How Much Should You Spend on a Beginner Home Studio?

Setting up a home studio can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when considering the multitude of equipment options available. Whether you're a budding musician, podcaster, or aspiring producer, crafting a functional studio space is crucial for unleashing your creativity. However, the big question remains: how much should you invest in your beginner home studio? 

There’s no real answer to that question, as it depends too much on what kind of equipment you want to use. However, if you focus only on the essential equipment in a home studio, you’ll have a better chance of churning out an estimate. As a beginner, you should be able to set up a functional home studio for around $2000. Let's break down each part and look at the best budget-friendly equipment you can use to start producing music without worrying about overspending.

Computer: ~$1000

First things first, let's talk about the heart of your home studio: the computer. If you already have a decent computer, you're already ahead of the game. Otherwise, it's recommended that you spend around $1000 to get a good one.

If you're looking to buy a computer for your studio, you have two main options: a desktop computer or a laptop. Each of these options has two sub-options: Mac or Windows.

Choosing a Mac gives you access to Logic Pro, a powerful DAW that many professionals use. However, building a Mac is not an option; you'll have to buy a pre-built machine. You can get the M2 Mac Mini with 256GB SSD for $599 on Amazon.

If you want to choose the specs of your computer yourself, building a Windows PC offers more options. Since you don't need much graphical power, you can skip the GPU, which is usually the most expensive part of a high-performance PC.

Laptops are more portable and convenient than desktops since they include a display, keyboard, and mouse. However, similarly priced desktops are typically more powerful. If you want the equivalent of the M2 Mac Mini in a laptop, you’ll have to pay more than twice the price for the MacBook Air M2 256GB, which is $1299 on Amazon.

Like desktop computers, you have many more options if you decide to purchase a Windows laptop. The Dell XPS 13, Microsoft Surface Pro 9, and the Asus Vivobook 16X are some examples of machines capable of handling your sonic needs.  

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): ~$200

To get started with music production, you'll need to install a digital audio workstation (DAW). A DAW is like a virtual recording studio where you can compose, arrange, mix, and master your music. There are many paid options available, such as Logic Pro, Ableton, Cubase, Reaper, and Bitwig, each with its own set of features and price points.

DAWs include many built-in tools and instruments, which is why the more advanced ones like Ableton are quite expensive. The full version of Ableton, Live Studio, costs $799. If you're a beginner on a budget, I recommend starting with a more affordable DAW like Ableton Live Intro or Cubase Elements, both of which cost $100.

If you're using a Mac device, you can get Logic Pro for a reasonable price of $200. Logic Pro offers a wide range of functionality, and if you decide to use it, be sure to check out my 6 pillars to learn Logic Pro faster.

If you don't want to pay for a DAW, you can use Apple's GarageBand for free. Additionally, keep in mind that many studio equipment, such as MIDI controllers and audio interfaces, come bundled with introductory versions of these software, making them a cost-effective option.

Audio Interface: ~$200

Now, let's talk about audio interfaces, which serve as the bridge between your instruments and your computer. Budget-friendly audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Arturia Minifuse offer excellent sound quality and cost below $200. 

Consider investing in the Scarlett 2i2 Studio pack, which includes a microphone and headphones, saving you the hassle of getting them separately. The included equipment is more than enough for getting started and you can always upgrade to higher-end models as you progress.

Monitoring Speakers: ~$200

Monitoring speakers are essential for accurately hearing your recordings and mixes. Unlike ordinary home speakers, monitoring speakers provide a flat frequency response, enabling you to make precise adjustments to your audio. 

For beginners, affordable monitoring speakers like PreSonus Eris 5BT, $249 on Sweetwater, or Mackie CR4-X, $129 on Amazon, deliver decent sound quality without breaking the bank.

Headphones: ~$150

In addition to monitoring speakers, a good pair of studio headphones is a must-have for critical listening and tracking. While your AirPods might suffice for casual listening, they lack the accuracy and isolation needed for studio work. 

Look for budget-friendly monitoring headphones such as Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sony MDR-7506, which offer balanced sound reproduction at an affordable price point.

Microphone: ~$100

When it comes to recording vocals and instruments, relying on your phone or laptop microphone simply won't cut it. Invest in a decent studio microphone to capture clean and professional-sounding audio. 

Entry-level options like the Rode NT USB Mini, available for $99 on Amazon, offer great value for money and are suitable for a wide range of recording applications. If you’re worried about hooking up too many things to your audio interface, then consider a USB-C microphone, or get a wireless microphone once you feel comfortable recording vocals and instruments.

MIDI Controller: ~$150

Although not necessary, a MIDI controller can significantly improve your music production process. It can help you trigger virtual instruments, program drum patterns, or adjust synth parameters in a hands-on way, making your setup more versatile. 
A MIDI controller is always a valuable addition to a home studio, even if your preferred music genre doesn’t traditionally use one. Consider budget-friendly options like the Arturia MiniLab 3, available for $144 on Amazon. It offers a compact design and intuitive controls for good value.

Cables and Surge Protector ~$100

Last but not least, don't overlook the importance of cables and surge protection. You'll need various cables to connect your instruments, audio interface, and other gear to your computer. Invest in high-quality cables to ensure reliable connections and minimize signal loss.

While most of the equipment on this list that requires a connector cable comes with one in the box, you'll likely need some additional cables. 

Moreover, since your home studio will likely house several electronic devices, investing in a surge protector is a smart move to safeguard your equipment against power surges. Budget around $100 for cables and a surge protector to complete your setup.

Final Thoughts on a Beginner Home Studio

Building a beginner home studio on a budget of $2000 is entirely feasible with careful planning and smart investment decisions. While it's tempting to splurge on high-end gear, remember that your skills and creativity are the true drivers of your music production journey. 

Start with the essentials, gradually upgrade as needed, and most importantly, have fun creating music in your new studio space!