You don't have to spend a lot to get quality.

 This is a post from a thread I posted on Twitter yesterday.

You don't have to spend a lot to get quality. A condenser mic, USB interface, high-quality cables, headphones, a space to record in, and a DAW are all you need. Some suggestions below...

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

This was the first mic I purchased, the first one I tested had a lot of self-noise, but the third one had incredibly low self-noise (when paired with good cables) 

Good cables make a huge difference. One of the biggest upgrades I made was switching from 'music store' cables to Kopul 3000 series cables

These are the cables I use in my studio now, the Kopul are still used in my editing bay, where I do the podcast from, make video conference and phone calls & they're in my road kit. I have since upgraded To Mogami Gold Studio cables for my booth and I wouldn't go back!

 

The first USB interface I had was a tank (and still works) - made by Tascam. This is a similar model, but all the modern USB interfaces from name brands have pretty amazing quality and don't break the bank - like this current Tascam

How do you monitor and edit your voice work? Studio Monitor speakers are great, but if you don't have room then studio monitor headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-m50x allow you to monitor and edit

I started recording with pillows shoved into boxes, or recording in my closet before upgrading to Acoustic foam. Thick 2" Auralex foam is a good starting point to battle 'early reflections' (foam is not soundproofing!)

The first DAW I recorded with was Audacity, which was less than reliable (this has improved immensely) and I started using Adobe Audition. Still my favorite DAW to record and edit quickly, with an amazing depth as needs grow

Is there gear that you absolutely love and started with? Share it below!