Since posting the Recording Studio Design site on the web I've been asked by numerous e-mails to suggest what gear the writer should purchase to establish their studio. What an ask! In this section I will cover the three main pieces of equipment a studio will need. Understanding what each unit does and what to expect of it can quickly assist decision making.

Microphones are your front line in the studio. If you have the wrong type of microphone on an instrument you are starting on the wrong foot right away. Understanding the different types and how they work can help you decide what you need.

Consoles come in all shapes and sizes so I've described the workings of a console from the mike input to the monitor output. You probably can't afford the super console but if you know what each section does and how it is applied you can work out what your minimum requirement and go looking for that or you've already got a console that mightn't have everything but this section will help you understand how to use what you've got properly.

The Recorders section describes the different types of recorders and data storage systems available as of now which includes analogue tape, digital tape, and digital hard disk - tomorrow could be a different story. I've also covered Digital Sound. We are entering a totally new era in sound recording since the advent of digital sound, it's not perfect yet, but I believe it very soon will be.