Growing numbers of podcasters, musicians, gamers, and other enthusiasts are getting hands-on with audio. Investing in solid studio equipment is the best way to make the most of your new hobby or side-hustle. If you’re looking to build out your home recording studio or simply need a few upgrades for your existing DIY space, check out our guide to find the best microphones, headphones, and much more for beginners.
Microphone
If you’re planning to record audio for podcast or music production, you need hardware that can capture a wide range of sounds with dependable accuracy.
The AKG Lyra is the perfect tool for recording professional-quality audio, whether it’s music, podcasts, or YouTube videos. Plus, this condenser microphone is the industry standard; it captures audio while sitting inside a classy, vintage design.
The Lyra features a four-capsule adaptive array with different capture modes, and it has an integrated headphone output with zero latency. This condenser mic has soundproofing, and works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Apple iOS, and Android hardware, so you can easily record vocalists and podcast guests to any device.
Microphone preamp
If your microphone doesn’t attach to iOS and Android devices, then invest in the IK Multimedia iRig PRE. This preamp can connect your microphone to your phone or tablet, which means you can record professional-quality sound regardless of location—guaranteeing full control of your workflow.
Headphones
Any recording setup needs high-quality headphones. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are a great place to start, ticking all the boxes for professional recording studio use.
Sennheiser’s renowned closed-back studio headphones deliver accurate, detailed, and superior sound quality, and they do it with extreme comfort. They also come with folding and rotating earcups, so they’re well-suited for frequent transport and hours of use.
The more affordable Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones deliver high-quality audio thanks to 40mm drivers alongside extra tuning for low-frequency performance. The contoured earcups also improve sound isolation, keeping outside sounds where they belong.
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Microphone and headphone kits
For easier shopping, try buying packages of headphones and microphones together. The Audio-Technica AT2020 set is perfect for podcasting and streaming. It comes with pro-grade headphones, a microphone with a wide dynamic range, and an adjustable boom arm with 360-degree rotation.
Audio interfaces
Once you have a great microphone and headphones, you’re ready to start building up your studio. Your next port of call should be a dedicated audio interface.
If you’re building a home studio, consider the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2×2, which has helped produce more records than any other interface in history. It features two professional-quality mic preamps, high-headroom instrument inputs, and top-notch converters. If you’d like a more affordable option, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo offers many of the same features with one preamp and input instead of two.
The PreSonus Studio 24c impresses with pro-quality audio, dual interfaces, preamps, and outputs along with direct monitoring control. It’s a complete at-home recording solution that also includes award-winning software from PreSonus.
For recording on-the-go, check out the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo. It’s a tiny, robust device that packs inputs, preamps, and extended gain range into the palm of your hand.
Podcast recording
Podcast production is an increasingly popular way to disseminate your message, and it’s worth looking at a product like the RODECaster Pro to create the best shows possible.
The RODECaster is the world’s first fully-integrated podcast production studio, with support for four microphone inputs and headphone outputs, and one-touch recording. It features eight programmable sound pads, Bluetooth connectivity for remote interviewing, and powerful processing and preamp abilities. It’s a must-have for any and all podcasters.
Studio monitors
High-quality gear delivers high-quality recordings, and it starts with investing in a top-quality monitor.
The JBL 305P MKII is a two-way monitor that delivers incredible detail in a vast dynamic range, thanks to a five-inch woofer, dual amplifiers, and a one-inch Neodymium tweeter. No matter what room you’re recording in, this monitor will produce pro-quality sound.
The PreSonus Eris is a more affordable option that includes two monitors. Each has custom-woven Kevlar low-frequency drivers, 3.5” woofers, a 1” silk dome tweeter, easy controls, and loads of different inputs, so they work with all sorts of audio devices.
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