The AKG C3000B is a large-diaphragm condenser (capacitor) microphone with a wide frequency response and a crisp sound. This microphone is versatile and capable of capturing a clean representation of any sound source. Two of these microphones work well as a stereo pair.

If you have more money to spend on a microphone (and bear in mind that a professional microphone will last for decades of use), the Neumann M147 is a warm sounding, large diaphragm tube condenser (capacitor) microphone. This is one item that doesn't come cheap, but you will know that you have bought the best. You will only need one mic like this in your studio, and it will last forever with proper treatment. The principle use for this microphone will be vocals, but of course you can use it for any sound source.

Neumann is the company that first popularized the condenser microphone decades ago. Every pro studio uses Neumann mics and the Neumann sound features on almost every recording you hear. If you have never bought a microphone before, you may think the price is expensive. It is not - it is the most incredible value ever. This microphone puts you on the same level as top professionals. Without a mic like this, particularly for vocals, you will wonder how they get their sound.

The Shure SM57 dynamic mic is the best all-round general purpose microphone there is. It sounds great on drums and guitar cabinets in particular, but you can use it on anything. Unless your music is purely electronic, your studio should have at least a couple of these mics. If you record drums, then you should equip yourself with at least four.

One of the most amazing things about this mic is how inexpensive it is. If you judged it on price, you might think it wouldn't be so hot. But it is - pro studios have whole drawers full of these mics. And in live sound, the Shure SM57 is an everyday staple.

One point to remember however - the full and punchy sound of this mic doesn't extend to extreme high frequencies such as metallic percussion. For inexpensive drum overheads, we suggest the AKG C3000B.

The AKG D112 is a very specialized dynamic microphone. It only has two applications - kick drums and bass guitar cabinets. However, if this is what you record, you need this mic.

The sound of the AKG D112 on bass instruments is extraordinarily full and 'stomach kicking'. You simply can't get the same results using other mics and EQ.

It's not a mic for everyone, but if you record drums, then you absolutely need this one.

The Focusrite Octopre LE is an 8-channel microphone preamplifier with an optional digital output board. If you never record more than two channels at a time, then you don't need this. But if you want to record up to eight channels simultaneously, from mic or line sources, then you definitely do.

As well as mic and line level inputs, it has two instrument inputs too for electric guitars - very handy. (By the way, the more expensive version of this - the non-'LE' version, is very difficult to wire into your studio. The LE version is the one we recommend.)

The Digidesign Mbox 2 is an audio interface for your Windows or Macintosh computer that comes with Pro Tools LE recording and editing software. The Mbox 2 has two high quality microphone preamplifiers and also line level and instrument inputs too.

Pro Tools software is used on just about every recording made, and Pro Tools 2 with the Mbox interface is literally what the pros use at home.

If you need more inputs, then we recommend the Digidesign Digi 003, which also comes with Pro Tools LE software. It has eight inputs, four of which can accept microphones. If you need to record eight microphones simultaneously, then you need the Focusrite Octopre LE too. (In fact, with the digital option on the Octopre LE, you can record up to 12 mic and 4 line sources at the same time.)

The Yamaha AW1600 16-Track Hard Disk Recorder is ideal for those who prefer not to use a computer for recording. It is a self-contained mixer and recorder with eight mic/line inputs and sixteen tracks. Each track can store eight 'virtual tracks' for alternative takes and tryouts.

Since the Yamaha AW1600 has eight microphone inputs, you do not need an additional preamplifier.

The Yamaha AW1600 has an internal CD-writer, so you can record your finished stereo mixes direct to CD.

Yamaha equipment is recommended in this area because of their expertise in professional digital mixing. Yamaha make high-end digital mixing consoles that are used by professionals all around the world. Roland, Korg and similar manufacturers sell only into the home recording market.

Choice of monitors is a very personal matter, but what you need above all else is a monitor that gives you a sound that is typical of what people actually listen to, minus the faults that home systems generally have.

We would be very happy to monitor on a pair of KRK V4 Series 2 active monitors. Most of our recording work sells into the TV market and if we monitor on KRK V4s, then what we hear in the studio relates very well to what people hear on TV. The same applies to recording for vinyl or CD too.

The KRK V4 Series 2 are 'active monitors'. That means you don't need a separate power amplifier. This is not only more convenient, it means that the designer can optimize the amplifier to the needs of the loudspeaker.