Browsing the web for studio gear is a lot of fun. Internet searches throw up a raft of studio gear products that, in a matter of seconds, can be ordered and delivered within a couple of days... Where's the harm in that? Well, if you don't make smart studio gear purchasing choices you could end up with months of regret on your conscience know as buyers Remorse.

Buyers Remorse is a strong feeling of regret that can happen after purchasing something expensive… like as a pricy microphone or studio outboard unit. This regret can spark a multitude of negative thoughts that can be difficult to process. I have suffered from Buyer’s Remorse several times. For those that haven't experienced it, let me tell you, it is not a nice feeling at all. It’s even harder to cope with if you suffer from anxieties. You end up playing a kind of blame game with yourself which is difficult to overcome.

• Read: Buyer's Remorse - How To Avoid Regretting Your Next Studio Gear Purchase

When considering new studio gear purchases it's prudent to have a process in place that will ensure you are making smart choices. In this article I share my 6 step purchases process that I use when I'm considering a new piece of studio gear, this process protects me from making silly purchasing decisions.

Establish If The Studio Gear Is Absolutely Necessary

Years of experience has taught me to not bother buying anything new for my studio unless the gear in question falls into at least one of the following three categories below:

• Upgrade: When a technology is out of date and needs updating/upgrading to work (typically software)
• Replace: When a technology is broken that I know is an important tool (typically computer related)
• Enhance: When a technology looks as though it will either save me valuable time when delivering services or will improve the quality of my work dramatically (typically outboard gear)

In my younger years I bought all kinds of random studio gear only to realise soon after that I was impulsive in my decision making. It's so important to establish whether or not a piece of studio gear is absolutely necessary for you in your studio.

If your heart says "Yes, buy now" and your head says "Put away your credit card" then I suggest you do just that and walk away. The number one question you should be asking yourself before you buy any studio gear is "Will this gear be an asset in my arsenal?". An asset is described as anything of value that can be converted into cash (cash being income in this context).

I earn my living from my recording studio services so I have to be 100% sure that all my studio gear purchases are an investment in assets otherwise I'm just wasting profit.

• Read: Want To Know What The Best Gear Is? With Recording And Mixing Context Is Everything

Set A Budget

When you identify the gear you need to buy the next step in this purchasing process should be establishing a budget. Only spend what you can afford... I can't stress this enough. It's so easy to get caught up in the romance of buying studio gear that common sense can take a brief leave of absence. If you can only afford $250 on let's say a new microphone then set that figure as your absolute "will not spend more than this" maximum. 

• Read: My First Pro Tools Home Recording Studio On A Student Budget

If you find that you need to spend a little more than you can afford on your next studio gear purchase then consider selling off some of your unused studio gear to further extend your budget:

• Read: Unwanted Studio Gear - Our Top Tips For Getting The Best Price For Your Used Studio Gear On eBay

If you earn a regular income from your services and have extra funds at the end of each month (after expenses and wages) then finance agreements could help you buy the studio gear you need.

Only ever borrow what you know you can afford to repay in the finance quote. Remember loans are legally binding financial commitments. If you do not stick to the terms in the finance agreement you will end up in a world of trouble in both legal terms and credit rating terms - Always read the fine print and never borrow more than you know you can afford to repay within the duration of the loan.

• Read: Pros & Cons - Taking Out A Loan Or Entering Into Finance Agreements To Buy Studio Gear

Don't Buy Online - You Get Better Deals If You Phone Around The Dealers

Let's say you've found the perfect microphone or outboard unit, the gear is within budget and you are about to commit to buying the product... stop what you are doing and take a step back as there's a good chance you can save a little off the cost.

Firstly, don't buy studio gear online, especially if it is a valuable item. Phone the dealer and discuss the purchase. Talk to the dealer about your requirements, always ask if there's some wiggle room in the price and if they have a B-stock item or ex-demo unit in their warehouse. I've got so many amazing deals in the past by simply phoning the dealer and have a personable conversation with a seller. I saved £3,000 on a £8,000 C24 back in 2011 because I asked: "Is there any chance you have an ex-demo unit?" Their response was "Yes, we have a desk that has been on the shop floor for 3 months, do you want it?" I couldn't believe my luck! Last year I saved £100 on an ADAM subwoofer... I asked the same question and got a B-stock item saving me money.

Consider The Alternatives

So you've got your targets set squarely on the item you need to buy for your studio, but are you 100% sure it's the right product? Have you looked at or considered alternatives? 

When I feel that I've chosen the right product I will still look at what else is available in that category and price range before committing to buying. It's easy to buy a product from a brand you know and trust, this is known as brand loyalty and there's nothing wrong with that, but you may just miss out on an opportunity to get something by a different brand altogether that's more special or fitting for your needs.

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Try Before You Buy

One of my hard and fast studio gear purchasing rules these days is to never buy anything in excess of £1,000 without at least trying it in person either in a store... or preferably in my studio. £1,000 is a lot of money for me so I need to know without any doubt that the gear I'm about to buy is a smart investment.

When you phone your dealer don't be afraid to ask them for a demo unit. They may ask for a deposit in case the gear gets damaged in your care or they may not lend it to you at all so at least try to get yourself to a showroom where you can get your hands on the gear and test it for yourself.

Sleep On It

Don't get excited about next day delivery options, good things come to those who wait which brings me nicely to the final stage in my process of buying studio gear - Sleep on it.

If you have followed all the previous steps in this article then there's a very good chance you've established the right gear for your needs, you've found the gear at a great price from a trusted dealer and you've come to the decision of buying the specific product through plenty of market research - now what?

Sleep on it. See how you feel about your choice the next day. Do a handful of tracking or mixing sessions to work out again if you really, without doubt, need the product you've lined up to buy. If you really do feel as though you need that product in your workflow then hit the big go button on your purchasing process and enjoy your new asset. If for any reason you feel the gear may not be as useful as you first thought then stick a pin in it for another day, crack on with your work and save your profit.