What Is the Best Way to Record Myself at Home?
The best way to record yourself at home is a cardioid mic into a computer running a free DAW, closed-back headphones, and your phone filming video at the same time. A USB mic is the easiest start. An XLR mic and interface cost a bit more but let you record a mic and a guitar together.
Three setups by budget
| Setup | Gear | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone only | Built-in mic and camera | $0 | Song ideas, practice clips |
| USB mic | AT2020USB-X + ATH-M50x headphones | $300 to $350 | Voice, vocals, one source at a time |
| XLR mic + interface | AT2020 + Scarlett Solo + ATH-M50x | $400 to $500 | Vocals plus guitar, room to upgrade |
The AT2020USB-X records at up to 24-bit/96 kHz and has a headphone jack with a mix control that blends your mic with computer playback, per Audio-Technica. The Scarlett Solo 4th Gen has one mic preamp with phantom power plus one instrument input: one voice, one guitar. The tradeoffs are on XLR vs USB microphone.
Free software
Audacity is free and open source on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Apple's GarageBand for Mac records up to 255 audio tracks and groups repeated takes in one region so you can pick the keeper. More options are on best free DAW.
Adding video
- Mount the phone on a tripod at eye level, clear of the mic.
- Start the phone, then the DAW, then clap once on camera.
- Export the DAW audio as a WAV and place it under the video in your editor.
- Line up the clap spike with the frame where your hands meet, then mute the phone's audio.
Room setup and mic placement are in how to record music at home.
Related questions
Can I record myself with just my phone?
Yes, for song ideas and practice clips. For anything you'll release, a dedicated mic into a computer gives a cleaner, closer sound.
How do I sync my phone video with audio from my DAW?
Clap once on camera at the start of the take, then line up the clap's spike on the DAW audio with the frame where your hands meet, and mute the phone's own audio.
What free software can I record myself with?
Audacity is free and open source on Windows, macOS, and Linux. GarageBand for Mac records up to 255 audio tracks and keeps multiple takes in one region.
More answers: Home recording FAQ