Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 1

ID Number: 306009

Home Studio Equipment Report

Rafael Bastos Mello

JMC Academy

PSP 202- Introduction to Music Technology

Branko Pezo

Due Date: 26/03/2023

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 2

ID Number: 306009

Introduction 3

Proposed Studio Function 3

Hardware Equipment Section 5

Computer 5

Headphone 6

Interface 8

Monitor 10

MIDI Keyboard 12

Microphone 14

Acessories 16

Cables 16

Budget 18

Conclusion 19

Future Additions 19
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 3

ID Number: 306009

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello

ID Number: 306009 Figure 1

(Image taken from https://output.com/blog/set-up-home-recording-studio-beginner-essentials)

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 4

ID Number: 306009

Introduction

This assessment explores the idea of how to set up a hypothetical home studio with a

budget of only $5000, the reasons why every one of these items were chosen, their functions

and how they connect together. The studio purpose will be primarily for recording heavy

metal and rock bands using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and help them achieve the

sound they envision with exceptional sound quality. The Items selected are going to be

justified with technical explanation.

Proposed Studio Function:

As mentioned above, the studio will focus on recording heavy metal and rock bands

utilizing instruments such as guitars, bass, vocals, keyboard and virtual instruments via MIDI.

These items were precisely chosen to extract the best not only from the bands but from the

producer as well.

The equipment:

 Headphones

 Interface

 Monitor

 MIDI Keyboard

 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

 2x Instrument Cables

 2x XLR Microphone Cable

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 5

ID Number: 306009

Hardware Equipment Section:

Computer:

Figure 2

(Image taken from: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro/13-inch-space-

grey-apple-m2-chip-with-8-core-cpu-and-10-core-gpu-256gb)

Equipment: 13-inch MacBook Pro

Place of Purchase: Apple

Cost: $2,918.00

Key Features:

 16GB unified memory

 8-Core CPU

 Apple M2 Chip

 512GB SSD storage

 13-inch Retina display with True Tone

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 6

ID Number: 306009

 Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports

 Logic Pro

The main reason why an Apple computer was chosen over the PC was because of Logic

Pro. This Daw (Digital Audio Workstation) is not only a good choice for beginners but it also

has a wide variety of tutorial videos available on the internet.

The item selected for comparison was the 13-MacBook Air because of its similarities.

Figure 3

Features: 13- MacBook Pro 13-MacBook Air

Processor 2.3 GHz Intel i7 1.2 GHz Intel i7

Storage 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB or 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB or

2TB 2TB

Unified Memory 8GB, 16 GB, 24 GB 8GB, 16GB

(Apple 2023, 9to5mac, 2020)

Headphone:

Figure 4
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 7

ID Number: 306009

(Image taken from https://www.mannys.com.au/beyerdynamic-dt770-pro-closed-studio-

headphones-250ohms)

Equipment: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $239

Key Features and Specifications (Mannys, 2023):

 Frequency Range 5Hz-35kHz

 Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

 Transmission type: Wired

 Headphone design: Closed

 Headphone impedance: 250 ohms

“The DT 770 are very good, closed-back, neutral listening headphones. They deliver a well-

balanced audio reproduction with a near perfect mid-range and a great bass that doesn't drown

instruments and vocals.” (Vafaei, Henney, Khong, 2017, n.p). These are excellent headphones,

worldwide used, and are recommended to use over a long period of time because of its velvety soft

pads and that was one of the reasons why this item was selected. The other reason was because of

its durability.

During my research, I decided to compare the DT770 Pro with the Audio Technica ATH-

M50x because of their similar price and frequency range.

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 8

ID Number: 306009

Figure 5

Features: Beyerdynamic 770DT Audio Technica ATH-

PRO M50x
(Man
Impedance 250 ohms 38 ohms
nys 2023,
Frequency Range 5Hz-35kHz 15Hz – 28 kHz
Audio
Price $239 $269
Technica
2023)

Interface:

Figure 6

Images taken from ( https://www.mannys.com.au/m-audio-air-192x6-2-in-2-out-24-192-usb-audio-midi-

interface?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhOS4t46__QIVRZpmAh2xmwdNEAQYAyABEgKu5PD_BwE)

Equipment: M-Audio Air 192x6 2-In/2-Out 24/192 USB Audio/MIDI Interface

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $239
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 9

ID Number: 306009

Key features (Mannys, 2023):

 24-bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring

 Class-leading round-trip latency of 2.59ms (dependant on buffer settings and

computer hardware)

 5-pin MIDI input/output for connecting virtually any external MIDI gear

“Audio interfaces convert microphone and instrument signals into a format your

computer and software recognize. The interface also routes audio from your computer out to

your headphones and studio monitors” (Kagan, 2021, n.p)

“The AIR 192|6 incorporates pristine A/D converters to provide 24-bit resolution

digital audio for explosive dynamic range that captures every nuance and subtlety of your

performance” (Mannys, 2023)

The item chosen for comparison was the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 2-in/2-out USB

because both are popular amongst beginners.

Figure 7

Features: M-Audio Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Gen 3
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 10

ID Number: 306009

Connection Type USB USB

Price $239 $199
Bits 24 24
Sample Rate Up to 192kHz Up to 192khz
MIDI input/output Yes No

(Mannys,2023)

Monitors

Figure 8

(Image taken from https://www.mannys.com.au/yamaha-hs5-5-active-studio-monitors-

pair)

Equipment: Yamaha HS5” Active Studio Monitors (Pair)

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $738

Key Features:

 45W LF plus 25W HF bi-amp system for high-performance 70W power amplification

 XLR and TRS phone jack inputs accept balanced or unbalanced signals
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 11

ID Number: 306009

 54Hz - 30kHz (-10dB), 74Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) frequency response

The HS5 is without a question one of the best monitors for heavy metal and rock. It

produces a great bass quality in untreated rooms. And According to the Prorec website

“The monitors provide fantastic sound quality along with incredible EQ settings for

environmental compensation to assist you through the challenges of music production.”

(2023, n.p)

The equipment chosen for comparison was the KRK ROKIT RP5G4 .

Figure 9

Features: Yamaha HS5 KRK ROKIT RP5G4

Price $738 $558
Active or Passive Active Active
Frequency Response 38Hz - 30kHz (-10dB), Frequency Response
47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) 43Hz - 40KHz

(Mannys 2023, Yamaha 2023, Krk Music 2023)

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 12

ID Number: 306009

MIDI Keyboard

Figure 10

(image taken from: https://www.mannys.com.au/arturia-keylab-essential-49-usb-midi-

controller-keyboard-white )

Equipment: Arturia Keylab Essential 49

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $379

Key Features: (Mannys,2023)

 49-Keys with Velocity

 1 Clickable Encoder

 9 Encoders

 9 30mm Faders

 6 Transport Switches

 4 Command Switches

 1 Modulation Wheel

 1 Pitch Bend Wheel

 8 Touch & Pressure-Sensitive Pads

Included Software:

 Ableton Live Lite

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 13

ID Number: 306009

 Analog Lab with 5000 Synth Sounds

 UVI Grand Piano Model D

It is not a surprise that Arturia produces one of the most respected MIDI Controllers

in the market today. Famous not only for its build-quality, but also the sound produced is

highly acclaimed by the customers. Apart from what stated above, the reasons why this

Keyboard was selected was because of the software included such as Ableton, which

although will not be the main DAW in the studio; it is a good idea to possess to add

variety, and the sound library with 5000 synth sounds.

With that in mind, the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 was chosen for comparison and

despite the fact they are similar and the Novation can be considered better for some

people, the reason why the Arturia was chosen was because of the sound library and all

the possibilities to create new

sounds that comes with it.

Figure 11

Features Arturia Keylab Novation Lauchkey

MK3
Number of Keys 49 49
Number of Faders 9 9
Number of Pads 8 16
Price $379 $339
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 14

ID Number: 306009

(Mannys, 2023)

Microphone

Figure 12

(Image taken from https://www.mannys.com.au/shure-sm58-dynamic-vocal-microphone)

Equipment: Shure SM-58

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $219

Key Features: (Manny, 2023)

 Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff

 Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability

 Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic

 Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz

Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 15

ID Number: 306009

This is probably the most famous microphone of all time. Known for its versatility

and reliability, this item is utilized worldwide in studios and live performances in every

possible genre.” It is most sensitive to on-axis sounds (where the mic “points”). It's generally

6 dB less sensitive to the sides with a null point to its rear. Cardioid mics are revered for their

directionality and rejection of rear sounds.” (Fox, 2023).

The equipment chosen for comparison was the Beta Shure 58A. Although they are really

similar, the Beta 58A has more sensitivity and detail, which would be a hindrance for

recording heavy metal and rock bands.

Figure 13
Key Features Shure SM58 Shure Beta 58A
Price $219 $349
Frequency Response 50Hz to 15 KHz 50 Hz to 16 KHz
Type/ Polar Pattern Dynamic/ Cardioid Dynamic/Cardioid

Impedance 150 ohms 290 ohms

(Mannys, 2023, Shure, 2023)

Accessories

Figure 14
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 16

ID Number: 306009

(Image taken from https://www.mannys.com.au/dl-microphone-stand-w-boom-and-3-

legs)

Equipment: Microphone Stand

Place of Purchase : Mannys

Cost: $45

The Microphone Stand was bought to help the singer sing properly without the

need to hold the microphone.

Cables

Figure 15

Equipment: Instrument Cable

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $45
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 17

ID Number: 306009

These cables were bought to connect any guitar/ bass into the interface

Equipment: 2x XLR Cables

Figure 16

(Image taken from https://www.mannys.com.au/hosa-mcl-125-xlr-microphone-cable-25ft )

Place of Purchase: Mannys

Cost: $50 each

These two XLR Cables were bought to connect my monitors and the microphone

to my interface.

Budget:

Equipment Cost No. Full Cost

Beyerdynamic $239 1x $239
DT770 Pro
13-inch MacBook $2,918.00 1x $2,918.00
Pro
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 18

ID Number: 306009

M-audio Air $239 1x $239

192x6
Yamaha HS5 $738 1x $738
Arturia KeyLab $379 1x $379
Essential 49
Shure SM58 $219 1x $219
Instrument Cable $45 1x $45
XLR Cable $50 3x $150
Microphone Stand $45 1x $45

Total: $4,972.00

Connectivity Diagram:
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 19

ID Number: 306009

USB (balanced)
TRS (unbalanced)
XLR (balanced)
TS (unbalanced)

Conclusion

I believe this equipment will help me record heavy metal and rock bands with the

aggressiveness and brutality, but also with the details the genre requires.

Future Additions:

Preamp:
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 20

ID Number: 306009

One my future acquisitions will be a preamp to enhance the quality of the

microphones recorded.

SSD:

Although a 512GB SSD storage is enough, in the Future I would like to buy a 1TB SSD

storage to save more projects and install more plugins and sound library.

Reference List:

Apple (2023). Customise your Macbook Air-Space Grey. Available:

https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air/space-grey-apple-m1-chip-with-8-

core-cpu-and-7-core-gpu-256gb

Apple (2023). Customise your 13-inch MacBook Pro-Space Grey. Available:

https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro/13-inch-space-grey-apple-m2-

chip-with-8-core-cpu-and-10-core-gpu-256gb

Audio-Technica (2023). Our Most Popular Studio, Gaming and Everyday Headphones.

Available: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/ath-m50x

Fox, A. (2023). The Complete Guide to Microphone Polar Patterns. My new Microphone.

Available: https://mynewmicrophone.com/the-complete-guide-to-microphone-polar-

patterns/
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 21

ID Number: 306009

Kagan, A (2021, February 16). What is an Audio Interface and Do you Need It?. MI.

Available: https://www.mi.edu/in-the-know/do-you-need-audio-interface/

KRK Music (2023). Rokit 5 G4. Available:

https://www.krkmusic.com/Studio-Monitors/ROKIT-5-G4

Mannys (2023). Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard (White).

Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/arturia-keylab-essential-49-usb-midi-controller-

keyboard-white

Mannys (2023). Audio-Technica ATH M50x Studio Headphone (Black).

Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/audio-technica-ath-m50x-studio-headphones-

black

Mannys (2023). Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Closed Headphones (250ohms).

Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/beyerdynamic-dt770-pro-closed-studio-headphones-

250ohms

Mannys (2023). DL Microphone Stand w/ Boom & 3 Legs. Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/dl-microphone-stand-w-boom-and-3-legs

Mannys (2023). Fender Professional Series Instrument Cable Straight/Straight 10' (Black).

Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/fender-professional-series-instrument-cable-straight-

straight-10-black

Mannys (2023). Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen 3 2-in/2-out USB Audio Interface. Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/focusrite-scarlett-solo-gen-3-2-in-2-out-usb-audio-interface
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 22

ID Number: 306009

Mannys (2023). Hosa MCL-125 XLR Microphone Cable (25ft). Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/hosa-mcl-125-xlr-microphone-cable-25ft

Mannys (2023). KRK Rokit RPG4 5” Studio Monitors (Black Pair). Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/krk-rokit-rp5g4-5-studio-monitors-black-pair

Mannys (2023). M-Audio Air 192x6 2-In/2-Out 24/192 USB Audio/MIDI Interface. Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/m-audio-air-192x6-2-in-2-out-24-192-usb-audio-midi-interface?

gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhOS4t46__QIVRZpmAh2xmwdNEAQYAyABEgKu5PD_BwE

Mannys (2023). Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller w/ Full Ableton Live Integration.

Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/novation-launchkey-49-mk3-midi-keyboard-controller-w-full-

ableton-live-integration

Mannys (2023). Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Vocal Microphone. Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/shure-

beta-58a-dynamic-vocal-microphone

Mannys (2023). Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone. Available: https://www.mannys.com.au/shure-

sm58-dynamic-vocal-microphone

Mannys (2023). Yamaha HS5” Active Studio Monitors (Pair). Available:

https://www.mannys.com.au/yamaha-hs5-5-active-studio-monitors-pair

Output (2021, July 15). How to Set Up a Home Recording Studio For Beginners.

Available: https://output.com/blog/set-up-home-recording-studio-beginner-essentials
Name: Rafael Bastos Mello 23

ID Number: 306009

Potuck, M.(2020, May 4). Which MacBook should you buy? Here’s how the 2020 13-inch

MacBook Pro compares to the MacBook Air. 9to5mac. Available:

https://9to5mac.com/2020/05/04/new-13-inch-macbook-pro-vs-air-comparison/

Prorec (2023). Best Studio Monitors for Metal and Rock Music [2023 Reviewed].

Available: https://prorec.com/best-studio-monitors-for-metal-and-rock-music/

Shure (2023). Shure Beta 58A User Guide. Available:

https://pubs.shure.com/guide/BETA58A/en-US

Shure (2023). Shure SM 58 User Guide. Available:

https://pubs.shure.com/guide/SM58/en-US

Vafaei, S., Henney, M., & Khong, Y. (2023, March 01). Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones

Review. Rtings. Available: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/beyerdynamic/dt-770-pro

Yamaha (2023). Speakers HS Series. Available:

https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/proaudio/speakers/hs_series/index.html