3 Studio Essentials For Only $100

In its most basic form, a recording studio need consist of only a microphone, cable, audio interface, computer, software, and headphones. In fact I’ve recommended a couple of singer/songwriter studio rigs for only $300 that allow you to get professional tracks in a bedroom studio. But as you save up a few extra dollars and are wondering what (if anything) would be a useful upgrade to your studio, let me suggest a few not-so-glamorous studio essentials that will only cost you around $100 USD.

Furman M-8 Power Conditioner – $65

One of the least exciting things you can spend your hard earned money on is what seems like a glorified power strip. I mean, who cares what you plug your gear into, right? If you’re just getting started, then it doesn’t really matter of course. In one sense, power is power. But when you’re ready to upgrade your studio just slightly so you’re getting the best out of your gear, one of the first things you should grab is a simple power conditioner.
 

These units from Furman do more than give you 8 plugs feeding off one of your power outlets in the house. They actually are built to reduce electrical hum and interference, keeping as much noise out of your audio signal as possible. This seems subtle, but it’s a no brainer. Cleaner power, rack mountable power supply, and electrical protection for all your studio gear. All for less than $100, nice!

Samson C-Control Monitor Management Box – $99

There are plenty of monitor management boxes available on the market today. Each one roughly does the same thing: allow you to hook up multiple speakers or audio inputs into one box, giving you full control over what signal you hear out of what speaker. But what I really use them for is the built in talkback system, almost a “throw away” feature in the marketing of these boxes.

Samson makes a great little box that gives you all the bells and whistles of the big guys, but for a fraction of the cost. And honestly I only use it for talkback! How is this helpful? Well if you want to record a singer in a closet, or the next room, or anywhere other than your control room, then you need to communicate with them. Instead of yelling through the wall or rigging up an external mic (taking up one of your inputs), simply route their headphone mix through this box and you are one click away from instant communication between you and the talent. Nice!

Auralex StudioFoam Wediges – $109

If I told you there was a way to improve both your mixes and your recordings, for around $100, would you be interested? Sure you would. One of the most helpful things you can spend a few bucks on is simple acoustic treatment. Acoustic foam panels meant for absorption or diffusion can be invaluable to the small project or home studio. Hung on your walls, they can help tame your room sound as you record acoustic instruments like guitars and vocals, giving you a cleaner and more focused sound. And if placed by your mixing position, you can reduce reflections from your speakers giving your ears a more accurate picture of your mix. Brilliant.

Auralex is known for making a ton of acoustic treatment products and you can easily spend a lot of money on the stuff. But you don’t have to! Simply pick up their StudioFoam Wedgies (such a classy name, right?) for just over $100 and you get 24 panels (1 foot squares) that will give you plenty of wall coverage for a small project studio. It seems like it won’t make a difference, but the smallest investment here can go a long way, trust me.

Think Smart, Not Sexy

Sure, for $300 you could invest in another microphone, preamp, or plugin bundle and it would be exciting. It might even help you in your musical endeavors. But sometimes it’s better to think smart, rather than sexy. Proper power conditioning, talkback, and simple acoustic treatment will always be of use to you in the studio, no matter what gear you use or software you upgrade to. It may not be sexy, but it will make a difference. Trust me.