Recording Music at Home:
- arikanidjar
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
A Professional Approach Using Cubase, VST Instruments, and the Focusrite 2i2
By Imperial Media
In today’s digital era, creating professional-quality music from the comfort of your home has never been more accessible. Whether you're a budding artist, a seasoned producer, or a passionate hobbyist, understanding the tools and techniques involved in modern music production is essential. At Imperial Media, we work with musicians at every level, and we know what it takes to turn a simple melody into a polished masterpiece.
In this article, we’ll dive into the essentials of home recording using Cubase, VST instruments, audio effects, and gear like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Whether you’re setting up your first home studio or looking to refine your sound, this guide is for you.
🎹 Why Cubase Is a Go-To DAW for Music Creators
Cubase by Steinberg is a powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) trusted by professionals across the globe. Its versatility allows artists to record, edit, and mix with precision.
Key Features of Cubase:
Intuitive Interface: Easy to navigate for beginners and packed with features for pros.
Advanced MIDI Editing: Perfect for composing with virtual instruments.
Integrated VST Support: Seamless integration with third-party plugins and instruments.
Flexible Audio Routing: Essential for complex mixes and recording sessions.
At Imperial Media, we frequently use Cubase to handle everything from raw vocal takes to fully orchestrated scores, thanks to its reliable performance and expansive toolset.
Click here for a full introduction to cubase.
VST Instruments: The Heart of Modern Music Production
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) instruments are software-based synthesizers, samplers, and virtual pianos that replicate real instruments or create new, synthetic sounds. They are essential for producers who want to expand their sonic palette without purchasing physical gear.
Top VST Instruments We Love:
Omnisphere – Ideal for cinematic, ambient, and experimental music.
Kontakt by Native Instruments – A must-have sampler with a huge library of realistic instruments.
Serum – A modern wavetable synth popular in electronic and pop production.
Using high-quality VSTs, musicians can emulate full orchestras, retro synths, or even unique, custom-made textures—all from a single laptop.
Enhancing Your Sound with Audio Effects
A great composition still needs proper mixing to shine. This is where audio effects come in. Reverb, EQ, compression, and delay are the building blocks of any pro mix.
Essential Audio Effects for Music Production:
EQ (Equalization) – Shapes your frequencies for clarity and balance.
Compression – Controls dynamics and adds punch to drums and vocals.
Reverb & Delay – Adds space and atmosphere to your tracks.
Saturation & Distortion – Adds warmth or grit for a more analog sound.
Imperial Media uses a mix of native Cubase effects and premium plugins like FabFilter, Waves, and Soundtoys to achieve radio-ready results.
🎙️ Hardware Highlight: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the most reliable and widely used audio interfaces for home studios. It’s compact, affordable, and delivers excellent sound quality.
Why We Recommend the Focusrite 2i2:
High-quality preamps for clean vocal and instrument recording.
Low-latency performance, perfect for real-time monitoring.
Simple plug-and-play setup with USB-C connectivity.
Direct monitoring for zero-lag tracking.
Pair the 2i2 with a good condenser microphone and studio monitors or headphones, and you have a rock-solid foundation for recording.
🎼 Building a Professional Home Recording Setup
Here’s what we suggest for a minimal yet effective setup:
DAW: Cubase (Elements for beginners or Pro for advanced users)
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Microphone: Rode NT1-A, Audio-Technica AT2020, or similar
Headphones: Audio-Technica M50x or Beyerdynamic DT770
VST Plugins: A mix of synths (Serum, Kontakt) and mixing tools (FabFilter, Valhalla)
Need help setting this up? Imperial Media offers consultation, recording, and audio engineering services to guide you every step of the way.
🎧 Final Thoughts
The journey of music production starts with understanding your tools and environment. With Cubase, VST instruments, the Focusrite 2i2, and the right mix of creativity and technique, anyone can produce professional-level tracks from home.
If you’re ready to take your music to the next level, reach out to Imperial Media. We provide expert guidance, custom sound production, mixing and mastering services, and content creation tailored to artists, brands, and creatives alike.
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