Starting Your Home Studio on a Budget: What You Actually Need
Hey there — my name is Ivan Meshcheriakov, and welcome to my blog. I’m a music producer, content creator, and the guy behind this article. Over the years, I’ve interviewed some of the most respected audio engineers and Grammy-winning producers on the planet. I also have a music project called PHONKKIKZZ with legendary rapper Demrick, and my music has been featured in campaigns for the NFL, Zara, and more.
If you’re just getting into music production or engineering and your budget is tight (been there!), I want to share some real, practical advice that might save you time, money, and stress.
This article is based on my personal experience — the gear I started with, what I wish I’d known earlier, and what I recommend for building a solid beginner studio without breaking the bank.
Start Simple: Laptop & Headphones
Let’s be real — the bare minimum you need to start making music is a halfway-decent laptop and a pair of headphones. That’s it. You can even record vocals directly into your phone or laptop mic — especially if you’ve got a recent iPhone. Those mics are surprisingly good now.
So for the sake of this guide, let’s assume you’ve already got some kind of laptop. What’s next?
A Solid Pair of Headphones
Since you’re probably working from your bedroom or a makeshift home studio, I highly recommend checking out the VSX headphones by Steven Slate ($299) I’ve had the chance to talk with Steven personally, and I’ve heard some of the behind-the-scenes magic that went into designing these headphones — and why they’re worth your attention.
If you’re planning to mix your own music, record vocals at home, or just produce in general, the VSX headphones offer an impressively flat response for their price range. And paired with their software, you get a crazy amount of flexibility. You can test your mixes in famous studios, nightclubs, cars, and more — all from your bedroom.
Even without the software, they still sound very transparent and flat enough to my ears.
Back when I first moved to Los Angeles, I was constantly switching apartments — we were moving almost every year. I didn’t want to invest in acoustic treatment because I knew I wouldn’t stay in one place long enough to make it worth it. So I relied heavily on headphones.
My First Headphones
My first pair? The classic Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (the old model, almost the same as new HD 300 – $199). They were loyal, reliable, and honestly still sound pretty great today. I still use them.
I also grabbed a cheap used pair of Sony MDRs ($99) at one point — just cleaned them up and replaced the earpads. They worked fine too.
Nowadays, you can pick up a solid pair of headphones from places like Sweetwater, and even get them on payment plans if money’s tight. Whether it’s Audio-Technica, Sony, Sennheiser, or Slate — you’ve got options. I’m just here to lay out what’s worked for me, and let you decide what fits your situation best.
Audio Interface: You Don’t Need It Right Away
Let’s talk about the audio interface — but here’s the thing: I actually didn’t use one for a long time. I was connecting both my headphones and even studio monitors straight into my laptop, and that worked just fine for me in the beginning. Seriously, if you’re just starting out, don’t let the lack of an interface stop you. You can absolutely begin with what you have.
A Good Interface When You’re Ready
Eventually though, I randomly came across a PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 ($89) for a crazy good deal — and I’ve been using it ever since. It’s a solid little interface that still lives in my home setup today. I also bring it along when I’m collaborating at other studios or working in a different environment outside my main space.
Another great option I’ve been hearing about is the MOTU interfaces ($200) — they’re known for insanely low latency, some of the best in the game right now, especially in that budget-to-mid range zone.
The AudioBox I grabbed even came bundled with a lite version of Ableton, which honestly is more than enough to start producing and arranging tracks. Most of these budget-friendly interfaces come with some kind of DAW or software package, which is a big win when you’re trying to keep costs down.
Other Reliable Options
You’ve also got classic go-to options like Focusrite Scarlett ($139) — I’ve used it multiple times, and a ton of major studios still have at least one laying around. It’s reliable, clean, and gets the job done. Another slept-on pick is the Arturia MiniFuse series ($131) — sounds surprisingly good for the price, compact and solid.
Microphones
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into one of the most crucial elements of any studio setup — the microphone. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned pro, having a good microphone is key to ensuring your sound quality is top-notch.
The Shure SM57: A Legendary Mic
First on my list is the Shure SM57, a microphone that costs around $99 but is used by countless Grammy-winning producers, engineers, and songwriters. Whether you’re recording vocals, guitars, drums, or any other instrument, this mic is incredibly versatile and can handle just about anything.
Even as you upgrade your gear over time, this mic will likely stay with you. It’s reliable, durable, and has a natural sound that continues to make it a staple in professional studios. For the price, it’s a great option that will serve you for many years to come.
The Shure SM7B: A Classic for Professionals
If you’re ready to step up your mic game, the Shure SM7B is the next option I recommend. While it costs around $200 to $400 depending on the package, it’s worth every penny. This mic is a go-to for major artists like Kanye West, Frank Ocean, and Ed Sheeran.
The reason it’s so highly regarded is its ability to perform exceptionally well in untreated rooms. Whether you’re recording in your bedroom, a hotel, or a temporary space, the SM7B will deliver high-quality results. If you’re serious about vocal recording, this mic is a must-have, no matter your experience level.
Both of these microphones provide a strong foundation for your setup, ensuring professional-grade sound no matter where you’re recording.
Affordable Studio Monitors: Getting Your Mixes Right
While studio monitors aren’t absolutely necessary when you’re starting out — especially if you’re using VSX headphones — if you plan to invest in a set, here are a few budget-friendly recommendations:
JBL Monitors
I’m a big fan of JBL monitors ($298). Whether you go for the smaller or larger models, JBL offers excellent sound quality for the price. While some engineers may have their preferences, I’ve used JBL monitors in professional studios and found them to be incredibly reliable.
Mackie Monitors
Another solid option are Mackie monitors. They come in various sizes and deliver decent sound quality without breaking the bank. I’ve personally used them, and they’ve always done the job.
KRK Rokit Series
Don’t forget about KRK Rokit monitors. Especially popular with DJs and producers, the 5-inch to larger sizes provide a simple, clear sound that’s easy to mix with. I’ve used them extensively in the past, and they’ve become a go-to choice for many.
MIDI Keyboards: A Useful Tool for Your Workflow
While a MIDI keyboard isn’t essential for everyone, it can definitely enhance your music production if you have a basic understanding of music theory. Here are two brands I recommend:
Arturia MIDI Keyboards
Arturia ($129) is known for creating durable, responsive MIDI controllers. They offer a variety of sizes, from compact 25-key controllers to larger 49 or 61-key versions, making it easy to choose the right one for your space and style.
Akai MIDI Keyboards
Akai ($59) is another excellent option, offering robust keyboards that integrate seamlessly into most workflows. Their models are responsive and durable, perfect for both beginners and more advanced producers.
Below, I’ll leave links to some budget-friendly models that I personally recommend. These are great for beginners and seasoned producers alike:
Essential Software: Tools for Quality Production
Software is just as important as hardware when it comes to creating professional music. Here are some must-have plugins for your setup:
AutoTune Access by Antares
If you’re working with vocals, you’ll need some form of Auto-Tune. Auto-Tune Access ($49) is an affordable and effective option for beginners. It’s budget-friendly, yet still provides great performance for pitch correction.
R-Vox by Waves
A good compressor is a must for most producers. While stock plugins in most DAWs work well, I highly recommend R-Vox by Waves ($50). It’s simple, effective, and used by professionals worldwide.
Little AlterBoy by Soundtoys
For vocal processing, pitch shifting, and harmonizing, Little AlterBoy by Soundtoys ($99) is a fantastic plugin. It’s incredibly versatile and adds cool effects to background vocals and ad-libs.
Valhalla VintageVerb
When it comes to reverb, Valhalla VintageVerb is a top choice. It’s affordable and sounds amazing, used by many Grammy-winning engineers.
EchoBoy and H-Delay
For delay, both EchoBoy ($199) by Soundtoys and H-Delay ($39) by Waves are top-tier options. They’re used in major studios around the world and offer a range of creative possibilities.
DAW Stock Plugins: Don’t Overlook Them
You don’t need to rush out and buy every plugin. Most DAWs come with stock plugins that are more powerful than you might think. These can handle the basics — and in many cases, they’ll work perfectly for your needs.
Conclusion: Pick What Works for You
All in all, these are just tools — pick the one that suits your needs and workflow best. Don’t stress too much, because honestly, every one of these will get you started on the right path.
The total cost for a solid beginner setup is around $1,000 with taxes. If you’re living in the U.S. and working a minimum wage job, that’s about 10 days of work—meaning you can realistically afford this gear in just two weeks.
The best part? Most of this equipment—like microphones, headphones, and audio interfaces—will last you for years. It’s a one-time investment that holds value. And if you ever want to upgrade, you can easily resell your gear since there’s always high demand.
On a tight budget? No worries—Sweetwater offers easy installment plans, so you can start creating without breaking the bank.
Templates: Simplify Your Workflow
Finally, if you’re looking to speed up your workflow, consider using templates. Whether for recording vocals or starting your production sessions, templates save you time and effort. If you’re curious about the templates used by top producers, check out my store for some great options.
Thanks for reading! If you found this guide helpful, make sure to subscribe to my blog for more free resources, tips, and soon-to-be-released sample packs and loops to help you level up your music production.