With the overwhelming number of home recording studio equipment available on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones to get for home studio setups.
For a music enthusiast, whether an aspiring or professional singer, passionate musician, music producer, or songwriter, sound quality is always the priority when it comes to getting studio equipment. Sound quality is essential in creating good music and mastering how to record music. It shouldn’t be compromised over getting budget studio equipment for a home setup. Setting up an amateur or professional home recording studio at home with good quality and functionality is relatively easy, as long as you have the right tools and the budget to build it.In this guide we discuss the essential equipment you need for your home studio set up and how to set it all up.
What Equipment Do Beginners Need for Their Home Studio Setup?
- Computer
- Headphones
- Microphone
- Pop Filter
- Musical Instruments
- Control Surface
- Studio Monitors
- Digital Audio Workstation
- Virtual Instruments
- Recording Mixer
- Audio Interface
- Studio Rack Mount
- Power Conditioner
- Uninterruptible Power Supply
1. Computer
Now that recording studios have gone digital, you must have a computer for software programs, storage, and management of all your music, mixes, and other digital files that you need for all your music production needs. You’ll need a fast and capable unit that can handle your Digital Audio Workspace software, as these programs often require a lot of processing power. You’ll eventually need to invest in a premium laptop or desktop, like the Apple iMac.
Other recommended products:
- Apple iMac 27″ with Retina 5K Display
- MSI Modern AM272P 12M-027US 27″ Full HD All-In-One Desktop Computer
2. Headphones
A good studio headphone is a key piece of equipment in any recording studio. It produces a natural and detailed sound with the capacity to handle high volume levels. The Tascam TH-07 High Definition Monitor Headphones, for one, is designed for studio recording and mixing. It is lightweight but is built to be durable with extra cushion intended for a cozy and comfortable fit.
When choosing headphones for your home recording studio, keep in mind that there are two types: open-back headphones and closed-back headphones. Open-back headphones give optimal sound quality and are better for mixing music. On the other hand, closed-back headphones are better for tracking since it isolates sound more efficiently.
Other recommended products:
- Sony MDR-7506 Professional Folding Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed Around-the-Ear Monitoring Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M70X Closed-Back Dynamic Professional Flagship Monitor Headphones
3. Microphone
A microphone helps you record vocals and sounds from acoustic instruments. Having a high-quality mic at your disposal offers optimum sound reproduction as it is critical to your music production process. The number of microphones you will need depends largely on the magnitude of your operations, as well as the sounds you want to record. Some mics are better for vocals, while some are better for guitars and other kinds of sound. Ideally, one or two microphones will suffice for the typical home recording studio.
The Samson Meteor Large Diaphragm USB Studio Microphone is an all-in-one mic that is perfect for any home studio, whether for amateur or professional applications. It produces rich audio recording with smooth frequency response and 16-bit, 44.1/48kHz resolution that ensures professional quality playback.
Other recommended products:
- AKG Acoustics C214 Edge-Terminated Large Diaphragm Studio/Stage Condenser Microphone
- Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Side-Address Microphone
- Audio-Technica AT2020 Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- MXL 770 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Optional: Microphone Stand
To make your home recording studio more professional and to facilitate better recording, you’ll need microphone stands to hold all the microphones for singers and instrumentalists. You can start off with just one or two, typically with a lightweight one like the Samson MK10 Boom Microphone Stand, for singers.
An easy tip is to first figure out what you’ll need it for. Tripod stands are for general purposes, while tripod boom stands offer a longer reach. Round base stands are also good for singers, and low-profile stands are specifically made for kick drums and guitar cabs. For bedroom recording and podcasting, desktop stands are the best and most affordable choice.
The more expensive overhead stands are for drum overheads and small orchestras.
Other recommended products:
- K&M 21430.500.55 Mobile Overhead Mic Stand
- Gator Cases Frameworks Kick Drum and Amplifier Compact Mic Stand
- On-Stage DS7200B Desktop Mic Stand
4. Pop Filter
Home studios now aspire to produce professional quality output with the help of a few pro items that are still relatively affordable—and a pop filter is one of them. This little filter is placed between the singer and the vocal microphone during recording to help reduce those “thump” or popping sounds when pronouncing “p” or “b” sounds.
The filter, which is usually circular in shape and is made of mesh or metal, works by catching the blasts of air before the sound hits the microphone to create a more desirable recording output. The Nady SPF-1 is a good and affordable example of good pop filters for home recording studios.
Other recommended products:
5. Musical Instruments
Your set of musical instruments in itself is another core component of your home recording studio. It gives texture to your sound and completes the music production process. There are several instruments to consider in choosing your home studio gears.
For a versatile acoustic guitar that can roll along with other instruments, a guitar like the Fender Classic Design CD-60S 6-String Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a good choice.
A keyboard like the Yamaha PSR-E373 features a tone generator for voices and effects, and 622 built-in instrument voices. It also has an expressive touch-sensitive keyboard, lesson functions, and advanced wave memory (AWM) dynamic stereo sampling.
Meanwhile, a drum kit like the Carlsbro CSD130 Compact Electronic Drum Kit is setting new standards for electronic percussion. This electronic drum set has a digitron display, has 250 high quality percussion voices, 20 preset drum kits, 10 user defined drums kits, 20 demo songs, as well as many sound connectors that can be compatible with many personalized home studios.
Other recommended products:
6. Control Surface
A control surface is often confused with the MIDI controller and sound mixer. While they all have buttons and knobs for manipulating sound, a control surface is the more general recording studio equipment that offers classic analog controls that can control the on-screen faders, knobs, and buttons in your DAW.
Some modern control surfaces have audio interfaces and even mixers built in them, but it helps to have a completely separate control surface like the Sound Devices CL-16 for more control and ability to perform more advanced mixing techniques, such as audio automation.
Other recommended products:
- Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8
- PreSonus FaderPort 8 8-Channel Mix Production Controller
- Korg NanoKONTROL2 Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller
7. Studio Monitors
Studio monitors or monitor speakers help prevent artificial boosting bass, treble, and other frequencies following an attempt to make the speaker sound good. The presence of a monitor speaker is essential since you can’t produce a good mix without them. Professional quality monitors are an important investment when building your own home recording studio, but you can also purchase some of the more affordable ones that don’t sacrifice much of the quality.
The JBL 305P MkII Powered 5″ Dual 41W Two-Way Studio Monitor features the revolutionary JBL Image Control Waveguide that gives it precise imaging and a wide dynamic range. It also has refined transducers for better linearity and transient response. These JBL transducers can reproduce transients and micro dynamics for your mixing and recording.
Other recommended products:
- Mackie CR3-XBT 3″ Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors with Bluetooth
- JBL 306P MkII Powered 6.5″ Two-Way Studio Monitor
8. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
A Digital Audio Workstation, as mentioned earlier, is usually the centerpiece of the home recording area. This may refer to either audio hardware, audio software, or both. Simply put, Digital Audio Workstations are designed for recording and editing digital audio.
What software should I use to record music?
Your software depends heavily on your unique needs and your existing studio equipment. The first factor in choosing a recording software is your current operating system. Some DAWs work exclusively on Mac or PC, and others work on both. Another aspect is the type of music you are creating. Certain DAWs such as FL Studio and Ableton are perfect for electronic music creation and songwriting. Artists wishing to focus on recording acoustic or amplified instruments may do better with Pro Tools or Logic.
The MOTU DP8 Audio Workstation Software, for example, comes with MIDI sequencing and has Performance Oriented Loop Audio Recording (POLAR). It can also provide support for both 32-bit and 64-bit operation and is able to work simultaneously with both. It has a consolidated window for quick access to essential features, and allows for extensive customization to let you work according to your preferences.
While DAWs come with free software and a bunch of free plugins as part of the package, you may still want to purchase premium plugins for a more unique and professional sound.
Other recommended products:
- Merging Technologies Cedar Dethump Software for Pyramix Digital Audio Workstation
- Sony Audio Master Suite – Waveform and Spectral Editing
9. Virtual Instruments
A virtual instrument is a type of software that acts as a sound module that can be detailed with various keyboards, analog synthesizers, drum machines, and other traditional instruments. This software can make your musical instrument expand its capabilities for a higher quality of recording production.
XILS Labs XILS 3 V2.0 Virtual Instrument Software adds an emulation of the 256 Analog Sequencer, the natural companion of the VCS 3. This simply extends to a maximum of 800 connections per patch.
Other recommended products:
- Pianoteq 5 Standard Virtual Piano Software
- Arturia BPM 1.5 Beat Production Machine
- MOTU MachFive 3 Creative Universal Sampler for Creative Music Production
10. Recording Mixer
A recording mixer merges two or more audio signals to create a new sound. Its job is to ensure that all other sounds are weaved harmonically. The mixer also helps filter and optimize sound using controls by adjusting sound levels, enhancing sound with equalization and effects, creating monitor feeds, and recording various mixes.
A good mixer like the Mackie ProFXv3 10-Channel Professional Effects Mixer provides you with a high-quality live mixing toolkit that allows you to produce mixes with outstanding sound quality.
Other recommended products:
- PreSonus Central Station PLUS Studio Control Center
- Allen & Heath ZED-14 14-Channel Multipurpose Mixer
- Behringer X32 Rack 40-Input 25-Bus Digital Rack Mixer
11. Audio interface
Once you’ve got the Digital Audio Workstation software up and running, you’ll need one more vital part of your studio: the audio interface. The primary role of your audio interface is to provide multiple connections for sending your music into your computer for recording and out again for mixing and playback.
Modern “all-in-one” audio interfaces, such as the Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre, have incorporated microphone preamps, headphone amps, and a direct box for balancing mic level signals. Some interfaces even have monitor management systems that lets you save space and don’t have to buy them separately for your home studio. However, if you wish to upgrade to a more professional studio to accommodate more channels, more artists, and more amps, you can choose to buy separate stand-alone units.
Other recommended products:
12. Studio Rack Mount
For optimum organization for your multi-channel mic preamp, headphone amp, monitor management system, power conditioner, and audio interface (if separate), you’ll need a good studio rack mount. One thing you’ll need to consider when getting a studio rack is the size. You don’t want it to take up too much space and your devices getting too cramped. Ultimately, you’ll want some leftover space for air ventilation, some drawers for tools, and extra room for future expansion.
A classic choice like the Tripp Lite SmartRack 24U Mid-Depth Rack Enclosure Cabinet is the go-to rack for dedicated home studios.
Other recommended products:
- Odyssey CRS08 8U Carpeted Studio Rack
- Odyssey CRS20W 20U Carpeted Studio Rack with Casters
- Gator Cases GR-STUDIO-12U Studio Rack Cabinet
13. Power Conditioner
Power conditioners are sometimes built into modern interfaces, but it can help to purchase this one unit on its own. This component is for consolidating all those power cables that are sticking out from your rack down to a single cable. Not only that, some conditioners like the Furman M-8X2 help filter the power for surge protection and even noise filtration.
Others offer both as well as voltage regulation. Even if you didn’t care for organization, power conditioners help protect and extend the life of your recording equipment.
Another item that works like the power conditioner is the snake cable, which also combines cables into one. However, this one is designed for larger rigs and bigger studios, so you may invest in a snake cable like the Hosa 20′ Little Bro Stage Box Sub Snake when it’s time for you to upgrade to a more professional home recording studio.
Other recommended products:
- Furman Sound Classic Series PL-Plus DMC
- Furman Sound Prestige Series P-1800 AR
- Furman Sound SS-6B 6-Outlet Pro Surge Suppressor
14. Uninterruptible Power Supply
Even if you were working with a laptop that has a rechargeable battery, you’d still be working with devices that need continuous power. This is where a UPS comes in. The need for a UPS is further increased when you’re using a desktop for your recording needs, more so while you’re recording as you simply cannot risk losing any of your work.
A UPS like the APC Power-Saving Back-UPS Pro 700 serves as your backup battery and offers a few minutes of power that is just long enough for you to save your progress in case of a blackout. There are also more expensive, non-standby, online or line-interactive UPS models that deliver clean and stable power even during blackouts. These higher end models are a worthy investment if you want a kind of insurance for your work during power interruptions. If you want to avoid starting your recordings and mixings from scratch, invest in a dependable UPS.
Other recommended products:
- CyberPower Standby Computer Battery Backup UPS
- CyberPower PFC Sinewave 1000VA 600W UPS
- APC 1500VA Smart-UPS with LCD 120V 1000W
Beginner vs Advanced Home Studio Setups
When creating a home studio setup, the first step is deciding what you want to achieve in your studio. Beginner home studios are much more streamlined and will let you mix songs or record podcasts with minimal equipment. Even if you start small, it’s a good idea to future-proof your home studio with versatile equipment.
If your goal is to create high-quality tracks from scratch that you want to use professionally, you will need more than just professional-level equipment. More involved home studios require you to eliminate external ambient sounds. Prepare to outfit not just your rig, but your space as well.
How to Set Up Your Home Music Recording Studio
- Prepare the room
- Install soundproofing and acoustic treatment
- Arrange your workstation
- Set up your recording area
1. Choose and Prepare the room
After deciding which room or space to turn into your home studio, the next step is to prepare the room. Clear up all floor space and make sure to remove any unnecessary furniture so that you can fully utilize the room. Take everything off the walls, remove anything that may vibrate or come loose, and take care of the flooring.
Don’t forget to clean the area while you’re at it! A good home recording studio should not only be comfortable for the owner, but also for visiting artists.
2. Install soundproofing and acoustic treatment
If you don’t want to deal with complaints from the other occupants in your home or from your next-door neighbors, soundproofing your home recording studio is a top priority. You’ll have to fill in any holes or cracks in the room to prevent sound from leaking. You will also have to install insulation and padding to the walls to further absorb sound.
You should also consider the acoustics of a room before setting up your home recording equipment. If you don’t have a room or space in your home with good acoustics, you can remedy this by installing an acoustic treatment that will help you achieve your desired degree of freedom from echo and reverberation. This treatment also ensures the most optimum setup to allow you to record direct sound and minimize reflected sounds, allowing you to have higher quality recordings.
You may want to install acoustic panels and bass traps, which use sound-absorbing materials, to fully control the sound in your studio.
3. Arrange your workstation
Your workstation is the centerpiece of your home studio. This is where your computer, studio monitors, mixing equipment, and other music studio equipment and recording gear will be located. You’ll be spending most of your time here mixing tracks, recording, and mastering final outputs. You will need a spacious desk that can hold all of your equipment without being cramped.
And since you’ll probably be spending hours at your workstation, make sure to get yourself a comfortable chair.
4. Set up your recording area
At some point, you’re going to want to collaborate with other artists or bands. And to be able to do that, you will need a spacious recording area in your home studio that has all the necessary equipment you will need to facilitate optimum sound recording.
How Much Does it Cost to Set Up a Home Studio?
Setting up a new home studio can be expensive if you plan to start from scratch and buy all new equipment. You can prepare to spend under $1,000 if you use a computer-controlled setup and you already own a computer.
Home studios that involve multiple recording stations for different instruments, professional sound baffles and acoustic panels, and other vital equipment can cost thousands of dollars. The price range varies significantly depending on your needs.
The best way to determine the project cost is to figure out what type of recording equipment you’ll need for the work you’d like to do. While you may feel tempted to cut corners to save money, high-quality equipment will likely last longer and pay off in the long run.
If budget is a major concern, you can map out your setup in phases. Start with the most vital equipment and upgrade and expand as your budget allows.
How do I set up a small recording studio at home?
First, investing in quality studio equipment will significantly affect your end result. Second, understanding how to soundproof your room is paramount.
Setting up your desk and speakers symmetrically left-to-right when possible is wise. Aim to form an equilateral triangle between your listening position and the two speakers. Your speakers should be at ear height and ideally a few feet from the walls or corners. Experiment with the placement while listening to records you love to find the sweet spot.
Most importantly, make sure your studio equipment is comfortable and easily reached. Research on how to soundproof your room as it will vastly improve your studio. A relaxed and inspiring environment will keep the music flowing!
How do I record my first song?
First and foremost, when it comes to recording a song: Keep it fun! Often musicians start with a basic percussion/drum track. Whether using drum software or recording a real kit, find a groove with the energy and movement you desire.
Next, experiment with bass lines and guitar chords/ synth patches to flesh out the song’s structure. After that, you can lay down the main lead instrument/vocal phrases.
Finally, you can add effects and little bits of ear candy to keep the listener engaged. Create a soundscape that matches the song’s mood. Don’t be afraid to add new sounds! There is no one correct way to write a song. Listening to your favorite music for inspiration is always a great idea.
Conclusion:
The most important thing to remember about setting up a home studio is that not all recording applications require the same level of investment. Barebones home studios can be inexpensive and still yield fantastic results. If you already have a dedicated room and a workstation with a good computer, you’re on your way to building a great recording studio.
Whether you create a beginner, intermediate, or advanced recording studio, researching gear, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations is a great way to find the right equipment for you.
