It’s not easy to find the right equipment for your recording studio. We put this guide together to help you narrow down your search.
Below is a list of music production equipment we recommend for your home studio. We have experience with every piece of equipment below, and everything you see is known to be “best in class” and “industry standard”. More than that, all the equipment listed here is known for lasting a long time and providing maximum value for your investment.
Simply put, you cannot go wrong with any equipment in our 2023 Music Production Studio Buyer’s Guide!
Best Dynamic Microphone
Dynamic microphones are generally preferred for vocals and sources with a high volume. They do better at rejecting ambient noise and capturing audio from a loud source (like a drum kit).
Shure SM57
- Rugged
- High Quality
- Great Value
Shure SM7B
- Warm Tone
- Shielded From Electromagnetic Hum
- Comfortable Ergonomics
Electro-Voice RE20
- Broadcast Quality
- Warmth & Clarity
- Reduced Proximity Effect
- Industry Standard
Best Condenser Microphone
Condenser microphones are known for their clarity and articulation. They are more likely to capture room noise and offer more detail in your recording.
Audio Technica AT2035
- Studio Grade
- Smooth & Detailed
- Compact Design
Rode NT1
- Ultra Low Self Noise
- Internal Shockmounting
- Detailed & Accurate
Neumann TLM 103
- Capsule design from the legendary U87A
- Consistent cardioid pattern
- Broad presence boost for enhanced sound definition
- Extremely low self-noise
Best Audio Interface
An audio interface connects your microphones and line-level inputs (keyboards, drum machines) to your computer so you can record, edit, and mix your project. An audio interface will also provide your headphones and studio monitors with a signal for monitoring.
Solid State Logic SSL2+
- Legendary SSL Preamps
- SSL 4k Button/Mode
- 64 dB of gain!
- Excellent Layout
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
- 8 Inputs For Multitracking
- Rack Mounted
- Affordable
- Extremely Popular
Universal Audio Twin X
- Expand To 10 Inputs
- Realtime Processing
- Analog Emulation
- Clean Mic Preamps
Best Mic Stand
Table Top Desk Stand
- Telescoping Height
- Easy To Use
- Durable
K&M 259 Low Mic Stand
- Height – 16.7″ to 25.4″
- Boom Arm – 18.5″ – 30.5″
- Kick Drums & Amps
K&M 210/9 Mic Stand
- Height 35.4″ to 63.2″
- Boom Arm – 17.1″ – 29.3″
- Vocals & Tall Instruments
Best Headphones & Monitoring
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
- Extremely Comfortable
- Light Weight
- Closed Back
- Enhanced Low-End
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
- Extremely Comfortable
- Light Weight
- Open Back
- Articulate & Accurate
Yamaha HS5 Monitor
- 2-Way Reference Speaker
- TRS & XLR Inputs
- Professional Grade
Best Audio Cables
Hosa 1/8″ To Dual 1/4″
- Connect Phone/Laptop To Audio Mixer
- Connect Computer To Studio Monitors
- Long Lasting
Canare XLR Cable
- Braided Copper Shield
- Very Flexible
- Star Quad Design
- Polyethylene Insulation
- Neutrik Connectors
- Color Options
Canare TRS Cable
- Braided Copper Shield
- Very Flexible
- Star Quad Design
- Polyethylene Insulation
- Neutrik Connectors
- Color Options
Home Studio Accessories
Shure 3″ Extension Tube
- Improves Mic Mounting
- Used With Boom Arm
Mackie HM-4 Amp
- Headphone Amp
- Headphone Splitter
- Affordable
- Easy To Use
Gator Monitor Stand
- For Studio Monitors
- Rugged Design
- Lots of Adjustability
Elgato CamLink 4k
- Capture HDMI Video
- Great For Streaming
2″ Colored Gaff Tape
- Use for labeling
- Mark locations
3″ Black Gaff Tape
- Safely Tape Cable
- Cover Logos
- Make Things Black
Cloudlifter CL-1
- Works with dynamic mic
- Provides 25dB of gain
- Requires phantom power
Radial PRO D2
- Stereo DI Box
- Rugged Design
Elgato Sound Panels
- Eliminate Room Sound
- Reduce Echo In Room
- Reduce Background Noise
- Improve Audio Quality