Your first five home studio purchases
A useful studio does not start with a long shopping list. Start with the pieces that let you create, capture and monitor reliably, then add specialty tools only when the workflow demands them.
1. Audio interface
Choose enough inputs for the way you actually record, stable drivers, dependable monitoring and the connections your computer supports.
2. Headphones or monitors
If the room is untreated or shared, dependable headphones may be the better first monitoring purchase. Monitors become more useful when placement and room behavior are under control.
3. Microphone—if you record audio
Vocals, instruments and spoken word all create different microphone priorities. If you work entirely in the box, this purchase can wait.
4. MIDI controller—if it speeds up creation
Buy the key count, pads and controls that match your workflow rather than the largest controller you can fit on the desk.
5. Essential cabling and stands
Reliable cables, a stable mic stand and basic power management often matter more to daily productivity than another plugin bundle.
Continue with the Home Studio Essentials Buying Guide.
Use the Patch Bay Gear Buyer’s Checklist before comparing retailers.