Home studio starter guide: what you actually need

You can make release-quality recordings in a spare room, but it's easy to spend money on the wrong things first. This guide covers the kit you actually need, in the order it's worth buying it, plus the things that can wait.

The short version

1. A computer and recording software (DAW)
2. An audio interface
3. Closed-back headphones
4. A microphone (if you record vocals or acoustic instruments)
5. Studio monitors (speakers)
6. A MIDI keyboard (if you make music with software instruments)
7. Basic room treatment

1. A computer and recording software

Any reasonably recent laptop or desktop will do to start. The software you record and mix in is called a DAW (digital audio workstation). Good starting points:

• GarageBand: free on Mac, and simple to learn.
• Reaper: very capable, light on older computers, with a long free trial and an affordable personal licence.
• "Lite" versions of DAWs such as Ableton Live are often included free with audio interfaces and MIDI keyboards, so check what comes in the box before buying software.

2. An audio interface

An audio interface connects microphones and instruments to your computer, and your headphones and speakers to it. It's the heart of a home studio. For most people starting out, a 2-input interface is the sweet spot: you can record a voice and a guitar at the same time.

Well-regarded options include:

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: the classic first interface, simple and reliable.
• Audient iD4 or EVO 4: excellent preamps for the money.
• MOTU M2: known for very clear sound and helpful level meters.
• Universal Audio Volt 2: adds a vintage-style "character" mode.

If you only ever record yourself with one microphone or one guitar, a 1-input version (like the Scarlett Solo) saves a little money.

3. Closed-back headphones

Closed-back headphones keep sound in, so it doesn't leak into your microphone while recording. They're also the cheapest way to hear your mix in detail. Studio favourites include the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and Sony MDR-7506.

4. A microphone

Skip this if you only make music with software, or record guitar and bass straight into the interface.

• Dynamic microphones (like the Shure SM58 for vocals and SM57 for guitar amps) are tough, cheap and pick up less of your room, which helps in untreated bedrooms.
• Condenser microphones (like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Rode NT1) capture more detail for vocals and acoustic guitar, but also more room noise. They need 48V phantom power, which almost every audio interface provides.

Add a mic stand, an XLR cable and, for vocals, a pop filter.

5. Studio monitors

Monitors are speakers designed to sound honest rather than flattering, so your mixes translate to other systems. In a small room, smaller is often better: 5-inch monitors such as the Yamaha HS5, JBL 305P MkII or KRK Rokit 5 are popular for good reason. Put them at ear height, forming a triangle with your head, and away from walls and corners if you can.

On a tight budget, or if you live with others, headphones can come first and monitors later.

6. A MIDI keyboard

If you make music with software instruments (drums, synths, piano sounds), a MIDI keyboard lets you play them instead of clicking notes in with a mouse. It makes no sound on its own. See our guide to MIDI keyboards, and if you want hands-on beats, our guide to drum machines.

7. Basic room treatment

Bare walls bounce sound around, which makes recordings sound boxy and mixing harder. Before buying acoustic panels, use what you have: a rug, curtains, a sofa and a full bookcase all help. Record vocals facing into a room rather than a bare wall. When you're ready, a few panels at the side walls and behind your desk make the biggest difference.

What can wait

• Expensive plugins: the effects included with your DAW are more than enough to learn on.
• Outboard gear such as preamps and compressors.
• A second, "better" microphone until you know what you need it to do.
• More inputs than you'll use: a 2-input interface covers most home recording.

Recording guitar and bass at home

Plug straight into your interface's instrument (Hi-Z) input and use amp-simulator software, or put a dynamic mic in front of your amp. Many modelling amps also have a USB output for recording directly. See our guide to amps for home.