Home Recording Studio Essentials
The ultimate guide to everything a beginner needs to build their home studio and start making music.
1. Computer
Start making music with the computer you’re reading this on!
You need at least 8gigs of Ram and 2.4Ghz of processing power to run most music production software, but you could could definitely use more if it’s in your budget.
Our top choice for 2022 is the Macbook Air M2
2. DAW
The Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW for short, is the software program you use to record, edit, and mix music on your computer.
Most of your favorite Music Producers work on Ableton Live, it is the standard for electronic music, and if you are a student (or something like that) you can get a license for half price.
If you have a Mac then Logic Pro is a great choice, it has everything you need for a relatively affordable price.
3. Audio Interface
The Audio Interface is the hardware used to connect your computer with the rest of your gear.
The Industry standard for home studios is the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X, it has everything you’ll need, and their famous UAD Plugins included.
Our udget friendly option is the Focusrite Scarlette 414i, a high quality interface with less flash but more inputs, in case you are looking to get a couple of analog synths.
4. Headphones
The most important piece of gear if you want to mix down your own tracks. Why? a high quality set of monitors and a dedicated acoustically treated room can set you back thousands of dollars.
On a tight budget? use that money on a pair of pro open-back headphones + Sonarworks (helps get the most accurate sound possible).
Our choice are the Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X, the more durable upgrade of a classic, ideal for Mixing and Mastering at a top tier level.
Our #1 high-end headphones are the Audeze LCD-X, and our budget option is the Audio Technica ATH M50X.
5. Monitors
Don’t make the mistake of buying cheap monitors, they’ll be more expensive than great headphones and you’ll quickly outgrow them.
If you’re serious about building a studio you need decent monitors and an acoustically treated your room.
Our choice for the first studio monitor is the Adam Studio T7V, they have clear mid/highs and transparent sound for a great price, and you can always add the Adam T10S Sub in the future if you want the full bass experience.
6. Microphones
Choosing a Mic depends a lot on how you are going to use it.
Do you need an all-around top tier mic to record spoken word, rap vocals and is also perfect for podcasts + livestreams? go with the Shure SM7B (gonna need a cloudlifter with that)
Too expensive and don’t mind a using USB mic? go with the Shure MV7X
You can actually sing but don’t want to spend 1K? go with the Rode NT1-A
6. Cables
. For a 2 monitor setup you need 2 XLR cables to connect your Audio Interface to your Monitors.
We do recommend good quality cables because they will last you forever and help reduce that annoying hum noise.
Our choice for monitors is the Mogami XLR Silver. The Mogami brand has a lifetime “no excuses” warranty and is regarded as the industry standard.
If your Audio Interface or Monitors only accept TRS cables, you need these Mogami TRS Silver.
For your Mic we recommend the Mogami XLR Gold for a crisp recording. You can also get the Mogami XLR Gold for your monitors if your budget allows it.
Disclaimer: We are a group of professional music producers with a combined 50 years of experience making music, we could and will go into more detail in the “best of” guides coming soon, however this is a guide to what is important when starting out. Thank you!