This integrated media series is about my interest in the field of audio recording and the technologies surrounding the possibility of creating a studio at home, something that would have been seen as impossible 50, 40 or even 30 years ago. Home recording has revolutionized the way music can be captured and shared by anyone from the beginning amateur to the serious professional.

1. 0758920 Home Recording:
How Technology has Shifted the
Art of capturing music from the
studios of the elite to the
basements of the dreamers

2. The earliest known recording device was the
phonautograph, invented in 1857 by Eduard-leon
Scott. The first song ever recorded was Au Claire
de La Lune. This recording was new, unknown,
extremely exclusive and not very functional.
http://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/phonautograph.jpg
The second major breakthrough in recording came with the
Reel-to-reel, in which the sound was recorded onto a magnetic
tape that could be split into layers and allow the recording to
have several different layers of sound on it. This format was
finally commercially developed and used to record popular
music in the 1940’s by American Audio Engineer Jack Mullin.
Despite this progress, recording was still very expensive, very
prestigious and only took place in a professional studio that was
capable of acquiring such equipment.
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/sound-editing-4.jpg
The recording breakthrough of out time is the digital
interface. This device first saw its use in the music
industry in the early 90’s and quickly took over
any other means. The interface allows the user to
record the music in a digital audio format and transfers
these files using USB 2.0, Firewire 400 and firewire 800.
This is what sparked the creation of the home studio. It
is accessible to anyone who can afford its purchase
with prices ranging from just one hundred to the thousands of
http://www.applelinks.com/images/uploads/fasttrackusb1.jpg
dollars. This is the link between the professional and the amateur.

3. Number of Released Recorded Singles in North America
According to Billboard.com
4,000
3,440
3,000
2,650
2,000
2,013
1,456
1,000 1,240
486
0 138
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Year/Decade

4. But Why is it so special?
home recording has not only revolutionized the tools and
methods of capturing music, but has also changed the way we
record music and what we later do with that music. It has made
recording music a not so distant dream and has given
opportunity to hundreds of musicians who would have
otherwise gone un-noticed in previous decades because, they
would not of had the chance to record their music, their art.
Home studios have changed the world for amateurs but, have
also changed the way professional musicians function. Now a
serious session musician does not have to leave their house
because of the accessibility to professional recording
equipment and the easy of installing it at home. From
basements or attics to garages and lofts, with a lap top and
interface there has never been an easier way to record at a
professional level. once the recording is done in can be
uploaded with a click of a button to the internet giving fans
and friends from all over the globe a chance to hear new art
and find new favourites.

5. two budgets
Two Different Home Studios
High $$$ Low $$$
Interface & Mac Pro Effects
Preamps Rack
Computer
Mackie Mixer
2 input
Vocal Bass Amps
Interface
Guitar Booth with USB
Amps
Microphone
Drum Booth
with Mics
http://www.absoluteguitartuition.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Classic.jpg

6. small beginnings...
There are 3 essentials to setting up
a basic home studio for the beginner.
A computer with USB or
firewire port and some sort of
recording software (ie.garage
band, Cubase
http://blog.nftecnostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/apple_macbook_pro_intel_core_2_duo_2_4ghz_2048mb_160gb_tft17_dvdrw_mac_os_x_10_4.jpeg
A small interface that has at
least 1 or 2 mic/Line-in inputs
and can be connected to the
computer with USB or firewire
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul06/images/presonusinspire_l.jpg
A microphone and a XLR cable
to connect to the interface or,
just a 1/4” patch cable to
connect any instrument or
amp with an output to the
interface
http://www.city-sound.info/SM58.jpg

7. Where does it all go?
Independent US Release Independent Canada Release
Major US Release Major Canadian Release
11%
20%
8%
60%
According to Billboard.com 2007-2008 Statistics

8. Share it with the world!
Now that you’ve recorded music it’s time to
share it! here are a few ways of sharing your
music with the Global community.
https://www.noisetrade.com/#
http://www.casabonitaproductions.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/MySpaceLogo.jpg
http://www.gadgetell.com/images/2007/11/facebook-music.jpg
http://hallmedia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ap_you_tube_logo_070820_ms.jpg

9. enjoy it!
http://www.waynepubliclibrary.org/images/music%20notes.JPG
ORIGINAL

10. RESOURCES AND CREDITS
http://ieee-virtual-museum.org/collection/tech.php?taid=&id=2345805&lid=1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3224936
www.billboard.com
www.m-audio.com