Top Home Recording Studio Packages – Guide & Comparison
If your passion for making music and recording it calls for the best home recording studio package yet the time you have at disposal is limited, this paragraph might be of help. After examining some of the most popular home recording studio equipment packages, their features, and customer feedback, we have concluded that the first product to take into account is the Audio-Technica AT2035. The unit was designed for home and professional studio applications as well as live performances. Thanks to the cardioid polar pattern, the product will record in great detail yet will reduce side and rear noises. Such benefits are further enhanced by the large diaphragm that ensures a natural sound. What’s more, the unit boasts a rugged construction that promises to last. In the unfortunate event that this product is no longer available, a reliable alternative in terms of quality is the Rode NT1-A.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
Ideal for home applications and live performances, this cardioid condenser microphone promises to deliver a smooth, natural sound and help you record your projects without any unwanted noise. The large diaphragm will make sure rear and side noises are not part of your recordings. The product is designed to handle high sound pressure levels and comes with various accessories.
At least one user says the pop filter broke easily. Other buyers received no accessories.
Consider this home recording package whether you want to use it for your home projects or for your live gigs.
2nd Best
Recording vocals is easier if you opt for this product. The unit is committed to providing you with warmth, clarity, and an extended dynamic range. Thanks to the large diaphragm featured, your recordings won’t include rear and side noises. The product has a frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz and the package includes various accessories so you can use it upon arrival.
Finding a compatible preamp might be a challenging task according to one buyer.
Enjoy that warm and natural sound when recording your voice and no background noise if you use this mic.
Also To Consider
Including anything you need to start recording immediately upon arrival, this home recording package is also worth considering. You will get a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the software needed to record with a PC, closed-back headphones, and other accessories needed for recordings that are free of unwanted noises.
A few users say the audio interface included cuts out randomly after a few minutes.
Including anything you need to use it right away, this home recording package is worth adding to your list of options.
8 Best Home Recording Studio Packages (Reviews) in 2021
Since the market offers a variety of such products, finding a good home recording studio package might be intimidating. To help you identify the product you need with greater ease, we have compiled a list of reviews of home recording studio packages below.
- 1. Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Bundle
- 2. Rode NT1-A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Recording Package
- 3. Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio USB Audio Interface
- 4. PreSonus AudioBox Studio Vocalist Bundle
- 5. Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocketstudio and Deluxe Bundle
- 6. Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools
- 7. Rockville RCM02 Pro Studio Recording Condenser Microphone
- 8. Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD Audiophile 2×2 USB Audio Interface
- Yearly Guide & Report
1. Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Bundle
Engineered to help you with home and professional studio applications as well as live performances, this cardioid condenser microphone from Audio-Technica is worth considering if you intend to use it for a variety of settings. It is committed to helping you enjoy that smooth, natural sound and eliminate unwanted noise.
Plus, thanks to the large diaphragm featured, such benefits are further enhanced so you can enjoy the details you want without side and rear noises being part of your recording. Furthermore, the unit boasts a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and a 10dB pad that enable it to handle high sound pressure levels.
The pop filter included will make sure that your recordings will be free of unpleasant “plosives”. The package also comes with a 10-foot XLR cable so you can easily connect the mic to your interface or mixer and a microfiber cleaning cloth. The unit features a rugged construction to ensure durability.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
2. Rode NT1-A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Recording Package
If you’re interested in a product that will deliver warmth, clarity, and an extended dynamic range, this complete home recording studio package from Rode is also worth adding to your list of options. The package will provide you with anything you need to record vocals professionally and do so at home.
The large diaphragm condenser microphone offers a high SPL capability that is usually featured on more expensive models. The cardioid polar pattern and the large capsule with a gold plated diaphragm used will help you enjoy that natural and warm sound when recording your voice. Background noise is significantly reduced.
The unit has a frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz and a self-noise of only 5dB. Plus, it comes with all the accessories you need to start using it right away. The tripod base desk stand included, just like the rest of the items, features quality and sturdy materials that will keep up with extended use.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($259)
3. Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio USB Audio Interface
Recording your guitar performance will reach a new level of convenience and sound quality if you opt for this home recording studio package bundle from Focusrite. The box includes anything you need to make quality recordings on your computer. You just need a few minutes to set it up and you can then plug it in and record.
You will thus get a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the software needed to record with a computer, a 10-foot XLR cable, closed-back headphones, a mic stand clip, and the Scarlett Solo USB audio interface. The preamp included was designed with ease of use in mind. Therefore, it features the needed knobs to make recording easy.
Thanks to the digital conversion that works at up to 192kHz and up to 24-bit, you will be able to record your performance in detail and do so without any unwanted noise. Hums and unpleasant noises are eliminated even if you play softly.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($299.99)
4. PreSonus AudioBox Studio Vocalist Bundle
Including anything you need to start playing immediately upon arrival, this model from PreSonus is an option you might want to consider before you make your final decision. Ideal for capturing vocals, this package will make sure that recording your performance at home will get you that high-sound quality you’re interested in.
The bundle includes the PreSonus M7 condenser microphone that was designed for vocal recordings and a pair of PreSonus HD7 Closed-Back Stereo headphones so you can monitor your performances and recordings. You will also receive an XLR cable that will enable you to connect the mic to the AudioBox USB.
Plus, the package offers a tall mic stand to help you mount and position the mic according to your needs. Thanks to the pop filter provided, your recordings will be free of vocal pops and unpleasant plosives. Therefore, everything you need to start recording is included in the box.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199)
5. Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocketstudio and Deluxe Bundle
With this package from Tascam, recording at home will be just a matter of fun. Including a variety of accessories needed for flawless recording, this model is not only ideal for recording your performances like a pro and do so with ease but it is also portable.
Recording at resolutions up to 16-Bit/44.1 kHz, the two omnidirectional condenser mics included boast features that ensure versatility and high sound quality. The DP-008EX boasts two balanced XLR inputs, two unbalanced 1/4″ TS inputs, and a switchable +48v phantom power. The unit will help you record Hi-Z, line, and mic signals.
Thanks to the mini USB 2.0 output, you will be able to easily and rapidly transfer your files to your computer. The unit also sports a 1/8″ stereo output for headphones and provides you with some onboard effects. It operates on 4 AA batteries for 5.5 hours but it can also be powered using an external power supply.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
6. Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools
Offering all the items needed for you to record right away, this home recording bundle from Focusrite shouldn’t be ignored before you make your final decision. Boasting specs that will help you record at home yet enjoy a professional sonic output, this unit is committed to lasting and making recording an enjoyable activity.
The Studio Pack 2nd Generation includes a large-diaphragm condenser microphone as well as studio-quality closed-back headphones. Moreover, the package also provides the Ableton Live Lite Recording software you need to record, a mic isolation shield with a stand to help you enjoy high-quality recording, and a 10-foot mic cable for connection.
You will also get to enjoy one headphones output, two instrument inputs, and Scarlett mic preamps with lots of even gain to provide you with recording versatility. The materials used promise to last and ensure durability, which only adds to the reasons why this unit is worth trying.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($399.99)
7. Rockville RCM02 Pro Studio Recording Condenser Microphone
Recording your performance at home like a pro is no longer impossible. At least, not if you opt for this unit from Rockville. With specs that make it stand out and quality materials that will make sure using it for a long time won’t damage it, this home recording package is worth adding to your list of options.
It includes a Rockville RCM02 Pro studio recording condenser mic as well as a Rockville RMF2 studio mic isolation shield with sound dampening foam that will help you record not only vocals but also room reverb and acoustic and amplified instruments.
Thanks to the aluminum construction featured, the item can be used for live sound applications as well. The box includes the cables needed to connect the mic to a computer sound card or to the phantom power of a mixer. Moreover, the owner’s manual included will help you use it with ease.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.99)
8. Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD Audiophile 2×2 USB Audio Interface
Committed to ensuring professional audio quality, this home recording unit shouldn’t go unnoticed as its features will help you record your masterpieces as pros do.
The superior sound quality is ensured by the audiophile 24-Bit/192 kHz resolution the product is capable of whereas durability is guaranteed by the sturdy materials used.
The product is compatible with a variety of recording software and features two inputs and two outputs with latency to your PC, analog inserts for compression and EQ or other signal compressors, a USB port for power and connection as well as a dedicated MIDI input and output.
This means you can easily connect your bass, guitar, keyboards, and mics. You will also get two Midas-designed mic preamps with +48V phantom power and 24-Bit/192 kHz converters that will take the sonic quality one level higher. The metal chassis is resistant to impacts and durable.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
Yearly Guide & Report
Whether you’re an aspiring artist interested in practicing more at home or a hobbyist looking for a new home recording studio package for various applications and projects, there has probably never been a better time to find the gear you need to meet such needs and do it professionally.
The latest technological achievements have turned the market into a place where you can find a generous offer of such products for all needs and preferences. However, no matter if you want to buy an expensive or cheap home recording studio package, there are some things to keep in mind in order to make the right choice. Here they go.
The applications you will use it for
The first thing that will help you narrow down the extensive offer of home recording studio packages is the applications you intend to use it for. That’s compulsory as some models are specifically designed for vocals whereas others are intended for musical instruments.
Using a product that was engineered with specific needs in mind such as voice recording to capture the sound of a guitar, let’s say, won’t get you the results you’d like. Then, consider the gear you already have at home and choose accordingly. Some home recording units might require certain preamps, computer software versions, and so on.
Microphone and diaphragm type
The microphone included in the package is one of the most important pieces. You will find many different types designed for different applications. The most popular ones are the condenser and dynamic mics.
While dynamic microphones are less sensitive to high frequencies and sound pressure levels, condenser microphones have a greater response to the nuances and “speed” of sound waves. Also, you need to consider the size and weight of the diaphragm used. Condenser mics that come with a large diaphragm can record almost anything from strings to vocals to percussion.
On the other hand, dynamic mics that feature a large diaphragm are ideal if you want to capture loud sources such as toms or kick drums. However, if you’re interested in ultra-responsiveness, a smaller, lighter diaphragm is desirable.
Plus, get acquainted with the various polar patterns available. The most popular one is the cardioid polar pattern as it “hears” best the sound produced in front of it and rejects rear and side sounds. Such patterns are preferred because they can be used for both live and studio applications.
Audio interface and headphones
If you’re new to this and you have no other recording items at home, then a complete bundle is ideal as it should include anything you need to start recording. Since you will have to turn analog or acoustical sounds into a digital signal, you should look for a package that includes the required audio interface.
A 2-channel interface should generally do. Some of the models we have reviewed above include such interfaces. Also, you might want to consider getting a system that comes with a pair of headphones so you can hear what you’re recording. Again, check out the products we have selected as you will find models that provide headphones, too.
Plus, you will need a digital audio workstation, the program required to record, edit, and mix your recordings. Many home recording bundles come with DAWs, just make sure the provided one is compatible with your computer. The audio interface is the hardware needed to connect your PC with the rest of the gear, so you will also need the right software to help you tailor your music.
Accessories and materials used
The home recording studio packages available for sale these days typically include all the accessories you need to start recording. Keep an eye on those models that will provide you with the cables needed for connection, a sturdy stand, a pop filter if you don’t want “plosives” to color your recordings, shock mounts, and soundproofing items.
Some packages even include an instruction manual to help you set up the system with ease. Consider the environment in which you will use the unit and go for quality products that will keep up with your needs and ensure durability and resistance to impacts.
