The Best Home Studio Setup for Every Budget
- Artistry Guide
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
Creating a home studio has never been more accessible! Whether you’re a budding musician, a podcast enthusiast, or just want to record high-quality audio at home, having the right gear is essential. Below, I’ve curated a list of the best home studio gear across three different price ranges: Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium. All items are affordable and can be found on Amazon.
Table Of Contents
Budget-Friendly Gear: Under $200
If you’re just starting out or looking for a cost-effective setup, you don’t need to break the bank. Here are some excellent choices:
Item | Description | Approx. Price |
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo | A compact audio interface with great sound quality and easy setup for recording vocals and instruments. | $99.99 |
Microphone: FIFINE K688 Dynamic Microphone | A versatile cardioid condenser microphone suitable for vocals and instruments. | $99.00 |
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Comfortable and durable headphones with good sound isolation and clarity. | $49.00 |
DAW Software: Cakewalk by BandLab | A professional-grade digital audio workstation that’s completely free! | Free |
Total Approx. Cost: $248.98
Note
While this exceeds $200, you can choose to prioritize items based on your immediate needs, such as starting with just the audio interface and microphone.
Mid-Range Gear: 200−600
For those looking to invest a bit more into their home studio, the mid-range options offer enhanced features and better quality for serious recording:
Item | Description | Approx. Price |
Audio Interface: PreSonus AudioBox Go | A reliable audio interface that offers excellent sound quality and MIDI capabilities. | $69.99 |
A professional-grade condenser microphone known for its clarity and low self-noise. | $159.00 | |
Headphones: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 | Highly-rated studio headphones with excellent sound isolation and comfort. | $149.99 |
Studio Monitors: PreSonus Eris 3.5 | Quality studio monitors for accurate sound reproduction and mixing. | $99.99 |
Total Approx. Cost: $478.97
Note
This also slightly exceeds the $600 mark, so you may prioritize items based on your workflow.
Premium Gear: 600−1,200
For some musicians and producers, investing in high-quality gear can make a significant difference in your recordings. Here are some top-notch options:
Item | Description | Approx. Price |
Audio Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Solo | A professional audio interface with built-in UAD plugins for top-tier sound quality. | $499.00 |
Industry-standard dynamic microphone great for vocals and broadcasting. | $399.00 | |
Headphones: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 | Highly-rated studio headphones with excellent sound isolation and comfort. | $149.99 |
Renowned for their accuracy and clarity, perfect for mixing and mastering. | $399.98 |
Total Approx. Cost: $1,447.98
Note
This exceeds the $1,200 range, but you can choose to focus on fewer items initially, such as just the audio interface and microphone.
Essential Home Studio Accessories
Below, I've outlined essential accessories like cables, stands, and other items. These items can enhance your setup regardless of your primary gear investment.
Budget-Friendly Accessories: Under $100
Item | Description | Approx. Price |
XLR Cable: Amazon Basics XLR to XLR | High-quality, durable XLR cables for connecting microphones to your audio interface. | $21.84 |
Pop Filter: Aokeo Professional Pop Filter | Reduces plosive sounds in vocal recordings, ensuring clearer audio. | $8.99 |
Adjustable microphone stand that provides stability while recording. | $34.95 | |
Headphone Extension Cable: Amazon Basics 3.5mm Aux Jack | A 25-foot extension cable to give you more freedom while recording. | $9.99 |
Acoustic Foam Panels: SODOCT 24 Pack-12 x 12 x 2 Inches | Basic soundproofing panels to improve audio quality in your recording space. | $30.39 |
Total Approx. Cost: $106.16
Conclusion
Creating a home studio doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! By selecting the right gear within your budget, you can achieve professional-quality recordings right from your home. Whether you're starting small or ready to invest in premium gear, these recommendations will help you get started on your recording journey.