I think Timo Tuukkola had it right. For some people it just isn't economically feasible to record their CD in a studio. If, realisticaly, you are only going to sell a few hundred copies at your local gigs, you can't very well spend several grand on a studio unless you have spare cash sitting around. So for people in that situation, the inexpensive home recording setup is a boon. And I have heard some home recorded projects that were very good and that I enjoyed listening to very much. I'm in the process of working on a home recording right now. Would I like to do it in a studio? Yes for two reasons. I think it would sound better and it's a heck of a lot of work and effort for me to figure things out. But at this time I can't afford a studio so I'll do the best I can with what I have. I have recorded an album in a studio - I love it and I'm glad I did. But right now that isn't in the cards, and I want a fun CD of pub songs for pub gigs and St. Paddy's parties.