Recommended for
- You want to start DTM but don't know what to gather first
- You want to be able to make band demos yourself
- You want to step up from GarageBand
- You want to know how to choose an amp sim
What you'll learn in this article
- The whole picture of the gear and software DTM needs
- The steps to set up a DTM environment as quickly as possible
- Starter plans by budget
- When to move from GarageBand to Logic Pro
- How to choose an amp sim you can use for band demos
To give the conclusion first, guitarists have an advantage in starting DTM.
You know chords. You have an image of band sound. You have a sense of "I want it to sound like this." DTM is just a tool for giving shape to that sense.
I myself started home recording with just an iPad and an iRig.
Without thinking about anything difficult, I started with the feeling of "I just want to make a demo for now." Even so, the work of recording, layering and listening back was fun, and before I knew it I had 8 years of DTM.
When I wanted to do it seriously, I bought Logic Pro. Along with it, I also introduced an Apollo Twin Solo interface. From there, my commitment to sound design deepened all at once.
About yen prices
Prices in yen are Japanese street prices. As a rough guide at about 150 yen per US dollar: 5,000 yen is about $33, 10,000 yen about $67, 20,000 yen about $133, 30,000 yen about $200, 50,000 yen about $333 and 100,000 yen about $667. Prices in your region will differ, so check current prices before buying.
Benefits of a Guitarist Starting DTM
Before you start DTM, let me sort out the benefits of home recording.
| Benefit | Details |
| Record any time | No studio booking. Headphones are fine even at midnight |
| Make demos fast | Sharing the image with members gets easier |
| Pursue sound | You can try dozens of sounds with amp sims |
| Skills become an asset | Knowledge of home recording and mixing lasts a lifetime |
| Lower cost | You can cut studio, mic and amp costs |
The trick to not giving up is being practical: "I don't need to master difficult mixing; being able to make a demo is enough."
What to Gather First
If you list everything you need, it never ends.
But what you should gather first is only three things.
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1A PC (Mac or Windows)
If you already have a PC, you can use it as it is.
If you're buying a new one, check the specs for DTM.
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2A DAW (recording software)
It is the software for recording, editing and mixing.
On a Mac, you can start with free GarageBand.
For serious use, Logic Pro (one-time purchase, $199.99 in the US) is the strongest value.
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3An audio interface (I/F for short)
It's the device for connecting your guitar to the PC.
Even if you plug straight into the PC you get sound, but the quality is poor and the latency (delay) is large.
In the rest of this article I write "I/F," but it all means an audio interface.
Get one in at least the 10,000 yen range.
Key point
Monitor headphones and amp sims can be added later.
What Kind of PC Specs Do You Need?
If you already have a Mac or Windows PC, I recommend trying your current PC first.
GarageBand and DAWs run relatively lightly. In many cases even a PC from a few years ago works fine.
Recommended Specs for Logic Pro
| Item | Minimum | For comfortable use |
| OS | macOS 13 Ventura or later | The latest macOS recommended |
| Chip | Apple silicon (M1) or Intel Core i5 |
M2 or later is ideal |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB or more |
| Storage | SSD 256 GB | SSD 512 GB or more |
Apple silicon Macs (M1 or later) pair extremely well with DTM. If buying new, an M2 or later MacBook Air is the best value for home recording.
For Windows users
Logic Pro and GarageBand are Mac-only.
For Windows, the following is a guide.
- CPU: Core i5 or better
- RAM: 16 GB
- With an SSD
For a DAW, Cakewalk Sonar (free version) or Reaper (about $60) is great value.
How to Choose a DAW
Choosing a DAW is where many beginners get stuck.
To give the conclusion first, for Mac users "GarageBand → Logic Pro" in that order is the shortest route.
Why You Should Start with GarageBand
GarageBand is a DAW installed on your Mac for free.
Its features are limited, but for making demos it's more than enough.
When to Move to Logic Pro
If any of the following applies, it's a sign to move.
| Sign to move | Reason |
| You want to add more plugins | Logic Pro can add AU/VST without limit |
| You want to be particular about mixing | The stock EQ, compressor and reverb are professional level |
| You want to use existing projects | You can fully carry over GarageBand data |
How to Choose an Audio Interface
Choosing an I/F is the first big decision.
| Budget | Product | Features |
| Up to 15,000 yen (US: about $160) | Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) |
The standard for solo home recording. 1-channel input |
| Up to 25,000 yen (US: about $225) | Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) |
2-channel input. Can record guitar and vocals at the same time |
| Up to 35,000 yen (US: about $250 to $300) | SSL 2+ | A level up in sound quality. For professional-quality aims |
| For owners | BOSS GT-1000 CORE etc. | A multi-effects unit with I/O functions can sometimes be used as it is |
For solo home recording, 1 to 2 input channels are enough. If you'll record guitar and vocals at the same time, choose 2 channels.
How to Choose Monitor Headphones
In home recording, choosing headphones is more important than you'd think.
Listening earbuds and AirPods aren't suited to home recording.
That's because the lows are too emphasized and you can't make accurate mix decisions.
Recommendations by Budget
| Budget | Product | Features |
| Up to 6,000 yen | CLASSIC PRO CPH7000 |
The best value. Ideal as a first pair |
| Up to 10,000 yen (US: about $113) | SONY MDR-7506 | A world-standard studio monitor |
| Up to 20,000 yen (US: about $159) | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
Excellent balance. Doesn't tire you over long sessions |
If value is the priority, start with the CPH7000
The CLASSIC PRO CPH7000 (around 6,000 yen) is a closed-back monitor with high word-of-mouth ratings.
If you "don't want to spend much on headphones first," it's fine to start here.
Amp Simulator Basics
For a home-recording guitarist, an amp sim is essential.
Recording a real amp with a mic isn't realistic.
Room environment, mic placement knowledge, consideration for the neighbors... the hurdle is too high.
The biggest benefit is that with an amp sim you can get serious amp sound with just one pair of headphones.
Using a real amp-sim unit is okay too. If you own a multi-effects or amp-sim unit like the BOSS GT-1000 or Line 6 Helix, you can do the same thing by sending it into your DAW through the I/F.
For guitarists who already own effects, making use of them is also an option.
Free and Budget Options to Try First
The Amp Designer that comes with Logic Pro shouldn't be underestimated.
For Fender, Marshall and Vox types, it holds up at a demo level.
The free version of TONEX is recommended too.
You can download countless amp captures from ToneNET for free and use them.
If You'll Use It Seriously
| Product | Price | Features |
| TONEX MAX | List price in the tens of thousands of yen (big discount at BF) |
High AI capture accuracy. Suits alternative |
| AmpliTube 5 MAX v2 | List price in the tens of thousands of yen (big discount at BF) |
A huge number of included amps. All-rounder |
| Amp Designer | Free (included with Logic Pro) |
Enough for demos and clean tones |
I use TONEX MAX as my main. For time-based effects, UAD Sound City Studios. I recommend trying the free version first and then deciding.
5 Steps to Set Up Your DTM Environment
Let me sort it out in a concrete order.
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1Open GarageBand and try recording
On a Mac, you can do it right now for free.
Even without an I/F, just getting the feel of the controls with the PC's built-in mic is fine.
Cost: 0 yen
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2Buy an audio interface
The Scarlett Solo or 2i2 is the safe choice.
Just install the driver and plug in your guitar, and your home-recording environment is ready.
Cost: 15,000 to 25,000 yen
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3Get monitor headphones
Choose from the CPH7000, MDR-7506 and ATH-M50x.
Listening earbuds aren't suited to mixing.
Cost: 6,000 to 20,000 yen
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4Introduce an amp sim
First try Amp Designer or the free TONEX.
For paid versions, if you wait until Black Friday (BF below) every November, you can buy at a big discount.
Even in seasons far from BF, companies sometimes run one-off sales. Check them as they come.
Cost: from 0 yen (starting with free versions)
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5Finish one demo song
Finish one song with guitar, bass and programmed drums.
"Finishing it to the end" is the greatest learning.
This is where real home recording begins
Starter Plans by Budget
I've put the guideline for initial cost into three tiers.
At first, the 20,000 yen plan is enough.
Minimum plan: up to 20,000 yen
- DAW: GarageBand (free)
- I/F: Scarlett Solo (about $160 in the US)
- Headphones: CPH7000 (around 6,000 yen)
- Amp sim: Amp Designer (included)
→ Enough for making band demos
Recommended plan: up to 50,000 yen
- DAW: Logic Pro ($199.99 in the US)
- I/F: Scarlett 2i2 (about $225 in the US)
- Headphones: MDR-7506 (about $113 in the US)
- Amp sim: free TONEX or buy at BF
→ A balanced setup you can use for a long time
Serious plan: up to 100,000 yen
- DAW: Logic Pro ($199.99 in the US)
- I/F: SSL 2+ (about $250 to $300 in the US)
- Headphones: ATH-M50x (about $159 in the US)
- Amp sim: TONEX MAX or AmpliTube 5
- Time-based effects: UAD Sound City Studios
→ Handles everything up to serious mixing
TONEX MAX and AmpliTube 5 drop sharply every year at Black Friday (BF) in November.
Something close to 100,000 yen in total list price can come to about $100.
Waiting for BF to buy an amp sim is the smart choice.
If BF is far off, check each company's site for one-off sales as they come.
What to Do Next: Record Your First Song
Once your environment is ready, set making one song as your goal.
How polished it is doesn't matter.
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1Prepare drums
The hardest part of home recording is drums.
Setting up mics and recording in a room isn't realistic.
You choose mainly from three methods.
| Method | Features |
| Programming (MIDI) | Easy and highly flexible. A high level of finish too |
| Studio recording | You can record a real sound. It costs money |
| Electronic drum input | Gives a human-like groove |
The order I recommend is "first finish with programming → studio recording if you want to raise the quality." If you insist on live drums from the start, production stalls.
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2Record rhythm guitar
Record 2 to 3 takes of the chord progression to the click.
Just panning them left and right to double them makes it suddenly band-like.
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3Add bass
If you have a bass, record it by DI.
If not, programming with a software instrument is fine.
Even just tracing the root notes makes the sound much thicker.
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4Export and share with members
Just export as mp3 or wav and send it to members.
Home recording will change your band's production style.
I recommend managing data in a Google Drive shared folder.
You can keep projects, audio and reference tracks together.
If you build it carefully, a few days to a week. If you aim for a finished version, it can take several weeks or more.
At first, it's important to set your definition of "finished" low.
Summary
Key points
- What you gather first is only three things: "PC, DAW and I/F"
- Mac users go GarageBand → Logic Pro in that order
- Start amp sims with free versions, and buy paid ones at BF
- More than polish, "finishing one song" is the greatest learning
Once you take that first step in home-recording DTM, you naturally get hooked.
That feeling of "hey, I recorded something" from the day I started with an iPad and an iRig is still the origin of my motivation to keep doing home recording.
