5 Cheap Studio Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference
These 5 Cheap Studio Upgrades Changed My Workflow
If you’re looking to upgrade your studio without spending a lot, here are 5 budget-friendly items that can seriously improve your studio vibe — and sometimes even make your music sound a little bit cleaner.
Power Conditioner (Yes, It’s That Important)
One of the most important things you can get for your studio is a power conditioner. You can buy any model that fits your budget, but I highly recommend the one I recently picked up: Black Lion Audio PGX.
Some engineers actually keep this as a “secret sauce.” If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve interviewed over 70 engineers and producers — and a few of them swear by this brand. While Furman is more popular and well-known, the Black Lion PGX gives you more bang for your buck.
A couple of small details I really like: it has a USB charger on the front, and it’s priced around $100, which makes it an easy investment.
Why is a power conditioner important?
Because it protects your gear from power surges and voltage drops, and it can reduce unwanted noise in your speakers and audio chain. It’s a simple upgrade that actually makes a difference.
Short Patch Cables (Seriously, Just Get Them)
You probably already have a bunch of cables in your studio — but short patch-style cables are something many people don’t think about until they realize their setup looks like a mess.
For example, I use a Studio V3 Tube Preamp connected directly to a Focusrite 2i2, and for a long time I was using huge cables for that. It cluttered everything. Recently, I grabbed a few 1- to 2-foot cables from Amazon and Sweetwater, and it instantly cleaned up the space.
Short cables make cable management simple. Just plug directly from one piece of gear to another — no extra loops, no tangles.
My tip: buy 4 to 8 different short cables ahead of time. Get a mix of TRS-to-TRS, TRS-to-XLR, XLR-to-XLR, and whatever else you use. That way, whenever you get a new piece of gear, you’re already covered. Clean space, clean mind.
Cable Tray (A Must for Cable Management)
Since we’re talking about cables — do yourself a favor and buy a cable tray. Seriously, cable management is essential.
Before I got one, my studio setup looked like a total mess. Cables everywhere. I’d even step on them sometimes, which could easily damage the cable or mess up a connection.
A cable tray is a super simple fix. You can buy one anywhere — Amazon, IKEA, whatever works for you. There’s no specific brand I’d recommend, just get one that’s big enough to hold all your cables.
Once it’s installed under your desk, you can hide all your cables, avoid tangling or breakage, and keep your setup clean and safe. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
Microphone Arm (So You’re Always Ready to Record)
Whether you’re a producer, artist, or songwriter, chances are you’re using a microphone in your workflow. But most people forget one simple thing: having a quick and easy setup.
That’s where a microphone arm comes in.
I recently picked up one from Gator Frameworks, and it seriously made things easier. What I love most is that it comes with an XLR cable built inside the arm, so you’re not dealing with extra wires hanging around. Just plug in your mic, swing it into position, and you’re ready to record in seconds.
It keeps your studio vibe clean, and it’s super practical. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use it — whether you’re laying down quick vocals, beatboxing, or recording some percussion ideas on the fly.
It’s a simple upgrade, but it really boosts your workflow and creativity.
RGB Lights (Cheap Vibes, Big Difference)
This one’s super cheap — and once you do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. RGB lights or smart bulbs can instantly upgrade the look and feel of your studio.
Just invest $10 to $30 in an RGB LED strip and stick it under your desk using double-sided tape (some of them even come with adhesive already). You’ll be surprised how much better your workspace looks.
Personally, I love an aesthetically pleasing setup. It inspires me and gives me a little creative boost every time I sit down to work.
Yeah, I used to work with just a basic desk, speakers, and a laptop — but once I started investing $10 here, $50 there, I realized lighting is one of the most important upgrades. You can set the vibe exactly how you want, and if your mood changes, just change the color.
It’s simple. It’s cheap. And it works.
One More Thing…
Also—check out my other blog posts! I recently transcribed a ton of content, so now you can see all my plugin chains and hardware setups with clickable links.
And if you’re looking for pro-level results fast, I’ve got Grammy Award-winning templates and my brand new sample pack ready for you. Don’t miss it.
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