Your first home studio
What to buy and in what order to set up a recording studio at home.
About this guide
The most common question isn't technical, it's about buying: what do I need to start recording at home. This guide answers it by changing the approach: instead of comparing mics one against another, it tackles the weakest link in your signal chain —which is almost never the mic— and lays out the purchase order from start to finish.
Inside you'll find the five elements of a working home studio and, above all, what you DON'T need in the first year, which is where most budgets get wasted. The chapters follow the recommended buying order, with three ready-made setups at €300, €600 and €1,200 and a printable checklist.
None of it is essential to start: with the computer already on your desk you can record today. Everything else improves the result, but none of it is a barrier to entry.
What you'll find inside
- 1 The buying order: why it matters more than the budget
- 2 The five elements: what you need and what you don't
- 3 The audio interface: inputs, phantom power and latency
- 4 The DAW: the free options in 2026
- 5 Headphones and monitors: why headphones come first
- 6 The microphone: dynamic, condenser and what goes with them
- 7 Acoustic treatment: geometry, first reflections and bass
- 8 Three ready-made setups: €300, €600 and €1,200
- 9 Getting started: initial settings and your first recording
- 10 Assembly checklist to print
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to set up a home studio?
Five things: the computer you already have, a DAW (free), an audio interface, closed-back headphones and a microphone with its stand, XLR cable and pop filter. Nothing else is essential to start.
How much does it cost to set up a home recording studio?
From around €300. The guide includes three balanced, ready-made setups —€300, €600 and €1,200— with everything added up, so you choose how far you want to go.
What should I buy first?
The audio interface is the first real spend, and the microphone comes last in that purchase. Monitors don't come first: in an untreated room they tell you little, so you start with closed-back headphones.
Do I need monitors to start?
No. In an untreated room, a €600 monitor is almost as unreliable as a €100 one. A decent pair of closed-back headphones will give you better information at the beginning.
Which microphone should I buy?
To start, a condenser like the Audio-Technica AT2020. If your room has noticeable background noise, a dynamic like the Shure SM58 gives a better overall result.
Is it free and what format is it in?
Yes, it's free in exchange for your email. It's 9 chapters in PDF, with 3 ready-made budgets and a printable checklist.