I’ve written several articles to help you find the gear you need to create your home studio. Here, I’m going to do one better. I’ve created bundles to help you find what you need even faster. I just assume you already have a computer.
Don’t let the price of some of the bundles impress you, because often there are items that you don’t have to take to be able to start out, like monitor speakers, master keyboards or microphones. You can choose a bundle and add to it as you go along. That’s what I did. That’s what we all do. I will specify in the bundles the elements that are not necessary at the beginning.
Also, I will propose several DAWs in the bundles. The choice of a DAW is particular because it depends on your affinity with it. You can test them in trial version to get an idea of their working philosophy. You can refer to my article “Which DAW is made for you?” where I reviewed the most famous DAWs to help you in your choice.
Don’t wait any longer! Scroll down and choose the bundle that will best suit your situation and budget.
(The prices listed are the prices I found at the time of writing this article in June 2021. They may have changed on the vendors site by the time you read this.)
If you just want to test without knowing if you will like the music composition, you don’t need to set up a complete studio. You just need a computer, a good set of headphones, a USB audio interface to get a good sound output and a DAW. It’s a good thing because there are free DAWs. Ideal to test. If you have a MAC, don’t look any further, you probably already have Garage Band on your computer. For PC users, I have chosen two free DAWs to test. This bundle is also perfect for a teenager who would like to try out music creation but is not sure he or she likes it.
In the bundle :
– Daw Free or with limited features
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
DAW :
MAC : Garage Band (Included with Mac OS)
PC : Cakewalk Sonar : (free and complete)
Presonus Studio One : (Free but less functions)
Audio Interface : Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
Thomann : 41 €
Bax-Shop.fr : 45 €
Headphones : AKG K-240 Studio
Thomann : 55 €
Amazon.fr : 55 €
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
You want to create music but you know it will remain a hobby, no need to go for the most expensive equipment. You will need a DAW, an audio interface, headphones and monitoring speakers to make your family or friends listen to your creations. Moreover, the speakers I have chosen will allow you to make a small party in your living room. Nevertheless, they are not necessary at the beginning.
Just as the master keyboard I added is not necessary to start. Nevertheless, the Nektar 61 keys will allow you to compose with two hands. Moreover, it is equipped with 8 faders, 8 potentiometers, 8 sensitive pads. Enough to have fun. It is also programmed to work with almost all DAWs. It also comes in 88, 49 and 25 key versions to fit your space.
In the bundle :
– DAW
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
– Monitor speaker (not necessary at first)
– Master Keyboard (not necessary at the beginning)
DAW :
MAC : “Studio One Artist” included with the audio interface below
PC : “Studio One Artist” included with the audio interface below
Cakewalk Sonar : (free and complete)
Audio interface : Studio 24C
Thomann : 139 €
Amazon.fr : 133 €
Mixing heaphones : AKG K-240 Studio
Thomann : 55 €
Amazon.fr : 55 €
Monitor speaker : CR4-X (available in black and white)
Thomann : 129 €
Amazon.fr : 150 €
Master Keyboard : Nektar Impact LX61+ (61 keys version but available in 88, 49 and 25 keys)
Thomann : 149 €
Amazon.fr : 135 €
X stand : (to put the master keyboard on)
Thomann : 33 €
Amazon.fr : 40 €
Sustain pedal : (to be combined with the master keyboard especially if you already know how to play a little piano)
Thomann : 33 €
Amazon.fr : 40 €
USB cable (3 meters) : (in case the cable delivered with the master keyboard is too short to connect it to your workstation)
Thomann : 11 €
Amazon.fr : 10 €
TRS Jack to TRS Jack cables (3 meters) : (take two. One for the right speaker and the other for the left)
Thomann : 8 €
Amazon.fr : 10 €
Insulating foams for monitoring speakers:
Thomann : 15 €
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
You know you want to become a pro in music creation. You dream of composing for others or even for yourself, so you need to invest a little more to get good equipment and a good DAW from the start, but I’m not going to suggest you spend 15,000 euros right away. Let’s start with a more reasonable budget. As soon as you make your first sales or get your first royalties, you will be able to buy more advanced equipment and therefore more expensive. That said, to start composing, you won’t necessarily need the monitoring speakers, nor the microphone if you don’t need to record anything. You can take them later or when you have sold your first creations. Just keep in mind that monitor speakers will allow you to be more precise in your mixes but also, if you bring people into your studio, it will be easier to make them listen to your work on speakers than in your headphones.
The master keyboard that I recommend is not necessary to start with. Nevertheless, the Nektar 61 keys will allow you to compose with both hands. Moreover, it is equipped with 8 faders, 8 potentiometers, 8 sensitive pads. So you have everything you need at hand. It is also programmed to work with almost all DAWs. It also comes in 88, 49 and 25 key versions to fit your space.
In the bundle :
– DAW
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
– Monitor speaker (not necessary at the beginning)
– Microphone (only needed if you need to record voice or acoustic instruments)
– Master Keyboard (not necessary at the beginning)
DAW :
MAC : Logic Pro : 229 €
PC : Cakewalk Sonar : (Free and complete)
FL Studio Signature : 267 €
Reason Full : 329 €
Studio One Professionnal (Mac and PC) : 345 €
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlet 4i4 (2 mic/instrument inputs – 1 line input for external instrument like digital piano, synth or other)
Thomann: €210
Amazon.fr: €199
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro (Open headphones more interesting for mixing)
Thomann: € 118
Amazon.fr: €118
Monitor speaker: Kali Audio LP6 (comes in black and white. Sold individually. You must take two)
Thomann: 155 €
Amazon.fr: €157
Master Keyboard: Nektar Impact LX61+ (61-key version but available in 88, 49 and 25 keys)
Thomann: 149 €
Amazon.fr: €135
Microphone: AKG P120 (Very good microphone for voice)
Thomann: €85
Amazon.fr: €85
The microphone comes with a stand but it doesn’t protect against shocks. You can see to buy a shockproof stand.
Anti-Pop Filters :
Thomann (Fabrics): €15
Amazon.fr: €16
Shockproof Micro Suspension :
Amazon.fr: €15
Micro Stand :
Thomann: €17
Amazon.fr: €34
XLR male to Jack 6.3mm TRS (3 meters) : (take two. One for each speaker)
Thomann: €7.30
Amazon.fr: €9.99
Amazon.fr (pack of 2): €23.99
XLR to XLR cables (take one for the microphone. 3 meter cable but you can take longer) :
Thomann: €5
Amazon.fr: 4 €
Insulating foam for monitor speakers :
Thomann: 17 €
X Stand: (to put the master keyboard on).
Thomann: €33
Amazon.fr: €40
Sustain pedal: (to be combined with the master keyboard especially if you already know how to play a little piano)
Thomann: 33 €
Amazon.fr: €40
3 meter USB cable: (in case the cable that comes with the master keyboard is too short to connect it to your workstation)
Thomann: €11
Amazon.fr: €10
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
You want to compose mostly for yourself and also sing on your own music. What a great project!
For this, you will need a DAW, a USB audio interface, a headphone and a large-diaphragm vocal microphone. I chose for you a closed headphone, more interesting for voice recording because no sound is captured outside. You can also choose an open version with the DT-990 Pro, more interesting for mixing, but put it at low volume when recording voice, otherwise you will also record the music coming from the headphones!
The monitoring speakers are not necessary to start with but can be interesting later on to mix more precisely.
Also the master keyboard I added is not necessary to start with. Nevertheless, the Nektar 61 keys will allow you to compose with both hands. Moreover, it is equipped with 8 faders, 8 potentiometers, 8 touch pads. It is also programmed to work with almost all DAWs. It also comes in 88, 49 and 25 key versions to fit your space.
In the bundle :
– DAW
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
– Microphone
– Monitor speaker (not necessary at the beginning)
– Master Keyboard (not necessary at first)
DAW :
MAC : Garage Band (Included with Mac OS)
Logic Pro : 229 €
PC : Cakewalk Sonar : (Free and complete)
FL Studio Signature : 267 €
Reason Full : 329 €
Studio One Professionnal (Mac and PC) : 345 €
Audio interface : Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
Thomann : 119 €
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (has a light ring around the knobs that indicates if the input level is saturated. Very handy)
Thomann : 149 €
Thomann : 149 €
Casque : Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro
Thomann : 118 €
Amazon.fr : 108 €
Monitor speaker: Kali Audio LP6 (available in black and white. Sold individually. You must take two)
Thomann : 155 €
Amazon.fr : 157 €
Master Keyboard: Nektar Impact LX61+ (61 keys version but available in 88, 49 and 25 keys)
Thomann : 149 €
Amazon.fr : 135 €
Microphone: AKG P120 (Very good microphone for voice)
Thomann : 85 €
Amazon.fr : 85 €
The microphone comes with a stand but it does not protect against shocks. You can see to buy a shockproof microphone suspension.
Anti-Pop Filters:
Thomann (Tissus) : 15 €
Amazon.fr : 16 €
Shockproof Micro Suspension :
Amazon.fr: €15
Micro Stand :
Thomann: €17
Amazon.fr: €34
XLR male to Jack 6.3mm TRS (3 meters) : (take two. One for each speaker)
Thomann: €7.30
Amazon.fr: €9.99
Amazon.fr (pack of 2): €23.99
XLR to XLR cables (take one for the microphone) :
Thomann: €5
Amazon.fr: €4
Foam Insulators for monitor speakers :
Thomann: 17 €
X stand: (to put the master keyboard on)
Thomann: €33
Amazon.fr: €40
Sustain pedal: (to be combined with the master keyboard especially if you already know how to play a little piano)
Thomann: 33 €
Amazon.fr: €40
3 meter USB cable: (in case the cable that comes with the master keyboard is too short to connect it to your workstation)
Thomann: €11
Amazon.fr: €10
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
You need some equipment to compose on the go. I think you have a laptop so you’ll need a DAW, good headphones, a USB powered audio interface and maybe a small master keyboard and a microphone if you want to record your ideas. For this, I chose a double XLR interface that is USB powered so directly from your laptop. Then a closed headset to isolate you as much as possible from the surrounding noises. A dynamic microphone to record your voice or samples on the go; And finally, a small master keyboard that fits easily into a backpack.
In the bundle :
– Recording software
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
– Master Keyboard (not necessary at the beginning)
DAW :
MAC : Garage Band (Included with Mac OS)
Logic Pro : 229 €
PC : Cakewalk Sonar : (free and complete)
FL Studio Signature : 267 €
Reason Full : 329 €
Studio One Professionnal (Mac and PC) : 345 €
Audio Interface : Onyx Producer 2.2
Thomann : 119 €
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (Closed-back headphones perfect for voice recording)
Thomann : 118 €
Amazon.fr : 108 €
Microphone : AKG D5
Thomann : 59 €
Amazon.fr : 59 €
Master Keyboard : M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
Thomann : 48 €
Amazon.fr : 47 €
XLR to XLR cables: (take one for the microphone)
Thomann : 5 €
Amazon.fr : 4 €
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
Instead, you want to record your voice to make podcasts or to do voice-overs. Then you don’t need a DAW per se, but rather a recording software like Audacity, Adobe Audition or Sound Forge. You will still need an audio interface, headphones and a microphone. You may also need video editing software, if you want to post your podcasts on Youtube or elsewhere.
In the bundle:
– Audio recording and processing software
– Editing software (to make Youtube videos or other)
– Audio interface
– Mixing headphones
– Microphone
DAW :
MAC : Garage Band (DAW included with Mac OS) and iMovie (video editing software included with Mac OS)
PC : Cakewalk Sonar : (Free and complete)
Audacity : (Free)
Sound Forge Audio Studio : 50 €
Adobe Audition : 24 €/mois
PC video editing: Windows video editor (included in the “Photos” software of windows. Sufficient to put your voice on pictures)
Audio Interface : Onyx Producer 2.2 (2 XLR)
Thomann : 119 €
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (Closed-back headphones perfect for voice recording)
Thomann : 118 €
Amazon.fr : 108 €
Microphone : AKG P120 (Very good microphone for the voice)
Thomann : 85 €
Amazon.fr : 85 €
The microphone comes with a stand but it does not protect against shocks. You can see to buy a shockproof microphone suspension.
Anti-Pop Filter :
Thomann (Tissus) : 15 €
Amazon.fr : 16 €
Anti-shock Micro Suspension :
Amazon.fr : 15 €
Microphone stand: (if you are recording while standing)
Thomann : 17 €
Amazon.fr : 34 €
Microphone arm: (If you record while sitting in front of your computer)
Thomann : 16 €
Amazon.fr (bundle) : 22 €
Amazon.fr (bundle with anti-pop filter) : 28 €
XLR to XLR cables: (take one for the microphone)
Thomann : 5 €
Amazon.fr : 4 €
Images : (click on the images to zoom in)
The manufacturers also offer ready-made bundles to allow you to quickly get a little bit of material at a lower price without taking too much trouble.
I have selected some of them for you.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio :(Audio interface + Closed headphones + Large membrane microphone + XLR cable)
Very interesting bundle because you get the Focusrite quality at a very low price. Very good bundle to start composing, singing, podcasting and/or voice over.
Thomann : 215 €
Amazon : 215 €
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio :(Audio interface + Closed headphones + Large membrane microphone + XLR cable)
Very interesting bundle if you are a composer/performer because you have here two XLR/Jack inputs to record two sources at the same time.
Thomann : 249 €
Amazon : 249 €
Presonus AudioBox 96 Studio 25th Anniv :(DAW + Audio Interface + Closed-back headphones + Large membrane microphone + Cables)
Very interesting bundle if only for the DAW “Studio one artist” included in the bundle.
Thomann : 175 €
Amazon : 183 €
Presonus AudioBox 96 Studio Ultimate 25th Anniv :(DAW + Audio Interface + Closed-back headphones + Large diaphragm microphone + Monitor speakers + Cables)
The Eris E3.5 are not the best audio monitors but it will be enough to start with. Especially as you get the “Studio One Artist” DAW in the bundle.
Thomann : 276 €
Amazon : 299 €
Mackie Creator Bundle :(Closed-back headphones + Large diaphragm microphone + Monitor speakers + Cables)
The CR3-X monitors in this bundle are a bit small to get the most out of the bass in your mixes but it’s a good bundle to get started in composition. The microphone is USB and not XLR. This can be interesting for nomadism.
Thomann : 198 €
Amazon : 265 €
M-Audio Air 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro :(Closed headphones + Audio interface + Large diaphragm microphone + Cables)
Perfect to start singing, podcasting or voice over.
Thomann : 190 €
Amazon : 190 €
I will update this page as the hardware and software evolve. Don’t hesitate to come back from time to time as soon as you need it.
See you soon!
Bruno Vincent
