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For songwriters and musical artists, capturing your vocals at home can be a game-changer. We discussed all the benefits of owning your own home recording studio equipment in another post, but whether you're laying down demo tracks, experimenting with your sound, or recording polished vocals, the right equipment makes all the difference.
This guide is here to simplify the process. We’ll walk you through our “good, better, best” recommendations for microphones, audio interfaces, and other essential tools so you can start building a home recording setup that fits your budget and your needs. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to invest in higher-end gear, our recommendations will help you make confident choices and take your vocal recordings to the next level.
Let’s dive in and explore the tools that will empower you to create professional-quality recordings from the comfort of your own home.
Microphones
The microphone is the cornerstone of any recording setup. It’s what captures the nuances of your voice and translates them into sound. Here are three great options depending on your goals:
Good: Audio-Technica AT2020 ($100)
The AT2020 is a fantastic starter mic, offering high-quality sound at an affordable price. If you’re looking to record demo vocals, this microphone will serve you well. While it might take some tweaking in post-production to get polished, final vocals, it’s capable of delivering great results. It’s particularly suited for artists working in genres like Pop, Hip-Hop, or R&B.
Better: Avantone CV-12 ($400)
The Avantone CV-12 is a step up in both sound and versatility. Its warm, smooth tone makes it ideal for a wide range of vocal styles, whether your voice is bright or rich. This mic competes with high-end models priced between $3000 and $8000, making it an incredible value for $400. It’s also ready for “final vocals” right out of the box.
Best: Slate Digital ML-1 ($400–$800)
We can’t recommend the Slate Digital ML-1 enough. This mic is in a league of its own, thanks to its virtual modeling technology. Using software, the ML-1 can emulate the sound of eight different microphones, giving you incredible flexibility. While its retail price is $800, it frequently goes on sale for $400–$500, making it an absolute steal.
Pro Tip: All three of these microphones are condenser mics, which means they’re more sensitive to sound. To get the best results, make sure your recording space has at least some acoustic treatment to minimize room noise and reflections.
Audio Interfaces
Your audio interface is the bridge between your microphone and your computer. It converts analog sound into digital data, making it a critical part of your recording setup. Here are our top picks:
Good: Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($100)
The Scarlett Solo is a simple, reliable choice for solo artists. With a single microphone input, it’s perfect for beginners focused on recording vocals, delivering clean and clear sound.
While its single input means you can’t record in stereo—limiting options for instruments like piano or group vocals—this isn’t essential when starting out. If your budget allows for just one input, it’s more than enough to get started.
Better: Solid State Logic SSL2 ($150)
The SSL2 offers two microphone inputs, allowing for stereo recording. Its preamps are modeled after the iconic SSL consoles, known for their clarity and warmth. If you’re ready to expand your setup, this interface is an excellent choice.
Best: Universal Audio Apollo Twin MK II ($800)
The Apollo Twin MK II is renowned in the music industry as the most quality interface for at-home use. Its sound quality and versatility is its biggest advantage over the other two. The Apollo is unmatched given its digital software and the excellent utility it has in manipulating the sound of the recordings that come through it.
Note: The difference in sound between these 3 options is very slim. If you can’t afford the UAD Apollo, the sound of your recordings will not suffer significantly. It’s more of a luxury option.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Your DAW is the software you’ll use to record, edit, and mix your tracks. Here are three beginner-friendly options:
GarageBand (Free)
Apple’s free, beginner-friendly program with an intuitive interface and built-in features for recording and editing vocals. However, it’s only available for Mac users.
Cakewalk by Bandlab (Free)
Cakewalk is a fully featured DAW for Windows users, offering advanced recording, editing, mixing, & mastering tools. If you have a Window’s computer, this is definitely the best option for you. The caveat to this DAW is that it offers fully functioning features, which may be overwhelming at first and the learning curve might be a little more difficult, yet worth it once you understand it.
Ableton Live Lite (Free with Hardware)
Acoustic Treatment Options
The importance of acoustically treating your recording space comes down to one simple goal: minimizing echoes and room ambience. You want your voice to sound as isolated as possible, free from the distractions of sound bouncing off walls and surfaces. This isolation gives you more control later, allowing you to shape and manipulate the sound of your recording with precision.
The good news is, there are plenty of options for acoustic treatment to suit different budgets and needs. While creating a fully treated space can get elaborate—and expensive—don’t let that intimidate you. Acoustics is a science, and there are professionals (acousticians) whose job it is to design these spaces, but you don’t need to go that far. Start by asking yourself this simple question: “Am I reducing the reverberations in my room?”
When you record into the mic, the goal is to hear only your voice—not your voice plus its reflections off the walls. Thankfully, achieving this doesn’t have to cost much. Depending on your space, simple and affordable solutions can go a long way in creating a cleaner recording environment.
Here are a few tips:
- If possible, choose a room with carpet. This will give you a significant head start. If, however, you need to record in a space with a hard floor, consider buying a rug or carpet that covers a majority of the floor space.
- If you have a room with windows, consider getting blinds that have a heavier texture to them. Sound bounces really easily off glass, and we want to prevent that.
- Experiment with where in the room you place your microphone. It may pick up more or less reflections depending on where it’s located in your room.
- If you can’t afford acoustic paneling, consider DIY options. Use items like blankets, pillows, or mattresses for temporary absorption while you determine the best layout. That is more than ok to do if it gets the job done.
Acoustic Foam
Foam is the most affordable option as you can cover a lot of square footage with little cost. Foam is meant to absorb sound. It’s best used for first reflection points (on walls at specific angles from the microphone).
Acoustic Panels
Panels serve the same role that foam does. However, panels are typically more quality, and therefore, more expensive.
Other Essential Equipment
For these, we won’t list out specific Good, Better, Best options for these because the differences in quality between the different kinds are almost imperceptible. But it is necessary that you have the following items. Companies like Sweetwater or Guitar Center are super helpful in comparing the different options for these items.
Pop Filter
Prevents plosives (wind blowing into the microphone) from your recordings when singing.
Boom Mic Stand
This is a specific kind of mic stand that is best for the use of recording vocals.
XLR Cable
Connects your microphone to your audio interface.
Headphones
While any pair of headphones will do the job, it’s helpful to have a quality pair of headphones so
that you can hear more accurately the sound that is being recorded into the microphone.
Conclusion
Purchasing home recording studio equipment is an investment in your artistry, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Start with what you can afford, focus on the essentials, and grow your setup over time. Whether you're recording demos or final vocals, having the right tools will empower you to create music that reflects your vision.
