How to set up a home studio for under $500

You don't need a professional studio to record clean audio or mix a track. A few smart purchases and some room tweaks will get you most of the way there.

Start with monitoring headphones

Closed-back studio headphones with a flat sound let you hear what is really in your recording. A detachable cable is a handy bonus.

Then a decent microphone

A USB condenser microphone is the simplest way to record vocals or podcasts. Position it 15 to 20 cm from your mouth and add a pop filter.

Treat the room

Soft furnishings, rugs and bookshelves absorb reflections, which makes a bigger difference than expensive gear. Record in the smallest, softest room you have.