Home Studio Setup: 10 Elements You Need to Record at Home

A home studio has become one of the most important work tools for any musician who wants to record music at home. Today, setting up a home recording studio is more accessible than ever, and at GuitarRec – Online Recording Studio, we want to help you understand in detail the equipment you need to record, edit and mix your songs.

In this complete guide you’ll find practical tips for setting up your home studio, as well as recommendations to choose and use the equipment you need to record music productions and podcasts properly.

Below you’ll find a summary of the sections covered in this article, with the elements you’ll need to equip yourself with and advice on how to choose and use them correctly:

1. The computer for recording and producing music

A computer equipped with the right software can act as a multitrack recorder, audio/MIDI editor, sound module, mixing console, sampler, equalizer and effects processor.

Choosing between Mac and PC has always been one of the most debated decisions for anyone looking to dive into recording and professional music production. Either way, both platforms — properly configured — can be used effectively today, and you can always switch systems later on if needed.

PC for music production

Broadly speaking, a PC offers more flexibility and hardware combinations in terms of graphics cards, motherboards, and other components. This also means there are more potential points of failure, but today’s Windows systems are light years ahead of where they were a few years ago for producing music in a home studio, and they work perfectly with audio recording software.

MAC for music production

Systems based on macOS are usually preconfigured and more closed, and therefore tend to be more stable, although we always pay a higher price compared to the same PC components. Recording with a more stable system gives us extra peace of mind when working from home. That said, Macs also have their issues and are ultimately computers we need to learn how to handle and configure properly (and pray no component fails overnight).

Another factor that can tip the balance one way or the other is the audio software that’s exclusive to each platform.

Laptop or desktop for a home studio

One of the key decisions is whether to go with a laptop or a desktop. A laptop is more than enough for most users today, and portability is obviously a huge advantage. On the downside, a laptop will always be below the performance level of a desktop at the same price point. You may even need that extra power down the line.

Aspects like RAM amount, hard drive transfer speed (SSD drives are a must for virtual instruments and sample libraries), connection types, noise level, and expansion options will be key to turning it into a digital audio workstation and getting the most out of your new home studio. For more details and links, check out our article on which computer for music production to choose.

2. Sound card or audio interface

This is the device that converts incoming audio into digital data, and turns that data back into an analog output signal so we can hear it. Every computer has one built into the motherboard, but it’s usually limited to two or three minijack connections with pretty poor quality.

Investing in a higher-quality external audio interface will allow for more precise recordings in our home studio thanks to better analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion and better mic preamps. We’ll also have more input and output connections (for headphones, nearfield monitors, instruments, etc.) and we can improve system stability thanks to drivers optimized to communicate smoothly with the recording software. The most common protocols are ASIO for PC and Core Audio for Mac.

It’s important to be aware that converter quality is always tied to price, regardless of the sample rate (kHz) and bit depth it can work at.

Below are other features you should consider before getting an external audio interface for your home studio:

Audio interface for home recording – Key features

• ‘Jack‘ line input and output connections (audio ins/outs)
• Mic preamps with ‘phantom’ power (48v) for studio microphones
• High-impedance ‘instrument‘ input, essential for guitar recording and bass
• Headphone preamp with ‘Jack’ output connection
• Output level control (volume knob)
• Digital connections (Optical, ADAT, S/PDIF…)
• MIDI port (5-pin IN, OUT, THRU connections)

Investing as much as possible in a quality audio interface is always a smart decision when setting up a home studio, because all the audio you work with — both input and output — will pass through its A/D converters. Later, if you upgrade other elements in the audio chain, the interface will still serve you without becoming outdated.

On the flip side, don’t buy an audio interface with more inputs or outputs than you’ll actually need. For example, if you’re only going to work with a vocal mic, it’s better to invest later in a quality mic preamp and feed its line output into the interface.

The best audio interfaces for home studio usually connect via USB, Thunderbolt or FireWire (the latter nearly obsolete), and some models (like those from Universal Audio linked above) incorporate DSPs to offload plugin processing and improve your computer’s performance when recording and mixing at home.

3. Microphones for home studio

Studio microphones are a fundamental tool in audio recording. Choosing a good mic is vital if you want to learn how to record vocals professionally or capture acoustic instruments in your home studio.

For now, depending on the internal mechanical-electrical transducer, we’ll focus on the two most common types: condenser and dynamic mics. Below we analyze their main features and most common uses, based on their frequency sensitivity and directivity (pickup sensitivity in different directions).

Condenser microphones

They have greater frequency response sensitivity compared to dynamic mics, and usually offer multiple polar patterns (directivity: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, etc.). This makes them perfect for capturing the maximum quality and precision on studio vocals, string instruments (widely used in guitar recordings) and drum overheads/room mics.

These mics require external power, usually supplied through the XLR cable itself, via the phantom power (48v) provided by an external mic preamp or the preamps built into the audio interface.

On the other hand, the fragility and pickup sensitivity of these mics makes them uncommon in live sound reinforcement, and they also deteriorate more easily due to impacts, humidity and temperature changes. But without a doubt, a good condenser mic will be the game-changer in our vocal productions and mixes and acoustic instrument recordings.

Dynamic microphones

These are most commonly used for capturing close sources with high sound pressure (volume) and plenty of low-frequency content (amplifiers, kick drum, snare, toms…). They’re also the go-to for live vocals thanks to their resistance to humidity, vibration, temperature, and their lower cost.

They usually have cardioid directivity: they pick up sound mainly from the front and gradually attenuate as we move toward the rear, where sensitivity is minimal. There are also omnidirectional dynamic mics that capture sound with equal sensitivity from all directions, though they’re less common in recording studios.

Dynamic mics don’t require phantom power and have good frequency response, although they don’t reach the precision of condenser mics. Some models are used for studio vocal recordings to achieve a specific character (one of the go-to secrets for rock vocals and MCs).

Choosing microphones for a new studio isn’t easy. To help you, here’s a list of the best microphones for home studio with their main pros and cons.

Pop filter for microphone

Once you’ve chosen your mic (or mics), don’t forget to get a solid stand or mount to make sure your precious microphone is safe and well supported. Here are some home studio accessories that will make your life easier without breaking the bank. Below we’ll talk about an essential accessory for recording with condenser microphones: the pop filter.

Whenever we see a studio vocal recording, there’s usually a pop filter placed in front of the condenser mic to prevent the problems caused by the blast of air generated by the consonants P and B. An essential piece of gear when recording with a microphone, and one that will save you countless headaches during mixing.

4. Headphones for home studio

Headphones let us monitor the audio while recording. And although they’re not usually as accurate as nearfield monitors, they also work as a reference for mixing tasks if our home studio isn’t acoustically treated. When recording at home, where we usually don’t have proper soundproofing, headphones are also very useful if we work at hours when we can’t make noise.

Below we explain the main features and differences between the types of headphones available for setting up a home studio.

Closed-back studio headphones

These isolate the most from the outside, preventing headphone sound from bleeding into the mic during vocal recording. This type of headphone causes more listening fatigue and less realism in the stereo image when mixing, but they’re essential to prevent the playback from leaking into the mic during vocal or acoustic instrument recording.

Open-back studio headphones

Though they may look similar, these let sound escape outward, significantly reducing listening fatigue and offering better frequency response quality and stereo image balance. They’re typically used for mixing, since for recording we need maximum isolation.

Semi-open studio headphones

In this category you’ll find models that offer a balance between isolation and sound quality. They can work for recording at moderate volumes and also give good performance for mixing or other tasks like guitar recording or track editing. Still, it’s always worth having a closed-back pair as well to make sure no audio bleeds into the mic.

Be sure to check out our article on the best studio headphones to equip your new home studio in the best way possible.

5. Studio monitors or nearfield monitors

When working with audio it’s important to use flat-response studio monitors or nearfields to be able to hear the sound and analyze it correctly — what’s known as monitoring. Studio monitors have a flat frequency response and give us the most real and precise result possible, without adding extra frequencies like Hi-Fi speakers do. This helps us make mix decisions that translate correctly on other playback systems.

To work optimally with these monitors for music production, we need the room to be at least minimally treated so we don’t hear the frequencies the room adds, and we get a real reference of the audio unaffected by reverb in the room or space where we’re mixing or monitoring the recorded audio.

Types of studio monitors

Studio monitors can be passive, requiring an external amplifier, or active, with a built-in amplifier. Passive monitors are now nearly obsolete for project studios, since active monitors keep everything in one unit.

How to position your studio monitors

Proper placement of studio monitors is critical for accurate audio monitoring. The “hot spot” is the optimal area where you need to position yourself to get the most realistic and direct monitoring. Here are the keys to correct placement:

1. Equilateral Triangle: Position the monitors to form an equilateral triangle with your listening position. The distance between the monitors should equal the distance from each monitor to you.
2. Height and Angle: The tweeters should be at ear level. Angle the monitors slightly inward so they point directly at your ears.
3. Distance from Walls: Avoid placing monitors directly against the wall. Leave at least 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) of space to reduce bass reflections.
4. Room Orientation: Position your desk and monitors facing the longest side of the room. This minimizes audio rebound from the back wall to the listening position.
5. Isolation and Stands: Use adjustable stands or isolation pads to minimize vibrations and improve acoustics. It’s also very useful to place bass traps in the upper corners of the room behind the monitors.

6. The importance of the audio chain and cabling in a home studio

The quality of recordings in a home studio depends heavily on the audio chain — all the elements the audio signal passes through before being recorded and during monitoring. An adequate balance between these components is crucial for professional results, since the final quality will be limited by the weakest element in the chain.

For example, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a 1,000-euro microphone if your audio interface, which contains the mic preamps, only costs 150 euros. From the sound source through microphones, interfaces, preamps, cables, monitors and software, every element must be balanced to ensure quality when recording at home. There are some exceptions, and here we explain them:

At our online studio GuitarRec, when we work online with session musicians and engineers across the different stages of every production, each collaborator has optimized gear (many of them working from their own home studios), focused on exactly what they need to do their job professionally.

Pro Tip: invest in the gear you actually need to record or produce based on your goals. If your goal is to specialize in mixing, invest first in a good computer and the best monitoring you can afford, before spending on microphones and preamps.

Cabling for your home studio

When it comes to cabling, we can sum it up in one sentence: invest in quality cables. Doing so means you won’t have to worry about replacing a faulty cable for many years. You don’t need to spend on top-tier cables at outrageous prices, just stay away from the suspiciously cheap ones with plastic-coated, multi-coloured connectors.

There are two cables that are always worth having within reach in any home studio. The first is a headphone extension cable with a TRS jack connector (around 3 metres long), which gives you flexibility to position the singer or musician away from the computer during recording while keeping the signal clean. The second is a 3.5mm jack to dual RCA cable, essential for occasionally connecting external devices like phones, iPads or laptops to your audio interface’s line inputs. If you have free inputs on your interface, it’s a good idea to keep one permanently connected.

7. MIDI controller keyboard

A good MIDI controller keyboard is one of the key elements you need to produce or record a song at home. This type of keyboard adds new options to the setup of a home or portable recording studio and lets us play melodies or chords in our productions.

Plus, most MIDI controller keyboards also include rotary encoders and sensitive wheels to control any parameter (like pitch and modulation) of your favorite MIDI instruments. Without a doubt, this type of keyboard will always be a meaningful upgrade for creating new melodies and instrumental beds with your DAW.

Here you can check some of the best MIDI keyboards with USB connection currently available.

There are also MIDI controllers with percussion pads, entirely focused on creating beats and rhythmic patterns. They’re not essential in a home studio, since anything we do with these controllers can also be done with a MIDI keyboard or by drawing with the mouse in our computer. Still, they add a layer of hands-on control and playfulness when creating patterns or beats. Here you can see how we use the Maschine Micro in our productions:

8. Software and plugins for recording and producing music

Every home studio needs a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). This is software that lets us record multitrack digital audio, sequence MIDI virtual instruments, and apply dynamics processing and effects to tracks. In short, it includes everything you need to record, edit, mix and master a song at home.

Today we have many alternatives to get started and go deep until reaching professional levels when recording at home with this type of software. Choose the one that feels most practical to you, and if possible in its most basic version. Don’t worry if it’s not the most well-known or prestigious, unless you’re aiming to work as a sound engineer in a professional studio. What matters isn’t the software, but what you do with it. Everything you learn will serve you well if later on you decide to move to different music production software.

The following list shows some of the most widely used programs, both in home studios and professional studios, with links to those that offer trial versions without needing an iLok USB key. Any of them will let you record, mix and produce audio end-to-end.

Main music production software (DAW)

The most used DAWs today in home studios and professional studios are Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, Reaper and FL Studio. Each has its own character: Pro Tools is still the standard for recording and audiovisual post-production, Logic is the go-to on Mac for its native instrument quality, Ableton Live dominates in electronic music production and live performance, FL Studio is a reference among beatmakers, and Reaper is the most affordable option with professional quality.

Two more names are gaining serious ground: Bitwig Studio, increasingly popular among producers looking for a modern, modular alternative to Ableton, and Luna by Universal Audio, a free DAW with very carefully crafted processing that’s earning its space, especially among UA interface users.

The best decision isn’t to pick the most prestigious DAW, but the one that best fits your workflow. What matters isn’t the software, but what you do with it: everything you learn in one DAW will serve you if you switch to another later on.

Related: full analysis of each one in our article on the best DAWs for music production, with pros, cons, prices, and who each program is best suited for.

Audio plugins and virtual instruments for home recording and production

Audio plugins are essential in any home studio, since they expand the creative and technical possibilities of our productions. These software add-ons let us add effects, process signals, and emulate real instruments inside our DAW.

There are free plugins of excellent quality that can rival many paid ones, and it’s a good idea to explore these options to get started. That said, investing in paid plugins can also be a smart call, since they often offer advanced features and superior sound quality.

With these plugins, we can apply EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and many other effects that will transform our home recordings into productions worthy of a professional studio.

Among these plugins we also find virtual instruments, which let us play piano, synthesizers, strings and much more. Below you’ll find a selection of the main free VST instruments, with which you can play anything from grand pianos to emulations of analog synths, drum machines and full orchestral sections from your computer.

9. Acoustics and soundproofing for your home studio

Acoustic treatment is fundamental in any studio, whether in the recording room or the monitoring room (in home studios, usually the same space).

It’s important to highlight that soundproofing and acoustic treatment are two different things: soundproofing means isolating the room from outside noise, while acoustic treatment refers to achieving an even distribution of frequencies inside the room and avoiding standing waves that can lead to wrong EQ decisions.

In a home studio, where the same room is usually used for recording and mixing, it’s essential to consider several factors to improve the acoustics of the space and get the best possible response from your studio monitors.

Acoustic absorption is one of the most common techniques in acoustic treatment, achieved with acoustic foam panels placed on walls and ceilings to reduce reflections and echo. As alternatives, other absorbent surfaces are very useful too: rugs, thick curtains, bookshelves, armchairs, cushions and, of course, a good sofa… everything adds up, or in this case, subtracts!

Proper placement of acoustic absorption panels in a home studio

1. Side Walls: Place panels on the side walls at ear level, at the first reflection points, to reduce early echoes.
2. Front Wall: Install panels behind the monitors to absorb direct waves and minimize reflection.
3. Back Wall: Place panels on the back wall to absorb waves bouncing from the front of the room.
4. Ceiling and Hanging Panels: Use ceiling panels, known as “acoustic clouds”, and hanging panels suspended from the ceiling. They’re especially effective in rooms with high ceilings and help control reflections, improving acoustics without taking up wall space in your home studio.

Soundproofing: a job out of reach for most home studios

It’s important not to confuse acoustic treatment (conditioning the room with panels, bass traps and absorbing materials) with soundproofing (isolating the room so sound can’t get in or out). They’re two completely different things and they often get mixed up when talking about acoustics.

Soundproofing isn’t a piece of gear, it’s a construction job. To do it properly you need to build a room within a room, separated by silent blocks that decouple both structures, and install acoustic doors and double-glazed windows. It’s an expensive process and out of reach for most home studios. At our recording studio in Barcelona we have this kind of soundproofing in place, but we’re well aware that for the vast majority of home studios it’s simply not a viable option.

The good news is that with proper acoustic treatment you can absolutely achieve professional-quality recordings. And if at some point you need a truly isolated space to track vocals or a delicate instrument, you can always rent a professional studio by the hour in your area, record the takes there, and then edit, mix and finish the production back in your home studio.

10. Essential accessories for your home studio

Beyond the main gear, there are a handful of affordable accessories that make a real difference in the day-to-day of a home studio. They’re not essential for recording, but they improve your workflow and make tasks easier that would otherwise become a hassle. These are the ones we use almost every day in our studio:

• Headphone holder: small, cheap and one of those accessories you’ll appreciate the most. It keeps your headphones within reach, prevents them from ending up tangled on the desk and protects them from wear. There are models that clip onto a mic stand and others that mount on the desk.
• 4-channel headphone amplifier: distributes the signal to several pairs of headphones with independent volume control for each. Very useful when recording with multiple musicians at once, or when the singer wants to adjust their own mix without affecting the producer’s. Combined with a headphone extension cable, it lets you move the mic far from the computer.
• Articulated desk microphone arm: having a mic permanently within reach from your desk changes the way you write music. It lets you capture an idea, a melody or a lyric on the fly without having to set up a mic stand every time. It’s often associated with podcasting, but it’s just as practical for music production.
• Multiple and individual guitar stands: if you record often with stringed instruments, a multi-stand keeps them organised and ready to plug in. Not essential, but it adds up. For your most prized instruments, it’s also worth having a sturdy individual stand: that small investment protects an instrument worth far more than the stand itself.
• Clip-on tuner: more practical and faster in session than any phone app or DAW tuner. It clips onto the headstock of your guitar or bass and detects pitch through vibration, so it works even when there’s noise around. Useful for guitar, bass, ukulele and any stringed instrument.

We hope this article has been a useful guide and a source of inspiration for setting up your new home studio, helping you build the right setup to develop your ideas and your craft in the exciting world of audio recording and music production.

Enjoy the process!