It’s often been said that music production is a pricey passion, but in 2023, it’s quite possible to get your hands on some quality hardware and software whilst abiding to a fixed budget. In this feature we’ll outline some solid choices to fit the core needs of any home studio.Creating a home studio is by no means a one-size fits all situation. Beyond the room you’re working with, the volume levels you’re allowed to exceed and the keyboard and hardware space you’ve got in play, you also really need to work within a realistic budget to prevent that all-too-easy slide into bank-breaking territory. While some might scoff at the idea of not investing every penny into making a home studio as high-spec as possible, realistically, most people don’t start off their studio ambitions with limitless cash at their disposal. More often than not, a home studio build is a gradual, cumulative process that takes several months, if not years, to establish.But, getting that foundation right is very important, and in the following sections, we’ll highlight five core studio essentials – DAW, Interface, Monitors/Headphones, MIDI Keyboard and Microphone – as well as an extra add-on that can augment or enhance a budget home studio. We’re keeping to strict price-restrictions, from (just under) £3,000 to as little as £1,000. While affordable and accessible, all the products listed are recommended choices for any home studio.