Buy a microphone that is of good quality. Most microphones under $50 aren’t worth the money. Buy a microphone that is used specifically for vocals. The microphone may be a little expensive, but you will be happier with the quality of your voice on the recording.
Buying studio monitors can set you back as much as buying a microphone. The price tags on studio monitors can range from $20 to well over $1,000. For simple recording, a nice pair of Sony or Phillips headphones will suffice. Anything less than $20 should not be used as studio monitors.
Do your homework on mixers before you buy one. Many people believe that a cheap mixer means that the quality is cheap. This is true when it comes to professional recording, however, for a home studio the mixer is a bonus. You don’t have to spend $500 dollars on a mixer. You can find one in your local music store for around $50-70 dollars and it will work just fine for recording your vocals.
Buy a recording software package. Recording software packages can run from free to $1,000. Buy a software application that well within your means and within your objective. Simple recording programs like Audacity and Windows Recorder are good enough for vocal recording.
Purchase or download a free CD burning software package from the Internet. Your recording software will be able to export your file into MP3 format so you can import it into CD burning software like Windows Media Player or iTunes. These free applications will give you the ability to burn your MP3 to a CD.
Buy blank CDs. Blank CDs are not very expensive so go ahead and splurge on a pack of 100.
Choose a good sound space to start your recording. The acoustics in a bathroom or a small basement are great for vocals because they resemble vocal booths in professional studios. Insulated attics work well also.