Are you an aspiring musician or a professional music artist who intends to set up a home recording studio setup?
Whether you are a passionate musician or a songwriter, you would not want to compromise on the sound quality. Good music can be created only when you record the best sound. And for this you need an established recording studio, be it your home or any other place.
It is easy to set up a recording studio at home if you are aware of the tools and equipment required. Check our detailed guide to know about the important equipment for your home recording studio. But before moving to that learn why setting up a home recording system is a wonderful idea!
Why We Need Home Recording Setup
A professional studio is a dream for most musicians, singers, and professionals. Many artists spend their life savings to create the best recording studio.
If you don’t have enough funds to rent a professional studio outside, you can create one within your premises. A home recording studio brings an assortment of benefits and great motivation to your creative profession.
This is a sound investment as you can produce as much music as you want without spending each time. This one-time investment can bring you huge revenues and is an excellent way to further hone your skills.
So, to take your music career to the next level, you must invest in a home recording studio setup.
How It Helps :
Now, you’ve learned that having a recording studio at home is not only fun but is also great for your career. But how it exactly helps? Here, check it!
- You would be glad to know that it is very easy to set up a professional recording studio at home. It is the availability of advanced software that makes everything streamlined and simple.
- Your home setup can give you full flexibility in terms of time. You don’t have to preschedule your bookings as you can record whenever you want to or whenever you have free time.
- Usually, studio fees are very high and charged on an hourly basis. Your home setup can save you from paying expensive studio fees.
- When you invest in professional-quality recording equipment for your home, you end up producing high-quality sound without spending too much money.
- In your home studio you have full control over the music you produce. From fader to tweak control, you are in charge of everything and enjoy full liberty.
- There is no involvement of middlemen in your home studio. You can program effects, position microphones, and do whatever you want to without experiencing others’ interference
- Building a home recording studio is an excellent opportunity to enhance your learning skills. You can begin from a basic level and move to an advanced level with experience.
- Music is a creative field and when you have peace of mind and absolute focus you can produce a unique sound.
- You can always upgrade your studio equipment as per your choice and level of knowledge. You don’t have to stick to a particular level, which can happen in a professional studio.
- You are the boss of your recording studio. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and enjoy every bit of it.
10 Best Home Recording Studio Equipment
1. Audio Interface
An audio interface is the most important device that converts the sound from your microphone into digital sound on your PC. Using an interface lets you record a variety of music and gain better sound quality.
While buying an audio interface, you must make sure that it holds compatibility with your computer. It is best to go for an all-in-one interface initially and then move ahead to standalone equipment.
The all-in-one interface includes mic preamps, digital conversion, headphone amps, and monitor management.
MAONA Audio Interface with Sound Card and DJ Mixer with 3.5mm Microphone for Gaming and Recording
Specifications
- Brand – MAONO
- Compatible Devices – Personal Computer, Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop
- Weight – 2.75 pounds
- Connectivity Technology – 1/8inch/USB Type C
- Operating System – MAC OSX/Windows
- Supported Software – OBS/ZOOM/DISCORD/AUDACITY
- Color Name – AU-AM200-S1
Features and Details
This comprehensive solution works as a mixing station and monitor. In addition to an intuitive control mechanism, it delivers exceptional sound quality and optimizes sound and vocal effects. With its inbuilt microphone, you can start podcasting and live stream in little time.
Eight special audio effects, user recordings, and multiple adjustments are special features of this device. It supports up to 4 devices, 4 platforms, and 2 people to live stream simultaneously. The availability of features like real-time monitoring, two mic inputs, noise reduction, and touch key control make it a great solution for all those who want hi-end recording outcomes.
What we like
- 8 pre-loaded sound effects
- 4 pitch changers
- 4 user-custom sound effects
- Equalizer, monitoring, and mixing
- Can connect to multi-devices and multiple people
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 3.5mm Analog Output/Input
- Noise Reduction
- Touch Electronic Control and Acrylic Panel Music Key
- Custom Sound Effect
- 6 Level Brightness Control
- Pitch Charger
What we don’t like
- The product works great but the sound quality is not as per a professional DJ mixer.
2. Computer
A computer is the core of a recording setup. Most computers these days come in simple setup and take less time for preparation.
It is wise to go for a powerful computer that is compatible with all advanced recording equipment available on the market. To buy a computer specifically for music recording you must ensure that it works well with your DAW equipment.
Your computer can have Windows or Mac operating systems and you can pick one as per your choice. Also, you can either go for a laptop or a desktop. If you don’t want to stick recording to one place in your house you must buy a laptop. This lightweight and handy device are easy to carry. However, if you want a fixed set up in one space of your house, a desktop is an ideal choice.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim 15.6 inches Laptop, Windows 10, Vega 3 Graphics
Specifications
- Brand – Acer
- Screen Size – 15.6 inches
- Series – A515-43-R19L
- Hard Disk Size – 128 GB
- RAM Memory – 4GB
- CPU Model – Ryzen 3 3200U
- Color – Silver
- Display Resolution – 1920 x 1080
- Display Technology – LED
- Dimensions – 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches
- Weight – 3.97lbs
Features and Details
A portable and powerful device, this laptop is efficient enough to handle all intricate processes. The thin bezel screen offers a lot of working space while lightweight making it an ideal companion for travelers. It is integrated with high-end specifications like a dual-core processor, precision boost technology up to 3.5GHz, 15.6 inches Full HD display, and Windows 10.
Recording at the night is easier with this device as it comes with a backlit IPS display. The two built-in speakers are equipped with robust sound technology. The microphones are built-in with advanced voice functionality that delivers exceptional sound.
It features 2 x 2 MIMO technology and comes with multiple connectivity ports such as Gen 1 Port, 1-USB port, 1-HDMI port, Lithium-ion battery, and HDCP support. A single charge lasts a battery up to 7.5 hours. Holding excellent compatibility with most of the recording equipment, it is a great choice for all those who want rich results.
What we like
- Powerful processing
- Narrow-bezel design
- 15.6 inches Full HD IPS display
- Excellent battery life
- Lightweight and robust
- Acer TruelHarmony software gives rich bass
- Multiple connectivity ports
- Backlit keyboard for comfort in all environments
What we don’t like
- It initially comes with limited memory, but you can expand it later on.
3.Studio Headphones
Special headphones are needed in the studio for music recording and editing. These are valuable home studio equipment that is designed to deliver a balanced sound without boosting other aspects of recording.
The studio headphones come in a variety of types:
Open-Back Headphone – These headphones are useful for critical listening, referencing, and mixing because they hold a flat frequency response and deliver natural sound.
Closed-Back Headphone – These headphones are engineered to maintain easy picking of the sound and keep it from bleeding. They are excellent for recording.
Semi-Open Headphone – These headphones combine a part functionality of the closed-back and open-back headphones.
No matter which headphones you pick, they should be comfortable to wear, lightweight, and suitable for long studio sessions.
Superlux HD-681 EVO Professional Monitoring Headphones
Specifications
- Brand – Superlux
- Connectivity Technology – Wired
- Cable Feature – Detachable
- Form Factor – On-Ear
- Weight – 9.3 ounces
- Dimensions – 9.49 x 9.49 x 5 inches
Features & Details
These semi-open headphones are an ideal choice for those who want all the goodness of open and closed headphones. They are perfect for both beginners and professionals. Their sound quality and overall design are at par. The big ear cups fit most ears.
They are lightweight, comfortable, and come with an elastic headband. The headphones are stable and flexible. The 3.5mm and 8ft detachable cable allows easy connectivity. It also accompanies a ¼ inches and 1/8 inches TRS adapter.
Sound leakage, noise isolation, and accurate sound reproduction are some of the top-notch features of this device. It holds an impressive reproduction without modifications and distortions. And is ideal for answering calls, gaming, and music recording. They are great to reproduce neutral sounds.
What we like
- Exceptional sound quality
- Loaded with multiple features
- Comfortable design with elastic headband
- Connectivity cable
- affordable
What we don’t like
- Bulky
- Does not come with a microphone
4.Studio Monitors
Buying a studio monitor is the trickiest thing while setting up a home recording setup. The monitor you purchase must sound neutral and must not flatter or boost your production. It must not boost the bass as it can intervene with the lower frequency sound or make high frequencies too bright.
Only a good quality monitor can help you mix the sound optimally. Keeping the size into consideration is also important for your monitor. It must fit into the space of your music recording studio. Consider the shape and size of your monitor. A bigger studio will reproduce low frequencies than a smaller monitor.
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Near Field Studio Monitor with Bluetooth
Specifications
- Brand – Presonus
- Connectivity Technology – RCA, Bluetooth
- Model Name – Eris E3.5 BT
- Speaker Type – Monitor
- Weight – 1 pound
- Dimensions – 6.4 x 5.6 x 8.3 inches
Features & Details :
Engineered with advanced technology, this studio monitor is ideal for users who want to hear every minute detail of their recording. It employs sound studio quality and a precise frequency response in a compact size. It incorporates 4 distinct audio inputs and fast connecting Bluetooth technology. You can also establish a wired connection with a computer, TV, or turntable with its left, right, and rear ¼ inch RCA and TRS inputs.
The front-panel, clear, and loud amplifier allows you to work in stealth mode. It is weaved to offer tight bass to let you feel an overall great sound. It reproduces a refines, smooth, and high frequencies sound. It comes with a tweeter to radiate sound in a wide pattern. The 24 watts onboard power packs a serious punch and delivers accurate and clear audio.
With active media reference, it offers controls that adjust the low and high-frequency content so that your speaker always releases the best sound. The convenient front-panel knob sets speaker levels. The powerful and compact design makes them a suitable choice for all spaces. You can pair up the device with a subwoofer to get a full-range sound system.
What we like
- User-friendly controls
- Precise responses
- Clear sound and smooth high-end
- Bluetooth and wired connectivity
- Clear and loud front-panel
- Low and high-frequency controls
What we don’t like
- Non-durable cabinet build quality
- Mediocre quality connecting cable
5.Controllers
No matter how good a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse you have. None of them is going to deliver outstanding results till you have a good controller. A controller lets you control and trigger sounds in the DAW.
Controllers can be keyboard-style, an assortment of pads, or piano-style. If you want a piano style, you must pick a foot-long and ultra-portable version. The one with pads and knobs is ideal for those who like to hit hard.
The controllers must integrate with the DAW you are using.
Alesis V25 – 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Backlit Pads and Professional Suite
Specifications
- Brand – Alesis
- Style – Traditional Model
- Size – 25 Keys
- Model Name – V25
- Dimensions – 9.6 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches
- Weight – 3.86lbs
Features & Details
A powerful device with an intuitive MIDI controller, this unit gives you full command over the music software of your computer. Integrated with 25 full-size sensitive keys and Octave down and up buttons, the keyboard can be expanded to a melodic range and melodies, chords, and bass lines.
With its 8 MPC style drum pads and V25 additions, you can pitch and adjust the sound modes. With the 4 assignable buttons and knobs, it is possible to close and open filters, activate effects, adjust levels of volume, tweak parameters, and do a lot more.
It includes a V25 editor software offering a visual and convenient way to edit MIDI messages that are sent by your keyboard. You can adjust the velocity curves of pads and keys to get the best-fit pad style for your playing. It features Ableton Live Lite 9 recording software, which is great to record, share, and create ideas globally.
What we like
- 25 full-sized sensitive front keys
- MIDI keyboard
- 8 pressure and velocity backlit pads
- Better clip launching and beat production
- 4 assigned knobs and buttons with music software
- Up and down buttons for creative control
What we don’t like
- The pads look beautiful but lack physical sensitivity.
6.Digital Audio Workstations
Digital Audio Workstation or DAW is useful for recording, mixing, editing, and monitoring music. DAWs are of distinct kinds and you can choose a program based on your budget, music style, and computer specifications.
The various sorts of DAW are:
Paid Digital Audio Workstation
To enjoy home recording, you must invest in a paid version. It comes with a host of features that results in efficient music recording.
Free Digital Audio Workstation
If you are on a tight budget or on your initial days of working as a recorder, you may go for a free DAW.
Fruity Loop Studio 20 Producer Edition Windows/Mac
Specifications
- Brand – FL Studios
- Dimensions – 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
- Weight – 8.82 ounces
Features & Details
A superb product from a well-known brand, this is a sought-after tool for your audio production setup. With MIDI piano, 80 plugins, multi-track audio recording panels, and real-time instruments, it gives you full control over your creativity. It comes with pitch-shifting, audio editing and mixing, and time-stretching functionalities that allow users to record as per professional standards.
It hosts an extensive range of features like effect chains, intricate productions, sidechain controls, plugin delays compensation, audio sends, and advanced automation, it is an industry-leading piano device.
It also includes a multitude of tools to support complex manipulation and score editing. It includes 80 instruments and plugins like automation, delay, flanging, chorus, distortion, reverb, bit-crushing, compression, synthesis, delay, filtering, and more. Using this device, you can create music in any style. If you are looking for a flexible browser with powerful capabilities, this is the one to go.
What we like
- Powerful automation and mixing
- Advanced workflow features integration
- Best Piano roll
- Supports VST standards
- Includes up to 80 plugins and instruments
What we don’t like
- Quite expensive
7.MIDI Keyboard
Though you can create music without a MIDI keyboard, it is considered necessary because it enables enhancing creativity and enhancing the workflow in the music studio. It lets you move easily from one activity to another, which eases the workflow.
There are different kinds of MIDI keyboards available in the market:
- One with a controller
- One with MIDI flutes
You can buy a MIDI with the controller to create simple music. But if you want to create electronic music, you must invest in a MIDI keyboard with flutes.
Most of these units are customizable and come with mixers. You can create a variety of music using them like beats, human sounds, and others. If you want to be an all-rounder, here is the best MIDI keyboard you must consider buying.
AKAI Professional MPK249 MIDI Keyboard
Specifications
- Brand – Akai Professional
- Style – Controller
- Size – 49 Keys
- Dimensions – 12.28 x 29.06 x 3.39 inches
- Model Name – MPK249
- Weight – 12.94lbs
- Power Source – USB enabled requires no adapter
Features & Details
Engineered for all-rounders, this is a wonderful keyboard that comes with a host of in-demand controls. Using these controls you can manage your DAW, virtual instruments, and virtual effects. It combines transport controls, and 24 assignable Q-link controllers and easily copies a parameter for creative control.
This 5-pin MIDI output and input can harness the power of your equipment and become the centerpiece of your entire recording setup. It incorporates the advanced Ableton Live Lite software that allows spontaneous composing, remixing, recording, and editing of music in a MIDI environment.
The single interface allows absolute ease of use. It is synthesized with a Hybrid 3.0 HD virtual synthesizer that combines futuristic manipulation efficiency. With its onboard effects, pattern generator, and twist, you can create multiple sounds easily. Also, you can download the VIP3 software for unparalleled access to the effective collection and virtual instrument. Overall, using this keyboard gives you unrestricted freedom to produce music in an intuitive and user-friendly format.
What we like
- 49 semi-weighted full-size keys
- Premium key bed for quick response
- MPC-style pads illuminated using 16 RGB triggers loops and samples
- 24 assignable Q-Link controllers
- USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI output & input
- MPC mainstay tools and controls
- Extensive production software
What we don’t like
- The presets come with limited variety.
8.Cables
Your studio setup requires a variety of cables with distinct connectors. These cables help to join the different pieces of equipment together. You could not compromise on buying cheap quality cables.
A rich quality cable may cost more initially but they don’t need regular replacements. Also, they do not intervene from internal or external noise sources. As a result, you get a high-end outcome that is free from issues like popping, crackle, buzz, snap, or other sounds.
A balanced quality cable gives you positive signals and inverted signals ensuring they help in producing good quality sound. They do not allow unwanted noise during signal transmissions. While buying a cable, you must also check the kind of connector you purchase.
Usually, there are three types of cable connectors available in the market:
- TRS for Ring/Sleeve/Tip Cable
- TS for Sleeve/Tip Cable
- Latching Rubber Cable
The various kinds of audio cables available for home recording studio are:
- Analog Cable
- Digital Cable
- Unbalanced Analog Cable
- Balanced Analog Cable
- Digital Cables
- MIDI Cables
- Optical Cables
- BNC Cables
- EBU/AES Cables
- Cat5e Cables
- Snake Cables
- Power Cable
New Bee 10ft Electric Instrument Cable for Music Recording Studio
Specifications
- Brand – New Bee
- Connector Type – XLR
- Compatible Devices – Speaker, Guitar, Headphones, Keyboard
- Cable Type – XLR
- Cable Length – 10ft
- Connectivity Technology – Ethernet
- Weight – 8.4 ounces
- Dimensions – 4 x 4 x 0.1 inches
Features & Details
If you are looking for a low-noise and high-fidelity guitar cord, this one is a wonderful choice. It is a 22AWG oxygen-free copper-based conductor offering great signal transfer. The cable is made with PVC insulation material. It is a high-density copper double-protected unit offering noise rejection. As a result, you gain quiet and smooth operation.
It comes with the right angle and ¼ straight metal connectors, ensuring a secured connection in the amp jack, pedal, or instrument. The L-shaped connector is excellent for on-stage guitar connection. The cable holds wide compatibility and is suitable for the power amplifier, mixer, decoder, electronic organ, electric bass, electric guitar, and electronic organ.
Because of its high strength and flexibility, you can use this cable for a range of devices like professional stage audio, karaoke speaker, and more. It makes incidental repairs easy and quick and offers rich professional technology.
What we like
- High fidelity
- Noise rejection feature
- Suitable for all electronic equipment
- High-grade professional quality
- Easy to connect and disassemble
- Solid cable
What we don’t like
- The cable may not work if you fail to maintain it properly.
- Connects with Male-to-Male connector only.
9.Pop Filter
This is again vital equipment for newbies and experts who want to achieve a professional-grade outcome. The pop filter is similar to net material and is placed between the recording microphone and the mouth of the singer. It catches the air blast that may occur when a singer is pronouncing sounds like ‘b’ or ‘p.’
Pop filters are not suitable for use with all sorts of microphones. They are used mainly on condenser and ribbon mics. It is because they pose high levels of sensitivity. Dynamic microphone users may not find it important equipment, but it is very much needed.
When buying a pop filter, you must first consider the material with which it is made. It can be foam-based, nylon woven, or made from perforated metal. Though the basic functionality of the filter is the same, they give distinct results. Just make sure the material is of the highest quality.
Aokeo Professional Pop Filter Mask for Microphone, Dual Layered
Specifications
- Brand – Aokeo
- Color – Black
- Material – Steel, Metal
- Dimensions – 12 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
- Weight – 6 ounces
Features & Details
Every recorder dream of a perfect sound and this double-layer pop filter design is an apt choice for such professionals. The first layer blocks the air blasts while the second layer disperses air pressure. As a result, the blast gets easily contained and you can produce high-quality recordings.
With an adjustable rotating clamp and scratch-proof gripper, it gives you a secured connection with a microphone stand or tubular mounting boom. It prevents extra elements from intervening to allow recording and showcasing the best vocals to the audience.
It comes with a metal gooseneck holder made of steel that keeps the filter intact and supports its weight. The distance and angle of the filter and microphone can be adjusted as per your comfort. It banishes lisping, hissing, and plosive sounds, which makes it excellent for streamers, singers, and all those who want the best performance.
What we like
- Reduce noise and restores pure quality of sound
- High-quality mesh materials
- Adjustable neck
- Eliminates noises
- Enhances human voice
- Flexible product
What we don’t like
- Does not shield the sound of pain or suffering.
Sound Proofing Equipment
If you wish to do some serious mixing, you cannot understate the significance of acoustic or sound-proofing treatment. With this single piece of equipment, you can convert a simple room into a professional sound recording studio.
You can either go for DIY panels or can purchase readymade panels. While the former is quite inexpensive the latter is a costly affair. No matter which way you go, check the insulation material for the acoustic treatment.
The best is rigid fiberglass, which is much easier and safer to use and highly absorptive. We have also shared the best soundproofing equipment you can go for on a budget.
JBER Acoustic Foam Panels, Fire Resistant 12 Pack
Specifications
- Brand – JBER
- Quantity – 12 pack
- Weight – 15.8 ounces
- Dimensions – 12.32 x 12.05 x 1.61 inches
Features & Details
The final and unfailingly most important equipment for your home recording studio is these soundproof foam panels. These panels offer you comfiness away from the noise. You can place this acoustic foam on any reflective surface to ensure that others in your family do not get disturbed while you are producing great music.
These lightweight panels are made from PU or polyurethane foam. They are great for office studios, home studios, home entertainment, theatres, and other places that you want to soundproof. The foam is sturdy and holds rich density to offer consistent sound absorption.
These panels reduce flutter echoes, reverb, unwanted noises, acoustic reflections, and other unwanted echoes and noise. It is made with the highest quality material and comes in an easy fit shape.
What we like
- Excellent fit and firmness
- Consistent sound absorption
- Reduces unwanted echo and noise
- Made with high-quality material
- Cut to the perfect size
- Easy to set
- Vacuum sealed
What we don’t like
- You need to purchase multiple packs depending on the size of your room.
Conclusion
With the above-mentioned home recording studio equipment, you can get your preferred results from the comfort of your house. If you are on a tight budget, you can set up these items one by one depending on your priority.
Just research each piece of equipment in more detail to ensure you set up a professional recording studio in your home that caters to your exact needs.
Enjoy Recording!