Music Production Gear: Top 8 Basic Studio Elements on the Budget!

Music Production Gear

Introduction

What’s the very music production gear on the marketplace? Gear is our name. We now live and breathe upon the most recent bits of musical instruments. And all the recording equipment on the current market today. Now you would like to compile a set of the most useful in making music.

If you are beginning, do not feel too frustrated! It will be possible to get your setup ready to go right away with a very affordable budget. With that said, we’re going to be pretty honest. You may want at least a few dollars saved up.

It won’t cost you an arm and a leg for starters. You always have the option to catch the necessities today and return to more later. Let us get going! For your music production to be at the best level and to feel comfortable producing music, you should try to have some of these items to make your work easier.

Since the checklist goes further, bear in mind the disposition of said gear. You will need only a studio desk, computer and also a DAW to start. Still, the further you enlarge your own studio, the more cash you’ll need.

Music production gear tends to take a bit of time and money. But if you have your game on it, it can be a very sweet struggle to succeed.

Computer

The audio world is filled up with the most up-to-date and most useful parts of technology. From ample soundboards to sound computers. You’ll find nothing that the industry has never seen. Maybe, now you have the highest-end gear, but you started from $100 microphones and speakers.

At some point, you have to upgrade your desktop computer to something much better. Or, you may possibly be trying to put money into your very first music creation PC. Whatever situation you end up in, there’s an infinite amount to select from.

After doing some research, you may choose to be in one specific notebook or computer. Yet it’s vital to keep your options available. Keep an eye out for your essential qualities of the computer until you jump right ahead and buy it.

Try to get the best buy for the money. Go for the upgrade that you will need to create music. As there are many items to pick from, we’ve established a set of the best 3 most useful computers. Those are a very important part of the music production gear, and I place them in order to begin the ideal!

ASUS ROG Strix GL702VS

ASUS ROG

Apple iMac MK482LL/A Retina 5K

Apple iMac

Acer Aspire Desktop

Acer Aspire Desktop

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

Many DAWs include tremendous sets of virtual tools, effects, as well as other plug-ins. And the many up-to-date bundles include solid gadgets that will ease up your work. But sometimes, that might be too much and will cause confusion, especially if you are a beginner.

For new producers, who are mixing and recording their own songs, can be very hard at the start. The flooding of details each DAW brings it could seem overwhelming. At the least in the beginning, once you are only hoping to wrap your mind around the concepts and vocabulary.

Within this article, we will provide you a top-notch opinion of our DAW best-sellers. This will assist you to zero into the programs which like a fantastic fit. Once you have got a brief collection of a digital audio workstation to consider, then you can begin delving into the information.

Having experience with just about any DAW in the previous 15 years, I could say there is not any most useful option. There are many subtle, and also not-so-subtle gaps to look at. Workflow and stock capacities between every one of these.

Also, the goal in deciding on a digital audio workstation is finding one which you will truly feel is the handiest one for you. The power is in the warrior, not in the weapon. Maybe is not music production gear, but certainly is one important part of the whole.

With the DAWs covered, here are top-sellers. They are one of the most used DAWs in the audio world. These audio interfaces should ease the job for you, so feel free to look into them more deeply.

Avid Pro Tools

Pro Tools
IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS For US Customers For EU Customers
PT11LEup-e-large
Avid Pro Tools
  • Current Pro Tools version as Activation Card
  • Permanent license including support plan and all upgrades for 12 months

Ableton Live

Ableton Live
IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS For US Customers For EU Customers
81zFxkj9NuL._AC_SX679_
Ableton Live
  • Software Type: DAW
  • Platform: Mac, PC
  • Upgrade/Full

Steinberg Cubase

steinberg cubase pro 10
IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS For US Customers For EU Customers
steinberg_cubase_pro_10_1
Steinberg Cubase
  • 32-Bit integer and 64-bit floating-point resolution

Audio Interface

So that you are searching to solidify your home recording studio with all the ideal sound cards? For me, this is among the very crucial pieces of music gear. Without a sound device, you can’t listen at the highest quality. The ideal audio interface help us with sound quality, phantom power, and amplification.

Also, they have in and out ports, where we can connect our monitors and patch in microphones. The preamp sections are also good for recording, and with some, you don’t even need a dedicated mic preamp. The audio interface will have enough power to get a very solid signal from your mic.

An audio interface is a system that links your individual audio equipment into your own computer. Like microphones, MIDI keyboards, and studio monitor speakers. Some have called them “external sound cards” as well. Considering that the components constructed into computers can not create the cut.

About capacities, they could give phantom power to Boost your own microphones. Also, hook any device or control you have via MIDI from outside. And also utilize XLR interfaces for microphones. The audio interface converts the analog information to digital to get in the computer. This is now the latest music production gear that most producers use. This is the one you need if you want to record some vocals or instruments.

The audio interface should have more than one input to use for employing more than one microphone or instrument. Also, it has a dedicated preamp knob to control the loudness of the signal, which is really handy when you are at the stage of recording. Do not hesitate to upgrade this unit if you are at the point to choose a new item for your studio, because it will surely improve the overall sound you are producing.

To make it easier, we have come up with a set of exactly what we presume are a few of the ideal audio ports available in 2020. Here are our picks of 3 audio interfaces you can get. You can find exactly what you want. Check our selection below: the Focusrite Scarlett, Apollo Twin, and RME Fireface.

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4

Scarlet 4i4
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
Music Production Gear Scarlet 4i4
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4

Universal Audio Apollo MK2

Apollo Twin
IMAGE PRODUCT For US Customers For EU Customers
Music Production Gear Apollo Twin
Universal Audio Apollo MK2

RME Fireface UCX

RME Fireface UCX
IMAGE PRODUCT For EU Customers
RME_products_fireface_ucx_1b
RME Fireface UCX

Microphone(s)

While hunting for the great mic, it is going to take time for one to work out, and not only for your budget. Preferences come about noise, energy, and feel for your vocal records. You’ll first need to determine a couple of your preferences before you make the pick. So let us get into some of these details.

What’s the best mic for vocals, guitar, a stand tom, or recording a podcast? Which kind of polar pattern is ideal for getting the ambiance of a space? Does spending extra income will get me to better-quality records?

Unfortunately, not all of us have built recording facilities and dedicated hardcore booths. Together with all this in mind, we’ve collected the very best microphones for a variety of uses.

Whether you are buying on a budget or are into finding something for a pro studio, then there exists a mic for you. A great vocal mic has become easily the most significant part of the recording series.

And it’s really not how much they really cost, it’s all about choosing the most suitable one. Do your search thoroughly and be certain that you decide on the very best mic for recording your voice.

Many manufacturers consistently state that their product is your very best. That might be true, but also might not. Get into the manual of the mic before you buy it. Dig into the specifications and you might find good pointers if you are on the right one or no.

Check out many different reviews online about it and check out several YouTube links. Microphones are very important music production gear, so spend your time on some research. Below you will find our three picks that might work for various uses.

Rode NT1-A

Rode NT1 A
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
11669583_800
Rode NT1-A

AKG C414 XLII

AKG C414 XLII
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
1272986131_676495
AKG C414 XLII

Blue Microphones Bluebird

Blue Microphones Bluebird
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
B000RLI76G-3._V214890762_
Blue Microphones Bluebird

Studio Monitors

Monitor speakers are not at all the most interesting items to think of or buy when establishing a studio. Microphones, mic preamps, magnificent compressors, etc. . more pleasurable to buy as you are able to play them.

You’re able to tweak them and get various sounds out of these. They’re tactile and cause you to feel well. Speakers or monitors, simply sit pointing in your day. They barely even need any alterations and aren’t quite enjoyable to play.

However, they’re possibly the most significant part of a setup. From the tiniest home recording rig to the greatest studios in the whole world. As they inform you exactly what your mix resembles. You’ve got to understand them and also you must anticipate them.

They, above all else in your studio, determine the way the whole world hears your songs. Picking the ideal studio speakers available on the market is of big importance. Among music production gear, studio monitors take the most time to pick, in my experience.

Studio monitoring speakers are now actually quite cheap. Many of them at least, unless you are going the expert technology dominating route. We do hear lots of engineers push headphones to mix. We also understand many others who demand studio monitors besides other sources. Here are three options that we’re offering within this specific guide.

Yamaha HS8

Yamaha HS8
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
Yamaha HS8
Yamaha HS8

Adam A7x 

Adam A7X
IMAGE PRODUCT For EU Customers
Adam A7X
Adam A7x

KRK Rokit 7

krk rokit 7
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers For EU Customers
krk rokit 7
KRK Rokit 7

Headphone(s)

I wonder just how a lot of people initially paid little attention to the grade of the headphones. We hold our hands and plead guilty. They’re necessary at every point. Not less towards the latter stages of producing music, editing, mixing, and mastering. Every studio should have a great pair of studio headphones, and that is for a fact.

We really seriously considered any of it until a day someone said to try with headphones. He had been considerate enough to not be impolite only why don’t we listen. Point made, the case established, today we are using headphones on almost every song. The inquiry, naturally, is the thing to purchase and how much to pay for?

From the recording point, you’re seeking different things compared to the mixing part. This isn’t about looking cool in Dr. Dre Beats‘ fashion. This is all about having true sound and be comfortable enough to many hours of production.

There are a whole lot of fantastic studio headphones for reasonable rates. As well in this roundup, we will incorporate a variety of budgets. Hopefully, you’re going to find a way to get something that fits with your pocket along with your character. Headphones surely are one important piece on the music production gear mosaic.

We have a short suggestion of three types of headphones here but do not limit yourself to these three only. From Audio Technica to AKG, you will be able to find a set of open or closed-back headphones for your purposes.

So, this selection is to pick the best that can suit you for home production to causal quality listening. Assessing to get a higher-excellent sound production gets important. Thus, let us take a good peek at the very best models for home production and uncover the ideal set for you.

Sennheiser HD650

Music Production Gear HD 650

IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For EU Customers
Music Production Gear HD 650
Sennheiser HD650

beyerdynamic DT990

DT 990
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For US Customers
Music Production Gear DT 990
beyerdynamic DT990

Audeze LCD-X

LCD X Audeze
IMAGE PRODUCT Amazon Store For EU Customers
Music Production Gear LCD X Audeze
Audeze LCD-X

Acoustics

We touched on the crucial subject of acoustics and room treatment in a few recent posts. I believed it was fitting to generate a simple guide to acoustically handling workspace. I get asked about that subject a lot. So I am expecting good feedback on this vital process, meaning will probably be of any help.

Great sound equipment doesn’t improve bad acoustics at a studio. Bad acoustics might be identified simply by clapping from the place. Listen for just about any signs. Poor sound quality may lead to fatigue.

If the reflected noise is loud enough it can make it hard to determine what’s actually being said. For the ones with a hearing problem, inadequate setup tends to make it hopeless. Acoustic panels, diffusers, and bass traps will only improve the whole mixing and listening experience in your studio environment.

These are standard items that you will need to have if you decided to have a dedicated room where you will practice your craft. By setting them in the correct spots, you will improve the acoustics, standing waves, reflections, and more. There are various DIY methods to make these by yourself and save some money in the process.

To start with, you will find many basic principles to making the room acoustically good. You need to treat your space, but not completely, using some absorbent substances. The quick trick is to set a shelf of books behind the listener or add heavy drapes on your windows. Do not use egg cartons. They don’t really do the job besides the inexpensive acoustic diffusers.

Do not worry in case a ceiling or wall is very reflective, so as long as the contrary surface is more absorbent. A ground using thick carpeting facing a clean ceiling, by way of instance. The point is to receive down the reflection but not outside. You would like the room to own a solid sound and not to be over-treated.

That is a very technical subject. Also, this article on no account claims to be the definitive guide to sound treatment. However, those strategies and tips should get beginners up and function. And generally help clarify the whole subject of room acoustics.

Music Production Gear Studio

Accessories (cables, microphone stands, pop filter, monitor isolation pads/stands)

Cables

In a standard pro-studio, you are very likely to locate hundreds of wires. With heaps of connectors, you’ve probably never heard about. And the time should come whenever you own more cables than you are able to count. The fantastic thing is, at the start, everything you’ll need is: One XLR cable for connecting a mic to your card. And two to join the interface to your own monitors.

Headphone Stand

Testing your tracks on completely different displays and in headphones is a helpful approach to analyze your mix and help determine which components want tweaking. However, where will we put our headphones as soon as we’ve completed utilizing them? As a substitute for preserving them in your desk using up pointless area, why not put money into a headphone stand. It can make your studio look slick and professional and in addition stop damage to your headphones.

headphone stand

Microphone Stands

Ultimately you will have lots of. However, for the time being, all you will need is 2. And as you could assume all stands are basically exactly the same. They actually can be found in lots of sizes and shapes, each designed for certain tasks.

Microphone Isolation Shield

In case you’re seeking to do some home recording in your studio, utilizing a microphone isolation shield will assist improve the standard of your audio. These shields are nice at breaking apart room reflections and absorbing noise. This screen is moveable so that you’ll be capable to pack it away when it’s not in use.

There are a variety of different models available on the market so make certain to do a little analysis to search out the one for you. Learning the best way to set up a studio is something you may be taught.

mic shield

Pop-filter

Despite the simple fact, pop filters have been in no manner “crucial” to a bedroom studio. Allow me to explain. One usage would be; it calms a solid burst of air once you announce “p” or”b” sounds. In ordinary conversation, that you never even notice. However, while singing to a mike, that burst of air is viewed as a very low frequency”thump” referred to like pop. That will be both disagreeable to the ears, also improper to a tape.

Monitor Isolation Pads

Now you have the acoustic part from your way. It is possible to still boost your audio step farther with track isolation pads. By setting your studio speakers on the desk, noise vibrations move through the top of a desk. That reduces the truth of the tracks themselves. Also will make unpredictable and new resonances from every sound that comes out of them.

monitor isolation pads

Monitor Stands

It’s essential to isolate your monitors out of your desk when producing, in addition, to place them at the ear height for optimum playback accuracy and sound quality; speaker stands are an incredible device to attain this. They’ll help stop any undesirable vibrations from speaker to desk contact and unlock a bit more room on your desk for the rest you want at your fingertips when producing.

Here is one video by Graham on the most basic 5 music production gear to simply start making music.

With this, we conclude the article on basic items for music production gear. There are many other gadgets like MIDI controllers, electric guitars, and many more, but here we listed the essential ones to get you started.

These are the most common ones and the ones that you cannot go without in 2020. I hope that this was a helpful one and that you will be guided to make the right decisions.

If you liked the post, please leave a comment, share, and spread the good word.

Check our eBook on Mixing Tips! If you want to get a more in-depth breakdown of those tips we share, follow our link and get the “Ultimate Mixing Tips Booklet” and up your game quickly!

Nikoloski
Nikoloski

Nikoloski is the founder and main content writer and editor of Mixing Tips. With his experience in audio engineering, mixing, and mastering for over 15 years, will provide hands-on experience and expertise in all the matters covered on this website.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Mixing Tips
Logo
Shopping cart