🎧 2024 Music Studio Gear for Small Music Producers

Creating a home studio doesn't have to be a bank-breaking endeavor. If you’re on a tight budget and also if you have a bit more to spend, this guide will help you set up a music production workspace in your bedroom. Here, we explore three budget variants: $200, $500, and $1000. Each setup will be ready to produce beats and tracks from the comfort of your home.

$200 Budget: Essentials Only

Gear List

1. Computer: Existing computer or laptop
2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): Free options like Audacity or Cakewalk
3. MIDI Keyboard: Akai MPK Mini MK3 ($119)
4. Headphones: Samson SR850 ($49)
5. Audio Interface: Behringer UMC22 ($30)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable: Perfect for beginners on a tight budget.
• Portable: Lightweight and easy to set up.
• Simple: Fewer components mean less complexity in setup and maintenance.

Cons

• Limited Features: Budget gear may lack advanced features.
• Quality: Lower-end equipment might not deliver professional sound quality.
• Expandability: Limited potential for adding new gear.

Top Websites to Buy From

1. Amazon

   • Pros: Wide selection, fast shipping, competitive prices.
   • Cons: Quality varies; read reviews carefully.

2. Sweetwater

   • Pros: Excellent customer service, free shipping.
   • Cons: Sometimes pricier than other retailers.

3. Thomann

   • Pros: Wide range of products, European shipping.
   • Cons: Shipping times can be longer outside Europe.

$500 Budget: Intermediate Setup

Gear List

1. Computer: Existing computer or laptop
2. DAW: FL Studio Fruity Edition ($99)
3. MIDI Keyboard: Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 ($109)
4. Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($149)
5. Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen ($119)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Better Quality: Improved sound quality and build compared to budget gear.
• More Features: Advanced features and functionalities.
• Expandability: Easier to upgrade with additional equipment.

Cons

• Cost: Higher cost compared to budget options.
• Complexity: Slightly more complex setup and learning curve.

Top Websites to Buy From

1. B&H Photo Video

   • Pros: Excellent selection, competitive prices, good customer service.
   • Cons: Limited promotions.

2. Reverb

   • Pros: Great for new and used gear, detailed listings.
   • Cons: Varying seller reliability; check ratings.

3. Guitar Center

   • Pros: Frequent sales, good selection.
   • Cons: Inconsistent stock levels, varying in-store service.

$1000 Budget: Advanced Setup

Gear List

1. Computer: Existing computer or laptop
2. DAW: Ableton Live Standard ($449)
3. MIDI Keyboard: Akai MPK249 ($399)
4. Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO ($159)
5. Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen ($169)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Professional Quality: High-quality sound and build.
• Comprehensive Features: Full-featured DAW and versatile MIDI controller.
• Expandability: Plenty of room to expand and add new gear.

Cons

• Expensive: High initial investment.
• Learning Curve: More complex software and hardware.

Top Websites to Buy From

1. Sweetwater

   • Pros: Excellent customer support, financing options, free shipping.
   • Cons: Higher prices on some items.

2. Zzounds

   • Pros: Payment plans, free shipping, wide selection.
   • Cons: Customer service can be slow.

3. Musician's Friend

   • Pros: Great sales, rewards program, good selection.
   • Cons: Some items can be overpriced.

Detailed Analysis of Each Budget Tier

$200 Budget: Essentials Only

This tier is designed for absolute beginners or those testing the waters in music production. Using free DAWs like Audacity or Cakewalk reduces initial costs. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a versatile MIDI controller that’s both compact and functional, making it ideal for bedroom studios. The Samson SR850 headphones offer decent sound quality at a low price, while the Behringer UMC22 audio interface provides basic but sufficient input/output options.

Pros:

• Affordability: Great for starting out without a significant investment.
• Portability: Easy to transport if needed.
• Ease of Use: Less complicated setup.

Cons:

• Basic Features: Limited capabilities compared to higher-end gear.
• Durability: Lower-end products may wear out faster.
• Sound Quality: Not professional-grade.

$500 Budget: Intermediate Setup

The $500 tier is a sweet spot for hobbyists looking to step up their game. FL Studio Fruity Edition is user-friendly and packed with features. The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 offers great control over your DAW, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are renowned for their audio quality. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo interface is reliable and provides high-quality audio input/output.

Pros:

• Improved Quality: Noticeable improvement in audio and build quality.
• Feature-Rich: More tools to enhance creativity and production capabilities.
• Upgradeable: Easier to add more gear in the future.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: More expensive than the basic setup.
• Complexity: Requires more setup and understanding of the gear.

$1000 Budget: Advanced Setup

For those ready to invest more seriously in their music production, the $1000 setup offers professional-grade equipment. Ableton Live Standard is a powerful DAW used by many top producers. The Akai MPK249 provides extensive control and functionality. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones are known for their superior sound quality and comfort, while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a highly reliable interface for recording and monitoring.

Pros:

• Professional Quality: High-end audio and build quality.
• Advanced Features: Full-featured DAW and versatile MIDI controller.
• Expandability: Plenty of room to add more professional gear.

Cons:

• Expensive: Significant initial investment.
• Learning Curve: More complex software and hardware to master.

Choose what you need, not what you wish!

Starting a music production studio in your bedroom can be done at various budget levels, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. But you have to remember that you will not earn any money until you release more professional tracks or beats, so, the beginning is not that important to invest a lot. Here’s a recap:

$200 Budget

• Great for Beginners: Minimal investment.
• Basic Setup: Limited but functional gear.
• Top Picks: Akai MPK Mini MK3, Samson SR850, Behringer UMC22.

$500 Budget

• Intermediate Level: Better quality and more features.
• Upgrade Potential: Easier to expand your setup.
• Top Picks: Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

$1000 Budget

• Advanced Setup: Professional-grade equipment.
• Comprehensive Features: Extensive control and high-quality sound.
• Top Picks: Akai MPK249, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

No matter your budget, creating a functional home studio is achievable with careful planning and smart purchasing. Remember to consider your needs, future goals, and the space you have available to make the most out of your music production journey. Happy producing! 🎶