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9 Best Home Recording Studio Equipment Packages (2021 Review)

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Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First
Behringer UM2 plus XLR Mic Cable U-PHORIA Audio Interface XENYX Mic Preamp
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First
Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Studio Microphone Bundle with Pop Filter and XLR Cable
MSRP
$549.99
$59.00
$314.95
$349.99
$108.90
Our Rating
96
95
93
91
88
Dimensions
1.8 x 19 x 10.4 inches
14.3 x 10.9 x 6.7 inches
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
Weight
7.5 pounds
6.08 pounds
3.4 pounds
3.4 pounds
0.9 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Mac / PC
Mac / PC
Mac / PC
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.1dB
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
A/D Resolution
24-bit/192 kHz
24-Bit/192 kHz
192kHz/24 bit
192kHz/24 bit
192kHz/24 bit
Power
USB Powered
USB Powered
USB Powered
USB Powered
USB Powered
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First
MSRP
$549.99
Our Rating
96
Dimensions
1.8 x 19 x 10.4 inches
Weight
7.5 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz +0.5/-1.5 dB
A/D Resolution
24-bit/192 kHz
Power
USB Powered
More Information
Behringer UM2 plus XLR Mic Cable U-PHORIA Audio Interface XENYX Mic Preamp
MSRP
$59.00
Our Rating
95
Dimensions
14.3 x 10.9 x 6.7 inches
Weight
6.08 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.1dB
A/D Resolution
24-Bit/192 kHz
Power
USB Powered
More Information
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First
MSRP
$314.95
Our Rating
93
Dimensions
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
Weight
3.4 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
A/D Resolution
192kHz/24 bit
Power
USB Powered
More Information
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools | First
MSRP
$349.99
Our Rating
91
Dimensions
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
Weight
3.4 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
A/D Resolution
192kHz/24 bit
Power
USB Powered
More Information
Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Studio Microphone Bundle with Pop Filter and XLR Cable
MSRP
$108.90
Our Rating
88
Dimensions
5.2 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
Weight
0.9 pounds
Compatibility
Mac / PC
Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
A/D Resolution
192kHz/24 bit
Power
USB Powered
More Information

In this article, we’ll be discussing all of the equipment you’ll need for your home studio in 2021.

As home studio creation has become more popular, companies have woken up to this trend and have thus created home recording studio equipment packageswhich are made up of all the equipment you’ll need to get started recording in your home environment.

These packages are particularly good because they combine all of the equipment that you’ll need to start, as we know that some beginners unknowingly purchase equipment that they’ll never use, it’s a blessing to have a package put together by experienced recording experts, so you can rest assured of what you’re purchasing and have everything you need.

Before we go into all of the available home recording studio packages, we think that it would be useful (especially to the beginners) to talk about what’s usually in one of these packages, and what all of the equipment does…

Ok, so here’s what you can usually expect from a typical home recording studio package:

  • Studio Condenser Microphone
  • Audio Interface
  • XLR Lead
  • Headphones

Condenser Microphone

Microphone On A Stand

This is a microphone that consists of a thin membrane/diaphragm in close proximity to a solid metal plate, often referred to as a condenser mic.

The membrane is made of a material that is conductive, usually Gold or in older condenser microphones it is made from tin foil.

As sound waves hit the metal diaphragm, it moves back and forth, the distance between the diaphragm and metal plate obviously changes, hence changing the capacitance…

Ultimately this changes the sound waves to electrical signals.

Due to the way in which Condenser Microphones are built, they provide a more detailed capture of an instrument’s natural frequency response.

Hence, because of this, they are more popularly used for the studio recording of vocals, guitar and other instruments such as piano, etc.

Audio Interface

Red Audio MIDI Interface

An audio interface is a piece of equipment that allows users to plug in instruments (usually analog, although some come with MIDI connectivity) so that they can be recorded in the Digital Audio Workstation (I.E the program you are using to record, this can be such popular tools such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton, etc).

Audio interfaces come in a range of different size inputs/outputs, with larger I/O interfaces being more suited to live band recordings, and small I/O interfaces are suited to an individual instrument recording on a smaller scale.

Although have no doubt, a smaller interface does not necessarily have cheaper electronics, but rather fewer electronics due to the lower number of inputs/outputs.

XLR Lead

Audio Cable

An XLR lead is used to connect a microphone to the audio interface, to allow for recording to happen.

Make note, if you’re looking to record guitar, you could mic up the guitar’s amplifier, or you could purchase an XLR – 1/4″ Jack lead, which would allow you to DI (Direct Input) the guitar into the audio interface…

This is useful if you would prefer to edit the signal digitally as opposed to the former recording setup.

Headphones

Over Ear Headphones

Headphones are used to help monitor your recordings (in real-time) and listen back to entire mixes.

Firstly, as a musician is recording a take, he/she will need to know exactly when to come in, the tempo and other Q’s…

This provides through the headphones as either a Click-Track or Track of the recording so far, so instruments can be layered on top.

Additionally, once all the recording is complete, you’ll need to mix and master the song, and doing it on headphones is the best way to do this effectively.

This is because it provides clarity in comparison to playing the song through speakers…

Although make a note, before releasing a song, try to test its sound through as many speakers and headphones as possible…

After all, not everyone will be listening through studio-quality headphones.

Ok, so before we go into depth about the best home recording studio bundle, it’s important to note that we try to accommodate every visitor’s requirements, whether or not that is budget, the number of inputs/outputs, brand, connectivity, etc.

Therefore although all of the packages and studio bundles will feature most of the equipment that we’ve mentioned above, there will be slight variations.

Now that’s been sorted, let’s talk about the best home recording studio package equipment:

Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Basic Bundle

Photo Savings Behringer U-PHORIA UMC204HD

Compatibility

  • Mac OS X and Windows XP or higher

Features

  • 5 star average Amazon reviews
  • Very solid build quality – impact-resistant metal chassis
  • Compatible with popular recording DAWs including Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, etc
  • 2 main inputs (XLR/TRS), 2 main Outputs (+4 additional outputs)
  • What does the home recording studio package contain:
    • Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface
    • 2 XLR leads
    • 2 TRS leads
    • Resident Audio R100 Headphones
    • Fibertique Cloth
  • Signal, Status and Clip Indications for a general overview
  • Zero Latency monitoring whilst recording

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Utilizes Midas Engineered Preamps
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • 2 XLR/1/4″ Jack Inputs for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • 2 x 1/4″ Jack Inputs for external equipment such as compressors, eq, etc
  • 2 x 1/4″ balanced Jack Outputs, and 4 RCS phono unbalanced outputs
  • Dedicated MIDI input and output
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from USB connectivity
  • 3-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed and Engineered in Germany

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface bundle is a great home recording studio kit for the price, and definitely high on the list for best home recording studio package! This package will simply give you everything you need to begin studio recording.

The audio interface provides fantastic conversion and sample rates, and with pre-amps designed and engineered by Midas, it simply provides ultra-high quality sound.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

This studio bundle kit is ideal for those on a budget, although make no mistake, this interface provides a high-quality sound recording.

With two inputs, this is targeted more towards the musician looking to record instruments sequentially as opposed to simultaneously… Although it can record two inputs simultaneously, no more.

This particular package (basic bundle) comes with the audio interface, XLR leads, TRS leads, headphones and cloth; Additionally, you will need to purchase a microphone, microphone stand and mic stand adapter. Unfortunately I haven’t found that many bundles that feature a mic stand as well. Overall this is high up on our list for the best home recording studio package and will give you the most important pieces to ensure you have everything you need to begin studio recording!


Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Deluxe Bundle

Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Deluxe Bundle

Compatibility

  • Mac OS X and Windows XP or higher

Features

  • 5 star average Amazon reviews
  • Very solid build quality – impact-resistant metal chassis
  • Compatible with popular recording DAWs including Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, etc
  • 2 main inputs (XLR/TRS), 2 main Outputs (+4 additional outputs)
  • What does the home recording studio package contain:
    • Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface
    • 2 XLR leads
    • 2 TRS leads
    • 2 RCS Male cable (6.5″)
    • Dual Midi cable (9.9″)
    • Resident Audio R100 Headphones
    • Fibertique Cloth
  • Signal, Status and Clip Indications for a general overview
  • Zero Latency monitoring whilst recording

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Utilizes Midas Engineered Preamps
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • 2 XLR/1/4″ Jack Inputs for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • 2 x 1/4″ Jack Inputs for external equipment such as compressors, eq, etc
  • 2 x 1/4″ balanced Jack Outputs, and 4 RCS phono unbalanced outputs
  • Dedicated MIDI input and output
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from USB connectivity
  • 3-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed and Engineered in Germany

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface bundle is another great home recording studio kit for the price and is #2 on our list for the best home recording studio package.

The audio interface provides fantastic conversion and sample rates, and with pre-amps designed and engineered by Midas, it simply provides ultra-high quality sound.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

This kit is ideal for those on a budget, although make no mistake, this interface provides a high-quality sound recording.

With two inputs, this is targeted more towards the musician looking to record instruments sequentially as opposed to simultaneously… Although it can record two inputs simultaneously, no more.

This particular package (deluxe bundle) comes with the audio interface, XLR leads, TRS leads, MIDI leads, RCA leads, Samson SR350 stereo headphones and cloth, giving you pretty much everything you need to begin studio recording.

Additionally, you will need to purchase a microphone, microphone stand and mic stand adapter.


Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Platinum Bundle

Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Platinum Bundle

Compatibility

  • Mac OS X and Windows XP or higher

Features

  • 5 star average Amazon reviews
  • Very solid build quality – impact-resistant metal chassis
  • Compatible with popular recording DAWs including Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, etc
  • 2 main inputs (XLR/TRS), 2 main Outputs (+4 additional outputs)
  • What does the home recording studio package contain:
    • Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface
    • 2 XLR leads
    • 2 TRS leads
    • Resident Audio R100 Headphones
    • Fibertique Cloth
  • Signal, Status and Clip Indications for a general overview
  • Zero Latency monitoring whilst recording

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Utilizes Midas Engineered Preamps
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • 2 XLR/1/4″ Jack Inputs for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • 2 x 1/4″ Jack Inputs for external equipment such as compressors, eq, etc
  • 2 x 1/4″ balanced Jack Outputs, and 4 RCS phono unbalanced outputs
  • Dedicated MIDI input and output
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from USB connectivity
  • 3-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed and Engineered in Germany

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface bundle is a great home recording studio kit for the price.

The audio interface provides fantastic conversion and sample rates, and with pre-amps designed and engineered by Midas, it simply provides ultra-high quality sound.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

This kit is ideal for those on a budget, although make no mistake, this interface provides a high-quality sound recording.

With two inputs, this is targeted more towards the musician looking to record instruments sequentially as opposed to simultaneously…

Although it can record two inputs simultaneously, no more.

This particular package (platinum bundle) comes with the audio interface, XLR leads, TRS leads, MIDI leads, RCA leads, headphones and cloth. This package does a good job of giving you pretty much everything you need to get started.

Additionally, although this package comes with a small microphone stand (more of a mic stand for podcasters), you will need to purchase a microphone stand. Other than that, this is still a quality package and is #2 on our list for the best home recording studio package for great reason!


Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools – Standard-Range Price

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (2nd Gen)

Compatibility

  • Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards) & PC

Features

  • A very popular & best selling audio interface on Amazon, with over 81 reviews, averaging 4 stars
  • Solid metal chassis for high-quality protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • 2 inputs (1 microphone and 1 guitar input), Left and Right Output
  • What does the home recording studio package contain?
    • Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface
    • 1 x XLR lead (Male to Female)
    • Scarlett Solo condenser microphone
    • Scarlett Solo headphones
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite Control
    • Softube Time and Tone Bungle
    • Focusrite’s Red Plugin Suite
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
  • Lowest latency of any audio interface on the market

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 2 XLR (Microphone) Inputs / 2 Line (Guitar) Inputs for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • 2 Line Outputs
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Does not need a power supply, runs and is powered directly from the USB connection
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

The Focusrite Solo (2nd Gen) audio interface & home recording studio bundle is an Amazon Best Seller for a reason, not only do you get an interface providing the lowest latency of any other interface on the market, but you also get a great microphone and good quality headphones.

Looking into the specifications of this audio interface and the accompanying equipment, it’s clear why it’s so popular, especially considering its price.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

Someone who’s looking for a reliable interface and studio bundle, offering ultra-low latency for under $200.

This interface provides 1 XLR input and 1 TRS (line) input, so that may be a limiting factor for some who want 2 XLR inputs for some kind of live recording, but for others (singer with a guitar), this won’t be a problem.

Also, if you’re just looking at doing sequential instrument recording, this is an ideal bundle.

This particular package comes with the audio interface, XLR lead, headphones, and a condenser microphone.

The only additional elements you will need is a microphone stand and a 1/4″ jack lead (for instruments such as guitar, bass, etc), if you don’t have these additional elements, the next Focusrite Scarlett Solo bundle package also contains a microphone stand. This is definitely one of my favorites on our list of the best home recording studio package due to its overall quality.

For a 1st-hand view of the recording quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Generation) take a look at the video demonstration below:


Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Pack (2nd Gen) & Recording Bundle w/ Pro Tools – Mid-Range Price

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Pack 2nd Gen & Recording Bundle

Compatibility

  • Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards) & PC

Features

  • A very popular & best selling audio interface and studio bundle on Amazon, with over 66 reviews, averaging 4 stars
  • Solid metal chassis for high-quality protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • 2 inputs (1 microphone and 1 guitar input), Left and Right Output
  • What does the home recording studio package contain?
    • Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface
    • 1 x XLR lead (Male to Female)
    • Scarlett Solo condenser microphone (quality condenser mic)
    • Scarlett Solo headphones
    • Pop shield
    • 2 x Gold Plated XLR cables (Male to Female)
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite Control
    • Softube Time and Tone Bungle
    • Focusrite’s Red Plugin Suite
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
  • Lowest latency of any audio interface on the market

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 1 XLR (Microphone) Input, 1 Line (Guitar) Input for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from the USB connection
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

The Focusrite Solo (2nd Gen) audio interface & home studio recording bundle is an Amazon Best Seller for a reason, not only do you providing the lowest latency of any other interface on the market, but you also get a great microphone and good quality headphones.

Looking into the specifications of this unit and the accompanying equipment, it’s clear why it’s so popular, especially considering its price.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

Someone who’s looking for a reliable interface and studio bundle, offering ultra-low latency for under $200.

This interface provides 1 XLR input and 1 TRS (line) input, so that may be a limiting factor for some who want 2 XLR inputs for some kind of live recording, but for others (singer with a guitar), this won’t be a problem.

Also, if you’re just looking at doing sequential instrument recording, this is an ideal bundle.

This particular package comes with the audio interface, XLR lead, 2 Gold Plated XLR leads, headphones, a condenser microphone, and a microphone stand.

The only additional elements you will need is a 1/4″ jack lead (for instruments such as guitar, bass, etc).

For a 1st-hand view of the recording quality of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Generation) take a look at the video demonstration below:


Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle with Pro Tools – Premium Priced

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen)

Before talking about the features or specifications, this FocusRite Scarlett 2i2 is very similar to the Scarlett Solo, except it has 2 XLR/TRS inputs, as opposed to the Solo’s 1 XLR input and 1 TRS input… Making it more ideal for simultaneous recording and micing up an instrument in 2 ways.

Compatibility

  • Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards)

Features

  • A very popular & best selling audio interface on Amazon, with over 1000 reviews, averaging 4 stars
  • Solid metal chassis for high-quality protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • 2 inputs (XLR/TRS) & 2 Outputs
  • What does the home recording studio package contain?
    • Scarlett 2i2 audio interface
    • XLR cable (Male to Female)
    • Scarlett Studio condenser microphone (quality condenser mic)
    • Scarlett headphones
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite Control
    • Softube Time and Tone Bungle
    • Focusrite’s Red Plugin Suite
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
  • The lowest latency of any unit on the market

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 1 XLR (Microphone) Input, 1 Line (Guitar) Input for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from USB connectivity
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is yet again another Amazon Best Seller, so you can rest assured knowing that you are buying a popular audio interface bundle…

Why is it popular, because you’re getting so much high-quality equipment for a reasonably low price (yes I agree $250 is quite an amount, but taking into account all of the items you get, it works out to be rather inexpensive)

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

Ok, so we previously mentioned the Scarlett Solo audio interface bundle, which is certainly a good choice, but where does the Scarlett 2i2 outperform its little brother, well it provides 2 XLR/TRS inputs, as opposed to the Solo’s 1 XLR, 1 TRS input.

Therefore if you require at least 2 XLR inputs for simultaneous track recording, the Scarlett 2i2 is your winner.

Not only this but for the equivalent package, the Scarlett 2i2 is only $50 more than the Scarlett Solo.

This particular package comes with the audio interface, XLR lead, headphones, and a condenser microphone.

The only additional elements you will need is a microphone stand and a 1/4″ jack lead (for instruments such as guitar, bass, etc), if you don’t have these additional elements, you can find those here:

  • High-quality microphone stand
  • High quality 1/4″/TRS lead

Scarlett USB Audio interface & Audio-Technica (AT2035) Microphone Bundle

Scarlett USB Audio interface & Audio-Technica (AT2035) Microphone Bundle

Compatibility

  • Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards)

Features

  • A very popular & best selling audio interface on Amazon, with over 1000 reviews, averaging 4 stars
  • Solid metal chassis for high-quality protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • 2 inputs (XLR/TRS) & 2 Outputs
  • What does the home recording studio package contain?
    • Scarlett 2i2 audio interface
    • XLR cable (Male to Female)
    • Audio Technica AT2035 microphone (4.5* average rating from over 500 reviews)
    • Pop shield
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite Control
    • Softube Time and Tone Bungle
    • Focusrite’s Red Plugin Suite
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
  • Lowest latency of any unit on the market

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 1 XLR (Microphone) Input, 1 Line (Guitar) Input for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from the USB connection
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

Ok, so we previously mentioned the Scarlett Solo audio interface bundle, which is certainly a good choice, but where does the Scarlett 2i2 outperform its little brother, well it provides 2 XLR/TRS inputs, as opposed to the Solo’s 1 XLR, 1 TRS input.

Therefore if you require at least 2 XLR inputs for simultaneous track recording, the Scarlett 2i2 is your winner.

Not only this but for the equivalent package, the Scarlett 2i2 is only $50 more than the Scarlett Solo.

This particular package comes with the audio interface, XLR lead, headphones, and an Audio Technica AT2020 condenser microphone.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

Going more into depth about the AT2020, this is a Cardioid patterned condenser microphone and has been on the market for over 15 years, now you may be wondering why people still purchase it, and that’s simply because it sounds awesome, and at under $100, it’s a fantastic product.

Not only that, it has a 4.5* average on Amazon from over 500+ reviews.

The only additional elements you will need is a microphone stand and a 1/4″ jack lead (for instruments such as guitar, bass, etc), if you don’t have these additional elements, you can find those here:

  • High-quality microphone stand
  • High-quality 1/4″/TRS lead

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface (2nd Generation) Bundle with Home Recording – Premium Priced

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface (2nd Generation) Bundle with Home Recording

Before talking about the features or specifications, this Scarlett 2i4 is very similar to the Scarlett 212, except it has 2 additional line outputs, and 2 additional balanced outputs… Not only does this make it an ideal, high-quality device for recording, but also live performance.

Compatibility

  • PC  (Windows 7, 8.1 and 10) and Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards)

Features

  • Amazon’s most popular & best selling audio interface, with over 1000 reviews averaging 4 stars
  • Solid metal chassis for protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • 2 inputs/4 outputs
  • What does the home recording studio package contain?
    • Focusrite Scarlett 2i4
    • MXL 550/551 microphones
    • 2 x XLR leads
    • 2 x Microphone stands
    • Headphones
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite Control
    • Softube Time and Tone Bungle
    • Focusrite’s Red Plugin Suite
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
  • The lowest latency of any unit on the market

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz 0.1dB
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 2 XLR (Microphone) Inputs, 2 Line (Guitar) Inputs for singular or simultaneous recording.
  • 4 RCS outputs,
  • 2 balanced main outputs
  • Midi I/O
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Does not need a power supply, runs and is powered directly from the USB connection
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is ideal for the musician/sound engineer who’s looking for more outputs. It provides 2 balanced outputs, but also offers 4 RCS outputs (which the Scarlett 2i2 does not provide)…

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

Therefore if those additional outputs are important to you, this is the audio interface for you.

Otherwise, there are two options, you can look for fewer outputs (take a look at the previous audio interface bundle in the article, the Scarlett 2i2), or more outputs (take a look at the next audio interface bundle in the article, the Scarlett 18i20).


Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface Deluxe Kit – Ultra Premium Priced

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20

Compatibility

  • Mac (Mac 10.10 and onwards)

Features

  • Similar to other interfaces, this has some very good reviews, hence why we’ve featured it
  • Solid metal chassis for high-quality protection
  • Incredibly simple to use, with a clear display user interface
  • Up to 18 inputs, 20 outputs
  • Comes with the following software
    • Pro Tools
    • Focusrite Creative Pack
    • Ableton Live Lite
    • Focusrite’s Red 2 & 3 plugin suite
    • Softube Time and tone pack
    • XLN addictive keys
    • Novation bass station VST and AU plugin synth
    • 2GB of Loopmasters samples
    • And more!
  • Extremely low latency, making it suitable for both studio and live recording sessions

Technical Specs

  • Class-leading conversion & sample rates up to 192kHz/24 bit.
  • Super-low latency for using plug-ins in real-time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
  • 6 XLR inputs
  • 8 channels of ADAT inputs
  • 2 channels of S/PDIF I/O
  • 16 channels of MIDI
  • 8 line outputs (1/4″ jack)
  • 2 monitor outputs (1/4″ jack)
  • 2 headphone outputs (1/4″ jack)
  • Provides 48v Phantom power for active microphones
  • Powered directly from the USB connection
  • 2-Year Purchase Warranty
  • Designed in England and manufactured in China

This interface bundle has the most inputs and outputs out of any interface we’ve featured on the list, making it suitable for recording live band sessions and micing up multiple instruments simultaneously.

Who Is This Home Recording Studio Package Ideal For?

As for the sound quality, well this interface is known for providing high-quality recordings, but we’ve featured a video demonstration below so that you can see for yourself.


In Conclusion, What Are The Best Home Recording Studio Equipment Packages

Ok, so it’s that time again!

As always, we like to make sure that we accommodate for every type of reader looking at this recording studio packages review, based on multiple criteria including a budget, interface inputs/outputs, bundled accessories, etc.

Therefore we’ve made recommendations based on all of this below:

For the musician/sound engineer who wants the budget-priced, bare necessities, minus all the accessories… We recommend the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio/MIDI Interface Basic Bundle – Moderately Priced.

For the musician/sound engineer starting out, looking for a high-quality interface, with a limited amount of inputs/outputs, but with everything he/she needs to record… We recommend the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio Pack (2nd Gen) & Recording Bundle w/ Pro Tools – Mid-Range Priced.

For the musician/sound engineer who’s happy with two inputs, but wants more outputs (4) alongside all of the equipment, including a kick-ass microphone! We recommend the Scarlett USB Audio interface & Audio-Technica (AT2035) Microphone Bundle – Premium Priced.

For the musician/sound engineer who wants a premium-priced audio interface with plenty of inputs and outputs, and all of the equipment you need (minus the microphone stand)… We recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) USB 2.0 Audio Interface Deluxe Kit – Ultra Premium Priced.

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