Home Studio Starter Kit

My cat, Totoro, helping me mix in my home studio :)

You really only need a few essentials to start working with audio! Here are my tips and product recommendations for building your beginner home studio. Note: these are all of my recommendations on hardware, not software--that's for another time!

My Current Set Up

Check-list:

1. Computer

2. Mouse

3. USB Hub

4. Interface

5. External Hard Drive

6. Headphones

7. Monitors

8. Microphone

9. Optional (but fun): MIDI Keyboard

10. Cables: 1/4" Cables (At least 2), XLR Cable (At least 1, but having a few options is preferable)

Budget-friendly basic list:

1. Computer

2. USB Hub

3. Interface

4. Headphones

5. External Hard Drive

6. Cables

The Breakdown:

First, you need a computer/laptop. This is the priciest item on the list, but unfortunately, it's necessary for any high-level audio production. Don't get me wrong--the modern smart phone is a powerful tool and is great for recording and basic composition, but if you're planning on doing any editing or mixing, you're gonna want a little more power. I use a MacBook Pro, and it gets the job done. Although, I'm in the market for a newer Mac desktop since my MacBook is almost a decade old. Macs are the industry standard for audio and music production and are the leading computer for creative work.

Second, I've found that having an external mouse with programmable buttons is incredibly helpful when editing large amounts of audio. It helps me move faster and simplifies some commands I need to use frequently.

I use the Logitech M705 Wireless Marathon Mouse. It has multiple programmable buttons, a side-scrolling wheel, and it's only $39.99!

Third, this item is often glossed over, but if you're new to audio tech, you should get this: a USB hub. This is probably the cheapest item on the list, but the whole set-up falls a part without it. Because most audio production is done on Macs, and because a lot of newer Macs (especially MacBooks) only have USB-C inputs/outputs, you're going to need a USB hub to plug in any external hardware, which brings me to my next point...

I use this Uni USB hub with 4 USB ports. Super cheap on Amazon, I think I got mine for like 10 bucks.

Fourth, you need an interface. I would argue this is the main thing that trips people up when they're looking to get into audio production. To record audio using industry standard equipment (not just a USB mic), you need XLR inputs (standard mic cable inputs). You also need something called "Phantom Power" when recording on condenser microphones (the industry standard for vocal/dialogue recording). An interface gives you all of that and allows you record/playback audio through your computer and preferred software. The interface plugs in to the USB hub, which plugs in to your computer.

I use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. It has two dual XLR/1/4" ports and fulfills all of my recording playback needs! There's also a Scarlett Solo which has one XLR and 1/4" port.

Fifth, get an external hard drive. This might seem boring/unnecessary to you, but I assure you, it's not. When working with a lot of files and big sessions, you need to constantly back up your work on an external hard drive. The cloud is not reliable! Trust me, I've been burned before.

I use a LaCie Rugged USB-C 1TB hard drive. It can take a beating and has enough storage for my current needs.

Sixth, for editing, especially dialogue or voice-overs, get yourself a nice pair of over ear headphones. Headphones allow you to hear every little sound in a recording that you might not hear over loud speakers. Plus, you can listen to stuff when you need to be quiet.

I have the PreSonus HD9 headphones. They're great for my editing needs.

Seventh, a stereo pair of monitors (speakers) is key for any high-level mixing you want to do. We're getting into some of the fancier stuff that you don't necessarily need right off the bat, but a good pair of monitors takes you from beginner to bedroom-studio pro, allowing you to mix and master (especially great for music) right from the comfort of your own home.

I have the PreSonus Eris E4.5 Studio Monitors. They're small enough that they fit on my desk, but still pack a punch!

Eighth, if you want to record anything, get a microphone! I recommend a condenser mic if you're planning on mainly recording vocals or sound effects. If you're wanting to record instruments like guitars or drums, then I recommend a dynamic mic (they're more rugged and can handle louder sounds).

This is my trusty (slightly beat-up) Audio Technica AT2020 condenser mic. I've had it for almost a decade and it still works perfectly. It's a great starter condenser mic.

Ninth, this one's optional, but if you want to make music or just mess around with a fun tool/toy, get a MIDI keyboard. It's great for jotting down musical ideas to making full compositions. It can also be good for sound design if you want to record sound effects live by playing them on the keyboard (each key being a different sound effect--great for recording things in-sync with film, like footsteps).

I've had the AKAI MPK mini for roughly a decade. It's the best starter MIDI keyboard in my opinion. I've put it through the ringer and it's still going strong!

Tenth, last but not least (even though it's the most boring), you need cables to connect everything! 1/4" cables are for your monitors and recording instruments like guitars. XLR cables are for your microphone(s).

Conclusion

It's taken me years to acquire all this gear, and it's mainly thanks to my mom for getting me a lot of these for Christmas. So thank you, mom, for single-handedly carrying my audio career :)

In all seriousness, it's a lot to get these things overnight, so just start with the essentials, one step at a time: Computer, USB Hub, Interface, Microphone, Headphones, Hard Drive, and Cables. And even if you just have a laptop and some earbuds, you can get started, so don't let the equipment stand in the way!

That being said, quality equipment will make your life so much easier. I hope this serves as a helpful guide to getting started. Have fun with it!