Best Home Recording Studio Packages for Every Budget!

Author: Tomas Morton | Updated: | This post may contain affiliate links.

Whether you're starting out as a songwriter or an aspiring producer, it can be overwhelming to know all the things you need to buy. 

I often receive questions on social media about how I got started and what people need to create semi-professional demos.

I'm glad to see that companies are now offering recording gear bundles that include everything you might need to start bringing your creative ideas to life. These bundles are curated and created by the companies themselves, ensuring compatibility and sonic coherence. 

Based on extensive testing, I've compiled a list of my favorite home studio recording bundles.

Best Home Recording Packages - Top Studio Bundles

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

To start, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a highly portable and excellent-sounding interface. What I really appreciate about this interface is its clear and clean signal, as well as its simple layout that is intuitive to use.

It features a large output knob and two smaller preamp knobs, with a Hi-Z guitar input directly below them. Another standout feature of this interface is the “air” switch, which activates an analog harmonic circuit to add a touch of warmth and high-end air that is typically associated with expensive preamps.

This feature is particularly important because I often use this interface to record vocalists in different settings such as studios, hotel rooms, or even the artist's own home. 

Every time I've used the Scarlett 2i2 with vocalists, I've found the air switch to be a must-have. It simply sounds that good.

Additionally, this bundle includes the CM25 Mk3 condenser microphone, which has a nice modern and bright sound that reminds me of the AKG C414. Interestingly, I usually pair this interface with darker microphones so that I can engage the air switch. 

However, I found that the air switch actually complements the already bright CM25 microphone even more. It's uncommon for me to find a bright microphone that benefits from additional top-end enhancement, but in this case, it works well.

Completing the bundle are the HP60 Mk3 closed-back headphones, which are very comfortable with plush ear pads and a soft headband.

In my opinion, the weakest aspect of the bundle is definitely the headphones. It's not that they are bad, but I feel they lack a bit of low-end and are actually a bit too bright.

Considering that this interface and microphone already have a top-heavy sound, I don't think the headphones complement them very well.


2. M-Audio AIR 192

The M-Audio AIR 192 is aptly named because it's an HD interface with impressive specs for its converters. It has really good 24-bit/192K converters, which are perfect for recording high-quality vocals and instruments.

The better the converters and the higher the sample rate, the more detail you can get from instruments like guitars and some of the vintage keyboards that are popular these days. 

Also, when recording vocals, if you can capture them at 96K or higher, in this case, 192K, you'll hear a little more presence and overall improvement in the sound, so I think it's worth it.

The bundle also includes M-Audio's Nova, a black condenser microphone, which is a large diaphragm condenser with a solid brass capsule. I was also impressed to see that it actually has Class-A solid-state circuitry. 

Usually, class A circuitry is found in high-end expensive products, so it's a great deal for a vocal microphone in this budget.

Because it's a large diaphragm microphone, it's obviously designed for vocals, but I also tried it on saxophone and even percussion, and I really liked it. It captures a nice clean sound. 

That's another advantage of Class A circuitry - it has very low noise and distortion. Sometimes you want a bit of grit, but sometimes you want to be able to add that in your mix instead of it being in the direct signal.

Topping off the bundle are the HDH 40 headphones, which sound very neutral to me. I'm not sure if that's a good thing - they sounded a bit sterile overall, to be honest. 

They're also not the most comfortable. The padding is pretty shallow, and you can feel a bit of the edge of the ear cups, which is not ideal.


3. Presonus AudioBox 96

Disclaimer: I used to think Presonus was a cheap, amateur, low-quality brand. However, my opinion changed when I tried one of their HP60 headphone mixers and was impressed enough to purchase it. 

The Presonus AudioBox 96 is an excellent recording bundle, especially because it includes studio monitors in addition to headphones. This package is perfect for those who want a one-time purchase to quickly start recording their ideas. 

In my opinion, it is the best home studio bundle available, as it provides everything you need to kickstart your career.

As I mentioned earlier, I believe that Presonus makes great gear. Although the converters on the AudioBox USB only go up to 96K, this is more than sufficient for most beginners or songwriters making demos. 

In fact, many records are still recorded at 48K, so this is not a dealbreaker.

One standout feature of the Presonus interfaces is the latency-free mixer onboard, which allows you to blend the output of your digital audio workstation (DAW) with your input for recording. 

This is especially important for home recording of vocals, as many beginners don't realize that powerful computers are needed to achieve low buffer sizes. 

The M7 microphone is a large-diaphragm condenser, but it lacks a strong high-end response in my opinion, cutting off at 18K. This may not be ideal for a vocal microphone.

It also has a slightly dark sound overall, not unusable, but not the best.

On the other hand, the HD7 headphones are quite nice. They have a physical design reminiscent of the fantastic AKG and Beyerdynamic models. 

The Eris 3.5” monitors are tiny but they have a smooth sound and are actually quite transparent. 

In terms of sound quality, they deliver a nice low-end and clear mid-range and high frequencies without being harsh. Overall, they are a solid choice.


4. Audient EVO

The Audient EVO recording bundle is the most compact and portable bundle among all the options. Yet, it still packs a nice punch.

The EVO has a really sleek and modern minimal look, but under the hood, it's all about quality.

Firstly, it supports up to 96K with ultra-low latency performance, and it also features JFET instrument inputs. So, if you're a guitar player, this is the one to get.

The JFET circuitry, like Class-A circuitry, includes a Hi-Z instrument input that really adds body to your instrument, whether it's a guitar or something like a vintage Moog Minimoog. I feel like the JFET input brings more bass definition.

This interface also has an auto gain level setting feature, which is great if you're using it to set vocal levels or as a podcast or voice recording interface. It's nice to have a consistent benchmark for your vocal levels.

The SR1 condenser microphone that comes with it is a large diaphragm condenser with a super polar pattern. What that means is that it rejects off-axis sound really well. 

This kind of rejection is great when you're recording in rooms that aren't professionally soundproofed, which is the case for most spaces that aren't professional studios.

I hadn’t used the SR 2000 headphones before, but I finally gave them a try and thought they sounded very nice and transparent. This is probably due to the high-quality dynamic transducers made of neodymium, which are used in very high-end headphones.

My only complaint about the headphones is that they seem to be a bit heavy, which is always a red flag because heavy headphones can cause ear fatigue for vocalists.


5. Behringer U-Phoria

When it comes to cheap studio equipment packages, the Behringer U-Phoria is the one to get if you're on a budget.

What always amazes me about Behringer is that even though they can cut down their prices to unheard-of lows, they don't seem to skimp on quality. I guess that's the power of being a large corporation.

This interface is so compact that I use it on planes. That's how small it is. 

It only has one microphone input, and the other one is a TRS instrument input. So, this is more of a songwriter interface where you might want to plug in your guitar to the TRS and then your microphone to the XLR and just lay down some ideas through a better-sounding system than just going into your iPhone's Voice Memos, for example.

The wonderful Behringer C - 1 microphone is included in the bundle. I consider it to be a great-sounding vocal mic, especially for male vocalists. It has really nice SPL level handling, and I use it a lot for hip-hop because it can handle a lot of power and volume before distorting.

Rounding out the package are Behringer's HPS 5000 headphones, which have cobalt capsules, making them very light and still delivering a really nice top end.

In general, my biggest issue with this package is that the interface has very poor monitoring. It actually has none, except for a clip indicator, and I hate that because if the clip indicator lights up, it's too late; it has already distorted. 

I wish they had at least added a colored progressive indicator like the one in the Focusrite Scarlett.

So, as I said before, even though this is the cheapest studio package, it might just be complete enough to get the ball rolling on recording your ideas properly.


6. Steinberg UR22C

Given Steinberg's expertise in creating high-quality interfaces, it's no surprise that the Steinberg UR22C is an impressive audio interface with excellent converters.

These converters offer a resolution of 32 bits, which is superior to the standard 24-bit converters found in most interfaces. They also support a sampling rate of up to 192kHz.

Although some people claim that there is a significant difference between 32-bit and 24-bit converters, I personally believe that the difference is small. However, I do notice it, particularly in terms of headroom and the ability to record certain signals at higher volumes. 

Microphones, in particular, benefit from the higher bit rate.

The package includes the ST-M01 condenser microphone, which has a smooth and pleasant vocal response. It provides a nice high-end and reminds me of some of the newer Neumann TLM series microphones, which is definitely a compliment. 

Additionally, Steinberg includes two versions of their Cubase software, an AI version as well as an iPad version.

Steinberg also offers latency-free interfaces that can function as audio mixers. This allows you to record and playback your system without experiencing any annoying latency delays. 

However, the headphones included in the package, the ST-H01, are the weakest part. While they are decent and sufficient for recording, I would not recommend using them for mixing. 

They have a hyped sound, especially in the low end, which can be problematic when mixing.


Choosing the Right Recording Gear Bundle

All of these bundles are so good that choosing the right one can be a bit tricky. I understand your dilemma. 

In general, you should consider whether you will be using it in a home studio or for traveling.

There's no doubt that you can create demos or even records with any of these bundles. However, some bundles, like the PreSonus, also include home speakers. 

So, narrowing down your options will depend on your budget for additional items and how much you need this bundle to be a complete studio.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which one is right for you:

Interface Build Quality

The Audio Interface is the heart of your studio, so if you can splurge on the one with the best preamps and converters, you're future-proofing your system.

This is really important to produce professional-quality material. It's especially crucial if you're always on the go with your interface for recording purposes since you’ll have limited gear choices.

Also, make sure the buttons and knobs are made of high-quality materials and are sturdy. Nothing's more annoying than loose knobs and buttons.

Portability is also a big factor to consider. Because even though many of these are small, some of you might be using them in tight spaces like public transportation or even placed on your lap.

Audio Resolution

Ideally, the resolution you use should be at least 24-bit/96kHz, or even higher if possible. This will ensure that your recordings sound super clear and sharp. 

It's especially important if you're planning to do a lot of vocals.

By the way, it can also really enhance the sound of acoustic guitars and vintage synths in your tracks. This is particularly essential for singer-songwriters who record with acoustic guitars.

Connection Type

Smaller interfaces are typically powered by USB, although some may require external power.

In any case, they usually connect to your PC or Mac using a USB connection. Make sure to check the speed of the USB connection.

When you’re recording at higher sample rates, faster transfer speeds will be much better. They also improve disk performance.

Extra Functions

The choice of interface depends on your specific needs. However, it is generally recommended to opt for an interface that offers more features than you actually require.

By selecting an interface with additional options, you not only have more flexibility from the start but also more room for growth as you gain experience.

When choosing an interface, consider features such as additional controls, clipping indicators (or metering), and the ability to record both a microphone and instrument simultaneously. 

These extras can ensure you don’t have to upgrade so often.

Microphone

Most of the microphones in these bundles can differ in quality. I still think they’re good enough to get the job done. 

It's better to go with condenser microphones, as they provide better quality compared to dynamic microphones. The big capsules in these will capture the details in singers and instrumentalists much better and in a more professional manner.

Most of these bundled mics are primarily geared toward vocal recording.

Headphones

Headphones are often the weakest component in any bundle, and their audio playback quality is usually subpar.

If you only intend to use the headphones for listening or basic tracking, they can be sufficient. However, most are not ideal for precise mixing and mastering.

If you also wish to learn how to mix and master, it would be better to invest in a separate pair of headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is an excellent and reasonably priced option.

Software

Some bundles also come with audio software, usually a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), and some even have plug-in bundles.

While most DAWs work well for beginners who are learning how to record, there are a few standout options. Ableton Live and Cubase are both great DAWs that are relatively easy to learn and widely used by professionals.

This means that you can start learning on one of these two DAWs and keep using them as you progress. You don't want to outgrow them and have to switch to a completely new DAW that you have to learn from scratch.

Some bundles, like the Scarlett 2i2, include Avid ProTools . Pro Tools is the industry standard for recording, mixing, and mastering. However, it falls a bit behind when it comes to MIDI programming.

Also, the best software for you personally will depend on your workflow. If you mostly want to create quality acoustic demos, then complex MIDI environments like Cubase and Ableton might not be the main focus.

For many guitar players, having quality softsynth choices to add vintage keyboards and electronic textures to their tracks might be really important. 

In general, all of these bundles come with a great variety of sounds to really get those creative juices flowing when inspiration strikes!

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About Tomas Morton

Tomas is a record producer, engineer, and synthesizer enthusiast based in Pasadena, CA. He received training at Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. When not in his studio, he can often be found scouring garage sales or Craigslist ads for vintage gear treasures.

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