How To Build A Home Studio For Under $200 | Budget Recording Studio Setup 2021

[@adamivy]

How long have you been making music and what did you first start with? I'd love to hear what your set up looks like in the comments below or as a reply to this comment. :-)

[@universatile1015]

I inherited a usb microphone, borrowed a Mac desktop from a really good friend that had like 4 of them, and have the akai midi keyboard. Found some AKG open back headphones on sale for $46. Getting ready to switch to an xlr microphone with an audio interface (looking at the Shure sm7b). Also I use Logic and FL studio to make instrumentals and record vocals. I’ve been blessed to have such good friends that helped me with a computer!

[@adamivy]

@@universatile1015 That's definitely an awesome friend for helping you with that.

[@markusbaker3005]

I've been producing for less than 2 years but have been writing and performing music as a lyricist and musician for about 8 to 9 years. My first producing set up consisted of a 4-year-old MSI CX61 laptop, Ableton live 10, Blue Snowball USB mic, a cellphone (Used for recording vocals and extra sounds that I wanted to use in the music-making process), the really cheap Sony in-ear headphones (those $20 ones), and a hunger to learn and make music that I enjoyed My producing setup has upgraded a bit since then but I'm still learning and having fun with it. Can definitely hear a difference in quality and skill when comparing the music I make now to what I used to back then. Though I say this, I will never speak ill of my older work because it was made using what little equipment I had and the fact that I kept pushing shows how much work I'm willing to put in to make the music I enjoy Keep hungry and inspired everyone

[@breakingtherelapse]

I've been music for about 10 years. I'm a metal producer but funny enough I started making beats on a 2nd gen iPod touch lol. Current setup: sm57 msi raider laptop - upgraded ram to 32gb + added a 3rd ssd dedicated for media cache mixcraft (daw of choice) focusrite 4i4 adam audio t5v monitors and crap ton of guitar gear lol

[@losttheory2761]

Literally just bought the full version of FL Studio and that's all I got at the moment. Next thing I am going to work towards is getting a MIDI controller. Just going to work on producing and beat making right now so I'm not looking to get a mic.

[@vallabhsivaprasad]

Adam be helping us poor and broke bois

[@adamivy]

I used to be broke myself so I feel you man.

[@fdoket]

Facts

[@RUN_IT_UP_]

My last name is Poore lol

[@abdulhaque3911]

With more talent than the rich 🥱 jus less unfortunate.. but we more grateful 😇

[@tylerbenfield1771]

We’re just broke bro

[@dibblemusic]

As a music tech teacher in the UK, I gotta say this video is awesome. Amount of students who think they need to spend 1000's to get started and don't know where to start, this is gonna be my new go to for those guys 🙌

[@adamivy]

I really appreciate that!

[@mya5325]

Imma drummer and I started off with a large drum kit. I've now downsized to a small 3 piece kit to fit my circumstances but that just proves you don't need to have the best of the best to do what you love :)

[@adamivy]

Absolutely! :-)

[@juliesczesny90]

That's the very first musical instrument I rocked out on! Unfortunately, my mom got rid of that, even at our friend's house. Taught myself to play, "Romeo & Juliet," on my neighbor's Steinway Grand Piano at 9 years old, full cords in 2 months, at 1 hr/day, 5X/ wk. Played a concert for my parents, to prove that I was responsible enough to get lessons, right? Mom, "You don't need lessons now - you already taught yourself!" HUH!? Imagine being able to sing many octaves in Grade School, where you obviously could sing Alto, Contralto to Coloratura in one song, because you didn't realize that it was 3 different people. Then your half sis screams bloody murder while mom suffers a Major Migraine, yelling, "You can't do that!! That's impossible, stop it, stop it! Mom, make Julie stop singing the entire music scale, because that's impossible! Only God can do that. Make her not sing more than me! Mom, "Julie, do what your sister tells you, stop making her feel bad." I'm a Coloratura Soprano. It's been hell growing up in a family that curses me for my musical abilities, yet praises their own children for it.

[@HowardCharlesUK]

Yes headphones all the way! They're great for if you're on a tight budget, especially when compared to studio monitors/sound insulation etc etc.

[@adamivy]

Most definitely. :-)

[@eduxb9140]

hope this is a series of budgets like $200 studio $500 studio $1000 studio $3000 studio $5000... please adam please

[@musikamusika1736]

This would be great

[@lilymamminga3454]

that would be so cool i really hope that happens!

[@The__Nation]

I recommend

[@MrInfinity444]

This is the setup I need! Between hardware and software, this is all I need. Thanks!!!

[@adamivy]

You’re welcome!

[@marcoarelis4971]

Gotta admit , ur charisma and ur passion is very contagious. Thank you so much because I know editing and all this probs take time and idk how much you make but aye I appreciate all te knowledge!

[@Aharshreality9281]

God I wish I had this type of video when I first started . I wouldn't have struggled so much lol . Great stuff for Anyone starting out

[@adamivy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ravennicole1563]

I did not expect the beat to go there but I love that it did! 🤌🏽

[@adamivy]

Glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@YourGirlYoyo]

I love music I have been wishing I can sing well or even create beats, am here as a beginner I don’t even know nothing about mixing but am glad this is the first video I watched, nothing is impossible, I will get this stuff and also google how to edit or make beats, thanks for sharing this Adam

[@adamivy]

You can do it!

[@kevan_dre]

Just goes to show you don't need much to start making music! Great video! I started out with an ancient asus laptop, FL studio, behringer umc 202 hd, se xs1 mic and devine pro 5000 headphones. Current setup consists of the same mic and headphones, thonet & vander studio monitors, a custom built PC, akai mpk mini, M-audio air 192k 8 audio interface, FL studio signature bundle and 2 samsung monitors. Also can't forget about the vibrantly colored LED strips!

[@losttheory2761]

Haven't seen you actually make a beat. Love this video. Thanks Adam!

[@soullessid]

2:00 that was smooth af, I’ve watched a lot of vids like this and I’m happy with what I’ve got so far

[@jonathandoda8762]

lmao I had to go back. If that was a first take...this guy fucks.

[@0matt01]

got windows (actually a gaming pc which i still use for many years) and using FL studio & borrowed my brother's interface & microphone (focusrite scarlett solo) and now recording my 1st song

[@MoCityJonesbeats]

I started with reason 2.5, an akg condenser mic, an og mbox, and an m audio controller. Now I’m using reason 11 connected to pro tools, blue spark mic, korg triton, and New gen mbox

[@firstclassjai1078]

I first started with my moms HP desktop. It was old, barely anything to actually record and produce. I now have a iBUYPOWER BB971 gaming computer I got for my birthday last year, HyperX Cloud II’s also from my birthday, a little Bose Color Soundlink Speaker to hear beats, and the same Neewer NW-800 (but black and gold) in this video. I actually got the whole kit for it but without an interface. I’m looking forward to upgrading the mic or getting an interface with a upgrade with extra money I have from my birthday and Christmas. Stay blessed yall

[@Vibesformusic]

This video QUALITY is insane 🎥💯

[@adamivy]

Thank you. Constantly trying to increase the production quality for you guys.

[@xxkvngjayxx]

@@adamivy doing a good job

[@MarcusMildrew]

Thanks a million man, I'm trying to set up a bedroom studio this summer and this really helps

[@josephvibinverghese2612]

Started with laptop ,interface,mic for vocals and a pair of headphones Got my midi keyboard recently

[@CreepyHouseMusic]

I started with a double deck stereo tape recorder in 93, and now I use Reaper, a Benhringer UMC 404 , 2 JBL mkII 8 monitors, and, tascam TH-02 headphones etc.... Home recording equipment has evolved a lot.

[@adamivy]

It definitely has.

[@TeezoTarantino]

I started with a Blue yeti and some cheap $60 speakers from best buy I eventually upgraded all of tht but Its always good to look back at where you first started😅

[@adamivy]

That's awesome!

[@wayak]

Nice one! I was looking for a midi controller. I'm in that budget stage now, I'm doing everything on an android phone using fl mobile studio, an irig pro interface and an AT2020 mic. Goes a long way.

[@PraveenBhat15]

I started learning to mix songs 6 months ago. I have been using Cakewalk ever since on my Windows laptop. This was a really good video, Adam! if possible, please make a series on mixing and mastering. Thank you :)

[@edwardsilversmith]

DAW wise, if you use Windows Cakewalk is the best option. 100% free. Also, here's some of my Plugin and resources recommendations: TDR Nova - EQ TDR Kotelnikov - Mastering Compressor Voxengo Span - Spectrum Analyzer Youlean Loudness Meter - Can measure LUFs ;) Addictive Keys Free Version - Realistic Sounding Piano LABS Spitfire - Great Sounding Instruments KONTAKT Complete Start - Some really good plugins + Kontakt Player OrilRiver - Great free reverb Cymatics - Loops to inspire you & some of the best drum samples. Audacity - Still does some of the best denoising jobs. Okay, I guess that's enough to get you started.

[@helix6849]

BRO I was just thinking about making a home studio and this came up! Read my mind!

[@adamivy]

I have the new Apple Crystal Ball 10.4.11 LOL

[@pr3mojai743]

Please do a windows edition🙌🏽 I believe it should work the same except for a few cosmetic differences in software

[@xsfroger]

He's right about the adjustable desk. My back is so messed up right now from sitting down producing music all year. Using my Christmas money to get a sit/stand desk

[@markobruiser9358]

My set up is... Dell mini computer Presonus 6.5 professional Behringer Uphoria 4x4 interface and Presonus audiobox 2x2 M-audio 4.5 monitors Alesis nitro mesh electric drum kit Akai mpk mini 2/ m-audio keystation 49es Two condenser mics I bought on Amazon and I just got the Presonus relevator (which is on sale for $60 right now) I started recording with audacity and one dynamic mic back in 2008 and never stopped trying to be better. I'm still trying to build and will prolly never stop. 😊

[@CeeBeMac]

That U-Phoria box flip was slick :-)

[@emceeunderdogrising]

Thanks for this video. Really helpful. Wanted to hook a friend up with a really cheap and quick setup. He couldn't be happier to have the help.

[@purplerider2362]

I was a tattoo artist. But I lost my right arm. So I was contemplating doing this. I need to create something. My son and I are pretty decent rappers. So thanks man! Very informative

[@WillsJazzLoft]

Hi Adam I've come here representing the Linux community ( very likely less than 1% of both computer users and musicians ). Still I gleaned a good bit from watching the video. I will probably actually defer buying an amp and speakers because of your remarks and instead just rely on headphones. After all, I'm only going to post videos on KZbin. The tips have been very helpful and I will adapt them for my specific situation. At the moment, the only thing I have is my Toshiba Satellite laptop and my Casio WK-200 arranger keyboard. I'm looking to add the headphones and microphone that you mentioned and a focusrite 2 i2 SCARLETT studio to the mix. That interface is going to take me just over $100. But the total on the rest of the gear should ring in at just under $50 I believe. What you have presented is very helpful. Thank you

[@Nenkanuko69]

My setup is pretty cheap too. I using Roland duo-capture as audio interface, it's old but still working good. I have Saturn by Fisher Audio headphones, it's not for studio but it has pretty flat frequency response which is good for that. The only things I missing is keyboard and microphone and I think i will buy as you suggested, thank you, Adam!

[@MajicFeet]

Sounds great. I made my studio with Garage sale & Thrift store second hand junk that I collected in my "hoarding shop" even cheaper. You don't need anything new to record, just a little ingenuity.

[@SaiDinesh752]

11:25 That was Amazing man☺

[@ualien1111]

I got chromebook I’m upgrading have to save 💵 this is what I like 👌🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Breadrc]

Just started using Cakewalk, i have a PC but tried it on a Lenovo Thinkpad t430 laptop with 4gbs of ram... Uhh, surprisingly good so far, recording doesn't lag.. Audio interface is a Behringer umc22, midi keyboard is an Alesis Vmini... Guess it's completely enough for a starter like me.

[@dc70]

Thank you Adam, I've just started my music making journey, great advice as always 💪

[@wystenia]

What’s the best PC for making music? Is it the one your using in this video?

[@adamivy]

I can definitely do a video showing a setup using a budget Windows laptop too. Now if we're talking the best in general that might get expensive. Lol.

[@wystenia]

@@adamivy I think explaining both would be great 👍 I also want to know which would be better, Windows or Apple and the best device, meanwhile having a budget friendly price. it’d be awesome to have a video like that

[@musicallyorientedent.4101]

@@wystenia me too

[@odehmusic]

Hi Adam, Thanks for the awesome setup tips! just 1 question. What are the specs for the old 5-6 yr old mMcbook pro? Is the base model enough? 2.6-2.7 Ghz processor, 512 GB storage, and 16GB memory enough?

[@adameusmusic]

Thanks for this video Adam! I have a tiny home studio already so i did not reeaaally need this info but I wanted to hear your thoughts and opinions, thank you for sharing them :) I also liked your talking speed very much (as people are very often complaining about this here), it would be amazing if you could keep it at this speed in your future videos! Thanks for your videos! Best, Adam

[@adamivy]

I appreciate you watching either way. :-)

[@musicallyorientedent.4101]

I love the beat...btw it was chill type of music...for me ...ok so I started and are still recording with my phone

[@nihilioellipsis]

it's very generous to share information like this.

[@lbj9928]

i created a home studio with a $60 dollar budget of chore money 🤣 the sad thing is that it acutally has good soundquality

[@dannybardon2934]

I’d definitely want to see a windows version!

[@aldorthegreat5267]

Plug all this gear into a PC?

[@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl]

for windows u can use cakewalk , it is a premium level daw for free . The company which acquired cakewalk made it completely free

[@lanaandthediamonds3651]

Use soundtrap it costs a little but not much

[@aldorthegreat5267]

@@lanaandthediamonds3651 sound trap has some pretty bad latency tho and your locked to only using it when you have a connection so if you want to produce on the go your boned

[@lanaandthediamonds3651]

@@aldorthegreat5267 oh fr? I’ve been using it with my teacher and it seems alright and not that complicated

[@dreadrea7432]

Wow thank you so much for this! Very informational and professionally said.

[@jamieharris327]

Im currently using a Yamaha mm6 keyboard, Alto 12 analog mixer (no builtin USB), Audio Evolution DAW software (only $8) on my Android OTG into a Behringer UCA 222 Audio Interface. Its blows my mind that making music is so affordable nowadays.

[@vodkalemon]

Lifesaver! Not enough likes on this video, adding one more

[@ONEHUNDREDPROOFMUSIC]

Also a lot of name brand midi controllers offer the lite version of certain daws. Like Akai offer the free lite version of ableton. So that save you an extra 100 if you’re thinking of buying it.

[@cagdaskefeli8078]

I started with a 2008/2014 Lenovo (not that sure which lol), Powerbeats 3 earphones, a really cheap Trust microphone (was 40 TL at the time, which was less than 5 dollars even back then) and a Nektar SE49 which I'm really looking forward to start using, it has been catching dust for nearly 1,5 years as I kept making beats with a mouse lol. And this is also my current setup lol, probably most people would say "oh but earphones won't do it" "you gotta have this as well" but it's definitely getting the job done for now :) All I want in the future tho is a better mic, a Kaotica eyeball and a Macbook as my setup one day.

[@fyffitness]

Omfg! Adam Ivy out of Orlando! Man I haven’t seen you since fb almost 7 years back! Glad to see you’re doing your thing! Liked and subbed!

[@MridulVK]

The products you mentioned are really the best at the low budget segment but unfortunately, it's true only in the states or atleast it's not that cheap in India. For example, the headphones, it costs five times more in india (on comparing the converted prices). But I really appreciate your good work sir. Keep it going. Have a nice day sir.

[@thesleepacademy4012]

Hi Adam do you think it's important for an artist to have a logo? If so what important aspects to look at when designing a logo and how do you go about doing it? would love to see a video about this topic.

[@a1ankaymusic]

There are def better mics that are budget. Would rather go with an MxL, or even the Morantz pro. Enjoyed your video though !

[@markobruiser9358]

I got the behringer uphoria 4 input and I love it! I also have a presonus audiobox 2 input interface. That's a good one too.

[@universatile1015]

Awesome! I’m liking that standing desk set up. Been wanting one for a while now so I’ll hit that link and see what’s up!

[@adamivy]

Total game changer man.

[@Run_JA_Boss_K.A]

That riddim sound sweet simple and neat ✌🏽🍾🥂

[@ahmaudsopinions]

thank you so much , i'm moving early next year and will use this for help!!!

[@kcwonder]

Great stuff! I just shared this link with a friend of mine wanting to start getting into producing music. Thanks for the great suggestions!

[@adamivy]

Awesome, thank you!

[@zionherbert]

This is a great video. And great beat

[@adamivy]

Thank you!

[@josephmiller9180]

2:01 okay, that grab flip spin catch was slick. 😂 first take!

[@TheBeatBrothersBand]

Extremely helpful stuff, thanks Adam!!!

[@aryanjollymusic]

Great video mate!! I had a question :- can you please tell me the name of the exact desk you are using? It would be really appreciated if you could link it as a reply. Thank you

[@wraystv3054]

Thanks for the time and effort making this great video

[@breezeblock9145]

Awesome vid, this is exactly what I needed to see, im going to start recording music

[@ikayuniverse8064]

Thanks Adam for this Am starting with a BM800 mic with a stand, shock Mount and pop filter, A connector sound adapter, an HP Probook Laptop and a Pioneer Stereo Headphone. No mini keyboard yet.. And my DAW is Cubase Blessings Adam

[@adamivy]

Sounds great!

[@EchoKraft]

What kind of chair is that ? great video by the way

[@kushagranagar2463]

Great Video! Also, The New Setup looks Amazing!😍

[@yhnanthony]

I started with a 1$ mic and my iPhone on garage band and still did good😂

[@serdinagezik5739]

Can’t wait to watch the video!

[@adamivy]

Me too.

[@2bc]

My very first setup was a windows XP laptop, a lexicon alpha audio interface and Cubebase Le5 that came with it. I used some cheap £10 - £20 headphones and my beloved guitars to make some decent sounding music. Back then I didn't know anything about making music in a DAW. I would definitely say I've learnt a lot over the many years and upgraded to better gear and software which has definitely improved my workflow. I would say to any beginner wanting to make music, get what you can afford and plan out things you want to get in order because some of it can wait.

[@bigfloppa3835]

A really good pair of cheap reference headphones are samson sr850s, they are semi open back, (so they let the sound in, and your music out) but they have amazing soundstage and are pretty good for mixing music, they are under 60$, and don't require much power at all so they sound great out of anything

[@toadstkr]

Perfect! Just so happens I have the same laptop already and a keyboard a bass and a guitar or 3 and some good studio headphones so I’m under a $100 away. I kind of wish you would have gone through the plug in sequence of hooking everything up and what cables to use.

[@underconstruction3165]

Please do one for Mac Computers. I'm making my home studio and would benefit greatly from this info

[@adamivy]

Mac or did you mean Windows?

[@pratherbby]

Hey bro this is based on mac :D

[@DeanLondonSwift]

Logic Pro is worth it but it’s 200 right off the bat haha 😂

[@WhosValdro]

Hey Adam love the videos! I was wondering could you show us how you promote like you make a new account and promote it for like 48 hrs to a week or so examples like that!

[@ineedstuff8286]

Caution on CME XKEY 25. I have this... i LOVE the practicality and form of it. It really is a beautiful device. It doesn't work anymore though. USB cable powers other things... the USB-port I use powers other things. This keyboard lasted about 2-years. I have nothing that hasn't lasted 20 years like that... aside from a tiny USB-cable replacement. I never beat on it... all my midi keyboards work flawlessly... they;re over 20 years old. Any experience with CME xkey not working ? I am gonna figure out how to fix it though.

[@djdren]

omg!! thanks a million for the info ... best budget info ever ..

[@wizzywizz2273]

Nice beginners guide really helpful. I also started with the UM2. It's guide decent actually, I am upgrading to Audient ID4 MK2. The most important thing will actually be your computer. I think that desk would be expensive

[@itsmikeyjohn]

Is there a mic stand that you recommend for recording vocals standing up, with this specific microphone?

[@adamivy]

Any cheap mic stand would work just fine.

[@itsmikeyjohn]

@@adamivy Awesome good to know. Thank you for the response!

[@xmanDaThurd]

the desk is fyeeeeee

[@sidharths1876]

Keep going bro, it is very useful for me

[@arminbasha]

M audio oxygen 25 works perfect for me! For the Audio Interfacw I use the iTrack Solo. It's enough for my mobile studio :D

[@alikayosan1692]

The Weekend probably love your beat

[@ibsangonzalez7351]

pls make a windows version

[@socialmagnetz8091]

That beat is pretty solid!

[@BC-gn7kr]

Fantastic videos, and I wanted to ask for your advice. I have a 13X13 room and will be using a Universal Audio Volt 276 for playing Bass Guitar and keyboards to write and produce music. I am confused on how big of a studio monitor (KRK Gen 4 is what I am looking at), what OHM for headphones (DT 700 Pro X is what I am looking at), and what free DAW software is best to set up a studio in my house. Any suggestions?

[@Mark-sj3xb]

I have a 30 year old Yamaha SY85 midi workstation. It’s in good shape but the floppy disk drive is broken but I surely won’t need it. Will this work as a starting point in a basic set up?

[@tommytommy6387]

Wondering if a Chromebook will be sufficient to run this set up

[@bboymac84]

This is great so you don’t over do your budget. Use tools just get your ideas out and keep chasing the sound you have in your head. I made potential radio hit with a free plug-in. Do you and have fun.

[@adamivy]

It's all about having fun and honing your craft. 100%

[@thehoaxy]

do you have any good softwares for chromebook?

[@avaonalee]

SPITFIRE AUDIO !!! A bunch of great free sounds, including BBC Symphony Orchestral samples FOR FREE. (You do have to fill out a survey and wait 2 weeks, but insanely worth it)

[@PhenOmenal85]

What would you recommend for windows? I have an iPhone and I do enjoy what GarageBand has to offer, but I would like to be able to use my PC or laptop without needing to get a MacBook.

[@antwaungray]

Which headphones would you suggest we get. Tascam has several headphones. The studio or dj headphones?

[@adamivy]

I would see if you can find some at a local electronics store to test out to see what feels best.

[@zbiromax9228]

Hello. what parameters should a computer have for comfortable work in a home recording studio? that's the bare minimum. the budget computer. and what parameters so perfect. thank you.

[@gowthamg2261]

Adam, I'm using the Behringer UM2 interface and This video gives me lot of hope 🔥 Thanks ✌️🏼

[@Mr.Ambitious_40K]

Thanks for the help I definitely taking your advice

[@JustinBrown-gh9vv]

Adam! I’m on Rock On the Rise Radio!

[@krxkrvr]

Okay, so I live in a flat in Spain and the walls are literally like paper. My NW-800 picks up a fart on the other side of the flat and I was looking at getting a diffusor from Thomann to go around the back of the mic. Would I be wasting my money on the diffusor?? Should I use a dynamic mic instead of the condensor?? Plus a very stupid question: Can I get away with not soundproofing my bedroom?? And if not, any way I would be able to soundproof without damaging the panels or walls when I eventually take it down?? Cheers

[@audiolego]

Love the energy