If you want to set up your first professional home recording studio, “all-in-one” packages are often the easiest and best value way to get started. Pick a top brand, follow the setup instructions and you will have fewer problems than if you try and combine multiple items of equipment.
Here are our top 3 reasons why you might do well to buy an off-the-shelf recording studio solution as a beginner:
The recording equipment and software is designed to work together – much easier to set up and install
Just one set of instructions, and one technical support contact if you have any issues
Better value, everything you need is in the box
Our Favourite Recording Studio Interface Bundles
We get into the all detailed reviews below, but if you just want to know now which are our top recommendations for an all-in-one recording studio package that contains a condenser studio microphone, USB audio interface, studio headphones, XLR cable and software then here are our favourite recording bundles.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio USB Audio Interface Recording Package Our top pick especially for guitarists – long standing best seller with good software suite including guitar amp effects.
Presonus iTwo Studio Audio Interface Recording Bundle The interface is the only one here that also has MIDI so is perfect for keyboard players. It is also our favourite for recording on an iPad as this has been built into the design
M-Audio Vocal Studio PRO Complete Vocal Studio Package Particularly Suited To Vocalists and a good brand, though less well reviewed than the 2i2 package
Focusrite iTrack Studio Complete Recording Package for iPad, Mac and PC Excellent choice for iPad and High Quality, a good pick for recording guitar and vocals on tablet (not so suitable for keyboard)
The All-In-One Recording Studio In A Box In Action
You probably landed on Music Repo because you are interested in how to set up a professional quality recording studio at home. All our information is aimed at absolute beginners who want to get up and running quickly, but lack experience in how to get started. We have been helping people set up their home recording studios for nearly 20 years and so we know all about the common confusions and difficulties you can face. These all-in-one recording bundles solve a lot of common problems.
Put simply, the all-in-one recording studio pack is your fastest route to success.
This is why we are happy to recommend these all-in-one recording solutions. First of all they are all high-quality brands that are well-established in the world of home studio recording. These packages all contain the key essentials for a home recording studio: an audio interface; a studio quality condenser microphone; professional studio headphones so you can monitor your recordings; the XLR cable necessary to connect the microphone to the interface; and of course recording software.
The pieces combine so you can get your sound into the software on your computer and then layer, edit, mix and produce. Perfect for making quick demos, video voiceovers, and finished songs and recordings to share.
What About Acoustic Instruments?
The beauty of the studio condenser microphone is it is perfect for recording most acoustic instruments as well as vocals. So, whether you play Acoustic Guitar, Ukelele, Harmonica, Clarinet, Sax, Trumpet or anything else, simply experiment with mic position and you will find that the microphone in these all-in-one recording studio packages is perfect for almost every recording scenario.
Which Is The Best All-In-One Recording Studio Software And Equipment Package?
OK, you are convinced that one of these bundles are for you. So here is a review of each one in turn, together with an overview of the what’s included etc so you can compare them.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio: Your Complete Home Recording Studio
Quick Review
This package is particular suited to recording on a desktop pc or mac, or on a laptop or macbook. The heart of the package, the 2i2 audio interface, is the world’s best-selling USB recording interface and it has been consistently well reviewed since it was launched. The 2nd Gen now records up to a whopping 192 kHz which is mighty high quality!
With two mic/line inputs you can record a stereo signal (left and right) or two microphones, or vocals and guitar. It also looks great, the red is classy and cool. And it comes with a pack of industry-standard software that is easily upgradeable if you decide to move on to the full versions. You know they will work with the equipment.
This is our ‘benchmark’ all-in-one recording package, and all other things being equal it is the one we would pick due to the supported sample rates and high quality pre-amps. BUT the others we have reviewed have features that might be more important to you. For example, the iTrack and the iTwo are more suited to iPad recording as they have been designed that way from the ground up. And the M-Audio Vocal Studio Pro has a very different suite of software very suited to songwriting and singing (the Focusrite is slightly more guitar orientated) and is also a bit cheaper. Finally the iTwo has MIDI and so is possibly the best pick if you want to set up a recording studio around a keyboard with MIDI and Audio.
What’s In The Box
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: the world’s top selling USB audio interface. The 2i2 is a compact and versatile 2-in, 2-out interface with two natural-sounding mic preamps (record two tracks at the same time or left and right stereo in). It has pristine sound recording quality and superb digital conversion.
Focusrite HP60 closed-back studio headphones: great for blocking out background noise. Closed back headphones are the best if you want to overdub vocal tracks as you get less ‘bleed’ when recording.
Focusrite CM25 large diaphragm condenser mic: A good all-round studio microphone for vocals, voiceovers and acoustic instruments. Plus you get a matching red 3M XLR mic cable which means the whole setup looks cool.
Software Included: Basically you get a complete suite of professional software tools. Ableton Live Lite; Pro Tools First plus the Focusrite Creative Pack, which features 12 additional plug-ins including amp sims etc. You also get Softube’s Time and Tone bundle, the Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Novation’s Bass Station Virtual synthesiser and 2GB of Loopmasters samples.
Technical Specs
Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1dB
Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Noise EIN: < -128 dB (A-Weighted)
Maximum input level: +4 dBu
Gain Range: 50 dB
Line Inputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1dB
Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N: <0.003% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Maximum input level: +22 dBu
Gain Range: 50 dB
Instrument Inputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1dB
Dynamic Range: 106 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N: <0.02% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Maximum input level: +13 dBu
Gain Range: 50 dB
Line Outputs
Dynamic Range Outputs: 106 dB (A-Weighted)
Maximum Output Level (0 dBFS) Balanced Line/TRS Outputs: +10 dBu
THD+N Outputs: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Headphone Outputs
Dynamic Range: 107 dB (A-Weighted)
THD+N: <0.002% (minimum gain, -1dBFS input with 22Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
Maximum Output Level: > +10dBu
Find Out More …
Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio on Amazon
Visit the Focusrite site for more detailed technical information
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio: Everything You Need To Record And Produce On The Go
Quick Review
First of all, this is the only studio bundle reviewed here that also has MIDI I/O, so if you have a keyboard you want to connect this might prove to be THE key selling feature! If you are no sure about this, then our article on What Is MIDI should help you out. It includes a video that explains exactly what is the difference between MIDI and Audio recording.
As well as the MIDI thing, PreSonus have really considered the iPad as a recording computer with the iTwo. Using standard iOS power accessories you can record directly onto your iPad. This means you can pop the AudioBox iTwo and your iPad in a small rucsack and have a complete recording studio at your disposal wherever…
You can either use the free Capture Duo software on your iPad to record two tracks, or you can record up to 32 tracks if you upgrade to Capture for iPad. You can wirelessly beam the tracks you recorded on your iPad into the StudioOne recording and production software on your Mac or Windows for further mixing and editing.
Whereas the Scarlett is a vibrant red, this little bundle is all blue, so again it’s a really lovely looking set of equipment. It has outstanding preamps and digital converters so you won’t have to worry about sound quality.
What’s In The Box
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo: sleek looking interface with twin mic/line inputs. Adjustable gain on each preamp. Headphone output. Plus MIDI in and out on the rear.
PreSonus HD7 semi-open studio headphones: Nice ergonomic headphones with good range for extended mixing sessions. The semi-open design is not quite as good at blocking sound when recording, but is a great compromise if you are only going to own one pair of headphones as closed-back are not so good for mixing.
PreSonus M7 large diaphragm condenser mic: The M7 is again the ideal studio microphone being large-condenser. It has a nice warm sound that will capture all the nuance of both vocals and acoustic instruments.
Software Included: Comes with StudioOne 3 Artist which is renowned for being easy to learn. Designed by creative people for creative music production. People who switch to StudioOne often comment about how they can just get things done faster. You can also download Capture from the AppStore for free, record direct to iPad and beam wirelessly to StudioOne for further mixing.
Technical Specs
Supported Sample Rates: Up to 96 kHz
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Dynamic Range: –
THD+N: < 0.008%
S/N Ratio (Unity Gain, Ref. = +4 dBu, 20 Hz to 22 kHz): > 95 dB
Maximum input level: +10 dBu
Gain Range: 52 dB
Line Inputs
Type: 1/4″ TRS female, balanced
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Instrument Inputs
Type: 1/4″ TS female, unbalanced
Input Impedance:1 MΩ
Line Outputs
Type: 1/4″ TRS female, balanced
Input Impedance:51Ω
Headphone Outputs
Type: ¼” TRS active stereo
Maximum Output: 60 mW/ch. @ 60Ω Load
Frequency Response: (±1.0 dB) 20 Hz – 30 kHz
MIDI I/O
Type: Dual 5-pin female DIN
Find Out More …
Buy the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio on Amazon
Visit the PreSonus site for more detailed technical information
M-Audio Vocal Studio Pro II: Complete Vocal Recording Package featuring Waves Plugins
Quick Review
Another hugely popular all-in-one solution for your computer-recording projects. Included here because M-Audio is many musician’s favourite go-to brand. This is a nice-looking package in sleek white and silver, is very simple to plug and play and get up and running and comes with Ableton Live Lite software as well as a collection of Waves plugins. M-Audio also have very good technical support. Probably not as well reviewed as the AudioBox and the Scarlett 2i2, but still a rock-solid and tried and tested solution.
What’s In The Box
M-Audio M-Track Interface: Silver USB Audio Interface with twin mic/line inputs. Adjustable gain on each preamp. Headphone output with direct monitoring.
M-Audio Studio headphones: Designed for comfort and long mixing sessions with very adjustable earcups and padded headband.
M-Audio large diaphragm condenser mic: A top quality condenser transducer with high sensitivity and low self noise.
Software Included: Ableton Live Lite and Waves plugin pack.
Find Out More …
Buy the M-Audio Vocal Studio Pro II on Amazon
Visit the M-Audio site for more detailed technical information
Focusrite iTrack Studio: A Whole Recording Studio In A Box
Quick Review
A complete studio, and designed from the ground up with the iPad in mind, but also works on Mac or PC. Very small and portable. Just beware that this very popular interface is great for a soloist or guitarist but only has one mic pre-amp and one instrument input so is designed to record two mono tracks. All the other interfaces reviewed here have twin mic inputs. Included here as the only one that includes a Device Link to connect straight to iPad (30-pin connector so you may need a lightning adapter)
What’s In The Box
iTrack Solo Audio Interface: Rugged silver USB Audio Interface with mic and guitar input. Adjustable gain on each input. Headphone output with direct monitoring. Nice big volume control so easy to use.
iTrack Studio headphones: Large, padded headphones designed to match the interface.
iTrack large diaphragm condenser mic: Top quality studio microphone, again colour coded to match the headphones and interface.
Software Included: Ableton Live Lite 9 – professional music making software to use your iTrack Solo with a Mac or PC and Focusrite Scarlett plug-in suite which is a collection of software plug-ins bringing effects to your music software. Will also work with any iPad recording software such as Garageband.
Find Out More …
Buy the Focusrite iTrack Studio on Amazon
Visit the Focusrite site for more detailed technical information
How Use Your All-In-One Recording Studio Equipment
Whichever one of these bundles you choose, they all work in the broadly similar way. Be sure to read the guide that comes with the equipment before you connect, but basically you will go through the following steps (the order may be slightly different depending on which you buy)
Install any drivers that are required (more likely on Windows than on Mac. If drivers are required then full instructions will be given. Never just search and randomly download drivers from any old site. Always go directly to the manufacturer’s pages and find the drivers on their site)
Install the recording software, again following the instructions given.
Start up the software, and find the settings menu so that you can check the audio interface is correctly installed and recognised by the software.
Make sure the microphone gain is turned down to zero, and plug in the microphone using the XLR cable supplied. You might find there is a phantom power switch on the interface that will need to be switched on.
Put on the headphones, if necessary make sure the direct monitoring is enabled (this will be a switch on the interface) and the headphone volume is turned up. Then experiment with the gain levels for the microphone on the interface. You should be able to hear the microphone picking up sound.
Once you think the microphone sounds good, create an audio track in your recording software, arm it for recording, and begin.
If you are not sure about this, try starting with Audacity, which is a very simple and free recording software package. And if any of the above does not make sense, then check out my tutorial where I show you step-by-step how to make your first recording in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation … that is another name for the recording software that came with your interface and microphone)
Rinse and repeat. Then once you have some tracks you are ready to start editing and mixing.
What about MIDI Controller Keyboards?
As long as you have another USB slot available, you will be able to use any of these home recording studio bundles alongside a MIDI USB keyboard. Just correctly connect the keyboard and then you should be able to see it as a MIDI device in the recording software. There is no problem having the two devices working side-by-side.
If you have a digital piano or electronic keyboard that you want to use, or a MIDI controller with a standard MIDI port, then you have more options. One is to buy the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo Studio and standard MIDI leads. The AudioBox is the one with MIDI I/O. (Do check that your keyboard has got the standard MIDI ports). Another option is to buy a separate USB-MIDI interface. You can find out more about this in our article about how to connect a MIDI keyboard.
You may even have a third option, as many digital pianos and electronic keyboards connect to computer via a USB cable. In which case this is just like having a MIDI USB Keyboard Controller.
If you want to record the SOUND of your keyboard then you could choose any of the bundles we have reviewed above EXCEPT for the iTrack Solo, which is really designed for a guitarist and is not the best choice. If you are an absolute beginner and all this sounds a bit confusing then you might want to check out our entire free video course on how to connect and record your digital piano or keyboard on PC, Mac or iPad.
What Else Will You Need?
Although these all-in-one recording studio packages contain everything you need to begin recording vocals and instruments on your Mac, PC or iPad there are one or two extras you should consider. The first is ESSENTIAL, the others are nice-to-have and can be purchased later.
Microphone Stand
All the recording studio bundles above come with a large diaphragm studio condenser microphone. These mics are super sensitive, so you will get a professional quality recording, but you cannot hold the mic by hand. You therefore must invest in some kind of microphone stand. Either a boom stand like the Samson MK10 or a desktop stand if you are short of space. A boom stand is the best choice if you have room as it is the most versatile, and easier to position the mic away from your computer.
Pop Filter
A pop filter is an inexpensive extra that will improve your vocal recordings by filtering the ‘p’ and ‘s’ sounds in your voice. It has the added benefit of making your studio look that bit more professional as well.
Studio Monitors
All the recording packs above contain a pair of studio headphones, so without buying anything else you will be able to hear your recordings. Headphones are great for recording voiceovers because you can listen as you record. They are also good for mixing if you have to keep the volume down due to other family members or close neighbours. However it is very good to be able to listen to your mix through a good set of studio monitors. Our favourites are the KRK Rokit 5 Speakers. They look great and sound fantastic. They are by far away the most popular budget studio monitors on the market. If you want to know more, then we have written a complete guide about how to choose a set of studio monitors.
Acoustic Treatment
Not necessary on day 1, but depending on which room you have available for your home recording studio equipment, you may need to consider acoustic treatment to really optimise your recordings. We have written a complete guide on acoustic treatment solutions – both DIY and proprietary. We also have another article on the best materials to soundproof a room.
What If You Are On A Really Tight Budget?
If you are not ready to spend a few hundred pounds or dollars on your recording studio, then another great option is to start with a good quality USB microphone. Even if you upgrade later, a USB Mic is always a useful thing to own. Read our ultimate guide to the best USB microphones on the market. You can listen to recordings and watch video reviews. You can make perfectly good recordings with a decent USB Mic and a set of headphones for very little outlay.