It's time to see which affordable equipment you need to buy in order to build a full recording studio setup on a budget of $1000. I assume you already own a laptop or a computer, so we'll get that out of our shopping list. I will start with the microphone, continue with the audio interface and finish with additional items. With these items, you can make music like a rockstar, and with a proper mix and master, your song can and will compete with the ones recorded in professional studios.
Rode NT1A is probably the most praised microphone for entry-level recording studio owners and it's affordable. It combines classic technology with great features and high-def performances. Over the years, Rode mics became a standard in the music industry, and every music artist worked with a Rode mic at least once in his/her lifetime.
The mic features wide dynamic range and has an ultra low noise like no other in its price range. The package contains the microphone, the shock mount, cables and the pop filter. In other words, Rode is a premium mic for a low price.
The mic features wide dynamic range and has an ultra low noise like no other in its price range. The package contains the microphone, the shock mount, cables and the pop filter. In other words, Rode is a premium mic for a low price.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 18 in/6 out USB 2.0 features two award wining preamps that allow you record vocals and instruments in high-quality @ 24-bit/96kHz. The interface has 6 quite analog inputs and an ultra-low-latency DSP mixer/router. The knobs are perfectly, and you'll also get a switchable button for Phantom Power.
A home recording studio is not complete without a mixer. The Yamaha MG102C 10 Input Stereo Mixer provides 10 inputs, EQs and 2 bus designs. Yamaha has a long history of creating top-notch audio equipment, they are all about quality, and this mixer is a proof that sometimes cheap can be of great value.
This affordable mixer was created with care, the knobs works just like you would expect, and everything is combined to give you great sound, total control over your inputs and superior reliability.
This affordable mixer was created with care, the knobs works just like you would expect, and everything is combined to give you great sound, total control over your inputs and superior reliability.
Studio Monitors
The audio monitors are really important in a home studio, especially if you plan to mix your own songs. You need to hear your recordings at maximum quality in order to make your track modification properly. KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitor Speakers are probably the best choice you can make. For an affordable price of $299, you will get the best speakers money can buy. They are rated 5 out 5 stars on Amazon.
Other accessories
You will need a mic stand for your microphone, some cables (for the mixer), and acoustic foam panels.
The audio monitors are really important in a home studio, especially if you plan to mix your own songs. You need to hear your recordings at maximum quality in order to make your track modification properly. KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitor Speakers are probably the best choice you can make. For an affordable price of $299, you will get the best speakers money can buy. They are rated 5 out 5 stars on Amazon.
Other accessories
You will need a mic stand for your microphone, some cables (for the mixer), and acoustic foam panels.
Note:
If only need to record vocals, you can skip the mixer. The audio interface is enough to power your mic. Also, if you do not plan to mix your song (someone else will take care of that), you should also skip the studio monitors, and buy something cheaper. Remember, I was proposing the best equipment money can buy for a budget of $1000.
If only need to record vocals, you can skip the mixer. The audio interface is enough to power your mic. Also, if you do not plan to mix your song (someone else will take care of that), you should also skip the studio monitors, and buy something cheaper. Remember, I was proposing the best equipment money can buy for a budget of $1000.