Modern technology has made the dream of having a professional (or close to it) quality music studio in your home much more attainable and affordable than it's ever been in the past. Now, music producers and artists can realistically create the "next big song" from the comfort of their bedroom using gear that doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
That said, there's tons of music gear out there and the landscape can be a bit overwhelming for someone who's newer to making music. In this guide, I'll go over the essential gear you'll need to get started and get the best home music studio setup in 2022.
What is the Best Home Music Studio Setup?
The best home studio setup will contain a computer, a DAW (digital audio workstation), headphones, studio monitors, a microphone, an audio interface, and a MIDI keyboard. While there are countless products you could buy to get the most amazing (and expensive) music studio possible, this list will focus more on those reasonably priced essentials that are absolutely necessary to get started making music at home.
With that said, let's get into our guide on the best home music studio setup.
Product: Apple MacBook Pro M1
Cost: $1,899.00
Hopefully you already have a computer you can use since this is undoubtedly the most expensive component of most home studio setups. However, if you don't, the best value on the market for a computer that can handle the rigors of running your music production software/DAW and any other 3rd party plugins is the Apple MacBook Pro M1.
The new M1 chips allow these computers to withstand the strain of running large software better than other computers at a similar price point. Our preferred DAW, Logic Pro X, is also exclusive to Apple computers. So while it is a hefty investment, you'll know you're getting one of the best computers on the market for music production.
If you're not convinced, we have a full guide comparing some of the best laptops for music production - all the laptops on that list are also great options for those looking for a great music production computer.
Product: Logic Pro X
Cost: $199.99
Once you have a computer you're happy with, you'll need a computer program that acts as your canvas for making music. DAWs (digital audio workstations) are software you install on your computer that allows you to create music projects. Our recommended DAW is Logic Pro X, which is exclusive to Macs (if you have a PC, you can also consider Ableton Live or FL Studio, which both work on Mac or PC).
The Logic Pro X interface is really easy to learn and understand, and the software is easily able to accomplish any music production task you need it to. The stock plugins that come with Logic Pro X are also top-notch, meaning you won't need to shell out any extra money on plugins when you're just starting out. It also comes with a huge library of virtual instruments and royalty-free loops with Apple Loops, all within the Logic interface.
All-in-all, Logic Pro X is definitely our top DAW recommendation (especially if you're relatively new to producing) due to its simple design, powerful plugins, and its great value for the money.
Product: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Cost: $149.00
Another important piece of gear to have in your home studio is a nice pair of headphones. Studio headphones are especially useful if you're conscious about not making too much noise in your house/apartment. It's also critical to have studio-quality reference headphones that allow you to hear the most accurate representation of your mix to make sure you're making the best mixing decisions, so for that reason we recommend the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones.
The accurate and flat sound quality of these headphones combined with the superior comfort of the ear pads make these an amazing value at $149. The only downside of these headphones is, due to the thick cloth material on the ear pads, sometimes your ears/head will get a bit warm and sweaty during long sessions if you live in a warmer climate area. However, these headphones are some of the best-sellers among the bedroom producer community, and it's easy to see why.
If you're not sold on the beyerdynamic DT 770s, we actually have a full guide going over the 5 best studio headphones - you can check that out here.
Product: Yamaha Hs5 Studio Monitors
Cost: $399.98
Studio monitors allow you to listen to your projects out loud while giving you an accurate, high-quality read on your mix. They connect to your computer easily via an audio interface. Our recommendation for the best studio monitors for your home studio are the Yamaha Hs5s.
The Yamaha Hs5s are extremely popular among bedroom producers and are known for their impeccable clarity across the frequency spectrum. They're also some of the flattest monitors on the market, meaning they give you the truest representation of how your mix really sounds. The Hs5s have a legendary reputation and are the best option if you care about sonic accuracy when it comes to mixing and mastering.
If you're not quite sold on the Yamaha Hs5s, we have a full list comparing the top 5 studio monitors for home studios - you can check that out here.
Product: Audio-Technica AT2020
Cost: $99.00
If you're planning on recording vocals in your home studio, you'll need to get your hands on a solid condenser microphone. Our recommendation for a nice affordable microphone is the Audio-Technica AT2020.
Often touted as one of the best microphones under $100, the AT2020 provides warm and high-quality vocals at an extremely reasonable price. The build quality is solid and it connects to your computer easily through your audio interface.
However, we know not every music producer needs to record vocals for their productions, so if you fall into that camp then feel free to skip the microphone for now.
Product: Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Cost: $119.99
An audio interface allows you to record instruments/vocals and route your DAW audio to studio monitors and/or studio headphones. Our recommendation for the best audio interface for your home studio is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.
The Scarlett Solo is the perfect introductory interface - it does its job well without any extra frills and is among the cheapest options on the market. With 1 XLR input and 1 instrument input, you'll be able to record vocals, guitar, bass, and any other instrument that utilizes 1 of those 2 inputs. Having all the controls located on the front panel also makes it an ideal desktop interface.
If you're not quite sold on the Scarlett Solo, we have a full list comparing the top 5 audio interfaces for your home studio - you can check that out here.
Product: AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Cost: $119.00
MIDI keyboards allow you to record virtual instruments into your DAW in MIDI format. Our recommendation for the best MIDI keyboard for your home studio is the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3.
Likely the most popular MIDI keyboard currently on the market, the AKAI MPK Mini certainly lives up to its reputation. With 25 keys it fits easily on any desk and has some of the best velocity-sensitive drum pads of any keyboard on the market, which allow you to play drums into your DAW in MIDI format. The build quality is super solid and the arpeggiator and note repeat functions are nice features to have.
All-in-all, there's not too many downsides of the AKAI MPK Mini and it's a great option for beginner-to-intermediate producers looking to get their first MIDI keyboard. However, if you're not convinced, we have a list comparing the best MIDI keyboards for your home studio - you can check that out here.
I hope this guide helps you get the best home music studio setup possible within your budget! While there are lots of other cool products you can add to your arsenal that will take your studio to the next level, these are great products to help you get a solid bare-bones setup from day one.
Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our reviews/buyer's guides.
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