I've been doing this well over 50 years and test gear for a lot of companies. My choices probably don't show up on anybody's list but here's the gear I recommend to those starting from scratch on a budget. Best thing is that you can add things as your budget grows.

Microphones.

An SM57 is a pretty good mic with the right preamp or with a booster that flattens out the problems caused by the impedance mismatch. It was designed when the 600Ω Bell spec was the norm for PA and recording gear. Modern solid state gear runs 1800Ω–2400Ω but the Shure dynamics are unchanged. Something like this restores a 57 to the way Shure intended it to sound—these show up used on Reverb and eBay, too. Triton FETHead

As the rest of your chain improves, you will get tired of the SP1. When it's time to step up to a truly decent (but still affordable) mic… The RØDE NT3 is the closest I have found to the "if you're only going to own one condensor" mic. Also easy to find used. RØDE NT3

At some point, if you read enough, you'll think, "What does a U87 really sound like and should I get one? Migawd they're expensive!!!" Yea, then you'll read how every clone or copy is the one you really want — ignore everything else. My 2¢: The real deal has 3 patterns: cardioid, omni, figure 8 and a decent clone does too. Besides, as you get more experienced, you'll learn how to use all three patterns. Then there's the fact that there's a difference between vintage and modern—yep, Neumann changed the specs and build over the years. This clone is unique in that it has hardware circuits that ape both builds (with a switch between the two) plus the RF circuit (that can be switched out) plus a popular cardioid modification — all in the same mic. $700 new, around $500 used.
UST Twin87
A friend bought one and we compared it to my vintage and modern U87s. Exact? Much closer than I expected, especially the Vintage. I did buy a pair, however, and that's what I use on remotes while $10K worth of mics stay here. No hard case but a $15 Apache 1800 case from Harbor Freight works great (the $30 2800 holds two) Apache Cases at Harbor Freight .

Pop filter.

You don't want to know what I have spent over the years on the drawerful in my studio—most of it not very good. The best, most effective and the most neutral I've found is the Hakan P-110 that uses a 7/8" polyester aquarium filter media. Do not spend $99, however. This one on Amazon is the exact same thing for $20 Acoustic Mic Filter and has the same flaw: the nuts on each end of the gooseneck are loose and need tightening with a 10mm wrench. If you don't mind bending some coat hanger wire, you can make your own with the exact same filter media, 6 pieces for $6: 7/8" Bio Filter Media

Interface.

Almost all released since late 2019 use the same Cirrus Logic chip family. If it boasts "Fast USB 2, Near Zero Latency, 192kHz 24 bit", you should consider; anything less—pass. The 8 channel version costs manufacturers less than $8 in quantity which is why nearly everyone is using it. Those boasting 96Hz are using an older version with greater RT latency that I would avoid. Both of these have the CL chip set, are Class Compliant on the Mac (no drivers), 4 In over USB (if you need Loopback), good Win drivers and great phone support if you need it.

I really like the Direct In/Out Monitor/Blend knob that most have. Unfortunately, nothing from Focusrite has this which is why I cannot recommend the Scarlett interfaces (even though the 3rd gen uses the CL chip). Without it, you need to set those levels in your DAW instead of turning a knob on your interface.

If you need only 2 channels out over USB, there is one choice that is a clear winner, IMO. New $190, used $120. Absolute best bang for the buck and nothing else is as versatile. It even has built in hardware effects. Only downside is no MIDI — and you didn't list that as a need.
Mackie ProFx6v3
I don't recommend the larger ones, however—all are 2 out/4 in over USB, even the version with 33 inputs.

Next step up has 8 out/4 in over USB. $329 New, < $300 used. Read my review at Sweetwater to see what this can do.
M•Audio Air 192|14

Speakers.

This is a rabbit hole. One can spend thousands and not get anything you can trust. I absolutely believe in using a subwoofer unless you have a large room or a huge budget — you don't claim to have either.

This set include a decent sub and has become a small room standard. I use the same sub with a very high end 8".

JBL 305P MkII / LSR310S

I have some cool tricks for setting the Mains/Sub balance without using special equipment when that time comes.

Room treatment

I agree with others that a cluttered room can reduce standing waves — always a good thing. A bookcase with books and spaces opposite your monitors can do wonders.



BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture