Whether you’re a music production hobbyist or an experienced professional – creating your home studio can be a real game-changer. Thanks to recent technological advancements, it’s now easier than ever to create high-quality recordings and music productions from the comfort of your own home. It gives you the freedom to work on your projects whenever you like, without the hassle of paying for studio time or dealing with the distractions of a shared space. As a specialist music institute, we know how important musical freedom is, so our team of industry experts collated the ultimate home studio setup guide for 2025, catering to a variety of budgets and needs.
If, by any chance, you’re keen to learn more about the studio equipment itself, consider studying at pointblank Music School. Whether you’re interested in production, sound engineering, or both, we offer comprehensive degrees that guide you through all the different mechanics, production tools, and engineering tricks utilised in professional songs. Our London and Online degrees are for those who wish to take their passion to the next level and provide in-depth training by professional musicians that will set you apart from other artists in the industry. If you’re interested, start your degree this April. Other than that, lets build your home studio!
Computer
Music production involves extensive digital processing, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. These tasks demand considerable computing power, making it crucial to have a computer capable of handling the rigours of music production. A machine with a fast processor and ample RAM will enable you to run multiple software instruments and plugins simultaneously without lag or latency issues. A MacBook Pro or a PC with at least 16GB of RAM is a solid starting point. Prices are subject to change.
Budget option: Macbook Air £1,549
Intermediate: Macbook Pro £2,149
Advanced: iMac (Fully Upgraded) £2,599
Money is no object: Mac Studio (Fully Upgraded) £7,999
DAW
Intermediate: Logic Pro X £199 (one-time purchase) or Ableton £319 (for the Intro version, prices increase for Standard & Suite versions)
Advanced: ProTools £249 per year for the Standard version, higher tiers available for more advanced features
Money is no object: Multiple DAWs because why not
Headphones
Headphones are essential for any home studio setup. They allow you to monitor your music without any external noise interfering, making them perfect for smaller spaces or even making music on the go. The Audio-Technica M50x Professional Studio Headphones are a great choice for an intermediate budget as they are affordable and provide a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear your music as it truly sounds. These headphones are closed back, making them great for recording vocals and instruments too without worrying too much about sound bleeding out into your microphone. If you have a bigger budget the Seinheiser HD 650’s are widely regarded as one of the best headphones for music producers due to their exceptional sound and open-back comfortable design. This allows for a more natural and spacious soundstage, with a wider frequency response and superior clarity. The headphones are also highly detailed, providing excellent resolution and accurate imaging for critical listening. If you’re unsure how to develop your critical listening skills, at pointblank we offer modules such as advanced recording and mixing on our Music Production and Sound Engineering degree that can help arm you with the essential skills to become a successful music producer.
Budget option: Audio-Technica M20x £49
Intermediate: Audio-Technica M50x £129
Advanced: Seinheiser HD 650 £429
Money is no object: Focal Utopia £5,000
Interface
Your interface is what connects your computer to your microphone and speakers. When it comes to audio interfaces, the difference between a good and a great interface typically comes down to the quality of the preamps and converters. Preamps amplify the signal from your microphone, and converters convert the analog audio signal to a digital signal that can be processed by your computer. A good audio interface will typically have clean, transparent preamps and converters that accurately capture the sound of your microphone or instrument. However, a great audio interface will often have preamps and converters that add a bit of character to the sound, such as warmth, punch, or colouration, enhancing the overall sound and tone of your recordings.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is an affordable and reliable option for a smaller budget while the Universal Audio Apollo Twin offers next-generation 24-bit/192kHz audio conversion, dual onboard UAD processors, and a range of award-winning UAD plugins for added processing power, making it an ideal choice for anyone with a larger budget.
Budget option: Scarlett 2i2 £155
Intermediate: Solid State Logic SSL 2+ £234
Advanced: Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo MkII £877
Money is no object: Universal Audio Apollo X8 £2,666
Microphones
A microphone is another critical component of your home studio setup. It is the tool that captures the sound of your vocals and instruments, making it essential to choose the right one. The Audio-Technica AT2020 is an excellent option for those on a budget and has received notable recognition in the music industry, particularly for Billie Eilish’s early recordings. Eilish and her producer brother Finneas O’Connell recorded her first EP and their breakout hit “Ocean Eyes” on the Audio-Technica AT2020, making it a popular choice among her fans.
However, if you have a larger budget, there are other microphone options to consider, such as the Shure SM7B or the Neumann TLM102 Studio Condenser Mic. The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that has a smooth and warm sound and can handle high sound pressure levels, making it an ideal choice for recording a mixture of things like vocals, drums, and electric guitar amps. Alternatively, the Neumann TLM102 Studio Condenser Mic is a go-to high-budget option that has become a go-to for famous vocal producers around the globe. It has a large diaphragm capsule that provides a transparent and detailed sound, making it perfect for recording vocals that sound pristine and clear. It does though, come with a slightly higher price tag, usually coming in at around the £2,500 mark. As with all gear the quality of your recordings will be largely influenced by your knowledge of how to use it, our Music Production and Vocal Performance degree goes in-depth into how you can not only properly engineer your sessions but also teaches other valuable skills like live vocal techniques or how to market and brand yourself as an artist.
Budget option: Audio-Technica AT2020 £90
Intermediate: Shure SM7B £399
Advanced: Neumann U87 £2512
Money is no object: Sony C800G £11,500
Speakers
Finally, you need a good pair of speakers to accurately monitor your music. The ADAM Audio T5V Studio Monitors are a great choice for home studios, as they provide clear and accurate sound at an affordable price. These monitors have a 5″ woofer and a U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter that work together to deliver a clear and balanced sound. The T5Vs have a frequency response of 45 Hz to 25 kHz, making them suitable for monitoring a wide range of genres and can last you a lifetime. If you’re looking to level up from your current set-up the Genelec 8351B’s feature a three-way design with dual 8-inch woofers and a coaxial driver, delivering a smooth and detailed frequency response with excellent imaging and clarity.
Budget option: Presonus Eris E5 £160
Intermediate: ADAM Audio T5V £290 or Yamaha HS7 £349
Advanced: Genelec 8351B £3,505
Money is no object: Neumann KH310A £3,549
While these recommendations are not the only options available, they can serve as a starting point for those who are unsure where to begin. Ultimately, the right equipment for your home studio depends on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. We hope that our recommendations can provide a useful guide for those looking to set up their home studio, helping them to make informed decisions and create music with confidence. Remember, it’s not about having the most expensive gear; it’s about having the right tools and skills to achieve your desired sound.
Inspired?
Our team of industry experts are a group we are immensely proud of. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, pointblank has earned a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Achieving this Gold title is a significant milestone, placing us among the very best institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, and Imperial. This accolade not only underscores our commitment to delivering world-class education in an industry-focused learning environment but also bolsters our impressive credentials. Learn more about our awards here.
When it comes to music education, you want to learn from lecturers who are not just active industry professionals but also part of a TEF Gold award-winning team. This ensures you’re learning from the very best, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to match industry standards. Whether you’re passionate about DJing, music production, sound engineering, vocal performance, radio, software engineering, or songwriting, pointblank offers degrees and short courses tailored to your ambitions.
We provide a wide range of options, including 3-year degrees, accelerated 2-year degrees, and flexible start dates throughout the year. In addition to degree programmes, we offer short courses, diplomas, and higher education courses such as foundation year. Our campuses are not only based in London but also in Los Angeles, Ibiza, and Online—making them accessible wherever you are in the world. No matter your location or aspirations, we are here to help make your dreams a reality.
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