Appendix A. Creating the Ultimate Web Sound Studio: Buyers Guide and Web Resources

A.1. Creating the ultimate web sound studio

This appendix outlines the standard equipment, software, and accessories used for professional web audio production and sound design. Where appropriate, each featured professional grade studio component is listed with a "pro option," along with its manufacturer's "list" price versus its "street" price. Keep in mind that these prices are as of June 2000. The professional grade equipment listed in this appendix is targeted at a reasonable, small-scale audio production studio budget of $25,000. Many professional studios used for film scoring and music recording spend hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars on equipment. If you just want to add some audio to your site, the budget option targets the home studio builder with a budget of a few thousand dollars.

Street value prices are constantly fluctuating and may vary from store to store depending on the retailer's wholesale purchase price. Many retail chains offer "loss-leader" discount prices on certain items to get you into the store so they can sell you other, more expensive items. The street value prices in this appendix do not reflect this pricing.

It's the technique, not the tools Although this buyers guide emphasizes the importance of having great equipment, you do not always need the most expensive gear to get the results you want. Good recording and editing techniques are often far more important than expensive equipment. Some of the best web audio was produced on inexpensive "prosumer" gear. So if you have a limited budget, you can still get high-quality results with a little ingenuity and skill. However, if you are not sure you can pull recording miracles out of a custom, re-engineered $30 Radio Shack microphone, then spend the money and use professional grade equipment.