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The Best Home Studio Gear for Music Production

In this guide, we explore the best home studio gear for music production, whatever your budget.

Posted on:December 30, 2022
The Best Home Studio Gear for Music Production

As a music producer, having the right studio gear is essential for creating high-quality recordings and achieving the sound you envision. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to building or upgrading your home studio. In this guide, we’ll be exploring the best studio gear for music production.

KRK ROKIT 5 G4 5 inch Powered Studio Monitors

KRK GoAux 4
AttributeScore
Build quality8.0
Sound quality8.5
Playability / Ease-of-use8.5
Compatibility8.0
Value8.5

The KRK ROKIT 5 G4 5 inch Powered Studio Monitors are a reliable choice for recording and mixing in a home studio or professional setting. With their bi-amped design and Kevlar drivers, these monitors deliver accurate sound with a wide frequency response.

The ROKIT 5 G4 monitors feature a built-in DSP-driven EQ that allows for precise tailoring of the monitors’ response to the room. The included Auto Room Correction feature uses a measurement microphone to optimize the monitors’ response to the acoustic environment.

Pros

Cons

Best For

The KRK ROKIT 5 G4 5 inch Powered Studio Monitors are suitable for recording and mixing in a home or professional studio. They are particularly useful for those who need precise control over the monitors’ response to the room.

Key Specifications

_ Frequency response: 43Hz-40kHz _ Power: 50 W RMS / 100 W peak _ Inputs: XLR, TRS, RCA _ Outputs: 1/8” stereo headphone output


Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD
AttributeScore
Build quality9.0
Sound quality9.5
Playability/Ease-of-use8.5
Compatibility9.0
Value9.0

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD is a high-quality audio interface that is designed for use in professional recording studios. It offers exceptional sound quality and a range of features that make it easy to record, mix, and edit audio.

One of the standout features of the Apollo Twin X QUAD is its ability to simulate a range of classic analog hardware, such as compressors, EQs, and preamps. This allows users to achieve a wide range of vintage and modern tones without the need for expensive outboard gear.

The Apollo Twin X QUAD also includes a powerful DSP processor, which allows users to run multiple UAD plug-ins simultaneously without sacrificing performance. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to record and mix with high-quality virtual instruments and effects.

Pros

Cons

Best For

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X QUAD is best for professional recording studios and home studios that require high-quality audio recording and processing. It is suitable for recording a wide range of instruments and vocals, and is also an excellent choice for mixing and editing audio.

Key Specifications


Softube Console 1

Softube Console 1
AttributeScore
Build quality9.0
Sound quality9.5
Playability / Ease-of-use8.5
Compatibility9.0
Value8.5

The Softube Console 1 is a high-quality hardware control surface that allows you to control your DAW and plug-ins with physical faders, knobs, and buttons. It has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to integrate into any studio setup. The Console 1 features a high-quality analog summing mixer, which provides a warm and punchy sound. It also has a built-in compressor and EQ, which can be used to shape and enhance your mixes.

Pros

Cons

Best For

The Softube Console 1 is best for those who want a high-quality hardware control surface for their DAW and Softube plug-ins. It is also suitable for those who want an analog summing mixer with built-in processing.

Key Specifications


Softube Console 1 Fader

Softube Console 1 Fader
AttributeScore
Build quality9.0
Sound quality8.5
Playability/Ease-of-use9.5
Compatibility8.5
Value8.5

The Softube Console 1 Fader is a hardware control surface for the Console 1 software, which emulates classic mixing consoles. It allows users to control the software with physical faders, knobs, and buttons, giving a more tactile and intuitive experience. The Console 1 Fader has a solid build and good sound quality, and is easy to use with clear labeling and a logical layout. It is compatible with a variety of DAWs and plug-ins, and offers good value for its price.

Pros

Cons

Best For

The Softube Console 1 Fader is best for users who want a hardware control surface for the Console 1 software. It is suitable for mixing, mastering, and other tasks that benefit from a tactile and intuitive control interface.

Key Specifications


Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B
AttributeScore
Build quality8.5
Sound quality9.5
Versatility8.0
Compatibility9.0
Ease-of-use8.5
Value8.5

The Shure SM7B is a highly respected and widely used dynamic microphone known for its excellent sound quality and versatility. It is often used for vocals, but can also be used for a variety of instruments. The SM7B features a smooth, flat frequency response, a tailored mid-range presence peak, and a high-pass filter to reduce low frequency noise. It is compatible with a range of recording equipment and is relatively easy to use. The build quality is generally good, though some users have reported issues with the swivel mount. Overall, the SM7B offers good value for its price point.

Pros

Cons

Best For

The Shure SM7B is well suited for a variety of applications, including vocals and instrument recording. It is particularly popular for recording vocals for music and podcasts.

Key Specifications