Affordable Home Studio Kit for Isolated Musicians

These times of isolation during the pandemic have brought incredible changes in our industry as well as our habits as musicians and producers.
More and more artists are building small setups of their own in the comfort of their home. For this reason, I have been giving a lot of consulting to people getting started in recording and making their music at home on a tight budget.
Here's a list of some starter packs depending on different budget ranges:


$500 Budget Range - Basic 1 input interface + 1 Condenser microphone + Pair of Headphones

This setup is for those looking to record demos with only one instrument recorded at a time.

  • Interface: Audient iD4 2-in/2-out - $299 CAD

    One of the interfaces with the best preamps in this price range.

  • Microphone - Audio-Technica AT2020 Condenser Microphone - $149 CAD

    This is a lot of people's first microphone. Does the job for this price point.

  • Headphones: AKG K52 - $59.99 CAD

    Bonus if you can afford a bit more: Aston Origin Microphone - $379 CAD


$1000-1500 Budget Range - Basic 1 input interface + 1 Condenser microphone + Pair of Speakers

This setup is for those looking for a bit more control over their recordings and using to record a guitar or other instruments in stereo.

  • SSL 2 Desktop 2-in / 2-out USB Audio Interface - $329 CAD

    This interface comes with Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite as well as a bunch of SSL plugins!

    • Other features:

      • High-Frequency EQ boost
        The first thing engaging the Legacy 4K button will do is introduce a 'forward', yet musical high-frequency EQ boost, something which 4000-series EQs are known and loved for.

      • Subtle-Harmonic Distortion
        4K consoles are synonymous with imparting certain 'mojo' to signals passing through them. Using modern components, SSL have created a circuit that injects a controlled amount of finely-tuned, sweet-sounding harmonic distortion into the signal path.

  • Aston Spirit Microphone - $499 (if you have a bit extra, get a pair!)

    A multipattern condenser microphone of excellent quality for its price. The only drawback is that the shockmount that fits this microphone's size and shape is the one made by Aston themselves, and it's quite pricey! However, you won't regret its amazing looks and sound.

  • ADAM Audio T5V Active Nearfield Monitor - $279 X 2

    The T Series is from ADAM Audio's new range of affordable, professional 2-way powered studio monitors. Offering extremely high performance, the T5V features a 5" woofer and U-ART high-frequency driver (Unique Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter); a beveled cabinet design, rear-firing bass reflex port, built-in DSP-controlled driver crossovers and equalization, and multi-way analog connections; and are compatible with the ADAM Sub7 and Sub8 subwoofers.

Hope what was helpful for your first introduction to recording and producing yourself. Please reach out for any questions!

Ig: @mari_hutten
email: mariana.hutten@gmail.com

For more information on that SSL interface, check out this article.







Mariana Hutten CzapskiMCHC MusicComment