Gear We Use

Hover over the links to learn more about each piece of gear – practical applications, use cases, and helpful info...

Forget fancy mics, the Shure SM57 is a sonic Swiss Army Knife for your instruments. This affordable legend tackles drums, guitars, pianos, and more, live or in the studio. Its rugged build thrives on the road, while its neutral sound shines on a variety of sources. Point this dynamic mic at a screaming guitar amp or capture nuanced vocals – the SM57 delivers. Trustworthy, versatile, affordable – the SM57 isn't just a mic, it's a sound investment.

The Shure SM58: Your stage and studio vocal go-to. This cardioid champ thrives on loud vocals, taming even the most energetic singers with its vast dynamic range. Wind and plosives? No problem, built-in pop filter keeps it clean. Trusted by venues across the world, its warm, clear presence cuts through live mixes with ease. Onstage or in the studio, the SM58 delivers powerful, reliable vocals. You can trust its rugged build to handle anything you throw at it.

The AKG P120 is a solid all-rounder that delivers on practically any sound source your studio. This budget condenser is great on vocals, instruments, and more, capturing detail with clarity. Loud sources? The P120 can handle sound-pressure levels up to 150 dB without audible distortion. It's built like a tank, shrugging off heat, humidity, and even rough handling thanks to its rugged body and tough grille. Studio or stage, the P120 adapts with adjustable bass roll-off.

The SM7B is a dynamic workhorse that handles booming drums, powerful vocals, and loud instruments with ease – even in noisy live settings. Its tailored frequency response flatters spoken word and singing voices, while built-in EQ options let you sculpt your tone. Known for its wide use in the realm of podcasting, the SM7B comes with a detachable pop filter and built-in windscreen to reduce plosive sounds and minimize breath noise, enhancing vocal clarity.

Little brother to the iconic AKG C414, the C214 large condenser microphone packs professional sound into a surprisingly compact & affordable package. From the whisper of a solo flute to the power of lead vocals, the C214 clearly captures every nuance. Unwanted rumble or proximity effect? The switchable 20dB pad & bass-cut filter keep your recordings clean, even close-up. Onstage or in your project studio, the C214's tough die-cast body can handle it all.

The name Nuemann is synonymous with recording booth excellence. But, before the TLM 102, the Nuemann badge didn't come cheap. This condenser provides the legendary Neumann sound at a fraction of the price of the rest of their lineup, offering pro performance without breaking the bank. The German-engineered marvel captures vocals, instruments, and more with breathtaking clarity, thanks to its large diaphragm and whisper-quiet operation.

The Presonus Audiobox offers quality sound at an affordable price point, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Equipped with crystal-clear preamps and instrument inputs, the Audiobox ensures first-rate audio capture for instruments and vocals. With its rock-solid build quality, you can rely on the Audiobox to perform consistently without the need for constant troubleshooting. It's compact and portable, easily fitting into your backpack for on-the-go recording sessions.

The Focusrite Scarlett series provides a perfect blend between affordability & performance. It's no wonder they're some of the most frequently chosen audio interfaces on our list, if not the top pick among producers and engineers. The Scarlett Solo is plug-and-play, with crystal clear mic pres/DIs, and comes with Focusrite's studio-grade converters. It shares the same Air circuit as their high-end Clarett/Red models, for studio-quality sheen & detail on any source.

For over 40 years, Solid State Logic has set the standard in recording with their superior large-format consoles and studio outboard gear. With the SSL2+, you can experience iconic SSL sound in your home studio. Unleash the magic of SSL's legendary 4000 series consoles with its unique 4K Legacy mode, instantly adding analog saturation and punch to your recordings. With a sturdy chassis and compact form-factor, it's well-equipped for traveling music-makers.

The Volt 276 grants you access to two iconic pieces of industry-standard hardware, at a fraction of the cost. Featuring two mic preamps with switchable 610-style analog sound and convenient input metering, the Volt 276 ensures impeccable audio capture in any setting. Its standout feature is a built-in 1176-derived FET compressor with three push-button application modes, adding true analog warmth and character to your recordings.

The Zen Go is a low-cost gateway to cutting-edge tech and high-end sound, bridging the gap between home and top-tier studios. Compact yet mighty, its extended outputs make it easy to connect to multiple systems, all while drawing power from your laptop or even a standard phone charging port. And thanks to onboard Synergy Core Technology, the Zen Go processes effects in real-time with imperceptible latency, freeing up your computer's CPU.

The Apollo Solo is an affordable entry point into the world-renowned UA Apollo ecosystem. With high-resolution audio conversion & onboard processing capabilities, the Apollo delivers pristine sound quality & unparalleled performance. Its integration with Universal Audio's legendary lineup of plugins gives you access to an extensive collection of vintage analog hardware emulations. Add warmth, character & depth to your recordings like never before.

Soundtrap is a new type of DAW. It lives in the cloud, offering many benefits over its traditional desktop-hosted counterparts. Computer lacking power? Soundtrap handles the processing so that you don't run into latency issues. Stuck away from your studio setup? Just hop on Soundtrap to keep the inspiration flowing. Plus, say goodbye to external storage woes and hello to effortless collaboration. Try the free version to see how you like it before paying for a subscription.

Making music on a budget? Audacity is the world's favorite free audio playground. This open-source software lets you record, edit, and mix like a pro. Want to add crazy effects? No problem! A whole universe of useful, free third-party plugins awaits. The Audacity team is all about making music accessible to everyone, and that's something we can all get behind. It's an excellent entry point into the realm of recording, mixing, and music production.

Free DAWs are great for dipping your toes, but when you're ready to take a dive into the world of music production, Reaper's got you covered. This versatile, affordable audio production software is a pro's paradise. Don't let Reaper's slightly outdated looks fool you. Its extensive feature-set competes with all the heavy hitters, at a major discount. It's for the creators who prioritize raw functionality, unyielding performance, and above all, high-quality audio.

Studio One is designed to enhance speed and ease-of-use across a variety of pro audio applications. It's intuitive interface, drag-and-drop simplicity, and endless sound-tweaking tools provide you with everything you need to crank out hits. Struck with inspiration? Studio One helps you unleash your musical ideas faster than ever with quick-start templates that jumpstart your creativity instead of slowing you down.

If you make music on a Mac, you've got to try Logic Pro - it's like having a flagship recording studio at your fingertips! Craft pro-grade tracks with its impressive array of virtual instruments & FX. Making beats? Logic's got you covered with drum machines, samplers & loop libraries to fuel your next banger. But it's not just about sounds - record vocals, guitars, or anything with your mic, edit like a pro with intuitive tools & mix your masterpiece with powerful stock plugins.

Pro Tools isn't just a tool of the trade; this aptly named DAW is the industry standard, trusted by creators worldwide. Walk into any major studio, and chances are you'll find it at the heart of the action. Pro Tools is favored among industry pros for a reason. At $99 per year, it's the priciest DAW in our lineup, but it's also the most powerful. Its advanced editing tools, pristine audio quality & endless customization options let you tailor your workflow to perfection.

The Sony MDR-7506 Professionals are immensely popular recording studio veterans, rugged enough to handle relentless hours of tracking, editing, and mixing. Crystal-clear sound? Check. Comfy, closed-back design for zero bleed? You bet. Built to last through late-night sessions? Sony's got your back (and ears). Monitor instruments and vocals with surgeon-like precision - every nuance captured, no distractions. Block out the world and nail that perfect take.

Don't let leaky headphones get in the way of a clear recording. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pros provide comfort, isolation, reliability, and studio-grade accuracy. Their closed-back design prevents noise bleed so you can track without worry and keep your takes pristine. And with their precise frequency response, you can hear every nuance, from breaths to clicks to room noise. Analyze and refine your takes and mixes with confidence.

Escape the confines of stuffy closed-back headphones with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro. Need studio-grade detail? The DT 990 Pros deliver every sonic nuance, perfect for mixing, mastering, or just feeling like a sound engineer rock star. Their open-back design creates a wide soundstage, like you're front row at a concert (without the ear-splitting volume). These affordable open-backs will save you money and save your ears during lengthy mixing sessions.

The AKG K702s may come at a premium, but they also offer a premium listening experience. Their over-ear design is tailored for extended wear and comfort during marathon studio sessions, while their open-back construction delivers a spacious, natural soundstage, ideal for critical listening and studio monitoring. Due to their superior build quality and lasting durability, the K702s are a trusted choice among producers, audio engineers, and enthusiasts alike.