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Along with the development of computer and Internet technology , there are variously new trends emerging in cyberspace. One of them is music video cover through YouTube and other video sharing sites.  Beside followed by many subscribers, some of those cover musician were quite successfully commercialize their work by selling their cover song on iTunes and other similar platforms.

If you love to sing and talented with a good voice, why shouldn’t you doing music cover and share it on YouTube? Who knows your voice and talent has a selling value. If you are not confidence enough, you could ask some of your friends who shares similiar hobby to form a music cover group.

Furthermore, becoming a cover singer, hav a home recording studio is a must. These days, with computer technology, you can build a personal recording studio with a very low budget. It is more economical and productive than renting a studio.

Well, here's a guide for you to make a home recording studio at very low cost.

An adequate computer

First, you need a computer with adequate performance. The processor speed and memory capacity is very important because recording software tends to use your computer’s resources heavily. Both Windows and Mac platforms will work well; however, Windows machines typically allow for easier upgrading of the sound card. Factory-installed sound cards are not usually robust enough to produce high-quality recordings, so upgrading is a good idea.

Recording software

The second component you need is an application or recording software that provides an interface to manage your recordings on a compute. There are several options for small budgets. Generally, the more expensive applications offer greater functionality and flexibility.

For recording on a very small budget, you can use recording software licensed as freeware or shareware. Audacity and GarageBand are 2 popular choices for low-budget recording.

With a slightly higher budget, you can purchase near-professional quality recording software such as Ableton Live or Cakewalk Sonar. Both of these applications are also available in entry-level versions that are less expensive but less powerful.

Audio interface

An audio interface is a piece of hardware that replaces your computer's sound card and allows you to connect your instruments and microphones to your computer through a mixer. On a PC, you will usually install your audio interface in an empty PCI slot. On a Mac, you may need to purchase an interface that can be connected through a USB or FireWire cable.

At the least, make sure your audio interface has 2 input and 2 output jacks. This will allow you to record in stereo. For more flexibility, choose an interface with 4 input jacks.

Some models of the audio interface that you can consider, among others, Presonus Audio Box USB, M-Audio Fast Track USB MKII, Steinberg CI2 +, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Audio mixer

Mixer is the most important component for a home recording studio. The mixer handles all your inputs (such as microphones, guitars, and keyboards), allows you to adjust each input's settings, and routes the output to your audio interface and into your computer.

The basic functions on an inexpensive mixer will usually be adequate for home recording needs. At the least, make sure each channel on your mixer includes adjustments for panning, volume, and 3-band equalization. Four channels will be more than adequate for home recording.

Mixer Touchmix QSC-8 highly recommended, in addition to a compact shape, this mixer has the functions and features that can help begginer users to produce high-quality sound results.

Studio monitors and headphones

The speakers you use to listen to your mix during editing are called studio monitors (sometimes referred to as reference speakers). Studio monitors differ from other speakers in that they are meant to deliver a perfectly flat frequency response. This means that you are hearing your recording exactly as it exists digitally, without any frequency adjustment.

When choosing studio monitors, make sure to look for "near-field" models. These are designed to be listened to from about a yard (1 m) away, and so eliminate any effects due to the acoustics of your room.

Studio monitors can be purchased used from online classifieds sites or audio retailers. The robust, simple construction of loudspeakers makes them an ideal component to buy used and save money.

In addition to or in place of monitors, you can buy a set of headphones. Headphones provide the advantage of being cheaper, smaller, and less likely to disturb a neighbor or housemate. Headphones can be used in conjunction with studio monitors to assess very low-volume components of your recordings.

Microphone

An inexpensive home recording studio can be managed with only a single microphone if necessary.

If you only buy 1 mic, make sure to choose a dynamic mic. This type of construction is more robust and versatile, and is self-powered. An industry standard dynamic mic is the Shure SM-57, which can be used for vocals and instruments.

If you need to record very quiet or expressive instruments, such as an acoustic guitar or piano, a condenser mic will provide better results. Condenser mics aren't as rugged or versatile as dynamic mics, but provide more sensitive response. A cheap recording studio can readily make do with 1 dynamic and 1 condenser microphone.