Okay. Now you're really excited. You're ready to start. You've thought through the whole process. You've talked to other studio owners. You've looked around on the web.

Start Shopping

Depending on where you live, you might have access to music stores that carry a lot of recording equipment. Your best bet is to buy from a store, instead of online. There are a bunch of good reasons you should buy from a store. For starters, you'll get to see, touch, and even use some of the gear you are planning to purchase before you spend your money. You'll also be able to get advice from the salesperson on what might suit you best. Developing rapport with an individual salesperson is important because, as you keep going back to the same person for all your gear, not only do you develop a nice business relationship (which might result in discounts), you might also get honest, real-world advice.

But there's nothing wrong with buying gear online, either. If you live in a remote area, this might be your only option. If you purchase online, returning gear you don't like is a pain. But then again, there are some great deals online. If you shop around, you can get a great price. Many stores also price-match, so even if you've found a better deal somewhere else, bring the information to the attention of your salesperson. Many stores will accommodate you in an effort to keep you as a loyal customer. You can also find some great deals in the used-gear market; check out eBay.

Don't feel pressured into buying more than you need at first. You can always upgrade as you go. Certain components, such as cables and microphone stands, don't change from setup to setup, so you won't waste money upgrading those items.