Do you want to learn more about home recording but are unsure where to start? The Home Recording Studio blog is here to help but there are many sources of information out there.
I’ve been thinking about websites, blogs and podcasts that I find useful for my own continuous learning and development. Through years of research, I’ve built up a selection of websites that I trust to give me top quality information. So here are some of the best online resources that I use on a regular basis:-
- Sound on Sound
- Production Expert / Pro Tools Expert
- Working Class Audio
- Weathervane Music
- Creative Field Recording
- Tonebenders
- Mindful Audio (George Vlad)
- Pro Sound Effects Blog
- Produce like a pro (Warren Huart)
- The Six Figure Home Studio
Sound on Sound
Sound on Sound is a long-standing monthly publication and it was one of the first magazines I read when I was just starting my home recording studio.
Back then the choice was fairly limited but fast forward 25 years and Sound on Sound still has a huge online following.
While some of the newer features like the SOS forums and Videos tutorials are great editions, I still find SOS most useful for the latest product reviews, industry news, and interviews. It also has some great advice on improving your home recording studio; Just search for the ‘Studio SOS’ feature for more on this subject.
Check it out here: Sound on Sound
Production Expert / Pro Tools Expert
Pro Tools Expert is the number one independent Pro Tools user site in the world. It has subsequently expanded to cover other popular DAWs like Logic Pro and Studio One. In addition, all the Expert sites are unique in offering tips, tricks, online video tutorials and news in one single source.
The Production Expert site combines all of that expert knowledge and enhances it with more general music and post-production content.
There is also a high-quality selection of video tutorials. And while some of these are free, some are only accessible on a paid membership basis.
Above all, I find Production Expert most useful for keeping up to date with audio industry news. I also enjoy the many and varied equipment and software tests. Lastly, if you like Free plugins, the Friday Free plugin feature is a fantastic resource. Find out more: Production Expert / Pro Tools Expert
Working Class Audio Podcast
The Working Class Audio Podcast which is hosted by Matt Boudreau, is a weekly podcast with over 300 episodes. Matt speaks to a different guest each week and delves into their lives and careers in the audio industry.
Rather than fixating on gear, there is a strong emphasis on other issues: work-life balance, finances and marketing are amongst some of the topics. Because of this approach, WCA really stands out. And while entertaining for all, WCA would really help students considering which path to take after their education ends.
Above all, I’m a big fan, and can highly recommend that you take a listen to the Working Class Audio Podcast.
Weathervane Music
Weathervane music has a unique and innovative approach. Firstly, they are obviously run by people who care about the art of recording music. Secondly, they demonstrate a strong community spirit through the bands and musicians they work with. And above all, they have some great content. For example, the documentary series ‘Shaking Through’ which offers a truly fascinating insight into the recording process. Each episode follows a different band or artist as they record a song. Moreover, we are taken behind the scenes at Philadelphia’s Miner Street Recording Studio to watch how the track comes together. The whole process is filmed and the finished multi-tracks made available to subscribers for mixing at home.
The recorded material, along with tutorial documents and lesson plans, are also made available to audio engineering and mixing programs in universities and high schools around the world.
The website also has a good selection of tutorials and techniques, a podcast, and access to online concerts and workshops; A valuable learning resource for all. Here’s where you can find out more: Weathervane Music.
Creative Field Recording
Paul Virostek’s Creative Field Recording blog contains a huge archive of information for field recordists. Firstly, he offers great advice on creating your own sound libraries, microphone choice, placement and creative recording techniques. In addition, Paul interviews many audio professionals in his ‘A Month of Field Recordists’ series.
The site also hosts a blog, podcast, a membership section, and a free impulse response library (for Reverb IR’s).
If you want to learn more about field recording then this is the place! Creative Field Recording
Tonebenders Podcast
Tonebenders is a monthly Sound Design podcast by Rene Coronado, Teresa Morrow and Timothy Muirhead. The topics range from sound for TV, film, games, sound effects, field recording, post-production sound, ADR, Foley and more.
Interestingly, the podcast episodes take a variety of different approaches, for example: sometimes interviewing guests working on a certain film, or at a post-production facility. However, they often adopt a ‘round-table’ approach to discuss a certain topic with a panel of guests. Whatever your area of interest there is usually something for everyone.
If you have ever wanted to learn more about sound design then you need to check out the Tonebenders Podcast.
Mindful Audio (George Vlad)
George Vlad is a Field Recordist and sound designer who travels the world recording in hard to reach locations. From experience, he has some great tips on field recording equipment and how to keep it safe in extreme environments. His advice on gear is useful to both beginners and professionals and he often has good recommendations for lower budget equipment.
Additionally, the site includes a blog, videos, gear reviews and George’s own sound effect libraries.
In short, if you’re looking for advice on recording natural soundscapes free from human influence, Mindful Audio is a great place to start. Mindful Audio (George Vlad).
Pro Sound Effects Blog
Pro Sound Effects are one of the biggest names in online sound effect libraries. For instance, you can find their sound effects in many Hollywood films and used by award-winning creators in film and television, video games, virtual reality, and advertising.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how the professionals use sound effects the PSE blog offers some useful and insightful information: For example, interviews, techniques, software tutorials and reviews, how to build working relationships with film directors, and how to start your own sound effects libraries.
In summary, there’s a huge range of topics for anyone who wants to delve into the world of sound effects and sound design. Check it out here: Pro Sound Effects Blog.
Produce like a pro (Warren Huart)
Produce like a pro is a blog, podcast, Youtube channel and an online learning resource. Producer, Warren Huart interviews some big names in the music industry, including artists, producers and sound engineers. He also has some great advice of his own as he has worked in the music industry since the ’90s.
A further feature on the website is the Pro Mix Academy which offers paid-for courses on Mixing, Recording and Mastering, delivered by top industry professionals.
Additionally, Warren has hundreds of videos on his Youtube channel, including his fascinating ‘Inside the song’ and ‘Mix Breakdown’ series in which he analyses a famous song and the elements that make up the mix.
There is just a ridiculous amount of information on Produce like a pro – now go check it out! Produce like a pro (Warren Huart)
The Six Figure Home Studio
A lot of home recording studio owners love making music and recording but are unaware of how to run a professional studio. Hence, the Six Figure Home Studio offers an interesting proposition: ‘A no-BS blog about how to run a profitable home recording studio’.
If you’re ready to take your home studio to the next level then this is a good place to start.
Furthermore, the ‘Academy’ section of the site has paid-for online courses for improving your business skills, website creation, Social Media promotion and more.
The site also includes a blog, a Youtube channel and a podcast presented by Chris Graham and Brian Hood. As well as co-hosting the podcast, Chris Graham is a mastering engineer who actually mastered one of my albums ‘Heavy Waves’ and did an excellent job at very reasonable rates.
Looking to make money from your home studio? Check out The Six Figure Home Studio.
So that concludes my list of the 10 Best Home Recording Blogs. These are just some of the resources I personally use on a regular basis. But this list is by no means exhaustive. I’d love to hear some of your own recommendations for your favourite blogs or podcasts.
Keep learning about Home Recording and have fun!