare room or bedroom.

So let’s take a look at what it takes to become a successful bedroom producer. First lets focus on creating an effective working environment for your bedroom studio.

Creating a productive workspace for your Bedroom Studio

Before diving into the world of beat-making, let’s take a moment to set up your creative space. Despite being commonly referred to as a bedroom studio the term is fairly loose. It can apply to any small dedicated space within a home. When planning your bedroom or home studio it’s worth considering the following factors.

Location – Ideally, you should select a quiet and relatively isolated area within your home where you can focus without distractions.

Acoustic Treatment -The acoustic qualities of your space should be one of your main considerations. Where possible minimize sound reflections by adding bass traps, diffusers, and absorbers. These can help reduce unwanted noise and enhance the sound quality in your bedroom studio. For more info on acoustically treating a room check out this post.

Lighting – Good lighting is crucial for a productive workspace. Use a combination of natural light and adjustable artificial lighting to create an inviting and well-lit environment. Avoid harsh or glaring lights that can strain your eyes.

Personality – A visually appealing environment can stimulate creativity. Think about introducing decorative elements such as artwork, posters, mood boards, or plants

Comfort – The main thing is to ensure your workspace is comfortable for extended work sessions. Invest in a good chair with proper lumbar support, and consider a standing desk option for variety.

Wifi – Last but not least, you will most likely need your studio to be online. In this age of connectivity, its vital your studio room has reliable fast internet.

Decide on your lane

The type of music you make influences the type of bedroom or home studio you need. Making music primarily within a computer provides maximum freedom. However, if you plan to record vocals or instruments, additional considerations arise. For example, recording drums will require ample space and sound insulation, Especially if you want to keep on the right side of your neighbours. If you’re in a partnership or band then your space will have to accommodate the extra bodies.

As well as the logistics, you might want to consider your level of commitment. Are you casually exploring music production, or are you dedicated to building a career in the music industry? If you’re serious about your music production ambitions then you’ll want to explore ways in which to monetize your music. From streaming to beat selling, Production music for sync to sample making. Deciding on your musical intentions, goals and budget will determine what equipment you will need for your bedroom studio

Equipment needed for your bedroom studio

Advancements in digital technology mean that the sort of facilities once only available in a state-of-the-art recording studio can now be harnessed in a modern laptop. For this reason, your bedroom studio doesn’t need to be loaded with expensive equipment. Here’s a list of the essentials to get you started.

Computer

Without a doubt the most important factor in your studio set-up. A modern powerful computer with sufficient processing power and storage is essential for digital music production. This is especially the case if you plan on using lots of virtual instruments and onboard processing.

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Choose a DAW that suits your workflow and music style. It’s worth doing a fair bit of research as this will be at the core of your production set-up. Popular options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.

Midi Controller

A MIDI keyboard or pad controller allows you to play and program virtual instruments and drum samples. Controllers come in various sizes with 24, 48, 64 and 88 key options as standard. Your programming/playing requirements and the space available will determine what size you go for.

Audio Interface

An audio interface connects your instruments and microphones to your computer, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback. Interfaces range in price from under £50 to over £8000. I would advise getting the best interface you can afford. You should consider how many channels you plan to record simultaneously. Interfaces come in various in/out configurations. Generally, the more inputs your interface has the higher the cost.

Studio monitors/Headphones

Invest in reliable studio monitors or headphones to accurately hear your music. If your room acoustics are really poor and you’re not able to treat the space then a top-quality pair of headphones will almost certainly be a wiser investment. For more advice on studio headphones check out this post.

Microphone

If you plan to record vocals or acoustic instruments, a studio-quality microphone is crucial. Just remember that the room acoustics are as, if not more, important than the quality of your mic. Mic isolation shields can help but they are no substitute for a well-treated room. For a rundown of some great budget mic options check out this post.

Sound Library

Access to a diverse collection of virtual instruments and sample libraries can greatly expand your sonic palette. There is certainly no shortage of options out there. You could purchase individual items or opt for a package of products such as Native Instruments Komplete collection. For royalty-free samples, subscription packages can offer great value. For the best value high-quality samples you need look no further than RouteNote Create.

Summary

The rise of the bedroom studio and associated bedroom producers has revolutionised the musical landscape. The power to be creative and produce professional-sounding recordings with limited means and facilities has shifted the goalposts immeasurably.

With a whole studio now available on a laptop producers and beatmakers are free to plug in and get creative wherever they choose. At its most basic, a desk able to accommodate your laptop and a MIDI controller is all you need to get going… So what are you waiting for?!?

Remember – RouteNote Create subscriptions start from as little as $2.99. You also get 10 FREE credits to spend on samples along with access to our FREE sample pack bundle when you sign-up!