[For more updated $300 studio options check out this post]
My very first post at The Recording Revolution was about having a legitimate home studio for $500. I have recommended this Pro Tools studio configuration to musicians for years now and I am hearing people make killer recordings having only spent that much on gear. It still amazes me what can be done for relatively so little money.
But some of you who are new to this may still be unsure about spending even $500 right now. Or the other reservation maybe committing to a DAW like Pro Tools when you’re still considering other options. I have the solution for you. It’s what I like to call the Complete $300 Starter Studio.
Everything You Need…For Just $300
If you are trying to get started in home recording, here is my recommendation to you. Find $300 and then follow my advice below. What you’ll get is a complete, self-contained, music making machine that can suit you now and even for the future, but is expandable should you need some more features. Let me show you what I mean:
It starts with the M-Audio Fast Track USB audio interface. This little guys is a 2 channel, USB powered box that includes one microphone preamp with 48 volts phantom power, one guitar/bass input, direct zero latency monitoring, headphone and studio monitor outputs. You can pick this puppy up for around $120 easy. This gives you all the connections you need as a singer songwriter or band member to get great audio into your computer.
Pair this interface with the Samson C01 condenser microphone for only $80 and you’ve got one solid signal chain. This mic (just like all the $100 mics I recommend) will be perfect for vocals, acoustic guitars, guitar amps, drum overheads, etc. Then throw in your basic mic cable ($21), mic stand ($30), pop filter ($30), and studio headphones for recording, editing, and mixing ($17) and you’re sitting at just under $300 for all of it.
But what about the recording software you may ask…don’t worry, that’s the best part!
Try Pro Tools…For FREE
As of recently Avid has released an introductory version of Pro Tools called Pro Tools M-Powered Essential that is bundled free with every M-Audio interface, including the Fast Track I recommended above. What is this “essential” version and why should you care? I thought you’d never ask!
Pro Tools M-Powered Essential is a stripped down, focused version of the industry standard software that many of us (myself included) use on a daily basis. What you get is access to all the recording, editing, and mixing power of Pro Tools, including the great plugins and effects, as well as tons of software loops and virtual instrument samples. This isn’t trial software, it’s ready for you to make complete recordings out of the box!
Where it is “limited” is in the total number of audio tracks (16), instrument tracks (8), and sends/buses. It’s also more streamlined relating to editing modes and tools (but nothing is a real deal breaker to making great music). Think of it this way; with this software you can basically test drive Pro Tools for free. You can see how this great software works and thinks (and sounds!) all without paying a penny. If you don’t like it, no sweat. You haven’t locked yourself into Pro Tools. Simply demo some other software until you find something you’re happy with.
But if you do start love it (as you’re making great music with your current version) you can always upgrade to the full version of Pro Tools M-Powered for only $249, putting you at a total studio cost of $549 (just a few bucks more than my original $500 studio suggestion). Not bad at all.
Another “Logical” Option
If you’re a Mac user you have even more options. If you find yourself not digging the Pro Tools that comes with your Fast Track, you can just fire up your free version of Garageband that came with your iLife suite. As you saw the other day, it’s so easy to create great music in this program. If you find yourself getting comfortable with the way Garageband operates, you can then always upgrade to Logic Express (giving you more tracks, effects, editing capabilities, and control over your songs) for only $199, putting just at the $500 mark total. Not a bad options at all.
You Can’t Go Wrong
At only $300 you simply can’t go wrong for a complete studio setup that gives you a free version of Pro Tools 8, allowing you to start making great music right out of the box whether mac or PC. It’s just too good to pass up. Plus if and when you need to upgrade to a full version of the software, it’s right there at a great price for you.
What’s that? You don’t have $300 to spend? I understand completely. But here’s a tip: sell your Xbox 360, Playstation 3, or your Wii (plus all those copies of Madden), buy your mom some flowers, and then actually invest a few bucks in your music. That’ll free up some money and wasted time! Capeesh?
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My name is Graham Cochrane and I'm the founder of The Recording Revolution, one of the world's most loved audio recording and mixing blogs with over 200,000 readers each month. 
Great stuff, man! I just recorded a full-length c.d. on not much more than this. I began w/ basically what you said above, but eventually – during the process – upgraded my interface to an 8 channel Lexicon Omega, and during mixdown upgraded to Logic Pro from Logic Express. My debut full-length worship c.d. is being mastered in NYC as I type this, and – though it’s not “Fee” – it sounds pretty good!
Shannon! Thanks for checking in. And congrats on getting your album done. Can’t wait to hear it when it drops!
Excellent thoughts.
I’ll throw something else on the table, since you’re talking about a limited version of ProTools, or GarageBand (which doesn’t really compare); consider Ardour. It’s open-source and fully featured, and probably does more of what the full version of ProTools does then the Essential version.
Mike – Great tip on Ardour for Mac and Linux users. So many DAWs to choose from out there.
Hehehe You know I bought that interface (and still use it) after upgrading from a Fostex 8-track recorder so I can record into my computer. The interface is great, but I couldn’t get Pro-tools to install (long story short, Digidesign stopped supporting AMD processors), but either way this is great advice. Also, the Fast Track works perfectly with Reaper, if anyone’s looking for an inexpensive DAW for PCs.
Hey Graham, love the article! I’m in the process of building my first home studio and needed advice on the whole Sonar vs Pro Tools thing. That’s when I stumbled onto your Youtube Post. (I’m going with M-Powered Pro Tools) Im trying to spend as little as possible, so far I have I purchased the M-Audio Delta 1010 LT/MXL 4000 Condenser Microphone(could have saved $100 on the B1) and the Pro Tools Software. According to the article I should be in business. I would love some advice on proper mic placement and room treatment for recording vocals. I’m planning on setting up in the corner of my room, any good advice. Thanks!
Kevin – So glad the article was helpful to you. As far as it sounds you should fine with that setup. You’ll love Pro Tools when you get it up and running. I just launched my Pro Tools Boot Camp video series which might be helpful to you as you start learning the software: http://www.ProToolsBootCamp.com.
In my opinion, Reaper (yet another DAW) might also be something to think about if you’re a beginner. It’s mind-blowingly stable, it is free to try with no limitations for as long as you want (one might say it’s free), and to buy it only costs 60 dollars. And it is amazing! it starts up in like 1 and a half seconds and it has all the features of the DAWs that cost three or four times as much!! And the download of it is only like 5 MB!!!! And it’s created by a small group of programmers who can all communicate easily with each other. I wish more people knew about it!!
The only thing I really like about Pro Tools is the fact that it comes with melodyne and a fancy sampler right out of the box. To be honest I wish Reaper came with that, and it’s definitely also something to think about. But the good thing about reaper is that it only takes about 5 minutes to head to http://www.reaper.fm and download the tiny little installer and you will have a fully working DAW to try for as long as you want with no limitations. Definitely something to think about as a beginner.
I recorded my first EP on my home computer(the same one I am on right now typing this) with a POD X3, Acoustica Beatcraft for drums, and the free open-source DAW called Audacity. Then I self-published the CD thru lulu(dot)com. Computers and the internet have made my dream of being a ‘rock star’ a reality! (that was a joke there) But seriously, I have heard much worse coming from my friend’s bands recording demos in studios… (I think they’re jealous!)
Way to get after it Tony! Glad you’re making great music with your setup.
thanks Graham! Good to see your site is spreading real world, non-brand snobbish, common sense about home recording(and gear in general) instead of the hearsay and baloney that one gets from alot of the online guitar forums… keep up the great work!
Much appreciated my man. I truly am trying to lookout for what really matters in the music making world.
You might want to indicate that Logic Studio is now as cheap as €149 / $199 on the Mac App Store
Thanks for the great videos on Youtbe.
G.
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Hi Graham! Enjoying your videos and your advise. As a sixth grade teacher, I’m trying to bring the recording experience into the classroom. I will be using Cakewalk’s Sonar X3 software and was curious as to your opinion of the software. Thanks!
Sonar is great! I used to use it long ago and the platform has only gotten a million times better. Enjoy!
Hi Graham,
I just discovered your blog and noted the studio gear recommendation was made in 2010. Would you $300 studio comprise of different gear today?
Check this out: http://therecordingrevolution.com/two-singer-songwriter-studios-for-under-300/