Someone asked me the other day why should they pay several thousands of dollars to go to Nashville to make a recording when they can do the same thing in their garage. They've got a computer and the software, so what else do they need?
I'll somewhat concede that point as, yes, the hardware and software has become so advanced and available that many people can become a recording engineer by simply opening a box.
Let me rephrase that: Many people
think they can become a recording engineer by simply opening a box.
Occasionally, someone does construct a good studio in their home, but I can assure you that they've done more than just hook up a couple of cables and stuck a microphone on a stand in the center of the room. They've studied acoustics and they know how to fully embrace sound dynamics through technique and processing. They've spent time to design "the room" to allow for the best sound while deadening unwanted noise.
In other words, they've done more than just push "Record."
The home studio is gaining popularity in Southern Gospel music, and while I'll let you decide whether or not that is a good thing, I want to plead the case that unless a) you are the "exception" and have solid experience that allows you properly construct and operate a home studio, or b) only want to record "demos," I suggest that you leave the recording to the professionals if you're planning to send a song to radio or hope to have your recording nationally distributed.
Why? Well, reason No. 1 is fairly simple: Unless you fall under that "exception" that I just mentioned, there's a better than average chance that your home recording is going to sound just like a home recording.
Reason No. 2: A good professional engineer has the experience to draw out the best in both musicians and vocalists, and then has a wide array of equipment and processes to make the best even better with effects that give extra "life" to what's just been recorded.
Reason No. 3: See Reasons No. 1 and No. 2.
Here at Singing News, we get CDs by the truckload. And sure enough, we've heard the great, the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. And, unfortunately, we've heard many potentially good groups and songs that had they not been recorded at home, may have gotten the attention of national radio, distribution, promoters and pastors. But more than likely, they'll never get through the front door.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and I understand and appreciate that. But do yourself a favor: If you're serious about making a go at it in Southern Gospel, take the time, save up the money and put the effort into a quality recording.