The Home Studio
Hello, dear MSP fans, members, and visitors!
@globocop again for you, on behalf of the station. Today, we're talking about our home studio setup - with tips and even a video of my own humble broadcast station. I hope you enjoy today's edition.
MSP Waves is an amazing project. It allows everyday folks to host not just a podcast, but live audio and video shows with a live chat audience via Discord. Free software, low-cost equipment, some technical knowledge, dedication to the project and the ability to express oneself is all that's required.
We here at MSP-Waves have designed a process that helps MSP Members to become show-hosts themselves. Some host more than one weekly show. What an amazing opportunity to support the ideas and ideals you're passionate about and at the same time, to deliver entertainment and also improve our own skills and knowledge.
Amazing!
That said, as broadcasters, we can make our transmission time more fun and relaxing while delivering the best listening experience for the MSP-Waves audience.
Here are some tips for a savvy home studio setup that will go a long way to a more confident and truly relaxing show with a professional touch. Here are the basics.
Basic equipment:
- Microphone
- Microphone stand and shock-mount
- Interface and/or mixer (optional)
- Wind/Pop filter
- Headphones
- A computer
- Internet
- OBS software
Microphone
For broadcast purposes, the best choice will always be a condenser microphone, as it captures the voice most accurately in a studio environment. I am using an Rode NT2K and a Rode Podcaster as a backup.
If you are using a condenser mic, an interface for your computer is also required. In my case, it's an iTrack Solo, which plugs into the USB port of my computer. Most mixers will also provide an XLR-input for condenser mics with a pre-amplifier to power the microphone.
Some DJs are using a combined Mic/Headset for gaming, which also does the job. If you purchase one, make sure you can return it if it doesn't deliver the expected results.
Stand and shock-mount
If you're using any stand-alone microphone, it is vital that it is mounted on either a desk stand or a microphone studio arm, which I prefer, as it is flexible and frees up desk space.
The shock-mount is important, too. It cushions the microphone against shocks resulting from working at the desk, even floor vibrations by someone walking in the house.
Wind or pop filter
When we speak face to face, the sound our lips make my popping the 'P' sounds natural. The 'S' also comes across smoother, although a de-esser will better take care of that. However, when we speak into a sensitive microphone, the Pop of the 'P' and the sharp sound of our 'S' are greatly amplified, resulting in a disturbing sound that disrupts our listening experience. The solution is easy: Get a foam wind or pop filter. Wind screens are generally used for outside environments, while pop filter are used in studio settings. However, both will do the job.
Foam Wind Filter
While these dampen the audio level somewhat, they also eliminate the P-pop and sharp S-sounds we make when speaking. These fit over the microphone and generally make the overall mic sound a bit warmer.
Pop Filter
A bit more expensive, but these round little screens are mounted in front of your mic and eliminate and pop or hissing when you speak.
Headphones
There are fancy ways of setting up a headphones via a headphone amplifier. This is especially useful, if you have in-studio guest or co-hosts.
However, when you're alone, a simple direct cable headphone is important. They serve as a monitor, so that what you say and broadcast can be hear by you, but is not picked up by the mic. Without using headphones, you wouldn't hear your voice as it is transmitted, and having your voice come through monitors/speakers would create feedback.
I don't recommend the use of bluetooth or Wifi headsets, as (1) the battery is a potential point of failure and (2) wireless transmission may be subject to interference during broadcast.
Computer
Any Linux, MAC or Windows system with generally 8 GBs of RAM, at least a dual core processor and plenty of storage for recording will do.
Internet
The faster the better. However, the minimum speed suggested is 1 Mbps Up and 4 Mbps download.
It is also best to connect the computer via an ethernet cable directly to the router, because WIFI are potentially subject to interference form neighboring Wifi devices.
OBS Software
Last but not least, OBS. It's designed to transmit audio and video from many sources. Images, live web pages, a video feed of yourself via a video camera, a video file, and many more options are possible. For an in-depth look, check out The Most in-depth OBS course ever made.
The Room
Now let's talk about the room - your studio.
Dedicated Space
It should be a dedicated space. Once you're setup and running, you don't want to move/unplug your equipment unless absolutely necessary. The more complex a set-up gets, the more space you will need and the more points of failure are introduced. Once plugged in and working, it's best to document the set-up and to leave it alone.
Acoustics
Reverberations
Carpets will help reduce and room reverberations.
If you really want to go fancy, use acoustic foam in strategic locations on walls. even ceilings, to hone in on truly great studio sound. Another solution is the microphone screen, although this works in my view best for performances where the space behind the mic is not needed, such as performing while standing.
Windows
Windows are a source of unwanted noise. The less, the better. The further away the setup is from windows, the better.
One can reduce window noise by hanging up dense blankets that will serve as noise insulators. It's getting fancy now, and may not be required, but it is good to have options.
Family, room mates, pets
A red light outside your door during broadcast time with an agreement that family members and room mates will not barge in when the red light is on will ensure you’re not broadcasting your families wants and needs when you're on the air.
Also, cats walking on your keyboard and purring into the mic, barking dogs, and singing birds may just take away from the message and an uninterrupted experience you have during transmission. Best for everyone that the studio is off limits when live.
My Studio
I have included a little video of my original studio setup above.
I have since upgraded the configuration. I am using two computers now and added the YAMAHA AG06 mixer, which allows a Loopback of audio back to the computer. This means Discord Chatroom participants, Skype callers, etc can hear everything that is played via the Mixer. This is extremely useful when having regular co-hosts or guests. In addition, I added soundfoam, which is useful if you have a dedicated room for your studio.
Please feel free to ask if there are any questions with regard to studio setups you may be planning.
I hope you found this episode of our MSP-Waves Broadcast Tips helpful? Please comment below!
How to become a MSP-Waves Presenter
And now, practice makes perfect.
If you would like to become a show-host on MSP-Waves, please contact me on MSP Discord. I look forward to having a chat to discuss your show idea.
Thanks everyone for reading.
@globocop
on behalf of
your MSP-Waves operations team.
This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated in parts for this edition.
Useful Links
MSP-Waves
Minnowsupport Project
MSP/PAL on Discord
Listening on Discord
