Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 5 isn’t just a hobbyist board anymore — it’s powerful enough to handle real creative work. With the right setup, you can turn this $80 device into a fully functional digital audio workstation (DAW) and a video editing studio. Whether you’re recording podcasts, producing voiceovers, or editing YouTube videos with Kdenlive, the Pi 5 makes it possible to build a portable, affordable, and energy-efficient studio.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits, setup, and the exact gear I’m personally using right now to build my Raspberry Pi 5 creative studio.

Why Use Raspberry Pi 5 for a DAW & Video Editing?

• Low Cost – For under $100, you have a computer capable of handling music and video editing.

• Portable – Small enough to carry anywhere, making it perfect for creators on the go.

• Open Source Software – Access to tools like Ardour (DAW), Audacity, and Kdenlive (video editing).

• Energy Efficient – Consumes far less power than a traditional desktop or laptop.

• Great for Learning – Perfect platform for understanding Linux audio/video production.

My Current Raspberry Pi 5 Studio Setup

Here’s my real-world setup that I use daily for recording and editing:

Core Hardware

• Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB RAM) – The heart of the studio, powerful enough for recording and editing.
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• ViewSonic VA3209M 32″ IPS Monitor (1080p, 75Hz) – A large, bright, eye-friendly display makes editing smoother and less straining. The thin bezels are perfect for a clean desk setup.
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• HLDIRECT 63″ Gaming Desk with LED Lights – Not only does it look great with ambient LED lighting, but it’s large enough to hold my monitor, Pi, mic, and all gear comfortably. Comes with a cup holder and headphone hook for a clutter-free workspace.
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Audio Recording Gear

• Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR Microphone) – My go-to condenser mic for voiceovers and recording. Crisp and professional sound at a budget price point.
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• YOUSHARES AT2020 Shock Mount – Reduces vibration and desk noise, keeping my recordings clean. Essential for podcasting or YouTube work.
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• AT2020 Boom Arm Stand with Pop Filter (SUNMON) – Sturdy and adjustable, with a pop filter to eliminate plosives (the “p” and “b” sounds). The included cable sleeve keeps my setup neat.
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Audio Interface

• Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen USB Audio Interface) – The interface I use to connect my AT2020 to the Raspberry Pi 5. The preamps are fantastic, sound is crystal clear, and it’s completely plug-and-play on Linux.
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Headphones

While I rotate, here are two solid options that pair great with this setup:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M40x – Balanced, affordable, and reliable for mixing/editing.
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• Sony MDR-7506 – Lightweight, accurate, and trusted in countless studios worldwide.
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Storage

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD – External SSD storage is a must for video editing and audio projects. I keep my active projects on this drive for smooth rendering and fast load times.
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• SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC (64GB/128GB) – My Pi’s boot drive. One of the fastest and most reliable microSDs available.
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Setting Up a DAW on Raspberry Pi 5

Let’s start with audio recording, since clean voice tracks are the foundation for podcasts and YouTube videos.

Step 1: Install Audacity

Open Terminal and type:

sudo apt update sudo apt install audacity -y

Audacity is lightweight and perfect for voiceovers and podcasts.

Step 2: Install Ardour (Pro DAW)

If you want more professional multitrack support, install Ardour:

sudo apt install ardour -y

Step 3: Plug in Your Mic or Audio Interface

• USB microphones (like Blue Yeti) are plug-and-play.

• For XLR mics, use an audio interface (Focusrite, Behringer, etc.).

• Select the input in Audacity/Ardour preferences.

Step 4: Optimize Audio

• Record at 44.1 kHz / 16-bit (standard for YouTube & podcasts).

• Use headphones to monitor while recording.

• Add a noise gate or EQ to clean up audio.

Pro Tip: Save your audio files on an external SSD for faster read/write speeds.

Editing Video with Kdenlive

Once your voice tracks are ready, it’s time to bring them into video editing.

Step 1: Install Kdenlive

sudo apt install kdenlive -y

Step 2: Import Media

• Drag in your video clips, audio tracks, and images.

• Drop your voiceover into the timeline.

Step 3: Basic Editing

• Use the razor tool to cut unwanted parts.

• Add transitions (fade-in/out, cross-dissolve).

• Overlay text for titles, lower thirds, and captions.

Step 4: Export Settings for YouTube

• Format: MP4 (H.264 codec)

• Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080)

• Bitrate: 8,000 kbps

• Audio: AAC, 320 kbps

Pro Tip: Keep projects lightweight — avoid stacking too many effects, since the Pi 5 isn’t a powerhouse GPU.

Workflow Example: Recording + Editing on Pi

1. Record a podcast intro in Audacity.

2. Clean the audio with noise reduction + EQ.

3. Import into Kdenlive along with video footage.

4. Sync audio with video.

5. Add B-roll, transitions, and titles.

6. Export to YouTube.

All on a device the size of a credit card.

Performance Tips

• Use an SSD instead of the SD card for faster rendering.

• Overclock the Pi 5 if you’re comfortable with extra performance (optional).

• Close background apps to free up RAM.

• Stick to 1080p projects for best stability.

• Enable hardware acceleration in Kdenlive settings.

Pros & Cons of Raspberry Pi 5 for Creators

Pros

• Extremely budget-friendly

• Portable studio

• Runs free, open-source tools

• Great learning platform

• Low power consumption

Cons

• Limited performance for heavy 4K projects

• Longer render times vs. desktops

• Requires Linux know-how for troubleshooting

Who Is This Setup For?

• YouTubers making tutorial, voiceover, or talking-head videos.

• Podcasters who want a portable studio.

• Musicians creating demos or electronic tracks.

• Students & Hobbyists experimenting with low-cost production.

• Preppers & Minimalists who want a backup studio that fits in a bag.

Final Thoughts

The Raspberry Pi 5 proves you don’t need expensive gear to start recording and editing. With the AT2020 microphone setup, Scarlett Solo interface, 32″ monitor, and a clean ergonomic desk, I’ve been able to create a budget-friendly but highly functional creative studio.

If you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or beginner musician, this setup is affordable, efficient, and fun to use. Plus, it’s all open source — meaning you own your workflow without being locked into expensive software licenses.

Ready to start? Grab a Raspberry Pi 5, your favorite mic, and start creating today.

My Raspberry Pi 5 Studio Gear List

Check out my YouTube channel where I demonstrate this exact setup in action.