Home Recording Studio Equipment List

This is YOU?

You want to build a home recording studio but don't know what equipment you need.
Trying to figure out what to buy but equipment lists are overwhelming.
Don't want to waste money on equipment you don't actually need.
Confused about what's essential vs optional.
Need a clear, practical equipment list for home recording.

Pro Tip: TIP: With SONGTAKE, you can build a home recording studio with minimal equipment. Your iPhone or iPad has most of what you need built-in. Here's a practical equipment list that separates essentials from optional upgrades.

Key Software Features

Essential: Your iPhone or iPad
Your iPhone or iPad is the foundation of your home recording studio. It has built-in stereo microphones, processing power, and storage. With SONGTAKE, this is all you need to start recording professional-quality music.
Optional: External Microphone
While your device's built-in mics work great, an external microphone can improve quality. Popular options include Shure MV7 ($250), Rode VideoMic Me-C ($100), or Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ ($150). But they're not required—your device mics are excellent.
Optional: Headphones
Headphones help you monitor recordings and hear details. Popular options include Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($150), Sony MDR-7506 ($100), or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($160). But SONGTAKE's visual interface lets you record without headphones if you prefer.
Optional: Audio Interface
If you want to use professional microphones or instruments, an audio interface helps. Popular iPhone/iPad-compatible options include Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($120), PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 ($100), or Behringer U-Phoria UM2 ($40). But your device's built-in audio works great and doesn't require an interface.
Not Needed: Computer
You don't need a computer. SONGTAKE works entirely on your iPhone or iPad. Record, edit, and organize everything on your device.
Not Needed: DAW Software
You don't need expensive DAW software like Logic Pro or Pro Tools. SONGTAKE handles recording, multi-tracking, and organization. It's free and works on your device.
Not Needed: Studio Monitors
You don't need expensive studio monitors. Your device's built-in speakers work for monitoring, or use headphones if you want better sound. Many artists mix on headphones.
Not Needed: Mixing Board
You don't need a mixing board. SONGTAKE handles multi-track recording and mixing digitally. Use multiple devices to record different sources, all synced automatically.
Not Needed: Acoustic Treatment
You don't need expensive acoustic treatment. Modern device microphones work well in most rooms. Record in your bedroom, basement, or living room—your device captures great audio.
Total Cost: $0 to Start
With SONGTAKE, you can start recording with just your iPhone or iPad—total cost $0. Add optional equipment later if you want to improve quality, but your device works great on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need for a home recording studio?

With SONGTAKE, you only need your iPhone or iPad to start. Your device has built-in microphones and everything you need. Optional upgrades include external mics or headphones, but they're not required.

Do I need an audio interface?

No. Your iPhone or iPad's built-in audio works great. If you want to use professional microphones or instruments, you can add an interface later (like Focusrite Scarlett Solo or PreSonus AudioBox), but it's optional.

Do I need expensive microphones?

No. Your device's built-in microphones work great for most recordings. Many professional artists use device mics for their entire workflow. External mics can improve quality, but they're optional.

Do I need a computer or DAW software?

No. SONGTAKE works entirely on your iPhone or iPad. You don't need a computer or expensive DAW software like Logic Pro or Pro Tools. Record, edit, and organize everything on your device.

What's the minimum I need to start?

Just your iPhone or iPad. With SONGTAKE, that's all you need to start recording professional-quality music. Add optional equipment later if you want, but your device works great on its own.

What makes SONGTAKE different from voice memos?

SONGTAKE records in true stereo with automatic cloud backup, project organization, and multi-track capabilities. Unlike voice memos that create a graveyard of unnamed files, SONGTAKE keeps everything organized, synced across devices, and ready to develop into full productions.

Can I use SONGTAKE with just one phone?

Absolutely! SONGTAKE works perfectly with a single phone for recording arrangements, backing vocals, and layered instruments. While multiple phones give you multi-angle coverage and better isolation, one phone is all you need to create professional multi-track recordings with video overdubbing.

Can I use SONGTAKE for professional music recording?

Yes! SONGTAKE seamlessly transitions from mobile recording to professional desktop production. Start with iPhone for song ideas, then open the same project on Mac with a professional 64-channel interface for mixing and mastering. It's the bridge between inspiration and production.

How does multi-phone recording work?

Place phones near each instrument for dedicated microphones. One tap starts all phones simultaneously, and they automatically sync after recording. No manual alignment needed—just position phones, hit record, and get professional multi-track isolation from devices you already own.

Ready to Get Started?

Download SONGTAKE and start recording professional-quality music today. No credit card required.

Download on theApp Store

Built by musicians who were sick of voice-memo graveyards.