A Complete Guide for Beginners to Pros: Tutorial 2 (Essential Studio Setup Requirements)

Naqvi Bros Records October 12, 2024


Course Title: Mixing and Mastering in Cubase: A Complete Guide for Beginners to Pros: Tutorial 2 (Part 2)

About Course: This is basic overview of the course. It can be changed due to your demands / requirements. We’ll try to cover all aspects of the cubase that we required during mixing and mastering.

Essential Studio Setup for Mixing & Mastering: Everything You Need to Get Started

 

Before diving into Cubase for mixing and mastering course, it’s crucial to have proper studio setup or atleast


3. Why Studio Monitors and Why not Speakers (Studio Monitors vs Speakers):

 

 High-quality studio monitors (speakers) are essential for accurate mixing. Unlike regular speakers, studio monitors provide a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear the true sound without added color. I want to add more that Larger rooms need bigger monitors, while smaller rooms work best with compact models. For example, when you listen to your tracks on speakers that aren’t “flat,” it means the speakers may be boosting or cutting certain frequencies, like adding more bass or treble than the track actually has. Some speakers might make the bass sound louder than it really is, while others might make the high notes (treble) too sharp. This is called “coloring” the sound because the speakers are changing how the music originally sounds. As a result, you’re not hearing the true, balanced mix of your track. That’s why using studio monitors is important—they are designed to give you a flat, neutral sound, so you can mix your music accurately without the speakers altering it. Similar theory for headphone monitors.

 

4. Why Headphones Monitors Why not PC or Gaming Headphones for Monitoring (Gaming Headphones vs Headphones Monitors)




While studio monitors are essential, having a pair of high-quality studio headphones is also important, especially when checking details that might go unnoticed on monitors. Similarly like speakers , Gaming headphones or PC headphones add some color to the track and not give flat response.

  • Open-back headphones: Provide natural sound but can leak audio (ideal for mixing).
  • Closed-back headphones: Offer isolation, making them great for tracking and recording.

5. Why Acoustic Treatment?

 


a.       Even the best equipment can’t compensate for poor room acoustics. Investing in acoustic treatment ensures that the sound you’re hearing is accurate and not distorted by room reflections.

·         Bass Traps: Place in corners to reduce low-frequency buildup.

·         Absorption Panels: Help absorb mid and high frequencies to reduce echoes.

·         Diffusion Panels: Scatter sound waves, preventing sound reflections from dominating your space.

b.      I can’t mix well if vocal or instrument not recording well. Therefore, to record vocal or instruments it is very important to have a proper acoustic treatment. In other words, I want the vocal without any environment or room noise like room echo sound or reflection. Therefore, I can mix well if vocal or instrument recording is totally dry. Total dry means without any effect i.e no echo, no room sound, no reflection etc s

c.       For properly acoustic treatment, vocal booth or acoustic treatment panels are essential. At the last, I want to say whatever you do, it does not matter how you done your acoustic treatment but your vocal or instrument should be record without any echo or distortion sound.  Here are some funny method that artist done for vocal recording:

 

6. MIDI Controller

 


A MIDI controller is essential for composing and producing in Cubase, especially if you work with virtual instruments (VSTs) or electronic music. Features to Look For enough keys for your playing style (25, 49, or 61 keys).

 

7. Microphones for Recording

 


And the most important good-quality microphone is key for recording vocals or instruments. The type of mic you choose depends on what you’re recording.

·         Condenser Microphones: Best for vocals and instruments due to their sensitivity.

·         Dynamic Microphones: Ideal for louder sources such as drums and guitar amps.

 

8. Cables and Stands

 

Don’t underestimate the importance of good-quality XLR cables and sturdy mic stands. Poor cables can introduce noise into your recordings, and a solid stand will prevent microphone movement during a session.

 

9. External Hard Drives for Backup (Optional)

 

Always keep a backup of your projects on an external hard drive. Audio files can be large, and losing a session can be catastrophic.

 

10. Software Essentials

Aside from Cubase, having the right plugins for mixing and mastering can take your productions to the next level.

  • EQ and Compression Plugins: FabFilter Pro-Q, Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.
  • Reverb and Delay Plugins: Valhalla Room, Soundtoys EchoBoy.
  • Mastering Plugins: iZotope Ozone, Waves L2 Ultramaximizer.

 

11. Backup Power (UPS) (Optional)

 

A Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is often overlooked but can save you from losing work during a power outage. A good UPS gives you time to save your project and shut down safely.

Conclusion

 

This studio setup guide covers everything you need to start mixing and mastering with Cubase. With the right hardware, software, and acoustic environment, you’ll be on your way to producing professional-quality music.

Setting up your home studio might require an investment, but each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in the quality of your final mixes.

 

In the next tutorial we will talk about the cost of each instrument from low budget to high budget and also talk about the complete cost / budget to start studio setup.

 


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