But if you’re new to this, or even if you’ve been dabbling a while, figuring out what gear you actually need (and what you don’t) can get overwhelming.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through my entire home recording studio setup—what I use and why I use it.
I’ve been recording metal, rock, and some acoustic in my home studio for over 15 years, and this current setup is the best it’s ever been.

Even if you’re working with a small space—like my 10×11 bedroom studio—you can still build a killer setup that lets you:

• Record pro-quality metal riffs and full songs
• Capture your ideas the moment inspiration hits
• Easily lay down tracks for YouTube, social media, your band, or your own solo project
• Learn the easiest path to writing and recording your own music

I’ll also share exactly why I chose each piece of gear I use—hardware and software—so you’re not just seeing a list of random products. And yes, I’ll include what I upgraded from as well.

This post will be updated as my gear evolves, so be sure to bookmark it or share it with a fellow musician.

My Current Home Studio Gear (Quick Overview)

Mac Mini M4 (24GB RAM / 512GB SSD)
Super fast, dead quiet, and powerful enough for audio and video production.

LG 32″ 4K HDR Monitor
Large and crystal clear—perfect for Studio One, video editing, and mixing.

PreSonus Quantum ES 4 Interface
With ultra-low latency and Fender-designed guitar inputs, this is a beast for tracking both DI and mics.

Kali Audio LP-UNF Studio Monitors + Sub
Clear, honest sound made for tight rooms. Sponsored, but these blew me away.
Watch my Kali video here

On-Stage SMS7500 Monitor Stands
Simple, stable, and height-adjustable—exactly what I needed.

Custom Studio Desk (Made by Joe!)
Handmade with carved Thai lettering—this is my command center and creative sanctuary.

Studio One 7 DAW
I’ve been using Studio One since 2009. Clean layout and easy workflow for guitarists.

Filming with iPhone 15 + iPhone 11
Simple dual-angle setup that works every time.

Editing in iMovie (Final Cut Pro coming soon)
iMovie still gets the job done, but I’m upgrading soon.

Recording & Mixing Mindset
It’s not just about gear—it’s about how you use it. I’ll share my tracking and mixing process later in this guide.

Want to build your own studio?
Check out Sweetwater’s Home Recording Gear (affiliate link – thanks for your support!)

1 – The Ideal Computer for Your Home Studio

A question I still get is:

“Jason, do I really need some super expensive, jacked-up computer to record music with?”

Short answer: No, you don’t.
Slightly longer answer: You do need a computer that can handle your DAW (digital audio workstation), audio interface, and any virtual instruments or plugins you might use—but you don’t have to drop $5K to make that happen.

Here’s what you should look for in a studio computer:

• Processing power and RAM – Can it run your recording software without lagging or crashing?
• Storage space – Music and video files take up a lot of room. If your internal drive is limited, just invest in an external drive or cloud storage.

If you’re just getting started or thinking about upgrading, your computer is going to be one of your biggest and most important investments. It’s the brain of your entire setup.

What I Use: 2025 Mac Mini (M4)

Right now, I’m running my entire home studio off a 2025 Mac Mini with the M4 chip, 24GB of unified memory, and a 512GB SSD.

This little beast is super quiet, runs crazy fast, and honestly doesn’t even break a sweat when I’m tracking guitars, mixing songs, editing video, or even running multiple programs at once.

Why I Chose the Mac Mini

I was actually on the fence. I’d been using an iMac for over a decade, and I really liked that all-in-one setup—keyboard, screen, and power all built in. But when my old iMac (late-2013 model) finally died after a solid 10+ years, I had to figure out what was next.

I temporarily used my 2015 MacBook Pro, but it was showing its age… and let’s be honest—that tiny screen was NOT cutting it for serious music production or video editing.

So I went to the Apple Store here in Brandon, FL (shout-out to the crew there—super helpful, and yes, they were into metal!). After comparing specs and prices, it was obvious:

With the Mac Mini, I was getting way more power for the money, even after factoring in a separate monitor.

What I Use My Studio Computer For

Here’s how I use my Mac Mini daily:

• Recording and producing metal guitar tracks
• Mixing and editing full songs
• Filming and editing YouTube videos (iMovie, soon to upgrade to Final Cut Pro)
• Recording lessons and building out courses for the Jason Stallworth Guitar Academy
• Writing blog posts, emails, and doing all my marketing
• Basically… everything – this is all my ‘real job’ 

I’m not heavy on plugins or virtual instruments, so this setup is perfect for my workflow.

Pro Tip: Studio Computer = Studio Only

DO NOT use your studio computer to scroll social media or watch… whatever you’re tempted to watch.
Keep it clean. Keep it focused. This machine is your creative engine.

Check out the latest Mac Minis at Sweetwater (affiliate link – if you decide to grab one through this link, Sweetwater sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site and the music—thank you!)

The 32” LG 4K Monitor I Use for My Studio Setup

Once my iMac finally gave out, I ended up using my old 2015 MacBook Pro for about a year while I figured out what I was going to get for the studio long-term.

Let me just say this… working on that small laptop screen was brutal.
Recording and editing on that thing was a challenge, especially since it was already slowing down with age. So I knew — my next setup had to include a big screen.

I looked at some of the Apple displays, but man… the price tag on those was just way too much, and honestly overkill for what I do.

So I went to Costco (always a good excuse to grab more protein powder ) and picked up this 32” LG 4K HDR monitor. I plugged it right into my new Mac Mini, and this combo has worked flawlessly.

It’s super clear, makes editing videos and recording in Studio One way smoother, and gives me all the screen real estate I need without breaking the bank.

If you’re going the Mac Mini route like I did, I definitely recommend pairing it with a solid, affordable 4K monitor like this one. Your eyes (and your workflow) will thank you!

The Interface That Ties It All Together

I remember when I first started recording, I hit this wall…

“Okay, I’ve got my computer and software… now what the heck do I plug my guitar into??”

That’s when I learned what an audio interface was. If you’re new to home recording, your interface is what connects your guitar, mic, or whatever sound source you’re using to your computer, so your DAW can record it. Pretty simple once you get it — but it can be confusing at first!

What to Look for in an Audio Interface

When choosing an interface, these are the two main things you want to focus on:

• Preamps – These are what make your recordings sound clean and full.
• Inputs – How many instruments or mics you can plug in at once.

Even entry-level interfaces these days come with solid preamps, and you can absolutely record a killer-sounding metal album with a basic 2-channel setup.

Inputs only start to matter when you want to record multiple things at once — like mic’ing up a real drum kit, or having multiple mics and guitars ready to go without constant cable swapping.

My Current Interface: PreSonus Quantum ES 4

I recently upgraded to the PreSonus Quantum ES 4, and man… this thing is awesome.

I’m not usually a “latest and greatest” guy — I tend to hang onto gear as long as I can (just ask my old iMac ). But the ES 4 had some features that really made sense for how I work in the studio.

Why I Chose It:

• Guitar input designed by Fender – Sounds great and feels tailored for us guitar players
• Smart anti-clipping control – Helps avoid peaking or distortion while recording
• Streamlined digital layout – Super smooth workflow, and everything is right where I need it

Wait…I Originally Ordered the ES 2

Funny story — I actually bought the ES 2 first. But after about a day, I realized I needed more inputs. So I sent it back (ate the shipping cost) and got the ES 4 from my Sweetwater rep, Ben Porter (Ben’s the man — highly recommend him!).

Even though I’m not tracking full bands in my 10×11 studio, I wanted:

• A dedicated input for guitar
• Another for bass
• One for my podcast mic
• And one to mic my guitar amp when needed

Having all of these already wired up and ready to go means I don’t have to unplug and replug things constantly. And for me, that’s huge — fewer steps = more creative momentum. If I have to stop and mess with cables, sometimes the inspiration fades. This interface removes that friction.

My Interface Timeline:

• 2009 – Started with the PreSonus AudioBox USB (came with Studio One Artist)
• Years later – Upgraded to the PreSonus Quantum 2 (great unit, since discontinued)
• Now – Running everything through the Quantum ES 4, and I couldn’t be happier

Grab the PreSonus Quantum ES 4 at Sweetwater (affiliate link – I earn a small commission if you buy through my link, and it helps support my content. Appreciate it!)

My DAW: The Software I’ve Used Since 2009

So now that we’ve got the interface squared away — let’s talk about the software that actually captures your recordings.

I’ve been using PreSonus Studio One since 2009, when I first started diving into home recording. Back then, I was using the AudioBox USB interface, and it came with Studio One Artist. I quickly upgraded to Studio One Pro, and I’ve been rolling with it ever since.

I Finally Upgraded to Studio One 7

For years I had been using version 5, and it was solid. But when I upgraded to the PreSonus Quantum ES 4 interface, I found out it came bundled with Studio One 7 — total bonus!

I was ready to upgrade anyway, so getting it included with the interface saved me some cash. And man, Studio One 7 is smooth — same workflow I love, but with some nice enhancements. It’s one of those things where there are cool changes but not complete changes to the software, you know?

Why I Love Studio One

Here’s the thing with DAWs: they all technically do the same thing. You hit record, track your riffs, and build out your songs. What matters is the workflow — and Studio One just makes sense to me.

Here’s why I’ve stuck with it all these years:

• Simple, clean interface – You don’t need a PhD in audio engineering to use it.
• Drag-and-drop workflow – Makes adding tracks, plugins, and instruments fast and easy.
• Rock-solid reliability – I’ve recorded four albums, tons of music projects, and hours of content with it.
• Great community – When I needed help early on, the forums and YouTube tutorials were huge.

Even if you’re brand new to recording, Studio One is one of the easiest DAWs to learn. It gets you tracking quickly without a bunch of technical distractions.

Check out Studio One at Sweetwater (affiliate link — if you grab it through my link, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support!)
***NOTE: If you get a new PreSonus interface, it will more than likely come with the latest version of Studio One

Studio Monitors, Subwoofer, and Headphones: What I Actually Use

Here’s where a lot of guitar players skimp — monitors.

I’ve seen dudes record with just computer speakers and wonder why their mix sounds like a wet sock in a tin can. If you’re serious about making your recordings sound as good as they play, quality studio monitors are a must.

Back in the day, I had a pair of KRK Rokit 5s — those yellow cones. They looked cool and honestly sounded decent for the price. I used those from 2009 all the way up until one of them died in 2024. That was the push I needed to upgrade.

Why I Chose Kali Audio LP-UNF Monitors (and Sub)

When I decided to upgrade, I asked Nic Z from Fermata Face Studios (he mastered my Overcometh album) what he recommended. He didn’t hesitate:

“For your size room and the type of recording you’re doing — get the Kali LP-UNFs.”

So I reached out to the folks at Kali Audio, and they actually sent me a pair to try out. And man… these are incredible.
They’re ultra-nearfield monitors, which is exactly what I need for my small 10×11 recording room.

Not only do they sound clear and tight — they also don’t overpower the space. They’re designed to give you a full, honest mix at close range, and that’s exactly what they deliver.

Do You Need a Subwoofer?

Kali also sent me their WS-6.2 Dual 6.5″ Powered Subwoofer, and wow — this took things to a whole new level.

Now, you don’t need a sub to record metal at home. But it’s made a huge difference for me, especially for picking up subtle low-end stuff in rhythm guitars and bass.

Also… I listen to music through my monitors when I’m doing non-musical stuff like writing blog posts (like this one!), so having that full bottom end makes the room feel alive.

On-Stage Studio Monitor Stands

I didn’t want to plop my monitors right onto my desk — not only would that mess with sound, but I like having a cleaner, more ergonomic setup. So I grabbed a pair of On-Stage SMS7500 Wood Studio Monitor Stands.

These are solid, sturdy, and hold my monitors at just the right height for mixing.

If you’ve got the space, monitor stands are a small upgrade that makes a big difference.

My Headphones (Vintage but Reliable!)

I still use my old-school AKG K-301 headphones — these things are ancient, like 20+ years old, but they still work perfectly.

I don’t use them as much as my monitors, but they come in handy for:

• Voiceovers and Podcast recordings (I’m using the Electro-Voice RE20 mic for this)
• Mic’d amp guitar recordings (so I don’t get monitor bleed)
• And occasionally late-night tracking sessions

Check out Kali Audio gear and stands at Sweetwater (affiliate link — helps support the blog and my metal guitar coffee addiction )

Studio Room: Acoustic Treatment & My Custom Desk

Your studio space doesn’t have to look like Abbey Road to get great recordings — but a few smart tweaks can make a huge difference in both your sound and your workflow.

Let’s talk about the two most underrated upgrades in my studio…

Acoustic Treatment (the accidental kind!)

I’ll be honest — I didn’t go out and buy expensive foam panels or pro bass traps for my room. But luckily, my wife Candy came in clutch with something that worked even better for me:

• A heavy blackout curtain over the window — this keeps the Florida heat out and just so happens to kill off some of the room reflections. Total win.
• A thick black curtain over the closet doors — I actually use this as my backdrop for filming courses and lessons for the Jason Stallworth Guitar Academy, but it also helps tame the sound in this small room.

Sometimes the best studio upgrades are the ones you didn’t even plan for!

My Custom-Built Studio Desk

This one’s special to me. My buddy Joe (aka Pajama Joe) from The Drinking with Drew Show built me this beautiful studio desk completely by hand.

• It’s made from repurposed wood
• Has a carved Thai inscription of my name
• And fits the vibe of this room perfectly — clean, rugged, and functional

Having a desk that’s purpose-built for your gear makes everything feel more intentional. Everything’s set up exactly where I want it, and that just makes the creative flow easier.

Whether you build your own, order something fancy, or just make your current space more functional — having a clean, personalized environment makes a difference.

You can see both of these upgrades in action in my YouTube Studio Tour below:

What About Vocals and Drums?

You might be wondering — what do I do for vocals and drums in my small home studio?

Let’s break it down…

Recording Vocals

When it comes to final vocal recordings for my albums, I don’t do those at home. There are two big reasons for that:

1. My studio setup is awesome for guitar, bass, writing, and building out songs — but it’s not ideal for vocals.
2. When I’m recording vocals, I want to focus 100% on the performance, not on hitting record, stopping, adjusting levels, etc.
   I’ve done that before, and it just kills the flow.

So for albums like Overcometh, I recorded vocals at my buddy Cliff’s studio (Riff with Cliff). He ran the session, and I just had to show up and sing my parts. Super smooth, way less stressful.

That said, I do record all my vocal ideas and demos at home, just to get the feel and structure down before heading into a pro environment.

What I Do for Drums

Drums are a little different — for writing, YouTube, and my online courses, I use a mix of EZDrummer and Krimh Drums by Bogren Digital.

• Krimh Drums: Incredible sound, perfect for metal.
• EZDrummer: Great groove variety and songwriting flow.

TIP for metal guitarists using EZDrummer:
Grab the Metal Machine pack, and then add some MIDI groove packs like Death Metal or Black Metal Drums. These give you a solid foundation without having to dive deep into drum programming.

I don’t program drums beat-by-beat — I just find the groove that fits the riff or lesson and roll with it. Simple, effective, and keeps me focused on what I do best: guitar.

For my albums, I work with real drummers.
Cameron Fleury laid down the drums for Masterpeace and Overcometh, and crushed it — he took my ideas and brought them to life with his own flavor. I usually send a basic programmed track so the drummer gets the general idea, but I want them to do their thing. I’m not here to limit anyone’s creativity, and I don’t want to be my own weakest link.

So no, my studio isn’t built for tracking live drums — and that’s okay. You don’t need everything under one roof to make pro-level music.

Need a killer metal drummer?
Cameron Fleury played drums on my album Masterpeace and absolutely brought it to life.
He’s the best metal drummer I’ve ever worked with, and I’ll be hitting him up for future projects for sure.
You can reach out to him directly here on Instagram.

Ready to Record Your Own Metal Tracks?

Now that you’ve seen what I use and how I set it all up in a real-world, tight home studio space — you’ve got everything you need to start recording your own metal music. Whether it’s riff ideas, full-blown songs, or even lesson content, you can make pro-quality recordings right where you are.

I’ll keep updating this post as I upgrade gear or learn new workflows — so save it to your favorites and refer back when you’re making changes to your own setup.

Got questions or just want to share your setup? Drop a comment on the YouTube video — I check those regularly and always try to respond!

Keep it Metal,
Jason

Want to take your metal playing and songwriting even further?
Check out the Jason Stallworth Guitar Academy — where I teach you how to write killer riffs, dial in your tone, and record with confidence. Monthly lessons, full courses, tabs, tracks, and everything you need to grow as a metal guitarist.

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