7 Best Home Recording Studio Packages [2023 Buying Guide]

In the Package: 3rd-generation Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface, Scarlett Studio HP60 MkIII headphones, CM25 MkIII large-diaphragm condenser microphone, 3-meter XLR microphone cable

DAW: Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First Creative Pack

Focusrite and particularly Focusrite audio interfaces have had a solid reputation in the audio market over the years. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) is an upgrade from the 2nd generation model. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) studio bundles include the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface that is an upgrade of the previous model. The bundle also comes with a Scarlett CM235 MKIII cardioid microphone, HP60 MKIII closed-back studio headphones, XLR cables, and some audio recording software and plugins.

Everything about the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Home Recording Bundle works without any issues. The initial setup is very easy, and there are also many tutorials you can use to set it up with Mac or PC for either of the DAWs included (Both Ableton live and ProTools first). The version of the DAWs is limited but offers a good starting point. However, should you want the full versions, you can always upgrade later on.

The Scarlet 2i2 studio audio interface is compact, and the build quality is very good for the price. The unit comes with combo inputs of 2 XLR ports, 2 1/4″ TSR analog outputs, 1/4″ headphone output, and a USB-C port upgrade from the previous USB Type-B connector. The interface also comes with a new ‘Air Preamp feature’ for a brighter and more spacious sound. The almost zero latency feature is very noticeable when listening to vocals via monitoring headphones.

The Scarlett CM235 MKIII condenser microphone feels sturdy and has a good quality to it. It comes with a stand mount that has threads to attach to the microphone. However, the stand has no shock-proof mount, which makes the microphone susceptible to noise and interference. A mic stand is not included in the package, so you might need to invest in one to complete your setup. The included headphones, the HP60 MKIII are nicely padded and feel comfortable. These headphones are rated for studio reference by Focusrite, and they seem to do the job just fine. The overall design of the headphone takes on the style of an ATH-M20x or MDR7506.

The overall studio bundle holds its own against the competition in terms of overall quality and features. The audio interface, (which is compatible with both Mac and PC) microphone and pair of headphones are all solid, they sound good, and the initial setup is very easy for beginners, especially since there are various guides from Focusrite.

In the Package: Big Knob Studio audio interface, EM-91C Condenser mic, EM89D Dynamic microphone, MC-100 closed-back headphones, CR3-X studio monitors, shock mount, mic clip, RCA cable, 3.5mm Stereo cable, 1/4″ TRS cable, and two XLR cables.

DAW: Waveform OEM with their DAW essentials collection bundle.

This Mackie Recording studio Bundle is another beginner-friendly full-set alternative. It’s slightly more expensive than other low-end recording studio packages but it provides a set of Mackie CR3-X studio monitors, a Big Knob Studio audio interface, Mackie’s EM-91C condenser mic, and something we didn’t see in most of the other packages, an EM89D Dynamic microphone. However, despite this, you might have some trouble finding compatible music software, especially if Waveform OEM DAW is not your thing.

Considering the build quality of these devices, the Big Knob Studio Monitor/Controller interface is pretty well-built. It’s strong and sturdy and the studio headphones are also pretty decent. These headphones won’t deliver pristine sound quality, but they get the job done.

One thing to note, however, is that the studio headphones use a 1/8″ (3.5mm” headphone jack, and you can either use this to connect to the audio interface (which does support one 1/8″ headphone jack) or you can use the 1/8″ to 1/4″ TRS adapter, which is also provided in the package.

This pair of headphones is very versatile, but if you want better audio quality for listening to music in your off-studio time, do consider investing in a pair of budget audiophile headphones.

The audio interface is quite the looker. It’s got the basic dials and controls (phantom power controls and a big knob for volume) at the front panel. You can also connect 2 headphones and a 3/4 stereo input at the front.

At the back, you’ve got the USB Type-B port, DC power jack, 1/4″ left and right ports for two different monitors, (including a 2-track output,) 2 XLR instrument input ports, and another 3/4 Stereo input.

In terms of functionality, this interface is a solid option. However, do note that some users have complained about a hissing noise at full volumes.

On a more positive note, the included dynamic microphone and condenser mic does not fail to disappoint as they deliver at almost the same quality. There are two XLR cables already provided, so you can start recording vocals or instruments right away. On top of that, there’s a shock-proof mount and mic clip for the dynamic mic. With that being said, this full-set could have been perfect if they managed to squeeze in a boom stand or table-top stand as well.

The studio monitors are also quite decent. They are the CR3-X 3″ studio monitors which were also included in the PreSonus AudioBox 96 full-set. They look clean and sound just as well.

In the Package: M-Audio AIR 192|4 interface, Nova black condenser microphone, shock mount, XLR cable, and hdh40 headphones

DAW: Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite

The M-Audio recording studio bundle is one of the best budget-friendly recording bundles you can get to start recording your music or podcast right away. This recording bundle features everything you need to get started, ranging from home studio equipment gear, DAWS, and software that you will need to set you up on the right path.

From the package, you get the AIR 192|4 2-In/2-Out 24/192 combo inputs USB Audio Interface. The build quality of this interface is amazing. It is made of metal and feels very sturdy and nice to the touch. The audio interface is very easy to set up and plugs directly into the USB port of a laptop or computer. The M-track 2×2, as the name suggests, comes with 2-inputs and 2-output ports. A large knob at the center of the interface controls the output level. There are also gain knobs for both inputs, a dedicated headphone amp, and an output knob so that you can get ready with the included headphones. Something important that you need to take note of is the USB/DIRECT knob that allows you to listen to the audio while recording vocals or instruments with almost zero latency when it is set to “Direct.”

The included Nova Black condenser microphone is a lovely device that feels solid and has minimal susceptibility to microphone hiss along with a sound quality that does not disappoint.

In general, condenser microphones are more sensitive and typically pick up more details than common microphones and this mic is no exception. Additionally, the mic comes with a shock-proof mount allowing you to record audio without worrying about bumps, pops, or accidentally knocking it down.

The HDH40 headphones are lightly padded but feel comfy and do not get you fatiguing very easily. They have a neutral sound quality with a decent bass extension.

Other than the gear included, you also get a comprehensive list of software in the package. Pro Tool’s First M-Audio Edition, Ableton live lite, eleven lite, the avid effect collection, AIR’s Creative FX collection, 2GB of sample content from Touch Loops, and Xpand! 2, just to mention but a few. This is more than enough to get you set up and running.

In the Package: Audio box iTwo interface, PreSonus HD7 Monitoring Headphones, and M7 condenser microphone.

DAW: Studio One V3

This Presonus Studio Package comes with an Audio box iTwo Audio USB audio interface, M7 studio condenser microphone, PreSonus HD7 Professional Monitoring Headphones, and XLR microphone cables. Apart from the physical gear you also get the software to get you started with Both Mac and Windows, along with mobile iOS devices.

The Audio box iTwo audio interface is the nerve of this recording bundle. It is a small box and is made from an aluminum chassis that wraps a plastic block of electronics. It has a blue metallic finish that is synonymous with Presonus. The controls and inputs on the front panel include 2 XLR sockets (Channel 1 and 2) – one for the mic and one for instruments. (A single channel interface is also available.) Each channel has its gain knob that has both positive and negative adjustments. An LED light accompanies each channel and lights up green but changes to red if frequencies go beyond the safe range. There is also a 48v mic channel boost for some types of microphones and direct monitoring when you are recording and mixing between playback and input signals. There’s also a large volume knob, a separate headphone volume control knob, and a 1/4 inch headphone socket.

On the rear, you get two USB sockets (Type A for power and B for external power sources and desktop PCs). There is also a socket for third-party lock and two 1/4 inch TS (Tip-Sleeve) sockets for active monitors. (Speakers with in-built amplifiers for monitoring the audio.)

Where you get value for money is in the software in the form of Progression 3 and Studio One Artist Third Edition. This Studio One v3 is the primary software included in this home recording studio bundle. It lets you do anything with the supplied soundbanks but unfortunately, does not support third-party VST like hip hop VST plugins, sidechain plugins, or common format plugins unless you go for an upgrade. Despite this setback, you get Capture duo for iPad, which is a two-track recording app for mobile devices. You also get about 5GB of instruments and effects in the form of add-on soundbanks.

The included Hd 7 Headphones have an accurate sound. It’s a little warm, yet well-controlled. The build is all plastic but extremely flexible. The headphone is very comfortable because of the elastic-like headband that automatically adjusts itself. However, the pads can feel a little cheap, but they do a great job of isolating the noise and being comfortable for your ears.

The M7 mic is a large-diaphragm condenser that is good for vocals and most instruments. For beginners, it has decent sound quality. However, I recommend upgrading in the future since it sorely lacks important accessories such as a pop filter, windscreen, or a shock mount.

In the Package: TASCAM’s US-2×2 USB audio interface, Tascam TH-02 closed-back studio headphones, TM-80 studio condenser microphone, shock mount, table-top mic stand, and a six-foot XLR cable.

DAW: Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE and Ableton Live Lite 9

The Tascam Trackpack 2×2 home recording studio bundle has a decent collection of devices and accessories to get you started with your first podcast or recording session. Although you only get one cardioid condenser microphone, the US-2×2 audio interface (as the name suggests) supports up to 2 XLR cables — each with a dedicated mic preamp — and 2 USB outputs.

The supported music software includes Ableton Live Lite 9 and Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE. Currently, the latter is free-to-use but it might take some time getting around to it because it’s not very well-recognized as Ableton Lite. (which is currently Lite 11 now.)

Everything looks neat and tight except for the closed-back headphones. This pair of Tascam TH-02s look a little ugly and cheap. The padding on the headband and earpads look like they might corrode easily just after a couple of sessions. The audio quality is also not exceptional in any way and it definitely won’t make the list for the Best Studio Headphones, but considering the lower price tag, you get what you pay for.

The audio interface has all the necessary connectivity options that a beginner artist/podcaster would ever need. The front panel includes two XLR ports for two microphones with indicator LEDs for microphone inputs (one to confirm that the mic is connected and the other to indicate peaks.) There’s also the usual power/48V switch, (as a phantom power switch) line-out volume control, and a headphone port.

The back panel includes the DC power jack, USB Type-B port, MIDI I/O ports, and two 1/4″ TRS line-outs. The interface feels sturdy and the side panels give it a sleek and modern aesthetic.

The included mic stand and shock-proof mount are very welcome additions. Depending on the requirements — such as podcasts with another guest — you might have to get a second mic with the necessary accessories. The microphone quality is good enough for most situations, provided that the room is soundproofed properly.

In The Package: AudioBox 96 audio interface, Closed-Back studio headphones, condenser microphone, pop filter, boom stand, 1/4″ Male to Male TS cable, stereo cables, XLR cable, RCA cable, stereo cable (3.5mm TRS), USB Type-B cable, passive speaker output cable and Mackie 3″ Bluetooth Monitor pair (speakers.)

DAW: Studio One Artist

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 (full) recording studio bundle offers a great deal for the money if you’re looking for an all-inclusive home recording studio package. The studio bundle includes the much-needed AudioBox 96 audio interface, (which is considered as one of the best audio interfaces for windows) Studio One Artist Software Pack, a PreSonus M7 cardioid condenser microphone, and a pair of closed-back studio headphones (PreSonus HD7.)

Also, this bundle wouldn’t be perfect if not for the addition of Mackie 3″ Bluetooth studio monitors, boom stand, pop filter, and the corresponding cables, which include XLR, RCA, Stereo, and USB.

The included DAW software provided by PreSonus is a bit complicated for beginners. Therefore, newbies might have some difficulty in learning the ins and outs, especially if they don’t understand the fundamentals.

The build quality of all the devices is pretty decent. They aren’t amazing and the housing of the audio interface looks a little outdated and cheap but the studio monitors and headphones look and feel alright. Plus, with all the basics (and more) covered in an affordable price tag, anyone wouldn’t complain.

In terms of studio equipment, PreSonus did a great job of introducing a boom stand, pop filter, and shock-proof mount. Anybody can record vocals or start a podcast right off the box without having to purchase extra microphones and accessories.

In the Package: AudioBox 24c audio interface, Lyx Pro condenser microphone, Lyx Pro HA10 headphones, XLR, USB cable, and power supply, pop filter, and boom stand

DAW: Studio One 3 Artist software

The Studio 24c is one of the most budget-friendly bundles in the market. It’s got the bare essentials to get you started recording vocals and instrumentals right out of the box with its Lyx Pro Condenser mic complete with boom stand, pop filter, and shock mount.

The included DAW is Studio One 3, which is kind of outdated since they already have introduced Studio One 5. However, if you wouldn’t mind using Studio One 3, there’s a free version for beginners called “Studio One 3 Prime” which allows you to learn the basics before committing to these software packages.

The Audio Interface has an impressive build quality. It looks and feels better than the AudioBox 96 and AudioBox iTwo audio interfaces with its curved corners and all-metal chassis.

The front panel of the interface sports several LED indicator lights in the middle, showing the recording levels of the two inputs and main output. The knobs which include gain control and mixer are neatly packed to the side with the two instrument input XLR connectors on the opposite side.

The ports on the back panel are also arranged very neatly. There’s the 1/4″ output for headphones, outputs for monitors, a MIDI I/O, and a USB Type-C port.

The headphones are pretty basic but they get the job done without any hassle. However, if you are serious about getting the best-unfiltered sound at a reasonable price, consider supplementing your equipment with any one of the best studio headphones for under $100.

The condenser mic has fairly decent quality and the accessories are a very welcome addition. Although if you are doing podcasts, you might want to think about investing in a multiple mics setup.