I’m sure you’ve suffered through low-quality phone recordings that sound like an old tape machine. But with modern tech, it’s easy to get studio-quality sound at your home, and it’s more affordable than ever. The days of 480P YouTube videos are gone, and now you can get HD video and audio using a simple setup.
Whether you’re a musician, podcaster, or content creator, we’ve rounded up the 12 best home recording studio packages you can get on the market right now. From sub-$200 to over $2,000, there’s a bundle for everyone. And if you’re afraid of the technical jargon, a quick read through the buyer’s guide will help you get started.
List of the Best Studio Equipment Bundles
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen Recording Bundle
| Estimated Price | $280 |
| Audio Interface | 3rd-gen Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface |
| Microphone | Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII condenser microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | Scarlett Studio HP60 MkIII closed-back headphones |
| DAW Included | Ableton Live Lite |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
My Review: In our opinion, the most practical home studio bundle available today is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle, and judging by how many people own one, everyone agrees.
The mic preamps of the Scarlett 2i2 are modeled after Focusrite’s iconic ISO Console Transformer. Focusrite has added a new Air mode to the preamps, adding the same quality as an analog ISO preamp while taking up a fraction of the space.
The recording resolution is studio-grade, and the small package gives the added bonuses of portability and modest power requirements. It runs entirely on USB, and no separate power supply is required.
The bundle comes with a range of plugins and Ableton Live Lite. Everything you need to start producing music is included – just plug in the 2i2, install the software and drivers, and start jamming. It works seamlessly with both macOS and Windows.
The 2i2 comes with 2 inputs for two mics. If you require only one input, you can get the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio bundle, which comes with the Scarlett Solo – a single-input audio interface with most of the functionalities of the 2i2 – but at an even more affordable price.
The Scarlett Studio CM25 MkIII condenser microphone that comes with the bundle is great for any producer with a tight budget. It is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid recording pattern. The bundle lacks a shock mount, stand, and pop filter, so make sure you get these separately for a better recording experience.
Scarlett Studio HP60 MKII headphones are also part of the deal. The HP60 is very modest as far as headphones are concerned, lacking any unique characteristics. Still, their neutrality is what makes them helpful in judging the true nature of your production.
Who is this best suited for: This bundle is best for beginners who are testing the waters or people who want a portable studio. The included gear is solid and easy to set up.
Bottom Line: The 3rd-generation Focusrite 2i2 is a versatile, high-quality USB audio interface that can be used for recording or live streaming. It offers all the features you’d expect in a modern recording interface, including high-quality converters, balanced inputs, and great mic preamps. The bundle includes everything you’ll need to drop some sick tunes. All this at a very affordable price.
2. Audient EVO Start Recording Bundle – 2×2 USB/iOS Recording System
| Estimated Price | $250 |
| Audio Interface | EVO 4 USB Audio Interface |
| Microphone | SR1 Condenser Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | SR2000 Headphones |
| DAW Included | Cubase LE and Cubase LE 2 |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/96kHz |
My Review: The Audient EVO Start Recording Bundle is one of the most popular home studio bundles today, and a major competitor to the Focusrite. It comes with the unique EVO 4 USB audio interface, a stylish mic, and headphones.
The EVO 4 is extremely compact but still squeezes in two inputs. It is entirely USB powered, meaning it does not need any external power source or extensions.
The EVO 4 comes with two transparent EVO 4 preamps, which do not color the sound too much, leaving the essence of your recordings intact. It also has a ‘Smart gain’ feature that detects and sets the level of the interface to the appropriate amount making your job much easier.
The interface has simplified controls, making it less daunting for beginners. The recording resolution is not as high as its much larger and more expensive competition. Still, it is adequate for a clear and professional tone. You likely won’t need 192kHz either, since 44.1kHz works well for most purposes.
The mic accompanying the bundle is the SR1 large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It has a super-cardioid polar pattern that helps you isolate your sound source and reduces unwanted anomalies. It comes with a compatible shock mount as well.
The included headphones are the SR2000. The SR2000 have a closed back and a snug fit to reduce bleed. They sound decent and are comfortable to wear, great for the price.
The EVO Start also includes the ARC Software Bundle. The bundle features Cubase LE, a free version of Cubase Pro, and some great plugins, such as the Steinberg Retrologue 2. It also includes three free online courses on music production.
Who is this best suited for: The EVO Start Recording Bundle is ideal for you if you want better preamps and innovative ‘smart’ features at a price cheaper than the Focusrite. It’s also great for established artists that want a powerful portable pack.
Bottom Line: The Audient EVO Start Recording Bundle is an affordable, compact, and bonafide collection. The EVO 4 can fit in any backpack. Its intelligent features save time, while the mic and headphones complete the experience. Get a mic stand and pop filter to start dropping some beats.
3. MOTU M2 and Warm Audio WA-47Jr Vocal Recording Bundle
| Estimated Price | $650 |
| Audio Interface | Motu M2 2X2 USB-C Audio Interface |
| Microphone | Warm Audio WA-47Jr Condenser Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | Sennheiser HD 280 Pro |
| DAW Included | Ableton Live Lite |
| A/D Resolution | 32-bit/192kHz |
My Review: The MOTU M2 and Warm Audio WA-47Jr Vocal Recording Bundle may not be on the cheap side, but it offers an excellent gear lineup from some of the best audio brands in the industry.
The MOTU M2 2X2 USB-C Audio Interface offers extreme precision and clarity, even compared to the most popular competitors in its range. The interface includes two excellent mic preamps; each with its own gain adjustment knob. The levels of the inputs and outputs on the MOTU M2 are displayed on an all-color LCD display, making them more intuitive, straightforward, and downright beautiful.
The WA-47Jr is one of the best mics on this list. The mic’s body is hefty and features a solid-state design. Solid-state mics are more resistant to distortion and capture all the fine details of vocals. Other than vocals, this mic is also a popular choice for percussion.
Along with the mic and interface, you also get the K&M 210/9 Boom Mic Stand and Gator GM-POP pop filter. Finally, you also get a pair of Sennheiser HD 280 Pro monitoring headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 280 headphones are renowned among recording professionals for reliability, comfort, isolation, and precision. It’s probably the best among entry-level monitoring headphones on this list.
The MOTU M2 also comes with Ableton Live Lite and several plugins, so you can get started immediately.
Who is this best suited for: This bundle is ideal for anyone looking for quality vocal or acoustic recordings. If you want sheer audio quality over everything else, this bundle has top-notch gear.
Bottom Line: The MOTU M2 and Warm Audio WA-47Jr Vocal Recording Bundle comes complete with absolutely everything you would need for excellent quality recordings without compromising. It might be pricier than other bundles on the list, but it’s worth it. You won’t have to get a mic stand or pop filter separately, and the mic and headphones have the edge over the competition.
4. PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 Hardware/Software Recording Bundle
| Estimated Price | $150 |
| Audio Interface | AudioBox USB 96 |
| Microphone | PreSonus M7 Condenser Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | PreSonus HD7 Headphones |
| DAW Included | Studio One Artist |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/96kHz |
My Review: The PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio Recording Bundle is one of the most affordable complete bundles you can find. The central part of the bundle is the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface.
The AudioBox USB 96 does not have the sensitivity of more expensive competitors. Still, it has decent mic preamps as long as you use condenser mics. The build quality is impressive, with PreSonus proudly driving a car over a unit of AudioBox 96 in a promotional video (try not to replicate that!).
The interface of the AudioBox 96 features gain for the two inputs, red LEDs to indicate when your sound is clipping, a central output knob, headphone volume, and a built-in mixer. Preamp noise can be an issue if you use a dynamic mic. But the accompanying M7 condenser mics work just fine with the AudioBox.
The M7 large-diaphragm condenser mic has a less than desirable frequency response. However, the recordings are still clean and totally usable. It is especially competent for streams and podcasts and a casual music producer on a tight budget.
The HD7 headphones, much like the M7, are unremarkable but functional. Along with the above three units, you get Studio One Artist (DAW) and a software package with everything you need to record your first song.
Who is this best suited for: Ideal for people with the tightest budgets. This full bundle costs as much as a single audio interface from some of the other kits on this list. It still delivers satisfactory results.
Bottom Line: The PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio bundle has all three necessary components for a recording bundle at an insanely low price. The AudioBox delivers decent quality, and the software bundle makes it easier to get started. The mic and headphones are functional but not spectacular. All things considered, it is a considerable bargain at its price. Overall, this is one of the best studio bundle kits out there right now.
5. M-Audio AIR 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro – Complete Vocal Production Package
| Estimated Price | $220 |
| Audio Interface | M-Audio AIR 192|4 Interface |
| Microphone | Nova Black Condenser Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | HDH40 Monitoring Headphones |
| DAW Included | Ableton Live Lite |
| A/D Resolution | 24bit-192kHz |
My Review: M-Audio AIR 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro is an entry-level bundle that features an outstanding audio interface. The M-Audio AIR 192|4 has mic preamps with unmatched clarity, aptly named Crystal preamps making sure your output has zero noise.
Aside from the usual gain knobs and main output, and headphone knobs, the AIR’s interface has an indicator for your sound level. The indicators are not as clear as a digital meter but are certainly a step up from a single red LED.
The interface also has a reliable and sturdy build with metal reinforcements. The switches are large, and the top slants at an angle, making changing settings more convenient on your desktop. Input one supports a mic, while a Hi-Z jack at the front can take input directly from an instrument like an electric guitar or bass.
The bundle comes with the Nova Black large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone. The Nova Black has a 1.1-inch gold diaphragm and a solid brass capsule; its build is all solid-state. All this ensures the lowest noise and the most precise sound possible. The mic also comes with a shock mount.
The headphones that come with the bundle are the HDH40, which are a great bargain. They offer comfort and good sound quality. Along with the above, you also get a software pack, including the Ableton Live Lite DAW and plugins such as “Avid’s Eleven Lite Guitar Suite”.
Who is this best suited for: This bundle is excellent for anyone looking to get into music production, especially if they play guitar and record vocals. It’s a great starter kit for those seeking a more affordable option.
Bottom Line: The M-Audio AIR 192|4 Vocal Studio Pro offers a very effective lineup. Featuring an audio interface that offers top-tier recording clarity, a mic that captures subtle details, and decent headphones for monitoring, it’ll get the job done neatly. However, it lacks a mic stand and pop filter.
6. Universal Audio Volt 276 Studio Pack
| Estimated Price | $430 |
| Audio Interface | Universal Audio Volt 276 |
| Microphone | Volt Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | Volt VHP-100 |
| DAW Included | Ableton Live Lite |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
My Review: The Universal Audio Volt 276 Studio Pack is a substantial bundle with an audio interface, mic, headphones, mic stand, and shock mount. The star of the show here is Universal Audio’s new Volt 276
The Volt 276 is primarily identical to the Volt 2, which is not a bad thing since the Volt 2 offers some of the best recordings in its price range. The $100 extra you pay for the Volt 276 is for the new built-in compression, which is great for vocals and guitars alike.
Aside from all the standard features of an audio interface, like level knobs and direct monitoring, the Volt 276 comes with a Vintage setting. The Vintage setting slightly distorts the sound to give it color. It also comes with 76 Compression, a feature based on the legendary UREI 1176 compressor – a staple from the analog era.
Three different settings are available for the compressor, which is not as versatile as compression in a DAW. Still, it is built into the interface, making life a bit easier for you if you like its sound.
The condenser mic has Volt’s logo but is a generic microphone with decent performance and is easy to use. It comes with a stand and mount. The headphones are also generic, with the Volt branding. They work quite well, but they can’t compete with well-known brands.
Who is this best suited for: Anyone that wants a compressor built into their audio interface. In fact, with the Volt 276, you can use a 5V power supply and forgo the use of a computer altogether to produce sound, as if it were an amplifier.
Bottom Line: The Universal Audio Volt 276 Studio Pack has a novel approach and is pushing the capabilities of audio recording software. The audio interface is one of the best we’ve seen, but sadly the microphone and headphones are a bit sub-par. However, you do get Universal Audio’s legendary branding and renowned quality.
7. Rode Complete Studio Kit with NT1 Microphone and AI-1 Audio Interface
| Estimated Price | $350 |
| Audio Interface | RODE AI-1 |
| Microphone | RODE NT-1 |
| Speakers/Headphones | None |
| DAW Included | Ableton Live Lite |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/96kHz |
My Review: The Rode Complete Studio kit is Rode’s first attempt at making a home recording bundle. The pack includes the RODE AI-1 audio interface, the RODE NT-1 mic, the RODE SM6 shock mount, a pop filter, and a 20-foot XLR cable.
The RODE AI-1 is a compact, bus-powered audio interface with a single input. It is designed to have independent headphone and mic preamps to deliver maximum clarity. It manages to fit valuable features like direct monitoring in its small frame. This means that it can record efficiently and quickly.
The specialized headphone preamps have the effect of diverting output signals directly to the headphones when they are plugged in. This means you cannot use speakers while headphones are connected. The signal is redirected to any connected speakers as soon as you disconnect headphones.
The RODE AI-1 comes with Ableton Live Lite to help you start making music as soon as you get it plugged in. It is USB-C compatible and does not need any extra drivers to run – it’s a simple plug-and-play design.
The RODE NT-1 large-diaphragm condenser mic has an incredibly low self-noise of just 4.5dBA, but that does not make it delicate or fragile either. It can safely handle up to 137dB SPL, so you can use it for anything from soft vocals to really loud guitar cabs and metal screams.
This bundle does not come with any studio monitors or mic stand, so keep that in mind before getting the Rode Complete Studio Kit.
Who is this best suited for: This bundle is best suited for people looking to get high-quality recording capability in a portable package. It’s best for vocalists who only need one input.
Bottom Line: The Rode Complete Studio Kit may not have any speakers available with the set, but the RODE AI-1 and the RODE NT-1 make up for this with their excellent recording ability in a portable bundle. The audio quality is pristine, and can hold its own against much more expensive competitors.
8. Shure SM7B and Apollo Twin X QUAD Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
| Estimated Price | $2150 |
| Audio Interface | Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD |
| Microphone | Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone |
| Speakers/Headphones | Shure SRH 440 Closed-Back Studio Headphones |
| DAW Included | LUNA |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/192kHz |
My Review: The Shure SM7B is a premium bundle with some exceptional contenders. The central piece is the Apollo Twin X Quad, despite the SM7B featuring first in the name. The Apollo Twin X is simply not comparable to any entry-level interfaces; it is leagues ahead of everything we’ve reviewed so far, and it alone is worth the price of admission.
The Apollo Twin X Quad is based on the well-received Apollo Twin. It comes wit
My name is Chris and I’ve had a passion for music and guitars for as long as I can remember. I started this website with some of my friends who are musicians, music teachers, gear heads, and music enthusiasts so we could provide high-quality guitar and music-related content.
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13 years old and am an avid collector. Amps, pedals, guitars, bass, drums, microphones, studio, and recording gear, I love it all.
I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. My background is in Electrical Engineering, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University. With my engineering experience, I’ve developed as a designer of guitar amplifiers and effects. A true passion of mine, I’ve designed, built, and repaired a wide range of guitar amps and electronics. Here at the Guitar Lobby, our aim is to share our passion for Music and gear with the rest of the music community.