If you want to make your own music, or even just do some covers for your growing YouTube career (our guide to mics for YouTube will help you out), you’ll know that getting a professional recording studio to help you out can cost hundreds.
We’ve been there – it’s not easy on the wallet!
There’s an alternative though, and that’s turning your office or space in your bedroom into a nifty home studio.
The main question is, how can you know what home recording studios are good and what ones aren’t? It can be hard to distinguish which home recording studios will really make your music shine.
Thankfully, after hours of testing and research, we’ve managed to nail some of the best home recording studio packages for you so you don’t have to do the legwork.
We’ve also made sure to include a handy buyer’s guide for your perusal so you know what’s gone into making our decision.
In a hurry? This home recording studio will make music that’s bound to go to the top of the charts in no time!
Table of Contents
Home Recording Studio Packages – Our Top Picks
Home Recording Studio Package Reviews
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen)
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is an affordable option for the budding recording artist that doesn’t quite have the budget to buy more high end equipment. That’s not to say this studio isn’t high quality however – quite the opposite.
The studio is ideal for podcasters, musicians and audio enthusiasts alike
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio comes with incredibly fast USB-C Ports to plug in a range of devices and USBs. It comes with a whole range of drivers with the latest recording technology, including the ‘Air Mode’ and mono/stereo flips.
The system comes with headphone amps that are much louder than previous iterations of the Scarlett 2i2 Studio, and the studio is ideal for the rising star producer trying to make tracks from their bedroom. The studio has some of the best mic preamps for performance and a cool feature called ‘gain halo’s.’
These light up green when you have the right input level, and orange when the level is okay, and red if it’s clipping.
The studio is very sturdy and more than capable of helping you to create some incredible tracks. It’s also ideal for those people that have music software already, but it does also come with Avid Pro Tools First which is ideal for people just starting out who don’t already have a mixing package.
It would be worth also buying a mic stand to come with this too as the mic in the studio only comes with a mic clip and won’t stand on a desk alone. It also comes with a set of noise-cancelling headphones to help you focus on your track mixing.
- Gain Halo feature
- Air Mode feature
- Lots of USB slots
- Fast
- Works for musicians and podcasters
- Mic doesn’t come with a mic stand
PreSonus AudioBox Studio
This is another fantastic option for a musician on a budget, with some quality music recording gear to boot. The studio is fairly simple to set up and you can pretty much unpack the box and get recording from the offset.
The studio set comes with two combo mic/instruments to start off with, and these are with monitoring the zero latency. It even comes with preamplifiers that have 24-bit converters for the perfect audio quality.
The studio is fairly small in comparison to a lot of home recording studios and has a good looking blue and silver exterior design. It comes with two XLR/TRS Inputs and a 48v switch and gain inputs.
It also comes with MIDI in and out ports, and a USB port to transfer data over and power the interface. The system has a lot of high-quality sound and you can record anything from vocals to drums to guitars.
You can also choose a version that comes with headphones or without, so this is ideal if you don’t already have a good pair of headphones for recording. It’s a fantastic choice for a beginner at a good price, so why not give it a go?
- Good sound quality
- Option to get headphones with it
- Lots of ports for USB and instruments
- No carry case for the equipment to be carried in
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC204HD USB 2.0
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD comes with some very intuitive and versatile controls that exceed what you may expect from a home studio package at this price. The system works very well with a range of instruments and condenser mics.
The Behringer comes with a sleek looking design that looks very attractive and it has an easy layout. It’s fairly durable and it’s compact enough to take around with you. It comes with a combined XLR/TRS port that’s used for microphone and instrument use.
It has a number of options, with a Stereo/Mono button, a mix knob, and a main out knob, and a pair of Midi outs. As far as performance is concerned, it’s a consistent piece of kit and creates a good sound.
It’s a decent choice for musicians and podcasters on a budget that still creates a good sound. With that being said, some of the other options on the list offer more.
- Compact
- Affordable
- Works well with a range of instruments and condenser mics
- Some users have reported software bugs
Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocketstudio
This is definitely the best option for if you’re on the move and want to still be able to record. It comes in 3 different versions, each with more equipment than the previous price point, so it’s easy to make this set fit to your budget.
The Tascam DP-008EX is easy to use and can be powered by 4 AA batteries but can also be plugged in. It’s easy to hook up, with two jack inputs for the line-level and mic connectivity. It comes with a lot of presets for audio processing if you’re new to mixing, and the system provides a good level of performance.
It’s ideal for a singer and songwriter even if you’re new to it. It has good quality sound too so your recording will sound almost as clear as though it had been done in a professional studio. The in-built microphones are also a very high quality. It comes with up to 32 GB worth of storage too.
The set comes with 2 omnidirectional condenser microphones, 2 balanced XLR inputs and switchable +48v phantom power. It also comes with a mini USB 2.0 port and a bunch of onboard effects. It has everything you could possibly need for making good quality tracks on a budget.
It’s also fairly easy to export your tracks to your computer without a lot of fuss.
- Can be used on the move and is portable
- Built-in microphones
- Good connectivity
- Can be a little slow exporting
How To Choose The Best Home Recording Studio Bundle (Buyers Guide)
There are a few different things to consider when it comes to getting a good home recording studio kit. There are so many home recording studios on the market, and not all of them are going to make you sound fantastic, so you’ll need to find one that does.
Before buying your home recording studio equipment package, you should always check what comes with it. More often than not, your home recording studio package will come with a microphone, audio interface, cables, and software, and a few extra bits and pieces.
It’s worth checking if they come with studio monitors and headphones, though some only include headphones or you need to use ones that you already have.
Here are some things you may find in a home recording studio package
Condenser Microphone
What better way to capture some stunning vocals and instruments than by using a good high-quality condenser microphone? A condenser microphone is usually made of a thin membrane that’s positioned close to a solid metal plate.
The membrane is conductive, and as any sound hits the membrane or diaphragm then it moves backwards and forwards to change the capacitance. Then, the sound waves turn into electrical signals and the microphone will capture the voice or instrument’s natural frequency.
These microphones are ideal for recording guitar, rap vocals, and various other instruments such as pianos.
Audio Interface
The audio interface is what you can plug your instruments into so you can record the audio in the Digital Audio Workstation, which is the program you are using to record with. They can come in lots of different sizes and inputs that will suit different types of situations. Smaller interfaces are usually better to record just one instrument whereas larger ones are better for live band recordings.
XLR Lead
This is what you use to connect microphones up to the audio interface so that you can go ahead with recording.
Headphones
A good set of headphones is a must for a home recording studio. For one, you’ll need it to listen to the audio track while you play to know when your cue is. This may be through a click track or through a backing track that already exists of the recording.
Once you’ve finished it you will also have to edit it and create a master recording and it’s much better to use gaming headphones for this than to use the ears without any headphones.
Things To Consider You Should make when hunting for your home recording studios
Audience
Home recording studio packages can be designed for a whole range of different people, from musicians to podcasters. Always check first who they’re designed for so that you choose the right home recording studio package for you.
Compatibility
As you develop your skills, the chances are you’re going to want to upgrade your setup to add new elements as you go. It’s important that the home recording studio package you choose allows you to upgrade and swap and change any devices as need be when you need to do so.
Also, ensure that if you need to connect any element such as the audio interface to the computer that you have the right port for your computer to use the package, otherwise it will be no use to you. This is especially important if your computer has a limited amount of ports and you want to use something extra such as a MIDI keyboard.
Quality
Quantity does not necessarily mean quality. Try to buy a home studio package that has quality pieces included, and then you can upgrade as you go.
It is worth investing in some extra things such as a subwoofer, studio monitors or some good quality studio headphones if your setup doesn’t already come with them. Choose a package that will evolve with you and last a long time.
What else do I need in addition to my home recording studio package?
In order to create some good quality music with your home recording studio package, there are a few extra things you will need. Firstly, a good computer is a must, and you will need one that can hook up to your home recording studio package without much trouble. Another thing you will need is some recording software.
Some good examples currently on the market are Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton and LUNA. You should try a few out and see what your preference is, but there are also some free tools available online.
It’s also worth investing in some additional monitors for your computer so you can see more of what you’re doing, though this certainly is not essential and you can record effectively without this element.
You could also invest in some extra things, such as a boom stand, a pop filter and a subwoofer for the microphone.
Portability?
It’s worthwhile getting a portable home recording studio in case you’re out and about doing live gigs, but this isn’t essential. With that being said, there are a lot of options out there for home recording studio packages that are perfect for musicians on the move.
What interface do I need for my home recording studio package?
More often than not, home recording studio packages come with a few more common connections, such as USB3, USB, Firewire 400, PCI Express, Firewire 800 or Thunderbolt, the last of which is only available for Macs. Always ensure before buying that the studio is compatible with your relevant device.
Tips for Making a Good Quality Recording
Whether you’re recording for singing, creating your own tracks or playing an instrumental track, here are some things to keep in mind for making a good quality recording.
Ambience is Everything
If you can’t relax while you’re performing, it’s going to show in how you play or how you sing. Try to relax before getting started and try to get comfortable. Then adjust your headphone levels and you’re all set!
The Right Environment
Recording in the right place is important! As much as we all want to have our own personal studio purpose-built for recording music, the vast majority of people won’t have that luxury. With that being said, choose somewhere that doesn’t make the sound dull or anywhere that the sound can reflect. A bedroom is often helpful for this as mattresses and other furniture will often be able to absorb sound. It’s even possible to set up a little recording booth using old mattresses, pillows and curtains.
Do a Few Takes
Practice makes perfect, but no matter how much you practice, the chances are there will be something that goes wrong. That’s why it’s worth trying to do multiple different recordings so you can get a sound that you’re happy with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need for a home recording studio?
For setting up a beginner’s home recording studio, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment.
The first thing you would need is a fast, reliable computer and good processing power. You would need a DAW and an audio interface to record audio and virtual sounds.
Microphones come next for recording vocals and a pair of headphones. You would need studio monitors for mixing and a few XLR cables. A mic stand and a pop filter come next for recording vocals comfortably, and that’s about it.
These are all the essentials that you would need at the beginning to set up a working home recording studio.
How much does it cost to build a home recording studio?
The cost to build a home recording studio depends upon how much you are willing to spend. You can set up a home studio for under $500 with a computer, an audio interface, and a microphone. Even for building a good home recording studio, the cost can reach up to 10 to $50000 at most.
What can you do in a recording studio?
A lot can happen in a recording studio. You can use it for recording the vocals from singers or sounds from instruments like an electric guitar, piano, and others. After the recording is done, mixing and manipulating the sound happens at the recording studio’s control room. After proper mixing, the audio is then routed for production in analog and digital recording.
How can I record my voice at home?
For recording your voice at home, you would need a proper setup. Start by setting up an appropriate room for recording and make it noise-free. Noise-free or quiet means no humming of machines or any noise from other people.
The choice of microphone and how you use it is also responsible for a great quality sound recording. Having audio restoration software helps if you still have some issues in the recording even after doing everything necessary.
Can you smoke in a recording studio?
While light smoking won’t affect the equipment much, it is not recommended to smoke inside a recording studio. From being exposed to smoke regularly, any musical instrument can turn into a noise generator.
What are the best home recording studio packages?
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.