Home Recording Studio For Beginners: How to Get Great Sounding Audio on a Budget

Do you want to get studio quality recordings at home, without spending a fortune? It is definitely possible! In this blog post, we will cover the basics of how to get great sounding audio on a budget.

We'll discuss room treatment and the best equipment to use in order to achieve studio-like recordings in your own home. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to creating pro-quality recordings without leaving your living room!

Home Studio Room Treatment

Room treatment is one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of getting great sounding audio at home. Without proper room treatment, your recordings will suffer from reflections and echo, which can muddle the sound and make it difficult to achieve a clear and professional recording.

There are a few simple things you can do to treat your room, such as hanging blankets or towels on the walls, to help absorb sound and reduce reflections. Moving blankets or comforters work well if you have little to no budget. If you have a little bit of cash you can use acoustic foam, or you can make DIY acoustic panels.

Check out this simple home recording studio setup that was completed in a spare bedroom.

In addition, you'll want to make sure that your recording space is free of clutter and any other objects that could cause unwanted noise in your recordings. This can include things like noisy fans or even a small fish tank. You will also want to make sure your HVAC systems are turned off when recording because they can cause background noise.

By taking the time to treat your room properly, you'll be able to achieve much better sounding audio. 

If you aren't sure about acoustic treatment, and want to skip the headache of trying to figure it out yourself, fill out our room analysis and let us do the work for you! You can also schedule a call to talk with one of our acoustic professionals!

You can also check out some of our room design ideas.

Home Recording Equipment

Now that you've addressed the issue of room treatment, let's talk about equipment. You don't need to have the most expensive gear to get great sounding recordings, but there are a few key pieces of equipment that will make a big difference.

First, you'll need a good quality microphone. This is perhaps the most important piece of equipment, as it is the source of your audio. There are a lot of great microphones on the market, so do your research and find one that suits your needs.

You can either go with a large diaphragm condenser (LDC) or a dynamic mic. A large diaphragm condenser mic is commonly used for vocals in professional studios because they have a good frequency response, can pick up the low ends and are very sensitive in their ability to pick up sounds. A condenser microphone will require phantom power. Dynamic mics are a bit more rugged than condensers but do not have as good of a frequency response.

The Shure SM7B is not necessarily a budget mic but definitely one you will have forever if you can afford the investment. 

Next, you'll need an audio interface. This is what allows you to connect your microphone to your computer. Audio interfaces vary in price, but you can get a good quality interface for under $200.

If you are using a computer then you will need an audio interface, which is a device that you can plug microphones, instruments and midi devices into, and then the device transfers that information into your computer.

Some solid choices for an audio interface are:

Finally, you'll need a set of studio monitors or headphones. This is so you can hear what you're recording clearly. Again, there are a lot of great options on the market, so do your research and find something that suits your needs and budget.

Some good budget monitors that we recommend are:

Acoustic treatment is very important if you have studio monitors. Check out our post on Reflection Free Zones to make sure you set up your room correctly.

Headphones and monitors are used to listen back and mix the tracks. You don’t need both so beginners can start out with just a pair of monitoring headphones. You want to choose a pair with a flat frequency response and avoid headphones with bass boost or enhanced audio. 

Some studio headphones that we recommend are:

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to getting great sounding audio at home without breaking the bank!

Do you have any tips for getting studio quality recordings at home? Share them with us in the comments below! Happy recording!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work?
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room?
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples?
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

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What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment?
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity?
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise?
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels?
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production?
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels?
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels?
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Contact us here to tell us about your project and get a custom quote.
Do you offer custom sizes or colors?
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

Contact Us for custom quotes.
Are your products easy to install?
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels?
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels?
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost?
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment?
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space?
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.