what do you need to get started

***THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL ARE YOUR EARS THAT YOU NEED TO TRUST***

1.  A computer.  Either a PC or a Mac. (I use a Mac)

2.  Software that we call a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). As for plugins, your DAW comes with everything you need to make great sounding music.  I work with Apple Logic Pro.

3.  Audio interface. Multiple choices are available. I work with the UAD Apollo Twin X.

4.  Headphones: Make sure that the headphones you choose have no boost in the lower / mid / high end of the frequency spectrum,  meaning it should be as close as possible to Flat.  I have 3 pairs to compare, which are the Audiotechnica ATH-M50x, the Sony MDR-7506 and the Shure SHR840A.

5.  Studio monitors. This is not a must , but it helps when mixing. I use the Yamaha HS7.

6.  Instruments to record like guitars, drums, bass, keyboard, mics, etc... 

7.  Desk to work with. I started on a tall living room long table before I purchased a desk so you can get as creative as you want.  As long as it works.  As for space in your home, you don't need a lot of it to do your magic unless you want to record full bands using an audio interface suitable with multiple inputs

8.  Sound treatment on your walls. It's not a must but it helps to manage room reverb.  

9.  Some engineers like to use an external mixing console but it's not needed.  If you get a UAD audio interface, it comes with an on screen virtual console that is exactly like a physical studio console.

10.  Be open to learn, don't stress over subjects you don't fully understand, explore and have fun.